MS Delta Academies

Minutes

Board of Directors of MS Delta Academies

Date and Time

Monday November 11, 2024 at 5:30 PM

Location

virtual

Directors Present

Cassandria Hansbrough (remote), Erica Plybeah Hemphill (remote), Erin Mulligan (remote), Jacquelyn Brownlow (remote), McKinley Martin (remote), Tracy Mims (remote)

Directors Absent

Williams Brack

Guests Present

Annice Fisher (remote), John Beard (remote), Katie Wise (remote), Katie Wise (remote), Tamala Shaw (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 Nov 11, 2024 at 5:36 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Approve Agenda

Tracy Mims made a motion to approve the agenda.
Cassandria Hansbrough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Minutes

Cassandria Hansbrough made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors of MS Delta Academies on 09-09-24.
Erin Mulligan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Feasibility Study

A.

Study Findings

John Beard presented the study findings about the feasibility of renovating historic buildings for use by Leflore Legacy Academy. He presented options and concepts for space allocation. The next steps would be a code review. Board members and Dr. Shaw posed questions. 

III. Financial Report

A.

Review and Approve Financial Reports

Katie Wise presented the monthly financial reports, including expenditures over $5,000. 

Tracy Mims made a motion to approve the financial reports as presented.
Erin Mulligan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Review and Approve Annual Audit

Katie Wise provided an update on the audit process, and shared the audit had no findings. 

Erin Mulligan made a motion to acknowledge the audit report has been provided to the State.
Tracy Mims seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

ED Compensation Package

Annice Fisher of ValuTeachers, who manages the 457 retirement benefits for the school, presented options for adding the Executive Director to the plan. Board members posed questions. 

Tracy Mims made a motion to table the consideration of the ED compensation package until a future meeting.
Erin Mulligan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Executive Director's Report

A.

General Updates

Dr. Shaw shared updates:

 

She reminded the board the construction loan matures June 2025, and the intention is to refinance it. Dr. Shaw shared several options.

 

Dr. Shaw shared the latest enrollment numbers and recruitment plans. 

 

She reported the school has been awarded a renewal of the 21st CCLC grant, and has applied for a 21st CCLC supplemental grant. 

 

Dr. Shaw reminded board members of a mandatory MCSAB training on Friday. 

B.

Charter Renewal

The school's charter is up for renewal, so an application will be submitted soon. The application requires a description of the school's future plans for grade levels and enrollment. A marketing consultant will look at local demographics and make recommendations. 

 

Dr. Shaw noted the school has not yet received the most recent Performance Framework that is needed for the renewal application. The school has followed up with MCSAB and will continue to do so. 

 

A consultant has been contacted for a proposal for preparing the renewal application.  The Executive Committee will meet to discuss further. 

 

V. Committee Reports

A.

Governance

None

B.

Academic

Cassandria Hansbrough shared that she met with school academic team members. The group reviewed several forms of academic data and how it's being used to improve academic performance. 

C.

Development (Fundraising)

Erin Mulligan spoke about committee structure. Dr. Shaw briefly shared information about fundraising plans and goals.  

 

Dr. Shaw shared that a bus has been purchased and is being repaired. 

 

The group spoke about gym rental costs, available options, and developing a plan for a gym capital campaign. 

D.

Finance

None

VI. Closing Items

A.

Next Meeting Date & Topics

Next meeting: Dec. 9 at 5:30 pm.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tamala Shaw