Tony Lowden, representing the State Charter Schools Commission and a 13-year veteran of the state charter school board, delivered remarks to the board, staff, and community. He emphasized the importance of board cohesion, strong leadership, and staying focused on student outcomes. He encouraged the board to conduct a SWOT analysis, visit high-performing charter schools (specifically highlighting Southwest STEAM Academy and Brilliance Academy as models), and to pursue matching funds from community partners for grants received. He reminded the board of their role as the LEA and the importance of unified governance, noting that the SCSC is monitoring board governance and cohesion as part of the upcoming charter renewal process. 

• The Academy received a clean, unmodified opinion — the highest level of assurance an external auditor can provide.
• General Fund revenues of approximately $9.1M and expenditures of $8.6M resulted in a net increase in fund balance of approximately $439,000 — an improvement from the prior year.
• Fund balance: approximately $3M; cash: approximately $2.9M.
• Fixed charge coverage ratio: 1.51, exceeding the required 1.20 bond covenant threshold (a significant improvement from last year).
• All three prior year findings have been resolved.
• A single audit report (federal awards) will be issued at a later date pending the federal compliance supplement. No findings are anticipated.
• No difficulties or disagreements with management; no uncorrected misstatements; auditors confirmed independence.

• Completed services: safety cabinets in records room, handicapped accessibility improvements, ground repairs, electrical upgrades for cafeteria equipment, shelter repairs.

• Crew bus and two vans have been detailed and serviced.

• Transportation compliance documentation has been completed; approximately 24+ students on the waiting list for transportation services.

• Reimbursements submitted: $22,000 (July–September) and $3,900 (September); $23,775 (October–June).

• Medicaid collaboration with leadership, safety/emergency training completed.

• Human Resources: Increase in special education students noted; requesting an additional special ed teacher to meet federal guidelines.

• FTE consolidation report due October 30th.

• Students identified as needing support will be served in small groups of 4–5, meeting Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, targeting students approaching proficiency.

• Escalation assessment pilot program launching for 3rd graders on November 20th; 10 questions (5 ELA, 5 math) administered weekly.

• Parent engagement conferences held October 20, 2026 for grades K–8; approximately 25 time slots per classroom. Attendance was strong.

• Student Council campaign days were held; students presented platforms, debated, and engaged in civic activity.

• FTE unofficial count received and relates favorably to last year.

• Academic committee will begin monthly reporting on comparative school performance data against 11 comparable schools in the state.

• School is currently in PI status; plans in place to review 4-year data trends monthly and implement strategies to improve academic achievement.

A. Samuels (reporting in absence of Chair N. Lewis)

Two finance committee meetings were held in October.

Report highlights:

• As of September, the Academy reported a net loss of $32,454 (note: funds not yet fully received).

• Debt service coverage ratio: 1.26 — meeting the required covenant threshold.

• Cash balance: approximately $2,455,361.

• Bond refinancing was discussed; a call was placed with the bond trustee. Refinancing options are limited without a capital project; the team is working on a cost analysis to determine the enrollment target needed to support the bond while also meeting operational needs.

• Discussion around financial policy development, procurement procedures, and staff training on financial policies. Recommendations included engaging existing consultants (21 Cobalt) as well as SCSC and PCSA resources for policy development and training before pursuing outside consulting.

• Commissioner Lowden recommended leveraging grant award letters to pursue matching funds from community foundations and corporate partners.

Discussion was held regarding Avlon board governance training. The board discussed the direction for training and agreed to reach out to Carmen at SCSC to explore available board training resources. Motion to move forward with exploring board training options and following up with SCSC was made and seconded.

Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.

Enrollment & FTE: Current enrollment is 513 students; projected FTE of 511 with a slight increase anticipated.

Academics: High-Impact Tutoring after-school program launched September 22nd, currently serving 48 scholars (40 gen ed, 8 SWD) Tuesdays–Thursdays. Parent report cards and virtual conferences were held October 20th. All 15 eighth graders who took the AccuPlacer passed the reading portion and will begin their first college course at Central Georgia Tech in January through the Rising Scholars Early College Academy partnership — a first for the school.

Facilities: FTSC walkthrough completed successfully. Basketball court RFP vendor selected; to be presented to Operations and Finance Committees next month. Media Center awning and automated front door security system under exploration.

Safety & Compliance: All emergency preparedness training completed. SD17 submitted. 100% of employees hold clearance certificates.

Strategic Plan: Three proposals received — CrossingDot ($15,000), 21 Cobalt ($26,000), and Possible Futures ($21,000). Mr. Williams will consult SCSC before bringing a recommendation to the Operations Committee.

Fundraiser: Rescheduled to March 6th at the Museum of Arts and Sciences downtown Macon. Funds will support scholar travel and experiences outside Georgia.

SWOT Highlights: Strengths include 99.43% attendance, strong middle school growth, and the Early College Academy partnership. Key weaknesses include elementary academic scores, staff retention at 82%, and current SCSC board governance monitoring. Opportunities include K–12 expansion and charter renewal. Threats include board-leadership cohesion and renewal conditions tied to academic growth.

Motion to approve and accept the FY2026 audit as presented by Mauldin & Jenkins was made by L. Golphin and seconded by S. Kelly.

Vote: All in favor. Motion carried.

The following community members provided public comment (3-minute limit per speaker):

• Zoe Watson (Former Student): Shared her experience as a Cirrus Academy alumna; currently a senior pursuing dual enrollment in audio/video technology and fine arts. Highlighted the impact of coaches and teachers on her development. Active in community service and leadership programs.

• Sheila Hogan (Parent/Community Volunteer): Long-time volunteer and parent. Expressed gratitude for the school's culture and commitment to students. Encouraged the board to continue working together and to provide scholars with opportunities to travel and experience the world beyond Macon.

• Melinda Coley (Staff/Parent): Parent of three Cirrus Academy alumni. Shared personal testimony of the school's impact on her children, including one son who is now a videographer and entrepreneur, and another who is an honors student at Central Georgia Tech. Requested that the board unify around the school's mission. Highlighted progress on parent engagement efforts, including "Muffins with Moms" (90 attendees) and Grandparents Day (90 seats). Announced upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner event with parents and efforts to establish a PTSO.