Through an emphasis on personal and academic excellence, Prelude Prep equips Prekindergarten through Grade 8 students with the foundation to succeed in school, live purposeful lives, and become leaders in their communities. 

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

No members of the public were present. No public comments were received.

• Development Committee Chair Sonya Cardenas was unable to convene the committee due to the passing of her father.
• Jennifer Taylor-Paquette requested that the committee reschedule its meeting.
• Lauren Lewis reminded the Board of the upcoming Prelude Preparatory School Tour on August 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
  • Board members were encouraged to invite prospective donors, community partners, and individuals interested in Board service.

Board Chair Jennifer Taylor-Paquette reviewed outstanding action items from the July Board meeting.

Updates included:

• Newly elected Board officers were added to the monthly financial distribution list maintained by DSS, the School's accounting firm.
• Policy updates are available through Board OnTrack.
• The Texas Education Agency has been notified of the officer changes approved during the July 8, 2026, Board meeting.
• The visit to Jefferson Bank to add Steve Viola as an authorized signer has not yet occurred due to his absence. Steve Viola and Lauren Lewis must both be present to complete the paperwork. This will be completed before the September Board meeting.
• Lauren Lewis will assign the required Board training modules for the 2026–2027 school year.
• Laura Rhoades and Sonya Cardenas still need to complete the required Human Trafficking training module.
• All Board members are required to complete six hours of annual training by June 30, 2027.
• Lauren Lewis can provide each Board member with a list of completed training modules. Board members were asked to email Lauren a bulleted list of completed modules. Training certificates are not required.  Lauren has the capability in the new system to pull board members completed modules.
• The Board meeting calendar for the 2026–2027 school year has been finalized.
• Denise Miner-Williams was tasked with distributing the CEO evaluation form. Due to the passing of her father, distribution has been delayed.  CEO evaluation needs to be completed asap.

The Board extended its condolences to Denise Miner-Williams and Sonya Cardenas following the recent passing of their fathers.

• Committee Chair Denise Miner-Williams was absent due to the death of her father; therefore, the Academic Excellence Committee did not meet.
• Lauren Lewis reported that enrollment for the start of the 2026–2027 school year is 172 students.

• Development Committee Chair Sonya Cardenas was unable to convene the committee due to the passing of her father.
• Jennifer Taylor-Paquette requested that the committee reschedule its meeting.
• Lauren Lewis reminded the Board of the upcoming Prelude Preparatory School Tour on August 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• Board members were encouraged to invite prospective donors, community partners, and individuals interested in Board service.

Jen Taylor Paquette reported that the Finance Committee met prior to the Board meeting. Committee members in attendance included Jennifer Taylor-Paquette, John Sanchez, Kim Munoz, and Lauren Lewis. Steve Viola was unable to attend.

The committee reviewed the financial dashboard prepared by DSS.

• Lauren Lewis reported:
  • The school is currently projected to receive an A FIRST Financial Accountability Rating (approximately 90%), exceeding earlier projections.
  • The improvement is largely due to unanticipated funding received during the fiscal year.
  • Fiscal Year 2025–2026 is projected to close with approximately $517,000 in excess revenues, substantially above original projections.
  • The school continues to carry a significant annual bond payment explaining “red” area on the dashboard.
  • Lauren Lewis explained how the administration ratio is calculated using TEA function codes and how administrative overhead is measured and the contributing factor to a lower ratio.
• Kim Munoz shared the Finance Committee meeting transcript with committee members.
• Jennifer Taylor-Paquette demonstrated how AI tools, including ChatGPT, can assist in preparing draft meeting minutes from meeting transcripts while emphasizing that Board approval remains required.  Jen will organize the transcript and send back to the board and file on Board on Track.

• Budget Update:
  • Kim Munoz reminded the Board that the 2026 operating budget will require Board approval.
  • Lauren Lewis explained that the budget will be updated using current enrollment figures. Budget amendments are anticipated in September and October, with additional revisions likely following completion of the annual audit.

There were no facilities updates.

No Governance Committee report or additional governance business was presented.

Jennifer Taylor-Paquette reminded Board members not to procrastinate in completing their required annual governance training.