The board reviewed the February 23, 2026 meeting minutes on March 5, 2026 and approved them with the inclusion of the market salary range for the SPED Coordinator role referenced by Chair Finley.

Nisah Brinson provided an update on academic strategy, instructional systems, and school culture. She shared that weekly instructional rounds and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are ongoing, along with mid-year data reviews to assess progress toward academic goals. The committee discussed concerns regarding delays in walkthrough effectiveness data and student learning indicators. Ms. Brinson explained that the upcoming MAP testing window in March will provide more comprehensive academic growth data to better evaluate instructional impact. The after-school program was reviewed, with approximately 170 students participating and weekly assessments being used to monitor academic progress and identify students who are significantly behind grade level. The committee also reviewed January culture data, which reflected a decrease in referrals and disciplinary incidents. Attendance data was analyzed across grade levels, with particular focus on improving attendance rates in 7th and 8th grades. Testing schedules were confirmed for March 16–20 for MAP testing, with March 21 designated for make-up testing, and Georgia Milestones testing scheduled for April 27 through May 8, with make-ups on May 9–10. Current enrollment stands at 484 students, with six additional students pending approval, potentially bringing enrollment to 490. The committee discussed the importance of remaining within a 10% variance of the 500-student target to maximize CPF points and ensure budget stability.

The discussion transitioned to special education staffing and budget considerations. The committee reviewed the current structure serving 28 students (approximately 3% of enrollment) with three special education teachers and three paraprofessionals in inclusive co-teaching classrooms. Mr. Williams shared that the anticipated starting salary for the Special Education Coordinator role would be in the $70,000 range. Chair Finley cautioned against setting salaries too high without demonstrated performance outcomes and emphasized the importance of fiscal sustainability and measurable results. Chair Finley stated that if the market rate for the position is $50,000, the salary range should start at that amount. It was also noted that there is a March hiring deadline tied to financial considerations, and failure to meet this deadline could impact the school’s ability to receive financial support for the position.

Barry Williams provided an operational and financial update. He explained that the school previously operated with a $1.4 million deficit but closed the last fiscal year with a $58,000 profit and currently maintains approximately 100–120 days of cash on hand. The school is no longer operating at a deficit due to funds received back from Godot and the implementation of monthly reimbursements. Additionally, the school received a give-back grant totaling $1,440,038, bringing the year-to-date surplus to over $58,000. Mr. Williams also reviewed three corrective action plans due by March 31 addressing updates to the conflict of interest policy, a finance matter related to the debt service ratio, and improvements to inventory tracking. CACS reported that 98% of October submissions reflected no compliance concerns, with only minor updates required to the inventory documentation. The committee discussed modifications to the conflict of interest policy to allow board members to serve as executive employees of local school districts. Field trip spending was also discussed, with Chair Finley suggesting consideration of a temporary moratorium on new field trips to address the deficit, while noting that several trips are already scheduled and funded through grants.