International Academy of Flint
Minutes
Remote Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday May 17, 2021 at 5:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99830665584?pwd=czFsUnpmODdDRDhUWENjK0x0UUdNdz09
This meeting is being held virtually because the Board, as a public governing body as that term is used under the OMA, has determine that there is and continues to be a state of emergency at IAF and in Flint regarding COVID-19. At present, the 7 day average of new COVID-19 cases in Genesee County is 99 cases per day. If the May Board meeting were to happen at the school in person, Board members and third parties, in person attendance could potentially bring COVID-19 into the School and affect the health and welfare of the children who are not vaccinated and those teachers that have not been vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated because of a medical condition or religious beliefs. While cleaning protocols could mitigate some of the risk, not all of the risk can be avoided and the risk at this time of compromising the unvaccinated teachers and children is not acceptable. Accordingly, IAF is going to hold its May 17, 2021 meeting virtual. A decision on how meetings from June, 2021 forward will be held will be made in advance of the meetings taking into consideration the CDC Guidelines, State of Michigan Guidelines, and City of Flint Guidelines, and all other information that can be provided.
https://zoom.us/j/99830665584?pwd=czFsUnpmODdDRDhUWENjK0x0UUdNdz09
This meeting is being held virtually because the Board, as a public governing body as that term is used under the OMA, has determine that there is and continues to be a state of emergency at IAF and in Flint regarding COVID-19. At present, the 7 day average of new COVID-19 cases in Genesee County is 99 cases per day. If the May Board meeting were to happen at the school in person, Board members and third parties, in person attendance could potentially bring COVID-19 into the School and affect the health and welfare of the children who are not vaccinated and those teachers that have not been vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated because of a medical condition or religious beliefs. While cleaning protocols could mitigate some of the risk, not all of the risk can be avoided and the risk at this time of compromising the unvaccinated teachers and children is not acceptable. Accordingly, IAF is going to hold its May 17, 2021 meeting virtual. A decision on how meetings from June, 2021 forward will be held will be made in advance of the meetings taking into consideration the CDC Guidelines, State of Michigan Guidelines, and City of Flint Guidelines, and all other information that can be provided.
Directors Present
D. Thompson (remote), F. Booker (remote), J. Houck (remote), J. Kelley (remote), J. Sopczynski (remote), M. Childress (remote), Y. Speights-Beaugard (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
B. Gesaman (remote), Beth Kotlark (remote), C. Pinkelman (remote), Carrie Hoffman (remote), Christi Seiple-Cole (remote), Elisha Mitchell (remote), G. Meihn (remote), Jeanna Carrasco (remote), Jonique Donald (remote), Jordan Morrow (remote), Kandi Thomas (remote), Kiara Morris (remote), Kim Pittel (remote), Melissa Eiferle (remote), Melissa Vincent (remote), Novee Pennyman (remote), Steven Barber (remote), T. Cormier (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
D. Thompson called a meeting of the board of directors of International Academy of Flint to order on Monday May 17, 2021 at 5:30 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Conflict of Interest
No conflict of interest was noted.
D.
Approval of Agenda
F. Booker made a motion to approve the agenda.
M. Childress seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
E.
Student Matter 2021-05
President Thompson offered an open or closed session to the parent of student 2021-05. The parent requested to conduct matters in a closed session.
J. Sopczynski made a motion to go into closed session.
J. Houck seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
J. Sopczynski made a motion to go into open session.
J. Houck seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
J. Houck made a motion to allow student 2021-05 to finish the term and complete end of year exams virtually by no later than June 25, 2021 and to exclude student from any and all school activities including graduation.
M. Childress seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
F.
Academic Update
Academic Update
Information only
Information only
- Education provider report presented by Traci Cormier
- Academic Excellence committee meeting overview by Jeff Houck. Questions and comments addressed by Christ Seiple-Cole and Jeanna Carrasco
- CRIM & Community Education update presented by Jonique Donald
G.
EpiCenter Update
C. Pinkelman reported 99% on time submissions for the 2020-21 school year
II. Public Comment
A.
Public Comment
Public comment from multiple IAF current and former staff including teachers, support staff, administration, and students regarding their desire that FEM be removed as the mgt. company; complaints regarding lack of flexibility; complaints regarding refusal to take into consideration teachers suggestions and ideas; complaints regarding no plan of action regarding the large number of students that are not participating in the virtual or in person teaching; and unwillingness of SABIS to conform the curriculum to the needs of the teachers, students and community, among many other concerns and complaints
III. Consent Agenda
A.
Approval of April 19, 2021 Meeting Minutes
J. Houck made a motion to approve the consent agenda, accept reports, and to approve the minutes from the Remote Board Meeting on 04-19-21.
M. Childress seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
B.
Accept Reports
C.
Receive Correspondence
IV. New Business
A.
Monthly Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan Actions
The Board publicy announced the 2-way interactions, solicited public comment,
and confirmed no changes to the Academy's delivery of instruction.
and confirmed no changes to the Academy's delivery of instruction.
J. Sopczynski made a motion to approve the Covid-19 ECLP.
J. Houck seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
B.
Budget vs Actual
Information only. Current year budget amendment to be presented at the June meeting.
C.
Ratify Disbursements & Transfers
J. Sopczynski made a motion to ratify the disbursements and transfers.
Y. Speights-Beaugard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
D.
Ratify Prior Grant Expenditures
J. Sopczynski made a motion to ratify the prior grant expenditures.
Y. Speights-Beaugard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
E.
Board Policy Updates SP21
Agenda item postponed to June meeting following policy review with NCIS.
F.
Annual Calendar of Regularly Scheduled Meetings
Y. Speights-Beaugard made a motion to approve the 2021-22 calendar of regularly scheduled meetings.
J. Kelley seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
J. Sopczynski made a motion to move the regularly scheduled meeting for June to June 14, 2021 at 5:30 pm.
Y. Speights-Beaugard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
G.
Book Order 2021-22
Book order was postponed by the Board until Board attorney could review the terms of the order to determine if books could be returned if the student numbers fell substantially below the expected numbers that are anticipated.
H.
Legal Contract 2021-22
Postpone approval of legal contract to June meeting.
I.
Partner Solutions
Lindsey Campeau presented the concerns of teachers and staff regarding FEM and the SABIS system that essentially mirrored the concerns raised by the teachers during public comment. Ms. Campeau also made the Board aware of a complaint received by two employees that they felt they were being harassed and retaliated by Amy and FEM regarding a directive issued by Amy that the employees were not to have any communications with the Board until such communication was first filtered by Amy Wesley. Ms. Campeau recognized that such claims of harassment and retaliation would and will require an investigation and engagement in prompt and remedial measures.
J.
Legal Update
J. Sopczynski made a motion to in response to this information as reported by Lindsey Campeau, request that Amy Wesley, FEM, and SABIS send out communication reversing the directive that communication be filtered by Amy before such communication is made by employees to members of the Board and that Ms. Wesley apologize to the employees that have communicated their feelings of harassment and retaliation.
Y. Speights-Beaugard seconded the motion.
Board member J. Sopczynski further indicated that everyone should be honest and upfront as we are a team and teams need to communicate freely.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
G. Meihn informed the board that third party evaluator SchoolWorks is scheduled to be in the building on June 1 and June 2 to conduct the quality review. SchoolWorks requests the following prior to the visit.
1. Roster of ALL staff, including grade levels, subject areas taught and email addresses
2. Master schedule for all staff, including periods/times teaching, subjects teaching and room number
3. A list of teacher preparation times or “free” periods (if not included in the roster or master schedule)
4. School bell schedule
1. Roster of ALL staff, including grade levels, subject areas taught and email addresses
2. Master schedule for all staff, including periods/times teaching, subjects teaching and room number
3. A list of teacher preparation times or “free” periods (if not included in the roster or master schedule)
4. School bell schedule
FEM/SABIS employee Christi Seiple-Cole informed the Board that she had the information ready and would make sure it was emailed to everyone on or before Thursday, May 20, 2021.
J. Sopczynski made a motion to appoint Diane Thompson, Traci Cormier, and Amy Wesley as the point of contacts for SchoolWorks.
M. Childress seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
J. Houck made a motion to request that SchoolWorks request for information be completed by Thursday May 20th.
F. Booker seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
J. Sopczynski made a motion to form a temporary committee to evaluate alternatives to the educational provider and develop plan in the event that we are not able to reach reconciliation with SABIS/FEM Committee to report to the board their findings at the June 14th Board Meeting.
Y. Speights-Beaugard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
K.
CMU-Bill Gesaman
B. Gesaman presented a document Board Gear:Roles & Responsibilities list the 6 broad categories which define the critical role and special responsibilties of a board.
V. Other Business
A.
Announcement of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on June 14, 2021 at 5:30 pm.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
F. Booker made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Y. Speights-Beaugard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Kelley |
Aye
|
| J. Houck |
Aye
|
| Y. Speights-Beaugard |
Aye
|
| D. Thompson |
Aye
|
| F. Booker |
Aye
|
| J. Sopczynski |
Aye
|
| M. Childress |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Y. Speights-Beaugard
Y. Speights-Beaugard attending remote due to COVID from Flint, Genesee County, MI.
J. Sopczynski attending remote due to COVID from Flint, Genesee County, MI.
F. Booker attending remote due to COVID from Flint, Genesee County, MI.
M. Childress attending remote due to COVID from Ann Arbor, Shiawasee County, MI.
J. Houck attending remote due to COVID from Grand Blanc, Genesee County, MI.
J. Kelley attending remote due to COVID from Flint, Genesee County, MI.