Texas Center for Arts + Academics
Minutes
TCA+A Board Meeting
Regular Scheduled Meeting
Date and Time
Monday September 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Location
Kathleen E. Connors Theater
Texas School of the Arts (TeSA)
6025 Village Parkway
Edgecliff Village, TX 76134
In-person Meeting Return: Governor Abbott’s March 2020 order temporarily suspending certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act due to the COVID-19 pandemic disaster expired August 31, 2021. Consequently, TCA+A Board Meetings will return to in-person meetings at Texas School of the Arts.
Directors Present
Cheryl Bean, Michael Wellbaum, Steven Jones, Wes Poole
Directors Absent
Leslie Scott, Myong Chong
Ex Officio Members Present
Anika Perkins
Non Voting Members Present
Anika Perkins
Guests Present
Adrian Sovik, Amber Ledbetter, Amy Prickett, Flor Cabrera, Jocelyn Greenman, Kiera Wallace, Krista Langford, Lacey Gaymon, Mike Leasor, Penny Clay, Torie Skinner, Wesley Esparragoza
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
Cheryl Bean called a meeting of the board of directors of Texas Center for Arts + Academics to order on Monday Sep 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
II. Public Comments
A.
Public Comments
- There were no public comments
III. Student/Staff Recognition
A.
TeSA Recognition
Kiera Wallace recognized staff members Denise Thomas and Robin Neal for their hard work and commitment to ensure every student is welcomed, cared for, and fed each day.
B.
FWAFA Recognition
Amber Ledbetter recognized:
- student Carol Harris for her leadership and dedication in and out of the classroom
- staff Lori Vasquez for going above and beyond her role as elementary dance teacher to serve others
- staff Carley Jones for being a valuable resource to her math team and students
IV. Consent Agenda
A.
Approve August 26, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Michael Wellbaum made a motion to approve the minutes from TCA+A Board Meeting - Annual Meeting on 08-26-25.
Steven Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Finance Statements
Michael Wellbaum made a motion to approve the August 2025 finance statements.
Steven Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
V. Closed Session
A.
Convene to Closed Session
- Closed Open Session at 6:10pm
- Convened in Closed Session at 6:11pm
B.
Reconvene to Open Session
- Closed Closed Session at 6:57pm
- Reconvened Open Session at 6:59pm
C.
Action Item
- No action was taken
VI. Finance
A.
PG-5.180 Activity Funds
Wes Poole made a motion to approve the PG-5.180 Activity Funds policy.
Michael Wellbaum seconded the motion.
Mrs. Greenman pointed out that remaining student activity funds would transfer to student transportation needs.
B.
PG-5.310 Capital Assets 2025
Michael Wellbaum made a motion to approve the PG-5.310 Capital Assets policy.
Steven Jones seconded the motion.
Mrs. Greenman said the policy was to change from a threshold of $5,000 to $10,000 to account for fixed assets to align with the federal changes.
VII. Academics
A.
Texas Boys Choir 80th Anniversary
Dr. Todd Prickett, TBC Artistic Director shared information regarding TBC's 80th Anniversary Celebration:
- Fall Choral Showcase October 21st at FWAFA
- Evensong November 2nd at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church
- Lightscape November 20th at Botanic Gardens
- Caroling in the Arts District December 5th on WRR 101.1 radio
- "Christmas with TBC" performances in December - Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas
- 80th Anniversary Tour in March with Tour Choir- performing in a variety of cities throughout Texas, including Austin at the Capital Rotunda as well as with the Houston Boys Choir in Houston
- New Orleans tour with TBC's Men's Choir in April
- Celebration Concert and Reception May 8th at Texas Wesleyan University with TBC alumni Major Attaway and Nico Guitierrez
- To finish off the 80th anniversary year they'll be performancing at Carnegie Hall December 2026 with the New York Chamber Orchestra
B.
Texas Boys Choir 2025-2026 Student Handbook-Revisions
Steven Jones made a motion to approve the Texas Boys Choir 2025-2026 Student Handbook.
Wes Poole seconded the motion.
Dr. Perkins presented updates:
- Abuse & Misconduct language was added to mimick student handbook
- Communication - use Remind because it logs a documented history of all communication between staff and students
- Overnight chaperone language was updated
C.
Singing Girls of Texas 2025-2026 Student Handbook-Revisions
Michael Wellbaum made a motion to approve the Singing Girls of Texas 2025-2026 Student Handbook.
Wes Poole seconded the motion.
Dr. Perkins presented updates:
- Abuse & Misconduct language was added to mimick student handbook
- Communication - use Remind because it logs a documented history of all communication between staff and students
- Overnight chaperone language was updated
D.
Academy Singers 2025-2026 Student Handbook-Revisions
Michael Wellbaum made a motion to approve the Academy Singers 2025-2026 Student Handbook.
Steven Jones seconded the motion.
Dr. Perkins presented updates:
- Abuse & Misconduct language was added to mimick student handbook
- Communication - use Remind because it logs a documented history of all communication between staff and students
- Overnight chaperone language was updated
E.
TeSA's 2024 and 2025 Accountability Ratings
Dr. Perkins reported:
- District Overall Rating
- 2024 Overall Rating was an 83 B
- 2025 Overall Rating was a 79 C
- dropped due to math performance
- adopted new state math curriculum and had teachers in over the summer to start training on it
F.
FWAFA's 2024 and 2025 Accountability Ratings
Dr. Perkins reported:
- District Overall Rating
- 2024 District Overall Rating was an 84 B
- 2025 District Overall Rating was an 86 B
- Secondary Campus Overall Rating
- 2024 Secondary Campus Overall Rating was an 86 B
- State Distinctions in reading/language arts, science and social studies
- 2025 Secondary Campus Overall Rating was an 86 B
- State Distinctions in reading/language arts and science
- 2024 Secondary Campus Overall Rating was an 86 B
- Elementary Campus Overall Rating
- 2024 Elementary Campus Overall Rating was an 81 B
- 2025 Elementary Campus Overall Rating was an 87 B
- Secondary Campus Overall Rating
- adopted new state math curriculum and had teachers in over the summer to start training on it
G.
TeSA's 2025-2026 Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan and Active Threat For Schools Annex
Wes Poole made a motion to approve TeSA's 2025-2026 Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan and Active Threat For Schools Annex.
Michael Wellbaum seconded the motion.
Dr. Perkins presented:
- multi-hazard updates were names of staff, safety and security committee members, and board members; everything else is the same as last year
- walked through each section of the annex
H.
FWAFA's 2025-2026 Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan and Active Threat For Schools Annex
Michael Wellbaum made a motion to approve FWAFA's 2025-2026 Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan and Active Threat For Schools Annex.
Steven Jones seconded the motion.
Dr. Perkins presented:
- multi-hazard updates were names of staff, safety and security committee members, and board members; everything else is the same as last year
- walked through each section of the annex
I.
2025-2026 Special Education Policy & Operating Procedures
Steven Jones made a motion to approve TeSA and FWAFA's 2025-2026 Special Education Policy & Operating Procedures.
Wes Poole seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
J.
FWAFA's 2025-2026 Special Programs Handbook
Michael Wellbaum made a motion to approve FWAFA's 2025-2026 Special Programs Handbook.
Steven Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
K.
TeSA FY2026 District Improvement Plan/Campus Improvement Plan
Steven Jones made a motion to approve the TeSA FY2026 District Improvement Plan/Campus Improvement Plan.
Michael Wellbaum seconded the motion.
Ms. Wallace presented:
- 5 Goals
- All students will meet their personal academic growth goal as set by NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)
- Staff Retention - Retain the majority of all hired teachers and staff from the 2025-2026 academic year
- Provide safe and nurturing environment for students, teachers, and staff
- Maintain financial efficiency and integrity
- Increase parent and community engagement
L.
FWAFA FY2026 District Improvement Plan/Campus Improvement Plan
Steven Jones made a motion to approve the FWAFA FY2026 District Improvement Plan/Campus Improvement Plan.
Wes Poole seconded the motion.
Ms. Ledbetter presented:
- 5 Goals
- Sustain and enhance high levels of student achievement across all core subjects through strategic planning and instructional excellence
- Ensure effective instruction in every classroom through aligned curriculum, high-quality teaching practices, and ongoing professional development
- Retain and support effective educators by strategically recruiting, selecting, developing, and assigning teachers to meet student needs
- Foster a safe, nurturing, and positive school climate that reflects the FWAFA PROUD standards through aligned expectations, responsive support systems, and strong family and community partnerships, resulting in increased student well-being and engagement
- Maintain strong financial integrity through responsible budgeting, transparent fiscal management, and strategic resource allocation that supports student achievement, staff effectiveness, and long-term sustainability
M.
FWAFA's FY2026 Bluebonnet Learning Transition Plan
Wes Poole made a motion to approve FWAFA's FY2026 Bluebonnet Learning Transition Plan.
Steven Jones seconded the motion.
Ms. Ledbetter presented:
- Implementing in all STAAR test areas a state approved Bluebonnet curriculum or a MAP
- Within the plan it discuss the implementation and professional development of the curriculum for staff and students
VIII. Governance
A.
TCA+A Strategic Plan
Dr. Perkins presented updates:
- Priority 1 - Strengthen Board
- 3 new Board members appointed based on needs outlined in the strategic plan report
- Board participating in annual strategic planning
- Finance Committee created
- Priority 2 - Strengthen Leadership structure
- Hired first CEO/President & Superintendent with an education background and experience with starting up and maintaining charter school systems
- Staff participating in ongoing trainings to support school systems
- Piority 3 - Realign School Structure
- Expanding after-school conservatories to develop new partnerships
- Participating in Education Savings Account (ESA) pilot program
- Exploring merging the 2 charter districts
- Priority 4 - Heighten Focus on Academics
- Creating more cross-curricular between arts and academics
- Both districts participated in trainings for new math curriculum
- Implemented teacher compensation schedule
- Exploring ways to generate more learning and funding opportunities
- Priority 5 - Enhance Fund Development
- Incorporated alumni performances at Gala
- Spotlight alumni monthly
- Participating in local events and volunteering in the community
- Began creating value proposition statements to evaluate mission statements
- Develop and communicate annual themes and goals to stakeholders
B.
Merger of TeSA and FWAFA Districts
Steven Jones made a motion to approve the Merger of TeSA and FWAFA Districts.
Wes Poole seconded the motion.
Dr. Perkins presented:
- 2025-2026 Proposed Budget comparisons
- TCA+A 2025-2026 Teacher Salary Scale compared to a similiar Charter School's Salary Scale
- Student Enrollment by Type at each district (economically disadvantaged, special education, and emergent bilingual/english learners) to show revenue increase if districts were combined
- Potential cost savings
- Timeline of the merger process
IX. CEO Report
A.
Updates
- North Texas Giving Day
- Met $10,000 goal
- Won a $1,000 Amazon gift card at Channel 8's Giving Day event
- Thanked board member, Myong Chong, for her generous skin care donation to the staff totaling $3,500
- Cheryl Bean and Dr. Perkins went to Opera Arlington's Masquerade Soiree Giving Day event
- Dr. Perkins met with CEO of Opera Arlington regarding student partnership with set design, costume production, etc.
- State of the Schools
- 75 participants online and in-person
- Talked about being on the same page regarding fundraising to help with facility updates
- Constitution Day
- TeSA teacher, Ms. Gunn, dressed up as a founding father
- TBC performed at Trent Shelton's Live Legendary at Irving Art Center
- Dr. Perkins and Flor Cabrera attended the Fort Worth Hispanic Chambers' annual gala event at the Fort Worth Convention Center
X. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cheryl Bean
B.
CERTIFICATE AS TO POSTING OR GIVING OF NOTICE
Documents used during the meeting
- Cash Analysis Board - AUG 2025.pdf
- TCA+A AUG 2025 Income Stmt.pdf
- FWAFA AUG 2025 Income Stmt.pdf
- TeSA AUG 2025 Income Stmt.pdf
- PG-5.180 Activity Funds 8-26-2025.pdf
- PG-5.310 Capital Assets 2025 9-22-2025.pdf
- TBC 2025-2026 Handbook.pdf
- SGT HANDBOOK 2025-2026.pdf
- Academy Singers Handbook 2025-2026.pdf
- TeSA 2024 & 2025 Accountablity.pdf
- FWAFA 2024 & 2025 Accountablity.pdf
- 2025-2028 TeSA-Active-Threat-for-Schools-Annex.pdf
- 2025-2026_TeSA_Multi-Hazard_Emergency_Operations.pdf
- 2025-2026 FWAFA-Active-Threat-for-Schools-Annex.pdf
- 2025-2026 FWAFA_Multi-Hazard_Emergency_Operations.pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.26 Records (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.19 Funding-Shared Services Arrangements (Current thru Ch 100 Update)(Redlined)TRACKED.pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.2 Administration (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.8 Closing the Gap (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.5 Ages 0-5 (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.1 Nondiscrimination (Aug 2024 Redlined).pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.15 Referral for Possible Special Education Services (Aug 2024 Redlined)TRACKED.pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.7 Children who Transfer (Aug 2024 Redlined)_TRACKED.pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.16 Evaluation (January 2025 Redlined).pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.14 Eligibility Criteria (Aug 2024 Redlined)_TRACKED.pdf
- FWAFA ONLY PG-6.22 Graduation Plan (Aug 2024 Redlined)_TRACKED.pdf
- FWAFA PG-6.3 Admission Review and Dismissal Committee (January 2025 Redline).pdf
- TeSA ONLY PG-6.13 Dyslexia (Aug 2024 Redlined)_TRACKED.pdf
- TeSA PG-6.1 Nondiscrimination (Aug 2024 Redlined).pdf
- TeSA PG-6.2 Administration (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- TeSA PG-6.5 Ages 0-5 (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- TeSA PG-6.19 Funding-Shared Services Arrangements (Current thru Ch 100 Update)(Redlined)TRACKED.pdf
- TeSA PG-6.26 Records (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- TeSA PG-6.8 Closing the Gap (CURRENT - No 89th Leg. Session or Ch. 100 updates).pdf
- TeSA PG-6.7 Children who Transfer (Aug 2024 Redlined)_TRACKED.pdf
- TeSA PG-6.15 Referral for Possible Special Education Services (Aug 2024 Redlined)_TRACKED.pdf
- TeSA PG-6.14 Eligibility Criteria (Aug 2024 Redlined)_TRACKED.pdf
- TeSA PG-6.16 Evaluation (January 2025 Redlined).pdf
- TeSA PG-6.3 Admission Review and Dismissal Committee (January 2025 Redline).pdf
- Track Changes - Special Programs Handbook - 2025-2026.pdf
- DRAFT - FWAFA Special Programs Handbook 2025-2026.pdf
- TeSA CIP 2025-2026 DRAFT.pdf
- FWAFA CIP_DIP_2025-2026 DRAFT.pdf
- FWAFA Transition Plan for Bluebonnet Learning.pdf
- TCAA Strategic Map Update-9_25.pdf
- TCAA-Merger Proposal.pdf