MS Delta Academies

Minutes

Board of Directors of MS Delta Academies

Date and Time

Monday August 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

virtual

Directors Present

Cassandria Hansbrough (remote), Erica Plybeah Hemphill (remote), McKinley Martin (remote), Tracy Mims (remote), Williams Brack (remote)

Directors Absent

Erin Mulligan, Jacquelyn Brownlow

Guests Present

Katie Wise (remote), Tamala Shaw (remote), Tosha Boyd (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

McKinley Martin called a meeting of the board of directors of MS Delta Academies to order on Monday Aug 11, 2025 at 5:33 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Approve Agenda

Tracy Mims made a motion to approve the agenda.
Williams Brack seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Minutes

Williams Brack made a motion to approve the minutes from Annual Board Retreat on 06-21-25.
Cassandria Hansbrough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Board Chair/Vice Chair's Report

A.

Member term renewal

Tracy Mims made a motion to renew the membership of Cassandria Hansborough for a three-year term expiring in July 2028.
Williams Brack seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Williams Brack made a motion to renew the membership of Erin Mulligan for a three-year term expiring in July 2028.
Tracy Mims seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Cassandria Hansbrough made a motion to renew the membership of Erica Plybeah Hemphill for a three-year term expiring in July 2028.
Williams Brack seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

III. Financial Report

A.

Review and Approve Financial Reports

Katie Wise provided an update on the audit process and federal and state grants. She presented the profit and loss, financials, and key expenditures including those over $5,000. Board members Martin and Mims asked follow up questions. She reported the loan was successfully refinanced with Hope Credit Union. Dr. Tamala Shaw provided additional information about the new loan terms. 

Williams Brack made a motion to approve the monthly financial reports and expenditures over $5,000.
Tracy Mims seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Executive Director's Report

A.

General Updates

Dr. Shaw provided details about the loan refinancing. She provided an enrollment update and strategies. She also shared a report on the elevator modernization project. 

 

Dr. Shaw provided an update about the HVAC system replacement and ongoing negotiations with the insurance company as well as bids received. 

 

She shared an update about an incident with a school bus. No people were involved but the building was damaged. The insurance of the bus maintenance provider will be contacted.  

 

Dr. Shaw provided an update in personnel at the MSCAB and board training opportunities they are offering. 

B.

Executive Session

Cassandria Hansbrough made a motion to enter executive session to discuss a personnel issue.
Williams Brack seconded the motion.

Executive Session began at 6:28 pm
Ended at 6:42 pm

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Policy Point

A.

Homeless Policy

The Coordinator of Special Education (Also serves as Homeless Liaison) has updated the McKinney-Vento Homeless Scholars Policy for identifying and supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness. The policy was presented to the board for review. 

EL Policy has been drafted and will be provided to board members for review. 

VI. Committee Reports

A.

Governance

McKinley Martin discussed the recruitment of new members and the status of conversations with prospects. 

B.

Academic

None

C.

Development (Fundraising)

None

D.

Finance

McKinley Martin joined the school finance staff for an informal meeting. He provided an update on the annual audit 

VII. Closing Items

A.

Next Meeting Date & Topics

September 8th

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:08 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tamala Shaw