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Texas Center for Arts + Academics

Minutes

Rescheduled TCA+A Board Meeting - Annual Meeting

Regular Scheduled Meeting

Date and Time

Monday August 31, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Location

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts Theater 

3901 S. Hulen Street

Fort Worth, TX 76109

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, John Bolser, Michael Wellbaum (remote), Myong Chong, Steven Jones

Directors Absent

Wes Poole

Ex Officio Members Present

Anika Perkins

Non Voting Members Present

Anika Perkins

Guests Present

Amber Ledbetter, Danielle Frei, Dean Micknal, Kiera Wallace, Krista Langford, Lisa Gonzales, Ross Mitchell, Samantha Young

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 Aug 31, 2026 at 6:05 PM.

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

II. CEO Report

A.

Updates

CEO report presented.

B.

Conservator's June and July Progress Report

Dr. Gonzales reported out.

C.

2026 - 2027 Enrollment

Increase in FWAFA enrollment to 742, TeSA is down to 318 from 333. 

D.

Awarded Grants

School Facility Grant from TEA

Rhodes grant for FWAFA auditorium renovation

E.

Highlights and Remarks

TIA - Teacher Incentive Allotment rewarded, Stipends, compensation schedule implemented

Dr. Perkins shared personal experience in response to posts on social media.

III. Public Comments

A.

Public Comments

To sign up for Public Comments go to:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEDeeYuHgvkTSABwnEzpvbUcQ_sCxIA2keViOQZX6mOsHWIg/viewform?usp=header

  • Public Comments should be submitted prior to 1:00 PM on the day of a Board Meeting.
  • You must be present during the meeting to have your comment heard.
  • All speakers will be limited to three (3) minutes to make comments regarding items on the agenda, unless modified by the Board Chair.
  • Board policy prohibits the discussion of complaints against district employees during an open forum.

B.

Jennifer Bellamy - VII A, B, C - 2026 - 2027 Advanced Musical Theatre Handbook, Advanced Acting Handbook, Advanced Dance Company Handbook

C.

Daniel Salls - IIA - 2026 - 2027 Enrollment and/or Highlights

D.

April Williams - Growth of the School

E.

Daniel L Bates - VI C-E, H, VII A-D, Budget, Increased Salaries, Focus academics and arts

F.

Daniel Bates - VI C-E and H, VII A-D, Budget and Finances

G.

Les Ledingham - Threats against the CEO and the positive impact FWAFA has had on their child

H.

Kimberly Ikpo - II A - Enrollment

I.

Alycia Bennett - VI. G, proposed 2026 - 2027 Budget

J.

Faith Pallone - VI C-E, VII A - D, Budget Compensation and focus on academics and arts as subjects.

K.

Stephanie Ballew - VII - A-C, Academics/Handbooks

L.

Leah Brown - VI H - Compensation Schedule

M.

Colin Tait - VII A - 2026 - 2027 Academy Musical Theatre Company Handbook

N.

Danielle Carter - 2A Enrollment

O.

Peyton Cole - 6 - Budget

IV. Consent Agenda

A.

Approve June 22, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Steven Jones made a motion to approve the minutes from TCA+A Board Meeting on 06-22-26.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Cheryl Bean presented to approve minutes from June board meeting.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Steven Jones
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
John Bolser
Aye
Myong Chong
Aye

B.

Finance Statements

Steven Jones made a motion to Approve the June 2026 and July 2026 Financial Statements.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Cheryl Bean presented to approve the financial statements for June and July 2026.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
John Bolser
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Myong Chong
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye

V. Closed Session

A.

Convene to Closed Session

Closed session was from 7:23 pm to 8:28 pm. No action was needed.

B.

Closed Session began at 7:23 pm

C.

Reconvene to Open Session

D.

Open Session began at 8:28 pm

E.

Action Item

F.

There is no action to be taken.

VI. Finance

A.

TCA+A's Lease Agreement for TeSA

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and Vote on the TCA+A's Lease Agreement for TeSA.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Dr. Perkins presented and no cost increase.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
John Bolser
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Myong Chong
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent

B.

TCA+A's Lease Agreement for FWAFA

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and Vote on the TCA+A's Lease Agreement for FWAFA.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Dr. Perkins presented and no cost increase.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cheryl Bean
Aye
John Bolser
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Myong Chong
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye

C.

TeSA 2025-2026 Proposed Budget Amendment

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on TeSA 2025 - 2026 Proposed Budget Amendment.
John Bolser seconded the motion.

Samantha Young presented the TeSA 2025 - 2026 proposed budget amendment. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Myong Chong
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
John Bolser
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent

D.

FWAFA 2025-2026 Proposed Budget Amendment

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on FWAFA 2025 - 2026 Proposed Budget Amendment.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Samantha Young presented the FWAFA 2025 - 2026 proposed budget amendment. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Wes Poole
Absent
Myong Chong
Aye
John Bolser
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye

E.

TCA+A 2025-2026 Proposed Budget Amendment

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on the TCA+A 2025 - 2026 Proposed Budget Amendment.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Samantha Young presented the TCA+A 2025 - 2026 proposed budget amendment. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Myong Chong
Aye
John Bolser
Aye

F.

FWAFA Proposed 2026-2027 Budget

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on 2026 - 2027 FWAFA budget.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Samantha Young presented the FWAFA 2026-2027 proposed budget.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Steven Jones
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Myong Chong
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
John Bolser
Aye

G.

TCA+A Proposed 2026-2027 Budget

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on 2026 - 2027 TCA+A Budget.
John Bolser seconded the motion.

Samantha Young presented the TCA+A 2026-2027 proposed budget.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Myong Chong
Aye
John Bolser
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye

H.

2026-2027 Compensation Schedule

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on TCA+A Compensation Schedule.
John Bolser seconded the motion.

Dr. Perkins presented the 2026-2027 compensation schedule with increase for certified and non-certified staff. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Wes Poole
Absent
Steven Jones
Aye
Myong Chong
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
John Bolser
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye

I.

TeamLogic IT's Contract

Steven Jones made a motion to consider and vote on TeamLogic IT's contract.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Jim Young, owner of TeamLogic, presented highlights of the IT contract from a team of experts not one individual to support.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Steven Jones
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
John Bolser
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Myong Chong
Aye

J.

2026-2027 Insurance Plan Renewal

Higginbotham and HG Risk Solutions were compared and additional questions were asked about premiums, deductibles and overall cost. 

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on the 2026 - 2027 Insurance Plan.
John Bolser seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Myong Chong
Aye
John Bolser
Aye

VII. Academics

A.

2026-2027 Academy Musical Theatre Company Handbook

Steven Jones made a motion to consider and vote on Academy Musical Theatre Company Handbook for 2026 - 2027.
John Bolser seconded the motion.

Amber Ledbetter, Principal of FWAFA, presented the Handbook. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Myong Chong
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
John Bolser
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye

B.

Advanced Acting Handbook

Steven Jones made a motion to consider and vote on Advanced Acting Handbook for 2026 - 2027.
John Bolser seconded the motion.

Amber Ledbetter, Principal of FWAFA, presented the Handbook. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Myong Chong
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Steven Jones
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
John Bolser
Aye

C.

2026-2027 Advanced Dance Company Handbook

Steven Jones made a motion to consider and vote on Advanced Dance Company Handbook for 2026 - 2027.
John Bolser seconded the motion.

Amber Ledbetter, Principal of FWAFA, presented the Handbook. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
John Bolser
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Myong Chong
Aye
Cheryl Bean
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Michael Wellbaum
Aye

D.

2026-2027 FWAFA Secondary Course Selections

Steven Jones made a motion to Consider and vote on the FWAFA Secondary Course Selection Guide for 2026 - 2027.
Myong Chong seconded the motion.

Amber Ledbetter, Principal of FWAFA, presented the Secondary Course additions. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cheryl Bean
Aye
John Bolser
Aye
Wes Poole
Absent
Michael Wellbaum
Aye
Steven Jones
Aye
Myong Chong
Aye

VIII. 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 9:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Cheryl Bean

B.

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