Laureate Academy Charter School Board of Directors
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday November 15, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Location
Laureate Academy Charter School
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)
Directors Present
Caitlyn Scales, Dr. Jahquille Ross, Jake Krupa, Jordan Whittenburg, Nicholas Aucoin, Toyane Faulkner
Directors Absent
Jaime Behen
Ex Officio Members Present
Claire Heckerman-Whitehead
Non Voting Members Present
Claire Heckerman-Whitehead
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Nicholas Aucoin called a meeting of the board of directors of Laureate Academy Charter School Board of Directors to order on Wednesday Nov 15, 2023 at 5:40 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes
Jordan Whittenburg made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 09-20-23.
Dr. Jahquille Ross seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Aucoin |
Aye
|
| Caitlyn Scales |
Aye
|
| Jaime Behen |
Absent
|
| Dr. Jahquille Ross |
Aye
|
| Jordan Whittenburg |
Aye
|
| Toyane Faulkner |
Aye
|
| Jake Krupa |
Aye
|
II. Finance Update
A.
Final Audit Report - Overview of Findings
- Auditors attended the meeting virtually to walk through our audit report. Our board members had the opportunity to review the audit prior to the meeting making this section smooth.
B.
Updates on Financials - October 2023
- Budget was reviewed.
- Staying ahead and doing well with the budget.
III. Board Specific Items
A.
VOTE: Approve new Board Chair position.
- Jordan was unanimously approved as Board President.
Caitlyn Scales made a motion to Approve Jordan as Board President until the next regularly scheduled board leadership election.
Dr. Jahquille Ross seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Jahquille Ross |
Aye
|
| Nicholas Aucoin |
Aye
|
| Toyane Faulkner |
Aye
|
| Jake Krupa |
Aye
|
| Jaime Behen |
Absent
|
| Jordan Whittenburg |
Aye
|
| Caitlyn Scales |
Aye
|
B.
Recruiting New Board Members
- Discussion around tracking board recruitment efforts. Caitlyn will update this tracker and help manage it as Secretary - focus to keep like a CRM and also to track skillsets
- Jahquille sent follow-up to prospective board member (Jonathan) today
- Claire has a few board members who may be ready to engage
- Discussion was had around next phase of board membership related to organizational strategy
C.
Holiday Gathering and Board Retreat
- 6:30pm 12/5 at Nick's house. Bring $20 gift!
- Board Retreat staying as 1/6/23 - keep as is for now. Table strategic planning
- Strategy sessions need to happen in March - slated for 3/2 and 3/6
IV. Head of School Update
A.
Head of School Update
- Claire discussed updated goals for the school year and shared how operations and academics are staying on track
- Discussion of data-driven updates for academic achievement and operational goals
- Enrollment update
- Facility update - new branding and signage!
- Staffing update - four new hires!
- Leadership Jefferson highlights and discoveries
- Donuts with Dads celebration
- Board Development discussion
B.
2022-2023 School Performance Score
- Deep dive into school performance schools and surrounding school data
- Discussion of strategy for outputs of student learning moving through this academic year
C.
VOTE: 2023-2024 Stipend Policies
Vote to change stipend release to December 15th.
Jordan Whittenburg made a motion to To change the payment date for Certified and Support Staff stipends and Differentiated Compensation from June 1, 2024 to December 15, 2023.
Nicholas Aucoin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Caitlyn Scales |
Aye
|
| Toyane Faulkner |
Aye
|
| Jake Krupa |
Aye
|
| Jordan Whittenburg |
Aye
|
| Nicholas Aucoin |
Aye
|
| Dr. Jahquille Ross |
Aye
|
| Jaime Behen |
Absent
|
D.
VOTE: 2023-2024 salary scale update
Jordan Whittenburg made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 salary scale with the exception of the Master Teacher role.
Jake Krupa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jaime Behen |
Absent
|
| Jordan Whittenburg |
Aye
|
| Caitlyn Scales |
Aye
|
| Toyane Faulkner |
Aye
|
| Nicholas Aucoin |
Aye
|
| Dr. Jahquille Ross |
Aye
|
| Jake Krupa |
Aye
|
E.
Suspension Appeals Process Review
The process was reviewed.
V. Closing Items
A.
Announcements/Other Comments
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jordan Whittenburg