ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School
Minutes
ZEST Prep Board Retreat Meeting
Date and Time
Monday December 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Location
3130 Golf Ridge Blvd. Douglasville, GA 30135
The Board of Directors of ZEST Preparatory Academy announces that a meeting of the Board will be held on Saturday, July13, 2024. The meeting will occur at ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School's Leadership Room, 3130 Golf Ridge Blvd. Douglasville, GA 30135 from 8:00AM- 5:00PM.
Directors Present
A. Joiner (remote), A. Olugbala, B. Jones, C. James, H. Ridley, R. Palmer, S. Rankin (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Ex Officio Members Present
M. Carruthers
Non Voting Members Present
M. Carruthers
Guests Present
R. Davis
I. Opening Items
A.
Welcome and Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Public Comment
A.
Public Comment
III. Strategic planning, organizational alignment, and long-term sustainability.
A.
F26 & FY27 Strategic Planning
Enrollment Overview
The Senior Director of Operations presented a high-level overview of ZEST’s enrollment cycle:
- General enrollment patterns
- Planning considerations
- FY26 enrollment for March Count
- Recruitment and retention efforts
The presentation supported broader discussions related to program capacity and strategic growth.
Facilities Considerations
The Board engaged in discussion regarding facility needs to support current operations and future planning. Topics included:
- Classroom capacity, shared spaces, and general facility improvements.
- Facilities were discussed in relation to program delivery, operational efficiency, and overall student experience.
Strategic Planning Discussions
Programming
- The Board discussed programmatic priorities at a strategic level, emphasizing alignment with ZEST's mission and long-term goals.
- FY26 Staffing Matrix
- FY27 Projected Staffing Matrix
- Board Support
System Refinement and Goal Setting
The Board reviewed opportunities for refining organizational systems and establishing strategic goals.
Work Session: Committee Engagement
Board members participated in a work session focused on the strategic priorities.
B.
Finance and Fundraising
Financial Overview and Budget
The Board reviewed ZEST'a financial overview:
- General budget considerations
- QBE Funding
- March Enrollment Count
- FY26 remaining fiscal priorities.
Discussion focused on maintaining financial stability while supporting the organization’s strategic goals.
Compensation and Staffing Considerations
Preliminary considerations related to a potential FY27 pay scale and future staffing needs.
Review of the CSGF Compensation Study.
Board Contributions
The Board discussed expectations and shared responsibility related to Board member contributions in support of the organization’s mission and sustainability.
Fundraising Planning
The Board engaged in discussion regarding fundraising strategy and planning, including the role of the Board in supporting development efforts and advancing organizational priorities.
There was no public comment.