Vision, Mission and Core Values were read

No public comments submitted

New campus tracking to be ready for SY25-26.

Appeal hearing will occur 1/8/25 regarding variance on Azalea Circle, have some community support and Dekalb County approved but because someone filed appeal a hearing must occur.

Potential risks for delay are any weather delays that may occur and unknown soil composition

Bond Holder Investor update will occur 12/17/24

L. Norton presented information regarding project costs and contingency funds; original contingency is $633,235; forecasted exposure is $733,231 excluding any potential Azalea Circle upgrades

Brian Dempsey, architecture firm, explained process for appeal hearing; also went through new campus design and showed slides and explained the process as well as design features for new buildings

D. Torre Gibney asked about environmental updates/energy efficiency like solar panels; Brian Dempsey answered that there will not be any solar panels and because they are very costly upfront. There is no reno of windows, etc. will not qualify for this program.

A. McMillon asked about safety measures.  Brian Dempsey and C. Elliott responded that there will be fencing around the perimeter, a safety system (Centegix) installed in the new building, security system and cameras.

A. McMillon asked about greenspace/playground and Brian Dempsey showed green space and areas where there is existing playground equipment and explained that GLOBE's playground equipment will also be moved into new space

Ms. Walker-Jones presented admissions report for SY24-25

Went over admissions report, including applications for kindergarten (397 applicants for 144 seats)

A. McMillon asked about data/tracking as to why students leave the school.  T. Walker-Jones explained survey that goes out when families withdraw.  #1 reason is relocating; also we lose some students to Kittredge once students go into 4th grade.

C. Schwenkler asked about numbers for 5th grade vs 6th grade; T. Walker-Jones explained that a class was added to 6th so more open seats

T. Walker Jones is working toward publicizing school in various channels/ways

STAMP testing for lottery entry was discussed as proficiency is required in most grades; want STAMP testing to occur prior to lottery entry to move process faster when seats are available 

A vote will occur at January BOD meeting regarding changes to the lottery process; presently sibling preferences only apply to currently enrolled students only at the time of the lottery and not families with more than one waitlisted child.  T. Walker-Jones and C. Elliott want Board to consider changing policy such that if one waitlisted child gets into the school and is enrolled, the sibling would move up in priority on the waitlist.

Committee has been formed

Many committee members have undergone capital campaign training

Next meeting is 1/15/25

Next steps:

small group gatherings

C. Elliott will request BOD vote at January meeting regarding giving levels and naming rights for new campus as part of campaign; want to make sure there are giving/naming opportunities at all levels

Budget needed to be updated to reflect enrollment funding and update actual/budgeted items

Total QBE and local funding increased due to higher than expected per pupil funding

Investment Income increased based on higher YTD income

All other Federal grants increased b/c ESSER III grant was not in original budget

Instruction line item updated for actual training and additional staff

Transportation line item increased b/c drivers converted from part time to full time

Maintenance increase due to HVAC replacement at UC

D. Torre Gibney asked about budget surplus; C. Elliott and L. Norton explained that with bond, have to have certain surplus in reserves to keep from defaulting.

2 public meetings were held regarding budget amendments (12/6 and 12/13)

Next Finance Meeting 1/24/25

GLOBE Trot raised $140,000.00 ($5,000 above goal)

Successful event

More sponsorships by local businesses and grassroots efforts made difference 

Opportunities for improvement:

Earlier planning/communication

Qgiv data management and reporting 

Annual Fund is at $55,000.00; 37% of goal

Giving Tuesday helped raise funds

90% of Board has given 

C. Elliott looking for new platforms for giving

Discussed separation between PTCC funds and GLOBE funds

Progress summary of Strategic Plan (SP) reviewed 

SP broken down into annual goals to be completed by end of each school year

Experiential Learning Model - will be finalized in coming months

Creating 4 teams of stakeholders to focus on each pillar of VTE for student growth - being formed

Response to individual student needs - group has met and will present to leadership

Donor development workshop - this has occurred

Capital Campaign - moving forward

Fundraising - CFO is reviewing trends

Maintaining GLOBE bond rating - CFO is accomplishing this

Communication - finalizing shared definitions of buzzwords, expanding on repository of templates

Identifying opportunities for parent volunteerism/involvement - brainstorming stages

Software trends - compiling info to drive decisions

Develop Campus Wide Screener/testing - waiting for ELA curriculum decisions before tackling this

Continue to offer professional development for staff - continuing to look at staff interests, needs of school

Develop RACI matrix - working on this

Transportation program - established; will be working on this for next school year

Renovation/improvement for UC - team brainstorming

Next Board Meeting 1/27/25

Financie Meeting 1/24/25