Academy of Collaborative Education

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday August 21, 2024 at 3:30 PM

Location

Academy of Collaborative Education

505 Glenmar Avenue

Monroe, LA 71201

In accordance with Louisiana Open Meetings Law - La. R.S. 42:19, notice is hereby provided to the members of the Board of Directors of the Academy of Collaborative Education and the general public that the Board will hold a regular, special, or rescheduled meeting, open to the public. To remain in compliance with the Open Meetings Law, recipients are advised not to forward this message to other Board members, and Board members are advised not to reply to this message.

Directors Present

Amy Marcus, Carmen Parks, Holly Allen (remote), Joellen Freeman, Latner McDonald, Maddie Cannon

Directors Absent

Kara Maggorie

Ex Officio Members Present

Karen Roberson

Non Voting Members Present

Karen Roberson

Guests Present

Michael Dunn, Financing (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

Maddie Cannon called a meeting of the board of directors of Academy of Collaborative Education to order on Wednesday Aug 21, 2024 at 3:30 PM.

B.

Roll Call

C.

Verification of Quorum

Verified. Quorum achieved prior to start of meeting.

II. Approval of Agenda

A.

Approval of the Agenda

Carmen Parks made a motion to approve the minutes from Maddie Cannon Monthly ACE Board Meeting on 05-10-24.
Amy Marcus seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

III. Public Comment

A.

Opportunity for public input and comment, limited to 2 minutes per speaker.

Ms. Shatoria Wilson inquired on the status of transportation. Joellen Freeman discussed that ACE was in discussions with Monroe City School District for the provision of transportation but, as of today, there are no final plans for the general transportation of ACE students.

IV. Finance

A.

Finance Committee report.

Michael Dunn discussed ACE's "Preliminary Report" for year ending June 2024. At this time the report identifies a surplus of approximately 200K. The majority of income received is earmarked as "charitable." There are lots of expenses that need to be captured in the appropriate budget period, whether pre-opening or post-opening. We now need to review and possibly reconsider ACE's budget given that ACE now has confirmation of receipt of the CSP Grant.

V. School Operations

A.

Overview of current school operations

Enrollment and Staffing:

 

91 students currently enrolled. 

30 students currently on waitlist with majority of those students in the 1st and 2nd grades.

12 teachers, 8 of whom are SpEd certified. 

10 paraprofessionals. 1 more to come on board Monday. 

ACE continues to build our substitute teacher list.

ACE is fully staffed with behavioral therapists.

ACE continues to search for a Speech Therapist; Joellen Freeman filling in until person identified.

 

 

Student Performance Data:

 

Connectivity issues with LDOE have impaired ACE's ability to report but issues are working out and data is anticipated to be available soon.

 

Food Services: 

 

ACE receives food services through Lexington Elementary, averaging 35-65 meals per day. 

Milk delivered to ACE 1x/week.

 

Transportation: 

 

ACE is in discussions with Monroe City School re: the provision of bus services for the Monroe City area and surrounding areas. The City can provide transportation if ACE students go on a school field trip.

 

JPS Transporation is a limousine/van service that provides transportation services to ACE students living in Monroe City. A paraprofessional rides on the bus. The para- is currently provided through JPS, not ACE.

 

VI. New Board Member Recommendation

A.

Introduction of recommended new board member, Rob Turner.

Latner McDonald introduced "Rob Turner" as a new member to the Board. He is also a parent of an enrolled student. 

 

Maddie Cannon requested a Motion to approve Rob's appointed to the Board. 

Amy Marcus motioned to approve Rob's appointment and Carmen Parks 2nd the motion.

VII. Community Engagement

A.

Upcoming Events

ACE Master Golf Tournament:  October 11, 2024. 

 

River Rat Paddle Challenge: ACE invited to participate. October 12, 2024.

 

All money brought in will be funneled into ACE and its operations/students/mission.

VIII. Other Business

A.

Charter School Program Grant

ACE awarded 2M CSP grant. Funding is not fronted. Funding is earmarked by CSP for certain items and is paid after the fact on approval by CSP. Thoughts on funding items: safety and security, teacher education and training, etc.

B.

Action Items and Next Steps

Dr. Matthew Fowlkes turned in his letter of resignation as a Board member. ACE remains in compliance as Rob Turner moved onto the Board.

Discussion of forming parent organization. To be discussed later.

IX. 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 4:02 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Holly Allen