Life School
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday August 17, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Directors Present
B. Wilson Ed.D., C. Ransbottom, J. Ruiz, R. Martinez, R. Mays, S. Lee Ph.D., S. Williams
Directors Absent
C. Clemmons, G. Dominguez
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
J. Ruiz
Guests Present
J. Hilton
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
B. Wilson Ed.D. called a meeting of the board of directors of Life School to order on Monday Aug 17, 2026 at 5:16 PM.
C.
Speakers on Public Sign-up Sheet
II. Opening Ceremonies
A.
Pledge of Allegiance/Texas Pledge
Students from LHSW presented the Pledges and I will statement.
B.
Invocation
Ruben Martinez gave the invocation.
C.
Education Foundation Presentation Update
Azaria Smith provided the monthly report for the Life School Education Foundation. For the month of June 2026, the Foundation received $14,201 in donations. Year-to-date contributions total $151,612.
The GEM (Give Every Month) program remains steady with approximately 240 recurring givers, generating around $2,011 in monthly contributions.
D.
Recognitions
Dr. Joy Shepherd was recognized for obtaining her Ed.D.
III. Public Hearing/Board Training
A.
Motion to Enter a Public Hearing
C. Ransbottom made a motion to enter into a public hearing.
R. Martinez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Absent
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
The Board entered into the public hearing at 5:23 pm.
J. Ruiz arrived at 5:37 PM.
B.
2025-2026 State Accountability Report
C.
2027 Fiscal Year Budget
D.
Motion to Close Public Hearing
S. Lee Ph.D. made a motion to close the public hearing.
R. Mays seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
The Board closed the public hearing at 5:51 pm.
IV. Consent Items
A.
Acceptance of the 2025-2026 State Accountability Report as Presented in the Public Hearing
B.
Approval of the 2027 Fiscal Year Budget as Presented in the Public Hearing
C.
Acceptance of New Hires and Terminations
D.
Acceptance of Gifts and Donations
E.
Approval of the Revisions to the 2026-2027 Course Guide
F.
Approval of the Dallas College Dual Credit Agreement
G.
Ratification of the First Student Bus Contract
H.
Approval of the Renewal of Professional E-Rate Service Agreement with Kellogg & Sovereign
I.
Approval of Liability Insurance Providers
J.
Approval of Janitorial Services Contract with Strategic Janitorial Solutions
K.
Motion to Withdraw the Ratification of the First Student Bus Contract out of Consent and Move It into Action Items
C. Ransbottom made a motion to withdraw the ratification of the First Student Bus contract out of Consent and move it into Action Items, per attorney recommendation.
R. Martinez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
L.
Motion to Approve the Consent Items as presented
S. Lee Ph.D. made a motion to approve the Consent Items as presented.
J. Ruiz seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
V. Action Items
A.
Consideration and Possible Approval of TEA Application(s) for Remote Conferencing and/or Remote Homebound Waiver(s)
S. Williams made a motion to table the TEA Application(s) for Remote Conferencing and/or Remote Homebound Waiver(s).
J. Ruiz seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
B.
Consideration and Possible Acceptance of the Financial Report
S. Lee Ph.D. made a motion to accept the financial reports as presented.
R. Martinez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
C.
Consideration and Possible Approval 2026 Fiscal Year Final Budget
S. Williams made a motion to approve the 2026 fiscal year final budget as presented, pending auditor approval.
C. Ransbottom seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
D.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Annual Review of the “Investment of Funds” Policy (Investment Policy) in Life School Board Policy Manual, Policy Group 5 – Fiscal Management
C. Ransbottom made a motion to approve the updates to the “Investment of Funds” policy for the approval “Annual Investment Policy Review” as presented and the Board President and Secretary be authorized to sign on behalf of the Board of Directors effective August 17, 2026 as presented.
S. Lee Ph.D. seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
E.
Consideration and Possible Ratification of HVAC Service and Preventative Maintenance Contract with Synergy Environmental Services, LLC
R. Martinez made a motion to ratify the HVAC Service and Preventative Maintenance Contract with Synergy Environmental Services, LLC as presented.
R. Mays seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
F.
Consideration and Possible Approval of the Brightview Landscape Services Agreement
R. Martinez made a motion to approve the Brightview Landscape Services Agreement as presented.
C. Ransbottom seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
G.
Consideration and Possible Ratification of Life School and Powerhouse Facility Use Agreement
S. Williams made a motion to ratify the Life School and Powerhouse Facility Use Agreement as presented.
S. Lee Ph.D. seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Abstain
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
H.
Consider and Take Possible Action on Board Resolution for Compliance with Texas Education Code Section 11.005 (Prohibition on DEI Duties) and Section 28.0022 (Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions)
C. Ransbottom made a motion to approve the Board Resolution for Compliance with Texas Education Code Section 11.005 (Prohibition on DEI Duties) and Section 28.0022 (Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions) as presented.
R. Martinez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Abstain
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
I.
Consideration and Possible Approval of the Shared Services Agreement Between Life School and Life Christian Academy
J. Ruiz made a motion to approve the authorization for the Superintendent or designee to negotiate and for the Board Secretary to sign the Shared Services Agreement between Life School and Life Christian Academy pending attorney review.
S. Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
J.
Consideration and Possible Approval of the License Agreement Between Life School and Life Christian Academy
C. Ransbottom made a motion to approve the authorization for the Superintendent or designee to negotiate and for the Board Secretary to sign the License Agreement between Life School and Life Christian Academy pending attorney review.
J. Ruiz seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
K.
Possible Approval of Board Meeting Minutes
J. Ruiz made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 07-20-26.
S. Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Abstain
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
L.
Table and take no action on the 3-Year Transportation Services Agreement with First Student for district bus routes and mid-day academic transportation services for the 2026-2029 school years.
R. Martinez made a motion to table and take no action on the 3-Year Transportation Services Agreement with First Student for district bus routes and mid-day academic transportation services for the 2026-2029 school years.
R. Mays seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
VI. Executive Closed Session
A.
Call for Motion to Enter Executive Closed Session
J. Ruiz made a motion to enter into Closed Session.
S. Lee Ph.D. seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
The Board went into closed session at 6:32 p.m.
B.
Consultation with Legal Counsel on Legal Matters and Litigation
C.
Possible Discussion of Real Property (Duncanville)
D.
Possible Discussion of Property
E.
Possible Discussion of Annual Review of the Superintendent Succession Plan
F.
Possible Discussion of the Superintendent Contract Addendum (Review)
G.
Motion to Reconvene in Open Session
C. Ransbottom made a motion to reconvene in Open Session.
R. Martinez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
The Board went into open session at 7:25 p.m.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
S. Williams made a motion to adjourn the August 17, 2026 Board Meeting.
S. Lee Ph.D. seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Wilson Ed.D. |
Aye
|
| J. Ruiz |
Aye
|
| S. Lee Ph.D. |
Aye
|
| G. Dominguez |
Absent
|
| C. Clemmons |
Absent
|
| S. Williams |
Aye
|
| R. Martinez |
Aye
|
| C. Ransbottom |
Aye
|
| R. Mays |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
J. Hilton
None