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
B.
Roll Call
C.
Verification of Quorum
II. Approval of Agenda
A.
Approval of the Agenda
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.
Verified. Quorum achieved prior to start of meeting.