ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School

Minutes

Finance Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Monday January 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Location

3130 Golf Ridge Blvd. Douglasville, GA 30135

Committee Members Present

B. Jones, C. James, H. Ridley, R. Palmer

Committee Members Absent

None

Guests Present

A. Jain (remote), G. Torres (remote), L. McDonald, M. Carruthers, R. Davis (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

H. Ridley called a meeting of the Finance Committee of ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School to order on Monday Jan 12, 2026 at 5:16 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

C. James made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 12-08-25.
B. Jones seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Finance

A.

Financial Overview & Updates

The Finance Committee reviewed and discussed the following financial items related to the track project and overall financial position:

  • Budget vs. Actual Review
  • Snapshot
  • YTD Expense Ratio
  • SCSC Comprehensive Framework
  • Cash on Hand
  • Rental Payments
  • Budget Amendments for FY26

 

Next Steps / Actions

  • Finance Committee to continue monitoring budget performance and cash position.
  • Recommended budget amendments will be brought forward for formal board action as required.

B.

Enrollment Update

The Finance Committee received an enrollment update including:

  • Current enrollment status
  • Year-over-year trends
  • Projections for the 2026–2027 academic year
  • Retention & Recruitment Focus

Next Steps

  • Leadership will continue to monitor enrollment trends closely.
  • Updated projections and retention strategies will be shared as data continue to develop.

C.

FY26 Staffing & Hiring

The Finance Comittee received an update on staffing and hiring considerations for FY 2026, with discussion focused on aligning decisions with enrollment trends, financial sustainability, and instructional priorities.

D.

Compensation schedules and Benefits

The Finance Committee reviewed updates related to compensation schedules and employer benefits, including recent changes and reconciliation activities. 

  • The Board reviewed employer benefits, including coverage levels and associated costs.
  • TRS updates were presented, including recent reconciliation activity.

Next Steps

  • The Finance Commitee will continue to monitor employee costs.
  • Any recommended changes to compensation or benefits will be brought forward for Board review and approval, as appropriate.

III. Fundraising

A.

ZEST Board of Directors and School Fundraising

The Finance Committee discussed fundraising strategy and is considering the reintroduction of the “Power of 25” campaign.

IV. Facilities

A.

Facility Planning — FY26 & FY27

The Finance Committee received an update on facility planning priorities, including current and anticipated engagement with external facility partners.

V. 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 8:11 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
R. Davis