Life School
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday July 16, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Directors Present
B. Wilson Ed.D., R. Martinez, R. Mays, S. Williams
Directors Absent
C. Clemmons, C. Ransbottom, S. Lee Ph.D.
Guests Present
B. Ding, B. West, C. Johnson, E. Davis, J. Shepherd, J. Wilson, K. Riepe, M. Beck, R. McElhany, S. Colwell Ed.D., S. Fuller Ed.D., S. Thomas, S. Thrush, T. Mooney Ed.D.
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Speakers on Public Sign-up Sheet
II. Opening Ceremonies
A.
Pledge of Allegiance/Texas Pledge
Bryon Ding lead the the Pledges.
B.
Invocation
Ruben Martinez gave the invocation.
C.
Recognitions
Recognition of Service – Jennifer Villavaso
Dr. Troy Mooney recognized Jennifer Villavaso for her commitment and dedication as the principal of Life School Carrollton. Ms. Villavaso faithfully served in this role for six years, demonstrating unwavering and steady leadership. Each member of the Board expressed sincere appreciation for her exceptional service, especially during the final months leading up to the campus closure.
III. Education Foundation Presentation Update
A.
Life School Education Foundation Update
Mr. Eddie Davis provided the monthly report for the Life School Education Foundation. For the month of May 2025, the Foundation received $29,323 in donations. Year-to-date contributions total $221,986.
The GEM (Give Every Month) program remains steady with approximately 230 recurring givers, generating around $1,900 in monthly contributions.
IV. Consent Items
A.
Acceptance of New Hires and Terminations
B.
Acceptance of Gifts and Donations
C.
Approval of Public Relations Firm Agreement with Allyn Media
D.
Acceptance of Special Education Department Annual Agreements
E.
Approval of Technology TREC (Technology Resources Education Consortium) Annual Contract with Region 11 for the 2025-2026 School Year
F.
Approval of Workers' Compensation Insurance Provider
G.
Approval of the MOU for Revocable Facility Use License with Nelson University
H.
Approval of 2025-2026 Parent-Student Athletic Handbook
I.
Approval of 2025-2026 Staff Athletic Handbook
J.
Approval of Additional Assistant Board Secretary
K.
Approval of Revisions to the "Equal Educational Opportunity" and "Prohibited Discrimination, Retaliation, and Harassment" Policies in Life School Board Policy Manual, Policy Group 3 - Students and to the "Nondiscrimination Policy" in Life School Board Policy Manual, Policy Group 4 - Personnel
L.
Motion to Approve the Consent Items as presented
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
V. Action Items
A.
Possible Approval of Board Meeting Minutes
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
B.
Consideration and Possible Acceptance of the Financial Report
Megan Beck presented the financial report for the month ending May 31, 2025. At this point, 75% of the fiscal year has been completed. Income remains on target, while expenses are slightly elevated due to certain positions being paid over 12 months. The organization currently maintains approximately 160 days of cash on hand.
Ms. Megan Beck presented the financial report for the month ending May 31, 2025. At this point, 75% of the fiscal year has been completed. Income remains on target, while expenses are slightly elevated due to certain positions being paid over 12 months. The organization currently maintains approximately 160 days of cash on hand.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
C.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Kitchen Equipment Bid
Megan Beck presented the results of the RFP for kitchen equipment, part of the TDA-approved spend-down plan for Child Nutrition. Two vendors tied in scoring; the committee recommends awarding the bid to Culinary Depot based on delivery needs. Board approval is pending final authorization from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
D.
Consideration and Possible Approval of 2025-2026 Staff Handbook
Dr. Stephanie Colwell presented the draft of the 2025–2026 Life School Staff Handbook for board approval. Minor updates include changes to the Title IX coordinator for students, clarification on reporting pay changes to HR, updates to bereavement leave, and alignment with current board policies.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
E.
Consideration and Possible Approval of 2025-2026 Student/Parent Handbook
Joy Shepherd presented the revised red-lined version of the 2025–2026 Student/Parent Handbook, along with a summary of changes. Upon board approval, the handbook will go into effect. Any future legislative updates will be brought to the board as needed.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
F.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Athletic Training Services Agreement with Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Outpatient Therapy
Scott Thrush presented a proposed contract with Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation – Outpatient Therapy to provide athletic training services as needed for Life School athletic events. The contract, effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2030, sets a rate of $50 per hour with a three-hour minimum per scheduled licensed athletic trainer.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
G.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Janitorial Services Contract with Strategic Janitorial Solutions
Barry West presented the proposed 2025–2026 janitorial services contract with Strategic Janitorial Solutions, a longtime provider for Life School. The total contract amount is $835,836, with a 10% contingency of $83,836 for unforeseen needs, bringing the total budgeted amount to $919,672.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
H.
Consideration and Possible Approval of the Board Resolution Pertaining to Non-Enrolled Student Participation in UIL Activities and Accompanying Revisions to the “Student Activities” Policy in Life School Board Policy Manual, Policy Group 3 – Students
Bryon Ding presented a board resolution and accompanying policy revisions to PG-3.506 – Student Activities. In alignment with Senate Bill 401, the updated policy reaffirms Life School’s position not to allow non-enrolled students to participate in UIL activities. The revised policy, reviewed by legal counsel, is effective July 16, 2025.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
VI. Information Items
A.
Texas Public Charter School Association Conference - Houston - October 6-8, 2025
Bryon Ding provided the board with their travel options for he conference.
VII. Executive Closed Session
A.
Call for Motion to Enter Executive Closed Session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
The board entered closed session at 10:03 a.m.
B.
Possible Review, Updates and Revisions to Emergency Operations Plan
C.
Possible Discussion of Property
D.
Possible Discussion of Personnel and 2025-2026 Pay Grades/Compensation Plan
E.
Motion to Reconvene in Open Session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
The board reconvened in open session at 10:13 a.m.
VIII. Possible Action from Items Discussed in Closed Session
A.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Review, Updates and Revisions to Emergency Operations Plan as Discussed in Closed Session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
B.
Consideration and Possible Approval of 2025-2026 Pay Grades/Compensation Plan
Dr. Stephanie Colwell presented the 2025-2026 Pay Grades and Compensation plan.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
IX. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Absent
|
No speakers for public comment.