Cirrus Education Group

Minutes

Cirrus Education Group Monthly Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday July 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Location

Directors Present

L. Golphin (remote), L. Taylor (remote), N. Lewis (remote), R. Finley (remote), S. Kelly (remote), T. Olagunju (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

Arleen Samuels (remote), B. Williams (remote), Brenda Edwards (remote), C. Blake (remote), Diane Freeman (remote), K. Cadman (remote), L. McDonald (remote), Nisah Brinson (remote), Sonja Riley (remote), Wendy Grimes (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

L. Taylor called a meeting of the board of directors of Cirrus Education Group to order on Tuesday Jul 22, 2025 at 6:06 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Approve Agenda

L. Golphin made a motion to Approve agenda.
N. Lewis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Minutes of Board Meeting on June 17, 2025

L. Golphin made a motion to Approve minutes.
N. Lewis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

E.

Approve Minutes of Special Called Meeting on June 22, 2025

N. Lewis made a motion to Approve minutes.
L. Golphin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

F.

Approve Minutes of Special Called Meeting on June 30, 2025

L. Golphin made a motion to Approve minutes.
S. Kelly seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Executive Session

A.

Executive Session to Discuss to Personnel

N. Lewis made a motion to Enter executive session.
R. Finley seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
R. Finley made a motion to Return to board meeting.
N. Lewis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

III. Matters of Discussion

A.

Academic Committee Report

Rhonda Finley reported on enrollment updates, the summer remediation program, and recent cultural events. Information was presented on two proposed curricula, Amplified Core (reading and science for K–8) and Pitsco Education. After a discussion regarding the approval process and clarifying that only the budget, not specific curricula, had been previously approved, the board agreed to review both curricula for consideration.

B.

Operations Committee

Shirlynn Kelly reported on the Operations committee and that most HVAC units are operational, with one still under repair. A damaged tree has been addressed, pending stump removal, and additional maintenance projects (bathroom repairs and painting) await budget approval. The school received donated furniture from Kipp to support new student enrollment.

C.

Personnel Committee

Latrell Taylor reported on staffing updates, remaining vacancies, and upcoming professional development to prepare staff for the new school year.

D.

Finance Committee

Lisa Golphin discussed upcoming federal funding reductions for certain programs and slight increases for others. Also discussed was the approval of the purchase of core curriculum materials in line with the budget and state standards. The committee also reviewed the possibility of piloting the Pitsco curriculum for kindergarten and requested cost estimates for consideration at a future meeting, as approval would require a budget amendment.

E.

CFO Report

Arleen Samuels presented year-end financials, noting a large health insurance payment that temporarily impacted a financial covenant, which is expected to pass after adjustments. The board discussed the financial implications and requested further clarification from the auditors at the next Finance Committee meeting.

F.

Head of School Report

Barry Williams reported strong enrollment, ongoing professional development, and the implementation of new curricula in ELA and science, with plans to pilot a supplemental program in kindergarten. He highlighted successful marketing efforts, including the back-to-school bash, and shared updates on staff retention, mission and vision work, and preparations for the upcoming school year.

IV. Actions Items

A.

Scholar-Parent Handbook

R. Finley made a motion to Approve to adopt handbook with revision - add line 8 for parents to give permission for the search and seizure.
T. Olagunju seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Employee Handbook

R. Finley made a motion to adopt employee handbook.
N. Lewis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Hays Contract - $44,000

Will table this item until we get further clarity on costs in terms of cost for one year or 3 years

V. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
C. Blake
N. Lewis made a motion to Adjourn meeting.
R. Finley seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.