Download minutes PDF Minutes Approved

Sankofa Montessori

Minutes

Full Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday September 30, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Location

https://zoom.us/j/6014951069

Through a culturally responsive, child and family-centered Montessori education, Sankofa Montessori ensures that all of our students develop the knowledge, skill, and agency to have a life of purpose.

Directors Present

A. Allen-Thames (remote), A. Daniel (remote), A. Nash (remote), K. Karacalidis (remote), M. Davis (remote)

Directors Absent

A. Chambers, F. Sheffield

Ex Officio Members Present

R. Barnes (remote), S. Harvey (remote)

Guests Present

Krista Harrell (remote), Nikki Goodson (remote), Tiana Stephenson, WCS (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

K. Karacalidis called a meeting of the board of directors of Sankofa Montessori to order on Wednesday Sep 30, 2026 at 6:39 PM.

C.

Previous Meeting Minutes

M. Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from Full Board Meeting on 08-26-26.
A. Allen-Thames seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Academic

A.

Highlights

Enrollment

  • 142 students currently enrolled
  • 165 goal
  • 32 K; 58 lower el; 51 upper el

 

Staff

  • Hiring for 3 positions
  • Absences increased primarily due to illness
  • Tardiness increased, but working on strategy to improve (76 total late sign-ins and 15 employees with one late sign-in)

 

Suspensions/expulsions

  • 7 OSS
  • 5 ISS

 

Standardized Testing

  • Fall testing still ongoing
  • GKID data completed
  • MAP, DIBELS, and IXL assessments remain incomplete

Academic Task Force

  • Meeting on Oct. 6
  • Detailed review of all assessments will occur during this meeting

 

Activities

  • Donuts with Dads-
  • September Newsletter going out

 

Special Education

  • 17% of population
  • 3 sped teachers, 1 sped para
  • Gifted-4.9% of students

B.

Next Steps

School team will keep the Board posted on any school needs that may have financial implications

 

School team will prepare for upcoming field trips and provide any financial implications to the board after the next finance meeting

C.

Academic Goals

Academic Committee reviewed goals as set out by Leadership team

  • Recommended keeping 4 goals the same for consistency as we approach renewal
  • Recommended adding new goal 
  • Focused on MAP Assessment projections and IXL performance metrics
M. Davis made a motion to approve the 26-27 Goals with recommended amendments proposed by the Academic Committee.
A. Daniel seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

III. Finance Committee Update

A.

July Financial Report

Year-to-date net income=$47K

 

66-day cash on hand

 

Completed needs to be voted on by Full Board by 11/1

  •   May be able to vote at next Finance meeting on 10/21
  • Alexandra will send out poll to determine how many Board members can attend 10/21 meeting for vote
  • Otherwise will need to be voted on at next full board on 10/28

IV. Governance

A.

Facilities Task Force

Update on WCS

  • WCS followed up with 22 Beacon
  • Tiana from WCS will follow up with 22 Beacon regarding the legal fees and proposed amendment, then provide an update to board once response received

Outdoor PE Space completed and has been in use

 

Daycare space has been renovated

B.

Policy Approvals/Upcoming Reviews/Discussions/

Site visit will occur on Nov. 11

 

We need to vote on the audit by 11/1

 

Grade Placement Policy 

  • Discussed policy
  • Questions regarding timing of review and who is involved in assessment
M. Davis made a motion to approve the Grade Placement and Academic Acceleration Review Policy.
A. Nash seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

V. Public Comment

A.

Community Talk

No public comment

VI. 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 8:02 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
K. Karacalidis