Believe Memphis Academy

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday June 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM

Location

2230 Corry Rd., Memphis, TN 38106

Directors Present

A. Norman, B. Moritz, D. Reed, E. Eber, E. Stephens, F. Jones, J. Causey (remote), J. Torres (remote), J. Turner (remote)

Directors Absent

M. Mason

Guests Present

K. Green, M. Cowan

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

A. Norman called a meeting of the board of directors of Believe Memphis Academy to order on Tuesday Jun 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

D. Reed made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Retreat on 04-03-25.
F. Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Enrollment & Finance

A.

FY26 Budget Review

Matt discusses budgeted for 502 student enrollment

 

Evan asks about the enrollment priorities

  • Matt describes that families with siblings are top priority

Matt discusses the philanthropy and how we already received funding for the FY26

 

Matt discusses the technology update with upgrading staff computers

  • Kenny discusses 15 new laptops will begin the new rollover after the bidding process with 2-3 companies

The Board reviews the budget summary for FY26

 

Evan asks how the philanthropic efforts been going

  • Matt provides perspective on Hyde, Pyramid, and Fleetwood (hopefully, multiple year partnership)
    • Matt believes if there is more of an academic shift that there maybe a chance to receive funding from Pyramid
  • Alicia asks if Fleetwood does local work
    • Matt responds with a yes

Jeremy asks if there should more to the Furniture & Fixtures budget line

 

Alicia asks about the Staff Gifts & Awards budget line

 

Emily asks about the Contracted Services budget line

 

Evan asks about the retention of our staff

F. Jones made a motion to accept the proposed FY26 school year budget.
D. Reed seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

III. ED Report

A.

Report From ED

Matt shared the surplus of FY25 and the accomplishment of the SY

 

Matt provides an enrollment update

  • Alicia asks about data on the returning students (intent to return rate)
  • Emily provides an idea of the Board sending out a note to our returning students
  • Matt stresses the need for Kindergarten applications
    • Alicia provides insight about visiting child care centers

Matt discusses the initiative for aftercare after MAM consolidating with Streets

  • Jeremy provides Youth Athletics may be of assistance

Brad asks about the increases of grades and the challenges of enrollment

  • Matt shares about the increase of 3rd and 4th grade; 1 additional class for each grade
  • Alicia and Brad asks for enrollment projection numbers year by year

Matt provides a staffing update

  • Matt shares only 2 remaining vacancies (6th grade ELA & Front Desk Coordinator)
  • This year's staff search was much more missioned aligned
  • Evan asks for more insight on the non-returning staff
  • Alicia requests for a formal exit interviews
    • Emily provides a willingness from the Board to support in exit interviews
    • Matt stresses the point of more Board participation
  • Emily asks about the overall morale for the returning staff
    • Matt shares how funding is being reutilized for better professional development for our school

Matt provides a TCAP update

  • long-term sub provided the 2nd highest proficient rate with the scores
  • Math was a struggle this year for G6-8
  • Strategically moving staff to create stronger foundations
  • Alicia asks for clarification for the meaning of "priority list"
    • It will effect philanthropy
    • ELA 11% & Math 11% to be off the "priority list"
  • Alicia asks for TVAAS level score
    • Matt shares that it may come around September
  • Brad asks to share about the 3rd grade data
    • Matt reinforces the low proficiency rate from the TCAP scores

Matt shares the Extended Learning Proposal

  • The biggest issue is providing aftercare for our SY25-26 students
  • Emily shares about utilizing other organizations for the enrichment

B.

SY25-26 Goals

IV. Governance

A.

New Board Member

F. Jones made a motion to vote John as the new board member for Believe Memphis Academy.
D. Reed seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

V. Closing Items

A.

Board Meeting Schedule

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:05 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
A. Norman