Dr. Miles stated that the school's counsel has not had an opportunity to review the "Excessive Staff PTO & Tardiness" Policy; therefore, she is requesting to remove that item from the agenda.

Ms. Rios introduced herself, thanked the public, and provided an overview of the public comment process and guidelines. 

Dr. Miles introduced a colleague, Mr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Ridgeway R-V District Superintendent, from her Superintendent certification class that will be sitting in tonight.

Ms. Rios then invited public comment; no comment was made.

Ms. Rios presented the Consent Agenda and asked the Board if any member wanted to remove any item from the Consent Agenda in order to further discuss and/or solely vote on that item; no member did.

Dr. Miles previewed the school-wide events that are upcoming in September, including:
 

• First Friday, September 4th - this will be the first First Friday as Midtown Community School and students are excited to unveil new traditions, including songs!
• September 10th, 6pm, Back-to-School Night (which includes the Title I presentation, a curriculum overview, and an ice cream social).  

Mrs. DeWilde affirmed that the annual Executive Director evaluation process was complete, but did note that she and Dr. Miles are still working on setting 2026-2027 goals.

Dr. Miles shared that, due to the intensive nature of the rebranding effort over the past few months, work is still ongoing in each of the three policy manuals before they are ready to present for approval.  She expects completion at the September Board meeting.

Dr. Miles shared with the Board that, prior to 2024, school districts (including charters) could not enroll out-of-district children, even if the parents were district employees.  In 2024, the Missouri Legislature passed a law that allowed such enrollment, provided that the school board passed such a policy.  Thus, she is requesting and recommending this policy be approved.

Mrs. DeWilde asked a clarifying question regarding lottery weights of out-of-district employee children; Mr. Brennan confirmed such students would be weighted as "Staff Children."  

Dr. Miles shared that this Policy would be a part of the Employee Handbook.  In the past, there has been confusion and lack of clarity on how staff could utilize donations and fundraisers; this policy will provide guidance and an overview on how the school, and employees, will handle donations, fundraisers, and grants.  

Dr. Miles gave a brief overview.  Mrs. DeWilde asked a question about rolling funds over; Mr. Brennan and Dr. Miles answered with a philosophical distinction that the school will "fundraise for need, rather than for routine."

Dr. Miles presented this policy to be placed into the Family Handbook.  This policy will allow 6th-8th grade students to take their Chromebook device home with them.  The accountability will be built-in for families; families will be required to sign an agreement before devices can go home.

Dr. Miles also said that, looking ahead to next year, she is researching a technology fee implementation and is currently researching best practices.  

Mrs. Bond noted that she would like applicable replacement costs listed out; Mrs. Rios agreed. Mrs. Lineberry noted that those damages are listed (and agreed to) during registration and Dr. Miles affirmed that would therefore be an easy addition to make to this policy.

Dr. Miles presented this Policy to be included in both the Policy Manual as well as mirrored in the Family Handbook.  The policy establishes guidelines for an official Parent-Guardian Organization and specifies the requirements for the PGO's own 501(c)3 status, bank account, own bylaws, record-keeping, and audit.

Ms. Rios asked if is this how most schools establish their PGO?  Dr. Miles affirmed that almost every district has completely separate parent organizations as noted.  

Mrs. Herman asked if there a staff liaison already identified?  Dr. Miles confirmed so, but clarified the liaison is not an approver of PGO activity and support; the Building Principals are.  Mrs. Herman understood and therefore recommended a regular standing meeting between the PGO representative and liaison, with an approver present.  Dr. Miles agreed.  

Dr. Miles also noted the PGO is specifically not a PTA requiring parents/guardians to "join," so there are no dues.  

Mrs. Rios reminded the Board that she and Ms. Finocchario's terms are ending in March.  Ms. Finocchario plans to roll off.  Ms. Rios plans to stay on for another term as a Member, but not as Chair.  Therefore, according to the bylaws, the Board needs to identify a Chair-Elect.  

She stated that duties entail leading the Board Executive Committee and holding meetings with the Superintendent.  

Mrs. Herman asked for additional detail on the time commitment and asked what a required timeline for the decision is.  Ms. Rios answered, and said if there is a Member interested tonight, the Board could hold a vote; if not, the Board needs to appoint a Chair-Elect at the September Board meeting.  

The Board did not have further questions or discussion and tabled the appointment to the September Regular Meeting.

Per Policy, Dr. Miles notified the Board that the Elementary Principal, Mrs. Emma Bideau, will be issued a credit card.

Mrs. Butler presented the August 2026 financials.  The school is off to an early start to track to the budgeted 93 days of cash on hand.  She reminded the Board that the final FY26 cash ended +$293k above budget, which provided a strong starting position for FY27.  The budget still reflects a $15,150 WAM/WADA amount; typically, the monthly state payments start high, then settle throughout the fall.  True to form, the two payments received thus far have come in high, but the school has not re-forecasted nor incorporated a higher amount yet.  Mrs. Butler also noted the bank repayment will begin later this fall and the Finance Committee will work with EdOps to ensure clarity between operating and bond revenues/expenses.

Turning to the monthly financials, Mrs. Butler presented Page 11’s Balance Sheet, showing a current Cash Balance of $2.4m, and a projected year-end balance of $2.5m.  She presented Page 9’s Income Statement, highlighting:

• Year-to-date revenue of $1.1m, against a budget of $473k.
• Year-to-date expenses of $975k, against a budget of $779k.
• Net Income of $124k, against a budget of (-$306k).
• Forecasted year-end revenue of $9.85m, against a budget of $9.53m.
• Forecasted year-end expenses of $9.66m, against a budget of $9.36m.
• Forecasted year-end Net Income of $193k against a budget of $174k.
• A projected 94 days of cash on hand position.

Lastly, Mrs. Butler stated that the Finance Committee did not note anything as out of order on the Check Register or Accounts Payable.

Upon reviewing the Check Register, Ms. Bond noted there was a potential personal Conflict of Interest with a vendor.  

After initial discussion, she would like to put an agenda item on the September Board meeting for further discussion.

Dr. Miles informed the Board that our vendor gave notice that they are unable to support reimbursement services if the Board is not willing to provide personal social security numbers.  Hon. Bland and Dr. Miles are not at a point to provide a Board recommendation; they need to further connect with MCPSA.  

Board discussion centered around complying with the request.

Dr. Miles will ask the vendor to resend the contract, and Dr. Miles will forward to Ms. Bond for review and discussion.

Dr. Miles shared with the Board that Park39 has been sold to Academie Lafayette and all tenants, including Midtown, will need to vacate by September 30th.

She said the Board will thus need to identify an alternative in-person location for future meetings and affirm via vote.

She suggested the school building in either the Music or Art Rooms; the Board discussed.

Dr. Miles reflected positively on the first day of school, expressing joy at welcoming students back, appreciation for teachers returning to the work they do best, and particular gratitude for the leadership of the two building principals.  She also provided an initial overview of first-week enrollment and noted that a more detailed report would be presented at the September meeting once enrollment numbers have stabilized.

Dr. Miles proudly reported that Mrs. Lineberry won the Support Staff category at the Excellence in Education Awards, presented by SchoolSmart KC and the KC Royals Foundation.

The Board shared strong congratulations and encouragement with Mrs. Lineberry.