Laureate Academy Charter School Board of Directors
Minutes
Governance Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Monday September 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Location
Topic: LACS Governance Committee Mtg. Time: Sep 28, 2026 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89606805834
The matters listed are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair to be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed. Other items not listed may be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. All agenda items are informational unless otherwise denoted, though all committee reports require a vote for acceptance. Unless otherwise stated due to COVID-19 precautions, the meeting will be held on the campus of the school (2115 Oakmere Drive Harvey, LA 70058).
Laureate Finance/Governance Committee Meeting
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vdd-cjwq-eze
Or dial: (US) +1 252-346-6437 PIN: 876 470 153#
Committee Members Present
Bria Joshua (remote), Caitlyn Scales (remote), Dr. Jahquille Ross (remote)
Committee Members Absent
None
Guests Present
Claire Heckerman-Whitehead (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Board Development
A.
Board Recruitment + Responsibilities
- Chair Caitlyn has been in contact with Member Anita regarding potential Treasury appointment
- Jahquille is spearheading confirming quorum for upcoming General Board Meeting
- Caitlyn preparing for onboarding Dr. Pinkney for potential board appointment
- Bria following up potential agenda, minutes, and onboarding logistics; to meet and further discuss with Caitlyn
B.
CEO Updates
- ONBOARDING DR. PINKNEY:
- Idea: Kevin could potentially be a great resource to assist with onboarding, starting with Dr. Pinkney
- MORE BOARD CANDIDATE OPTIONS:
- Need another attorney on the Board. CEO suggests targeting networks that Members are affiliated with: school alumni, Greek-letter organizations, etc.
- Dire need for Treasurer. As per the by-laws, the Vice President can also be the Treasurer.
- Idea: Member Anita be named Treasurer in name only, pending full replacement.
- Also consider LinkedIn, banks, CPA/accounting firms
- BOARD CAMPUS PRESENCE:
- CEO Claire urges Board Members schedule time to be more present in the school-- reading to students. Preferably before 10a. Board member should contact Claire ahead of time to be assigned to a class.
- FACILITIES & EXPANSION: Laureate owns the building; how and how much does Laureate grow?
- Path 1: More sections: Grow 3 section per grade: K-8, but one grade at a time
- Concern (as per Dr. Ross): Would expansion ultimately include expansion of SPED population? Current IEPs are considerably high at 23.
- Physical space is limited if the current 3-section growth model is continued (as soon as next academic school year). This places an urgency on the consideration of physical expansion options to be constructed this year.
- Path 2: Serve more Westbank families beyond current footprint
- Expert Partners: Kevin has introduced a number of resources. The growth study cited is guided by Louisiana and national advisors, including experts on:
- Development & Construction
- Finance & Debt
- Planning & Expansion
- District Peer
- Timeline (30d): Accept offer from Kevin, Contact Readiness Expert, Building Inventory, Finance & Peer Calls
- Caitlyn, Claire, and Anita will be the mandatory participants in upcoming meetings. Jahquille and Bria will be optional participants, but brought in as needed.
- Path 1: More sections: Grow 3 section per grade: K-8, but one grade at a time
- ROLES & SCALING:
- Who should spearhead fundraising? Board members? CEO?
- Q: Does the non-profit umbrella need to be launched in order to raise funding? (Caitlyn)
- Who should spearhead fundraising? Board members? CEO?
- FYI: MASTERY PLUS MEETING on 10/6 (at DISTRICT OFFICE)
- Strategic planning meeting to be attended by Claire & Caitlyn
- FYI: LAUREATE ORGANIZATION CHART:
- Semaj & Eron have been training Principal Johnson extensively
- Vacancies are in the process of being filled
III. Planning for Next Board Meeting
A.
Set agenda for next Board of Directors Meeting
- Academic Committee did not meet since last Board meeting; no report
- Board to re-visit mid-day and/or virtual meetings; all non-voting items can be considered virtually