IOTA Community Schools
Minutes
IOTA Board of Directors' Meeting: January 22, 2026
Date and Time
Thursday January 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Location
We will meet at Wooddale Middle School in the Library. However, if you cannot attend, please join via the Google Meet link below.
Any participant requiring special assistance, or disability-related modifications, including auxiliary
aides or services, in order to participate in this meeting can call Karen Payne at 901-201-
7272. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting, will facilitate reasonable arrangements to ensure
accommodations and accessibility. Upon request, IOTA shall make available the meeting
agenda and all other public records associated with this meeting in appropriate alternative
formats for persons with a disability.
IOTA Board of Directors' Meeting: January 22, 2026
Thursday, January 22 · 5:00 – 7:00pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mqc-pdzy-key
Or dial: (US) +1 929-324-9411 PIN: 252 145 432#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/mqc-pdzy-key?pin=2378558528358
Directors Present
E. Harris (remote), L. Neal (remote), P. Egwuekwe (remote), P. Velasquez (remote), T. Young (remote)
Directors Absent
A. Allen
Guests Present
D. Penaranda (remote), J. Rodgers, K. Payne, T. Estes
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Agenda
- Call Meeting to Order + Attendance + Mission Moment
- Public Comment
- IOTA Strategic Priorities Updates
- Highly Effective Team
- Replicable Model
- Meeting Adjourn
D.
Vision, Mission, and Excellence
Jocquell shared the mission, vision, and excellence.
E.
Mission Moment
Quinn shared the mission moment: Mentorship Creating Pathways. The student spotlight was Markavious Walker and he nomination to Mentor Memphis Grizzles.
She shared upcoming events from the mentorship team and how individuals can become involve with the program.
F.
Public Comment
No Public Comment
G.
Consent Agenda
II. Strategic Priorities Updates
A.
Academic Updates
Sonya discuss the the current AIMSWeb Data. This benchmark was only for 6th grade students. In ELA: Improves were made in student progress. The RTI staff is also seeing improvement across the region although there is still work to do. Math: Movement is seen in math. There is work to be done according to the high school data specifically at Hillcrest.
Jocquell also spoke on the data and how these assessments help lead us to success in TN Ready.
Pedro asked the stretch vs the typical. Sonya explain the rates for both ELA and Math and explain where improvements are needed.
III. Highly Effective Team
A.
Recruitment Updates
Haley spoke on the intent return letters that were sent to current staff. Interviews will begin soon for any returning or transferring staff. Exit interviews for those staff that are leaving are also taking place.
Haley will be attending spring college fairs to recruit staff for TN and ARK.
IV. Replicable Model
A.
Finance
Jovan provided an updated about the ARK budget. A budget can not be official provided yet due to the CSP grant funds. More clarity will come soon. CSP grant funds will provide all start up cost for ARK. We are also awaiting on the finalizing of the building.
Dan wants us to provided a complete budget on ARK to the board. Dan noted that we were awarded the CSP grant last year 2.4M and expect to receive that again this year.
Tomieka discussed the FY25 audit. They are still requesting items. There have not been any major issues found. More information should be coming early next week.
Dan stated that we do not need the board to approve the audit but we would like for them to review before submitted.
Tomieka stated that the extension has been set for February 1st.
Dan stated they we could keep the board updated on status of the audit and the board could meet once its completed and submitted.
Board members requested to have a meeting to review the audit before it is official submitted.
Pedro and Pam asked specific questions around the audit and the submission. Pedro asked about 1090 and Dan stated that was a different process. Pam asked about if inclement weather what will we do. Dan stated we are shopping for a new auditing firm.
Jocquell mention the board retreat schedule for February 28th.
Larry motion to ask about the loan and Pedro second the motion.
Larry was able to speak to the team and the loan is borrower friendly. Overall the loan documents are very simple. Hope to close next Thursday; the board should review before the closing of 2.5M. The board agreed with Larry's proposal of the documents and the review process.
Board Members went into close session along with Dan and Jovan.