Laureate Academy Charter School Board of Directors
Minutes
April Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday April 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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, the meeting will be held on the campus of the school (2115 Oakmere Drive Harvey, LA 70058)
Directors Present
Caitlyn Scales, Dr. Jahquille Ross, Monique Handy, Toyane Faulkner
Directors Absent
Bria Joshua, Janel Green, Jordan Whittenburg
Ex Officio Members Present
Claire Heckerman-Whitehead (remote)
Non Voting Members Present
Claire Heckerman-Whitehead (remote)
Guests Present
Jonathan Tebeleff (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve the Minutes from March Meeting
D.
Prove What's Possible
II. Finance
A.
Review of month prior financials
- Jonathan provided the update for this section of the agenda in Janel's absence.
- We have a surplus to consider and things have been considered for next year's prep of the budget
- Jonathan briefly reviewed the budget timeline
- Claire updated that our lease will likely increase in May/June and this will be adjusted with the next board meeting once the lease is signed
B.
Facility Update
Great updates were shared about lease vs. purchase and next steps on access to the full facility. The new lease with a "rent to own" option will be executed by May 2025.
C.
Review of Benefits Package for 2025-2026 SY
This item has been tabled until the May meeting.
D.
PTO Payout Opportunity
- Jonathan gave some feedback to the PTO payout opportunity. The benefits package allows for a lot of time off that was causing issues with enough people on campus. The benefits package is being adjusted and the proposal is to pay everyone out for their current PTO one time in consideration of this shift and then move into the new benefits plan for PTO with staff in SY25-26.
- Jonathan and Claire will ensure this happens before the end of the year.
E.
Approval of Salary Scale for 2025-2026 SY
III. Academics
A.
Academic Updates
Discussion from Claire's Head of School presentation walking through enrollment, hiring needs, celebrations, strategic planning, etc.
B.
Staffing Update
- There are some leadership vacancies coming for next school year - consideration of client pool and recruitment was discussed
- Speech Therapist needed - national shortage, need full-time
- Board discussed driving folks they know to the job application for vacancies
C.
Review of SY25-26 Calendar
This item has been tabled to the May meeting.
IV. Governance
A.
10 Year Celebration
Tabled and will be circulated as an email with ad hoc committee.
B.
Board Development
Let's get more involved!
- 5/5 Teacher Appreciation Week!
- 5/14 Art Show by our Art Club!
- 5/22 Kindergarten graduation
- 5/23 8th grade graduation
- 5/29 5th grade step-up ceremony
- 9/20 10 year gala!