MS Delta Academies
Minutes
Board of Directors of MS Delta Academies
Date and Time
Monday November 14, 2022 at 5:30 PM
Location
virtual
Directors Present
Cassandria Hansbrough (remote), Erica Plybeah Hemphill (remote), Erin Mulligan (remote), McKinley Martin (remote), Williams Brack (remote)
Directors Absent
Amanda Wiltshire, Emily Cupples, Jacquelyn Brownlow
Guests Present
Amy Tisdale (remote), Dr. Tamala Boyd Shaw (remote), Drew Waddell (remote), Jordan Harris (remote), Lisa Karmacharya (remote), Tamala Shaw (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.
December Vision Meeting
III. Financial Report
A.
Financial Reports and Expenditures over $5,000
Dr. Tamala Shaw presented the financials, and the documents were also provided to all members via BoardonTrack.
Dr. Shaw reported that the FY22 audited financials have been completed and finalized. The audit includes an unqualified opinion and two findings related to the financial software (Quickbooks) and journal entries. The organization will move to the Marathon platform in July 2023. Board Financial Committee meetings will provide additional oversight going forward.
The single audits for FY21 and FY22 have not yet been completed.
Dr. Shaw reviewed the balance sheets for September and October. She drew attention to the line item for textbooks. She also reviewed the cashflow. She reinterated that all expenditures over $5,000 will be brought to the board for review, and listed all expenses that were in that range over the past two months.
B.
Endowment Opportunity
Dr. Shaw shared information about an opportunity to start an endowment through the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and take advantage of the Endow Mississippi tax credits. The initial investment is $5,000 and requires a signed agreement.
Board discussion: Mr. Martin asked clarifying questions about the tax credit. Mr. Brack pointed out that cashflow needs in the short-term may supersede the benefits provided by the endowment. The decision needs to be made by Dec. 31st.
IV. Executive Director's Report
A.
5 Year Projections
Drew Waddell from Afton Partners shared his experience and credentials, then walked through the 5-year projections in general terms. Specifically, he reviewed strengths, risks, and actionable recommendations. He also shared that Afton partners has developed a model that will adjust projections based on changing variables, such as enrollment changes, funding changes, personnel changes, and more. The template is available in BoardonTrack for review by board members and Mr. Waddell is available anytime for questions. Dr. Shaw followed up with additional comments. Mr. Martin posed clarifying questions.
B.
Presentation by MKS
In lieu of a full-board presentation, Maureen Sigler of MKS will reach out to the committee chairs individually to schedule small group meetings.
C.
General Updates
Dr. Shaw discussed that the City of Greenwood and the County of Leflore are exploring the possibility of donating the old library (405 W. Washington St., next to the school facility) to the organization. A feasibility study/plan is underway to be presented to the board. Funding would need to be identified to make any necessary renovations and for long-term maintenance and upkeep. A board vote would be required.
Enrollment update: enrollment is holding steady around 241.
Staffing: one teacher resigned, and a replacement has been hired and has started in the position.
V. Committee Reports
A.
Academic Committee
No report
B.
Finance Committee
No report
C.
Development (Fundraising) Committee
The December Vision Meeting has been postponed until spring.
D.
Governance Committee
A revision to the bylaws needs to be drafted to redefine a quorum.
The $500 annual contribution by board members is due by Dec. 31st.
Ms. Plybeah asked for a one pager to share with potential funders. The updated one pager will be ready by Nov. 30th.
VI. Public Comments
A.
Public comments
Lisa Karmacharya, Executive Director of the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board, shared her appreciation for the school's work and the board's efforts, as well as the opportunity to attend the meeting.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Next Meeting Date & Topics
Meetings are typically the second Monday of the month. Dr. Shaw suggested rescheduling the December meeting due to a number of factors. A Google survey will be sent to board members to identify the best times and days for meetings going forward.
The Vision Meeting has to be postponed until April 2023. Mr. Martin asked all members to continue talking with their network about Leflore Legacy Academy as a way of preparing for the event. During the December meeting, a specific date will be selected.