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
Jordan Whittenburg
Aye
Nicholas Aucoin
Aye
Caitlyn Scales
Aye
Jaime Behen
Absent
Jake Krupa
Aye
Dr. Jahquille Ross
Aye
Toyane Faulkner
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
Jordan Whittenburg
Aye
Jake Krupa
Aye
Caitlyn Scales
Aye
Jaime Behen
Absent
Dr. Jahquille Ross
Aye
Toyane Faulkner
Aye
Nicholas Aucoin
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
Jake Krupa
Aye
Dr. Jahquille Ross
Aye
Nicholas Aucoin
Aye
Jaime Behen
Absent
Jordan Whittenburg
Aye
Caitlyn Scales
Aye
Toyane Faulkner
Aye

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
Jake Krupa
Aye
Caitlyn Scales
Aye
Jaime Behen
Absent
Dr. Jahquille Ross
Aye
Jordan Whittenburg
Aye
Nicholas Aucoin
Aye
Toyane Faulkner
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