MS Delta Academies
Minutes
Board of Directors of MS Delta Academies
Date and Time
Monday February 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location
virtual
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83885678291?pwd=UDZ5UXNaZDNSNWxJYW9SSEx5UUVRQT09
Meeting ID: 838 8567 8291
Passcode: 580498
Directors Present
Cassandria Hansbrough (remote), Erica Plybeah Hemphill (remote), Jacquelyn Brownlow (remote), McKinley Martin (remote), Tracy Mims (remote)
Directors Absent
Erin Mulligan, Williams Brack
Guests Present
Brainna Moore (remote), Deborah Martin (remote), Katie Wise (remote), Lily Phillips (remote), Marquehsa Jones (remote), Tamala Shaw (remote), Vallrie Dorsey (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Approve Agenda
D.
Approve Minutes
II. Board Chair/Vice Chair's Report
A.
Report
III. Mission Moment
A.
Gifted & Mississippi Whole School
Legacy Instructor Deborah Martin and Legacy Scholar Lily Phillips offered an overview of the gifted program and specific examples of projects the scholars have completed. Board members shared their impressions and feedback.
Ms. Martin also described the Mississippi Whole Schools Program being implemented at Leflore Legacy Academy this year.
IV. Financial Report
A.
Review and Approve Financial Reports
Katie Wise shared the monthly financial reports on screen and reviewed the expenditures over $5,000, revenue and expenditure highlights, cash on hand, annual trends, and the impact of changes to ad valorem funding.
V. Executive Director's Report
A.
General Updates
Dr. Shaw shared information about facilities update, BoardonTrack renewal, adding 5th grade, and the previously-discussed feasibility study.
B.
Adding 5th Grade
Dr. Shaw shred the result of the MCSAB board meeting during which the charter amendment request to add 5th grade was discussed. In response to board member questions, she clarified the definition of high quality and the difference between an expansion request and an amendment request.
C.
Feasibility Plan Follow Up
Dr. Shaw will reach out to John Beard to follow up.
D.
Board on Track Renewal
The contract is in negotiations.
VI. Policy Point
A.
MCSAB Notice of Concern
Dr. Shaw shared the January 2026 Notice of Concern Letter from the MCSAB office on screen with the board members and walked through the topics addressed in the letter. Board members posed questions and discussed.
VII. Committee Reports
A.
Governance
None
B.
Academic
Cassandria Hansbrough shared a mid-year academic update she received in a meeting with Principal Beechem. Mr. Beechem provided additional context and details.
C.
Development (Fundraising)
Erica Plybeah Hemphill provided an update about the spring fundraiser planning. Members discussed.
D.
Finance
Dr. Shaw shared that the finance committee is scheduled to meet with MCSAB on Feb. 19th.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Next Meeting Date & Topics
The next meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2026.
None