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
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Finance
A.
Financial Overview & Updates
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.
The Finance Committee reviewed and discussed the following financial items related to the track project and overall financial position:
Next Steps / Actions