Harmony Public Schools

Minutes

December 14, 2024 HPS Board Meeting

Date and Time

Saturday December 14, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Location

9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S,

Houston, TX 77099

3rd Floor El Paso Meeting Room

 

 

**We will serve breakfast after the board meeting is concluded in the fourth floor meeting room.

Directors Present

H. Sherwood (remote), K. House (remote), L. Gonzalez, O. Celepcikay

Directors Absent

H. Koc, M. Argin, S. Koch

Guests Present

C. Lambert, E. Akyildiz, E. Cavusoglu, F. Ay, J. Hoffer (remote), N. Bayhan, U. Alpaslan

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

O. Celepcikay called a meeting of the board of directors of Harmony Public Schools to order on Saturday Dec 14, 2024 at 9:02 AM.

II. Public Comments

A.

Public Comments

None.

III. Consent Agenda

A.

Consider Approval of Previous Board Meeting Minutes of November 16, 2024

L. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the minutes from November 16, 2024 HPS Board Meeting on 11-16-24.
O. Celepcikay seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Consider Approval/Ratification of the Minutes and of the Actions of the Finance Committee Meeting on December 7, 2024

L. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the Minutes and of the Actions of the Finance Committee Meeting on December 7, 2024.
O. Celepcikay seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Consider Approval/Ratification of the Minutes and of the Actions of the Academic Committee Meeting on December 7, 2024

L. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the Minutes and of the Actions of the Academic Committee Meeting on December 7, 2024.
O. Celepcikay seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

IV. Class of 2025 QuestBridge Report

A.

Class of 2025 QuestBridge Report

Mr. Emin Cavusoglu, Deputy Superintendent Programs for Harmony Public Schools presents the agenda item "Class of 2025 QuestBridge Report".   Mr. Cavusoglu informs the board QuestBridge is a non-profit organization in the United States that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges and universities. To become a QuestBridge finalist, students need to meet rigorous eligibility criteria. This includes demonstrating exceptional academic performance with high grades in challenging coursework and strong standardized test scores, alongside showcasing financial need from a low-income background. Participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, work experience, awards, and strong writing skills in essays and recommendation letters are also crucial. If selected as a finalist, students have the opportunity to rank colleges and potentially secure a full four-year scholarship if matched, covering tuition, room and board, and other expenses.  Mr. Cavusoglu reviews the number of students from each Houston campus campus and the universities they were matched.  Finally, Mr. Cavusoglu introduces all students from the Houston based Harmony campuses who were recipients of Questbridge and congratulates the parents and Harmony counselors for their efforts.

V. Public Hearing: Harmony Public Schools’ 2023-24 Financial Integrity Rating System

A.

Public Hearing: Harmony Public Schools’ 2023-24 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (Charter FIRST) and Annual Financial Management Report.

Mrs. Ebru Akyildiz, Chief Finance Officer for Harmony Public Schools presents Public Hearing: Harmony Public Schools’ 2023-24 Financial Integrity Rating System.  Mrs. Akyildiz informs the public per Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 109.1001 the board is required to hold a public hearing within 60 days after receiving a final financial accountability rating, which came out the beginning of November.    All 7 HPS Districts received "Superior" ratings.  Mrs. Akyildiz reviews the report from each district as well as the CEO contact, salary information, and benefits.  

 

Dr. Celepcikay congratulates the hard work and efforts from Mrs. Akyildiz and the finance department.

VI. Closed Session Pursuant to Govt. Code 551.071

A.

i. The Board will consider a Student Expulsion Appeal from Harmony School of Innovation – Dallas

Dr. Celepcikay announces that the board members will be going into closed session as permitted by Govt. Code 551.071 (Consultation with Legal Counsel) and 551.082 (Student Discipline Appeals).

 

Closed Session begins 9: 43AM.

B.

ii. Discussion with legal counsel on real estate purchase

Dr. Celepcikay announces that the board members will be going into closed session as permitted by Govt. Code 551.071 (Consultation with Legal Counsel) and 551.072 (Real Estate Transactions).

 

Closed Session begins 9: 43AM.

C.

iii. Discussion with legal counsel on bond/finance project and project expenses

Dr. Celepcikay announces that the board members will be going into closed session as permitted by Govt. Code 551.071 (Consultation with Legal Counsel) and 551.072 (Real Estate Transactions).

 

Closed Session begins 9: 43AM.

VII. Resume Open Session, take action on items discussed in closed session:

A.

Resume Open Session, take action on items discussed in closed session: i. Consider and take possible action on Student Expulsion Appeal from Harmony School of Innovation – Dallas. ii. Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property. iii. Consider and Approve a Reimbursement Resolution for Bonds/Financing project(s)

Dr. Celepcikay starts regular session at 10:13 AM.  The board discussed only the first item announced and the second and third item were tabled.  Dr. Celepcikay states in closed session the board had discussion with legal counsel and no action was taken.

 

Dr. Celepcikay asks if there is a motion on Item "i. Consider and take possible action on Student Expulsion Appeal from Harmony School of Innovation – Dallas."

L. Gonzalez made a motion to uphold the administrations decision and deny the student expulsion appeal.
O. Celepcikay seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Celepcikay wishes everyone Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!  

L. Gonzalez made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
K. House seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
C. Lambert