MS Delta Academies

Minutes

Board of Directors of MS Delta Academies

Date and Time

Monday January 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

in person at Leflore Legacy Academy
500 W. Washington St.
Greenwood, MS 38930

Directors Present

Cassandria Hansbrough, Erin Mulligan, McKinley Martin, Tracy Mims, Williams Brack

Directors Absent

Erica Plybeah Hemphill, Jacquelyn Brownlow

Guests Present

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

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 Jan 13, 2025 at 5:51 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Approve Agenda

Williams Brack made a motion to approve the agenda.
Tracy Mims 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 12-09-24.
Erin Mulligan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Financial Report

A.

Review and Approve Financial Reports

Katie Wise of GT3 presented the financial reports through Nov. 30th, 2024, including expenses over $5,000, cash flow, income, days of cash on hand, and anticipated ad valorem payment. Dr. Shaw asked clarifying questions. Dr. Mims posed questions about the philanthropy line item. Ms. Wise provided additional information. 

Williams Brack made a motion to approve the financial reports.
Erin Mulligan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

ED Compensation Package

Dr. Shaw stepped out of the meeting for this discussion at the Chair's request, but the board did not enter executive session. Board members reviewed the vendor proposal 457(b) for Key Employees with Katie Wise. Members discussed and Ms. Wise provided clarifying information. 

Tracy Mims made a motion to provide the ED (Executive Director) with an additional compensation piece in the form of a 457(b) retirement plan contingent on budgetary concerns for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Erin Mulligan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Facilities Report

John Beard presented the findings from the feasibility study that looked at the possibility of converting a historic building for use by the school, including the estimated budget for the project. Mr. Beard will also make a presentation to the City of Greenwood. Members discussed. 

III. Executive Director's Report

A.

General Updates

Dr. Shaw shared an update on the charter renewal process. 

 

She also shared an update about enrollment and the MCSAB-approved amendment regarding enrollment targets. Katie Wise shared related budget impacts. 

 

SACS regional accreditation has been officially awarded and enables Leflore Legacy to be an ESCO and receive tax credit donations from businesses. 

 

The school received official recognition certificate and a letter of congratulations from the State Superintendent of Education for improving two letter grades. 

 

Dr. Shaw shared that some Legacy board members with Candace Robins, a member of the MCSAB board.  

 

Dr. Shaw shared an update about the Performance Framework revision process. 

 

She shared an update about the sign in front of the school and possible replacement. 

IV. Committee Reports

A.

Governance

None

B.

Academic

None

C.

Development (Fundraising)

Erin Mulligan provided a report on the annual philanthropic goal and the current strategy to contact businesses for ESCO tax credit donations. 

D.

Finance

None

V. Closing Items

A.

Next Meeting Date & Topics

Next meeting will be virtual on the second Monday of February. 

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tamala Shaw