ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School
Minutes
ZEST Preparatory Academy Governance Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday August 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Location
3130 Golf Ridge Blvd. Douglasville, GA 30135
Directors Present
A. Joiner, A. Olugbala, B. Jones, E. Jackson, H. Ridley, R. Palmer
Directors Absent
A. Williams, D. Randolph, S. Rankin
Ex Officio Members Present
M. Carruthers
Non Voting Members Present
M. Carruthers
Guests Present
R. Davis, candy Yu
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
D.
Review & Approve Agenda
E.
Mission and Vision
Board Chair read the ZEST Prep Mission and Vision statements.
F.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
II. Executive Directors Report
A.
SY2025-26 Start-up
The Executive Director provided an overview of the 2025–2026 staffing, noting that all instructional positions have been filled, and also reviewed any remaining open vacancies.
- Planning to post and hire the remaining open positions.
Enrollment Update:
The ED provided an update on enrollment, sharing seat availability for each grade level and the potential impact of recent student withdrawals, and efforts currently underway.
B.
FYI: FY26 Academic Updates
The Executive Director shared updates on the following initiatives and upcoming events:
- Comprehensive Local Improvement Plan (CLIP)
- Family Engagement Surveys
- Stakeholder Breakfast
- Title I Meeting – September 9, 2025
- Curriculum Night – September 16, 2025
- ZEST Connection (PTSO) - Family interest Night
The Executive Director reviewed the Assessment Calendar, which included:
- NWEA MAP assessments
- Gifted Testing
- Launch of the Amira Dyslexia Screener
- Amira data will need to be reported by September 4th.
- GKIDS
- Lumos Pre-Assessment (GMAS 3-5)
ZEST is expecting an increase in Specialized Services and support for the student community.
- EIP Assurances are due 9/1/2025
- Gifted Assurances are due 9/1/2025
C.
High Quality Curriculum & Instructional Materials
The Executive Director reviewed the High Quality Curriulum Materials
D.
FYI: Operational Update
ZEST Prep is preparing for the SCSC Annual Monitoring. The school will attend the required training and has been actively monitoring compliance and readiness in preparation for the review.
III. Governance Report
A.
FYI: Governance Committee Updates
The Board Chair discussed establishing the LEA workflow to ensure compliance. The upcoming SCSC Board Trainings in Macon and Atlanta were also highlighted as opportunities to support this effort.
The Board Chair reminded new board members of the two-day required SCSC governance training.
LKES Goal setting for a Leadership evaluation tool to monitor school-based leadership.
IV. Finance Report
A.
FYI: July Financials & August Forecast
The CFO provided and discussed the ZEST Prep financials:
- Finalized financials will be available once the completion of the audit; all current figures are preliminary.
- July reflected year-end close and audit preparation
- Current year-to-date results show a surplus.
- Discussed district assets.
- Reviewed compliance YTD Ratios
- Administration Vs. Academic Vs. Facilities (Discussed each function of these metrics)
- Reviewed finance indicators for the CPF -
- Reviewed duplication ratios to compare local LEA charter vs a State Authorized Charter School
Implemented the Quickbase and Bill.com systems and features to automate the requisition and purchase order processes by the end of October.
B.
Facility Update
The Executive Director shared minor facility updates.
- Suite 120
- Classroom 3
- Landscapping
C.
FY24 Audit Update
- The Audit Report was finalized and recommended for the Board of Directors’ approval.
- The CFO discussed the financial audits, discussed the findings, and presented the associated Corrective Action Plans.
- ZEST Prep Board Chair has provided a written response regarding the FY24 audit.
D.
FY25 Audit
The FY25 Audit launched as scheduled and is currently a work in progress.
- On-time due date
Board Chair reviewed the agenda with the Board of Directors.