Under the Canopy School
Minutes
General Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday September 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Location
3205 W. 39th Street
Tulsa, OK. 74107
Persons who require a special accommodation to participate in these meetings should contact the Under the Canopy offices, 1110 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74112, (918) 205-1193, or via Email: info@underthecanopy.org, as far in advance as possible and preferably at least 48-hours before the date of the meeting. Persons using a TDD may contact OKLAHOMA RELAY at 1-800-722-0353 and voice calls should be made to 1-800-522-8506 to communicate via telephone with hearing telephone users and vice versa.
Authority: Title 25 Oklahoma Statutes, Section 311.A.1.
The agenda for this meeting was posted with the County Clerk, at our principal place of business, and online, 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Directors Present
Patrick Boulden, Shan Glandon, Stacey Leigh, Stan Khrapak
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Amber Gates, Kris Miller, Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek, Mel Trafford, Rachel Stone, Sabra Martin
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve minutes - August 26, 2025 Board Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Patrick Boulden |
Aye
|
| Shan Glandon |
Aye
|
| Stacey Leigh |
Aye
|
| Stan Khrapak |
Aye
|
II. For Vote
A.
Vote to approve comp time for hourly employees
Concept of comp time parameters and expectations discussed. Written policy to be voted on at next meeting. In the meantime, there will be no comp time opportunities for hourly staff.
B.
Vote to approve purchase policy for meals
Discussion about providing meals to students who are unable to pay.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Stan Khrapak |
Aye
|
| Stacey Leigh |
Aye
|
| Patrick Boulden |
Aye
|
| Shan Glandon |
Aye
|
C.
Vote to approve contract with Bill Hickman
The budget was considered.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Shan Glandon |
Aye
|
| Stacey Leigh |
Aye
|
| Stan Khrapak |
Aye
|
| Patrick Boulden |
Aye
|
D.
Vote to approve Partners in Wellness Contract
Contract for services to be provided for students on IEPs and 504 plans.
This contract will apply to the budget line item of school services. Federal funding will also pay for this service, and some services will be apply to student's Sooner Care.
The contract states Terms of Service ambiguously.
Discussion of billable and non-billable hours.
Board does not want to exceed the budgeted amount.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Stacey Leigh |
Aye
|
| Patrick Boulden |
Aye
|
| Stan Khrapak |
Aye
|
| Shan Glandon |
Aye
|
E.
Vote to Approve Special Education Discipline Policy
The behavior policy needs a section about Special Education discipline policy. If suspended, SPED students will need information to continue their learning at home during that time.
Discussion of whether the behavior is a manifestation of the student's disability and who decides that and then determining the consequence.
The board determined the pattern of removal is for 10 days in the school year.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Patrick Boulden |
Aye
|
| Stacey Leigh |
Aye
|
| Stan Khrapak |
Aye
|
| Shan Glandon |
Aye
|
III. Reports
A.
Head of School Report
School focus has been on rhythms, routine and supporting teachers.
Working on getting more substitutes, have 5 interested people to interview and train.
Looking at budget to see possibility of hiring a para.
First fire drill is tomorrow.
Handling emergencies and accidents - first aid kits in every grade. There was a playground accident and 911 was called.
Mandatory superintendent training on Thursday, 9/11.
Wins - parents and students positive responses about the school.
Community partnership with Euchee Butterfly Farm.
Applying for TSET grant for outdoor nature areas for small schools.
B.
Facility Report
Kitchen build out update - Health department inspected and approved, started serving since 9/3.
Fire alarm still being updated.
Flooring completed after this weekend.
C.
Education Report
Amber has been embedded as substitute in the classroom. This has been good for a view and understanding of student's and teacher's needs. But, also pulls admin away from duties they need to be doing.
Student behaviors and the open concept are inhibiting the use of Waldorf teaching methods.
The FriYay and WednesYay scheduling allow for the very valuable touch point time with teachers.
Glimmers of students at their best, are slow gains of improvement.
This type of school does not work for all children.
Former principal of Mayo toured the school to give his understanding of open concept in this building.
Stan proposed sound and barrier systems to be a priority.
D.
Governance/Legal Committee
2025 Legislative Session by the OPCSA, and Stacey and Patrick attended virtually.
Charter schools are required to follow
Patrick reviewed important and relevant State House bills and Senate bills for schools, some actionable items right away:
- UTCS should have a form for records requests and policy if charging for records.
- Employees to sign an annual Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting attestation.
IV. Discussion
A.
Board Retreat and Evaluation
Stan is working to get access to My Video Spot for board members to begin the trainings.
B.
Tragedy at Glenpool Schools
Stacey discussed the tragedy that occurred at a Glenpool school and the action plan to help the students.
Stacey brought up concerns to make sure UTCS has options for counseling for emergencies.
V. Public Comments
A.
Comments from Rachel Stone, 2nd Grade Teacher
Suggested reading volunteers to support literacy in students.
Seeking resources for counseling for students and building community mental health.
Student behaviors are a struggle.
B.
Comments from Sabra Martin, 3rd Grade Teacher
Main concern of seeing there are many students learning disabilities and the need for more paras.
C.
Comments from Mel Trafford, Music & Handwork Teacher
The sound issue of an open concept school is very challenging.
Teachers are committed to the school and its success.
Stan announced Allison Irby Vu has resigned from the board effective immediately.