ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School
Minutes
ZEST Preparatory Academy Governance Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday December 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Location
3130 Golf Ridge Blvd. Douglasville, GA 30135
Directors Present
A. Joiner, B. Jones, C. James, H. Ridley, R. Palmer
Directors Absent
A. Olugbala, S. Rankin
Ex Officio Members Present
M. Carruthers
Non Voting Members Present
M. Carruthers
Guests Present
Candy Yu, R. Davis
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
D.
Review & Approve Agenda
E.
Mission and Vision
The Board Chair read the mission and vision statements of ZEST Preparatory Academy.
F.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
II. Executive Directors Report
A.
SY2025-26
Enrollment
The school reported an enrollment rate of 86%.
Staffing
- The FY26 Staffing Matrix was presented.
- A projected FY27 Staffing Matrix was reviewed.
LEA School-Based Updates
Updates were provided regarding:
- FY27 Contracts
- CFM Annual Data Collection
- LUA Close Reports
- State Testing
- Academic Recognition
Proposed FY27 School Calendar
Information was presented regarding the proposed FY27 School Calendar, including:
- New Teacher Orientation
- A proposed school start date of August 3, 2026
- Proposed extended breaks in October, November, December, February, and April
- A total of 170 instructional days, supported by an extended school day
The proposed calendar will be shared with stakeholders and presented to the Board for consideration and approval in January.
III. Governance Report
A.
FYI: Governance Update
Board Membership
The Board acknowledged the resignation of a Board member. It was noted that the Board currently consists of seven (7) members. The Board will begin engaging in recruitment efforts.
Board Retreat and Strategic Planning
The rescheduled date was shared regarding a Winter Board Retreat/Strategy Meeting.
- Monday, 12/22/2025
Board Stakeholder Listening Tour
An update was provided on the Board’s stakeholder listening tour:
- Employees: Completed
- Families: Upcoming
- School-Based Administration: Ongoing/Planned
The Board is gathering stakeholder feedback to be shared with district and school leadership.
Charter Contract Extension
ZEST Preparatory Academy received the charter contract extension from the state authorizer.
Required Board Training
The Board was reminded of the SCSC required training scheduled for February.
Leave Policy Discussion
An update was provided regarding the administrative “use or lose it” leave status. The Board discussed consideration of a potential update to the current leave policy.
IV. Finance Report
A.
FYI: November Financials & Forecast
Financial Report
- The CFO reported that ZEST currently has 36 days cash on hand (COH) and reviewed the financial model and key financial ratios.
- The CFO presented the CFO Snapshot Report, including a review of budget-to-actuals.
Budget Amendment Process
The CFO outlined the budget amendment process, noting that proposed amendments will be reviewed by the Finance Committee in January and presented to the full Board for approval in February.
Financial Systems and Controls
The CFO provided an update to financial processes and system workflows within Bill.com.
The CFO discussed spending and expense management within Bill.com
B.
FY25 Audit
The audit was submitted to the DOE in accordance with the communicated deadline, and the FY25 audit finding was fully resolved.
C.
Fundraising Update
The Board is in the process of engaging a grant writer to support grant development and fundraising initiatives.
D.
Facility Update
An update was provided regarding facility status, maintenance, and operational needs.
The Board Chair reviewed the agenda.