Menlo Park Academy Governing Board
Minutes
Board Meeting
Regular Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday June 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Location
Menlo Park Academy
2149 W. 53rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44102
The regular meeting of MPA’s governing board will be held on June 26, 2025 at Menlo Park Academy, 2149 W. 53rd Street, Cleveland, OH 44102. Meeting dates and times are posted in several places in building as well as online. We will endeavor to enable virtual attendance, when possible, at this meeting link – https://meet.google.com/bqx-niry-mqu.
Directors Present
Jeffrey Sugalski, Sam Sherwood, Teri Harrison, Tiffany Randle, Twana Rogers
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Allison Lentz, Deborah Zeffren (remote), Jessica Esway
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Tiffany Randle called a meeting of the board of directors of Menlo Park Academy Governing Board to order on Thursday Jun 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM.
C.
Public Comments
II. Meeting Minutes
A.
Amend Minutes- March 13, 2025
Teri Harrison made a motion to accept amended meeting minutes as presented.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Meeting Minutes - April 2025 Regular Meeting
Sam Sherwood made a motion to approve the April 2025 Regular Meeting minutes Board Meeting on 04-17-25.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
C.
Minutes Approval - May 2025 Regular Meeting
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve the May 2025 Regular Meeting minutes Board Meeting on 05-15-25.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
III. Sponsor Report
A.
Sponsor Report
IV. Financial Report
A.
May Financials
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to acknowledge receipt of financials.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
V. Board Committees
A.
Audit & Finance
Discussed end of year financials. Looks positive.
B.
Development
Almost $19,000 short of the annual appeal. Reviewed target areas for the next year's committee. Back to school night, and what does it look like. Include a Board Committee table, volunteer table.
Discussed ideas for outdoor space, signage, mural. Next steps, facilities are a sub committee, and they will finalize the master plan and recommend to the board. Prioritizaton will be voted on.
C.
Enrollment Task Force
Access to analytics and additional reporting around that are getting better. Increrasing some visibility into our pipeline of students. Marketing efforts are in place and looking to see what other tactics and what is actually working to get enrollment increased.
D.
Program Excellence
E.
School Culture
The committee did not have the most recent meeting due to end of school year activities. Another meeting will be planned for July, 2025 depanding on availability.
VI. New Board Applicants
A.
New Board Member Applicant - Information
Applicants were not present.
B.
New Board Member Applicant - Open Questions
Applicants were not present. However, the Board will continue to encourage others to apply.
VII. Resolutions for Consideration: HR
A.
New Hires
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to hire Caitlin Gessner effective 7/7/25 at a rate of $20/hour for the Project assistant position.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to hire Rita Nelson as the Office Manager effective 7/1/25 at $48,000.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Resignations
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the resignation of Renee dornan effective 06/13/2025.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
C.
Org Chart
Sam Sherwood made a motion to approve the organization chart as presented.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Job Description
Twana Rogers made a motion to approve the job description of Office Manager as presented.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve the job description of Office Coordinator Development and Registrar Coordinator roles as presented.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E.
Admin Merit Increase Proposal
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve David Pannell for FY2026 year for $53,816.81.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve Liana Wiemels for FY2026 for $72,100.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
F.
Employee Referral - Stipend
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to pay a stipend in the amount of $500 to Karen Sacco for referring Abigail McMaster.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
VIII. Resolutions for Consideration: Academic
A.
Stipends
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve a stipend in the amount of $100 for Shannon Tagliarina and Megan Dolar for Admissions testing on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Sam Sherwood made a motion to approve a stipend in the amount of $100 for Megan Dolar, Jodell Ward, Liz Mindala for Admissions testing on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Sam Sherwood made a motion to approve a stipend in the amount of $100 for Shannon Tagliarina and Megan Dolar for Admissions testing on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve a stipend in the amount of $300 for Floor Leads for the FY2025 for Lona Koppenhaver, Joel Black, Erin Peters, and Kelly Baughman.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve LPDC stipend for FY2025 in the amount of $300 for Ali Elmore, Erin Peters, and $400 for Doug Thompson.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
1st Place Spiritwear
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to have J. Esway to authorize the renewal agreement with 1st Place Spiritwear as presented.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
C.
Curriculum Materials
All curriculum is within budget and changed to discussion instead of vote. Will purchase in July 2025.
D.
STEM
Twana Rogers made a motion to approve the grant proposal as presented and to seek funding for the STEM program.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E.
Planners
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve J. Esway to sign the agreement with Schoolmate as presented for planners.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
F.
Winter Benefit Location Contract
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to authorize J. esway to sign the agreement with the Lakewood Board of Education for the Winter Benefit.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
G.
Gifted Cohort Agreement
Twana Rogers made a motion to table to authorize J. Esway to sign the agreement with Ashland University College of Education as presented for a cohort for gifted endorsement.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
H.
Gifted Performance Indicator Form
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to authorize J. Esway to sign the Opt-In form for gifted performance as presented.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to adopt the Duolingo language program proposal as presented.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
IX. Resolutions for Consideration: Operations
A.
Chair Rental
Sam Sherwood made a motion to authorize J. Esway to sign the agreement with Cleveland Tent Rental fo $573.95.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
B.
Meta
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to authorize D. Zeffren to sign the renewal agreement with Meta Solutions as presented.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
C.
School Photography Renewal
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to authorize J. Esway to sign the agreement with Ripcho Studio as presented for SY2025.26 school pictures.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
D.
Food Bank Partnership Agreement
Twana Rogers made a motion to authorize D. Zeffren to sign the agreement with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
E.
RipchoStudio
Repetition-Same as school photography renewal.
X. Board Resolutions
A.
Online Day Plan- Annual Adoption
Sam Sherwood made a motion to adopt the online day plan as presented.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
B.
FY26 Development Plan
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to approve the FY2026 development plan as presented.
Twana Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
C.
Board Deliverables Calendar FY 26
Teri Harrison made a motion to approve the Board deliverables calendar as presented.
Jeffrey Sugalski seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
XI. Old Business
A.
School Calendar - Update
Twana Rogers made a motion to approve the 2025.26 school calendar updates as presented.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
XII. New Business
A.
New Business
Jeffrey Sugalski made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss the compensation of a public employee.
Sam Sherwood seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Twana Rogers |
Aye
|
| Jeffrey Sugalski |
Aye
|
| Tiffany Randle |
Aye
|
| Sam Sherwood |
Aye
|
XIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tiffany Randle
Reviewed end-of-the-year benchmark data with J. Esway and D. Zeffren. We saw strengths in student achievement. S. Sherwood, T. Randle, and T. Harrison attended 8th Grade Graduation. Sponsor meeting is Friday, August 8, 2025. the Special Education summit is on Friday, August 22, 2025.