1. Charles Frazier, Board Chair & Governance Committee Chair - Absent 
2. LaTarsha White, Board Vice Chair - Absent
3. Daniel Kadeba, Board Treasurer and Finance & Development Committee Chair - Present
4. Patricia Pryor, Board Secretary - Absent
5. Brian Bradshaw, Board Member - Present
6. Chris Hill, Board Member - Present 
7. Dexter Peterson, Academic Excellence Committee Chair - Present
8. Loni Vazquez-Hall, Board Member - Present
9. Others
   1. Jeremy Sager, Founder & Executive Director - Present
   2. Dominique Tross, Founding Director of Operations - Virtual 

Mission Statement 

Novus SMART Academy (K-8) provides scholars with an extraordinary learning experience, where college and career begin in Kindergarten.

Vision Statement

Novus SMART Academy (K-8) produces global achievers through high-quality academic instruction and character development, with a relentless drive for success in life. 

Click here to review the agenda. 

Click here to see meeting minutes. 

1. As part of our ongoing governance responsibilities and preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, all Novus SMART Academy Board members must complete the applicable board training.
2. Please use the link below to register for and complete the currently available training: https://tcscmembershipportal.thinkific.com/products/courses/copy-of-2025-26-returning-board-member-training
3. Important Notes:
   1. Returning Board Members: Please register and complete the available training modules.
   2. New Board Members: Please also register under “Returning Members” for now and complete the modules currently available. There are currently 4 modules to complete.
   3. Two additional courses specifically for new board members are being uploaded. Once those are available, Kim West from the Tennessee Charter School Center will send the additional link and instructions to the members who need to complete them.
   4. Please prioritize completing the currently available training as soon as possible. This training is an important part of ensuring that our Board remains informed, compliant, and prepared to govern Novus effectively as we move toward our August 2027 opening.

1. To ensure continuity following Chris Hill’s departure, it is proposed that Daniel Kadeba, Board Treasurer, be appointed Chair of the Finance & Development Committee effective October 1, 2026.
2. Daniel would serve as Chair while the Board continues building sufficient membership and leadership capacity within both the Finance and Development functions.
3. This interim structure will allow the Board to intentionally recruit and place members with complementary expertise in:
   1. Finance and accounting;
   2. Audit and internal controls;
   3. Fundraising and philanthropy;
   4. Business development;
   5. Corporate partnerships; and
   6. Community engagement.
4. Once both functions are sufficiently built out, the Board can determine the appropriate long-term committee structure and leadership, including whether Finance and Development should remain combined or operate as separate committees.
5. Proposed Motion #1: Finance & Development Committee Chair: I move that the Board of Directors appoint Daniel Kadeba as Chair of the Finance & Development Committee, effective October 1, 2026, to serve until the Finance and Development functions are fully built out and the Board determines the appropriate long-term committee leadership structure.
6. Board Action: Approve the proposal to appoint Daniel Kadeba as Chair of the Finance & Development Committee, effective October 1, 2026.

1. The Finance & Development Committee recommends Tachi Lynch for appointment to the Novus SMART Academy Board of Directors.
2. Tachi completed her Final Capacity Interview on Saturday, August 22, 2026, immediately following the August Board meeting. The interview examined her alignment with Novus’s mission and vision, professional expertise, approach to governance and community engagement, fundraising capacity, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of Board service.
   1. Finance, Audit & Risk-Management Experience
      1. Tachi identified a professional background that could strengthen the Board’s financial oversight capacity. Her responses identified CPA eligibility, an audit and information-systems background, risk mitigation and organizational assessment experience, and experience implementing accounting software.
      2. During the discussion regarding Novus’s financial systems and Vertex Education, she identified several areas warranting strong financial controls, including purchase orders, card usage, signature requirements, appropriate thresholds, and due diligence.
      3. These areas of experience align with the Board’s increasing need for finance, audit, compliance, and internal-controls expertise as Novus approaches opening.
   2. Mission, Family & Community Alignment
      1. Tachi described education as instrumental to her own success and discussed the importance of having a strong educational foundation.
      2. When discussing family and community partnerships, she described partnership as a journey with families that requires collaboration, meeting students where they are, providing families with resources and solutions, and maintaining strong communication to build trust.
      3. She also shared a personal connection to the community through her sister and discussed both the area's growth and the importance of expanding opportunities and support for children and families.
   3. Governance & Accountability
      1. Tachi demonstrated an understanding of the distinction between governance and management, describing management as focused on day-to-day responsibilities while governance establishes the structure and regulatory framework surrounding management.
      2. She emphasized regulatory compliance, accountability, presenting solutions, and supporting collective Board decisions even when she may not personally favor the decision.
      3. She also described herself as willing to serve as a counterpart to the Executive Director’s vision while being vocal when she believes something is not functioning appropriately.
3. Development & Board Engagement
   1. Tachi identified creative opportunities for supporting fundraising, including leveraging marketing expertise, virtual fundraising activities, and social media campaigns.
   2. She also affirmed her ability to meet the anticipated Board time commitment and monthly meeting expectations, identifying time management as one of her strengths.
   3. The interview debrief identified her finance skill set, potential fit with the team culture, and thoughtfulness regarding community engagement as notable observations from the process.
4. Given the Board’s current needs, Tachi’s professional experience would add capacity in finance, audit, risk management, internal controls, technology, and development. Her background also makes the Finance & Development Committee a natural initial committee placement for Board consideration.
5. Proposed Motion #2: Appointment of Tachi Lynch
   1. I move that the Board of Directors approve the appointment of Tachi Lynch to the Novus SMART Academy Board of Directors, effective upon Board approval, subject to completion of all required onboarding, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and Board member requirements.
   2. Upon appointment, Tachi would complete Novus SMART Academy’s established Board onboarding and governance-training process.

• Proposed Motion #3: Adoption of the revised Board of Directors Orientation Checklist: I move that the Board of Directors adopt the revised Board of Directors Orientation Checklist as the standard framework for onboarding future Board members. Click Here
• Board Action: Adopt the revised Board of Directors Orientation Checklist as the standard framework for onboarding future Board members.

• Closing Reflections
• Adjournment
• What evening are you available to conduct Board candidate interviews?