There were no registrants for public comment

Academic Chair Rhonda Finley was not present at this meeting, and the minutes for the academic committee are available on Board on Track.

Shirylynn Kelly shared the Operations Committee provided updates on enrollment, data collection processes, and ongoing website improvements. Enrollment was reported at 481 students. The board discussed staffing certifications and operational readiness, including teacher certification requirements. The Head of School confirmed that most leaders are certified, with some staff awaiting Professional Standards Commission (PSC) approval. A March 31 deadline was noted for non-certified teachers to enroll in certification programs.

The proposed FY27 school calendar was introduced and will be shared with the Operations Committee for further review and feedback.

Lisa Golphin shared the Finance Committee reported a December deficit of $181,030.35, which was offset by a $200,000 increase in January revenue due to a Title I grant. The board discussed financial variances, including Teacher Retirement System (TRS) savings of approximately $103,000.

The board reviewed the status of a $56,000 Give Back grant that had not yet been applied to expenses and discussed the possibility of reallocating eligible expenditures to the grant to offset operational overages. The importance of maintaining fiscal discipline amid budget constraints was emphasized.

Barry Williams provided updates on enrollment, staffing, academics, and operations. Key discussion items included:

SPED Coordinator Role: The board discussed qualifications, salary expectations, and timing for hiring. The Head of School reported that TRS savings could offset the salary variance of approximately $16,294 if the position is filled by February 13, 2026, allowing for prorated funding beginning March 3, 2026.

Teacher Certification Updates: The Head of School agreed to provide an update on teacher certifications and provisional certificates once feedback is received from the PSC.

Athletics: The board discussed professional development for athletic directors and alternatives to a formal athletic banquet, noting that student recognition will occur during the school’s regular awards ceremony.

The January 2026 Head of School’s Board Report was reviewed.

Shirlynn Kelly led a discussion of amending the charter to adjust the enrollment cap from 790 to 550 students due to space limitations. While there was agreement on the need to reduce enrollment, the timing of the amendment was debated. Administration recommended addressing the amendment during the upcoming charter renewal process for efficiency, while board members emphasized preventing over-enrollment in the interim.

The board also discussed whether to apply for a Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant. After discussion, the board agreed to place the CSP grant application on hold and not pursue high school expansion until after the charter renewal process.

The board discussed the Flylight contract extension, noting that the prior contract expired on January 20, 2026, but services continued due to prior invoice approval. Administration explained a brief website outage caused by an unpaid domain fee, which was promptly resolved.

The contract includes social media advertising with a goal of supporting enrollment growth up to, but not exceeding, 550 students. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Flylight contract for January through June 2026.

The board approved hiring a temporary custodian for 30 days at a cost of $2,400, structured as a 1099 contractor, to cover a staff absence.