Believe Memphis Academy

Minutes

BMA Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday April 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Location

2230 Corry Rd., Memphis, TN 38106

Directors Present

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

Directors Absent

A. Norman, E. Stephens, M. Mason

Guests Present

Danny Song, Emily Cupples (remote), Greg Thompson (remote), K. Green, M. Cowan

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

F. Jones called a meeting of the board of directors of Believe Memphis Academy to order on Thursday Apr 2, 2026 at 4:12 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

J. Torres made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board Meeting on 02-24-26.
E. Eber seconded the motion.

J.Torres made a motion on the edited minutes. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Public Comment

No members of the public were present for comment.

II. Enrollment & Finance

A.

Finance Update

G. Thompson provided a financial update.

 

Key Updates

  • The Line of Credit (LOC) has been paid in full.
  • Current cash on hand is understated, as additional funding is pending and has not yet been reflected in accounts.
  • Reviewed contracted services for post-Believe operations, including financial, audit, legal, and consulting support.

Discussion

  • B. Moritz inquired about the allocation for GP Support.
  • D. Song explained that the amount is a conservative estimate to support transition and expansion related to the merger.
  • G. Thompson provided additional clarification regarding the purpose and structure of GP support funding.

III. Executive Report

A.

Staff Attendance Report

M. Cowan provided an update on staff attendance.

 

Key Highlights

  • Staff absences were higher in March, largely due to mental health days, partial-day absences, non-core staff absences, and illness.
  • Despite the increase, there was no significant impact on core instruction.

Coverage Plan

  • Internal coverage is prioritized; substitute services are utilized as needed.
  • Increased absences have placed additional strain on the team; however, the school remains fully staffed.
  • A “good standing” clarification email has been sent to staff.

Board Comment

  • B. Moritz commended the team for maintaining adequate staffing and continuity.

B.

Academic Report

M. Cowan provided an academic report with a focus on TCAP AMO targets and instructional adjustments.

 

TCAP AMO Targets

  • ELA: 11.3% proficiency vs. 13.46% AMO
  • Math: 7.1% proficiency vs. 12.4% AMO
  • Science: 14.77% proficiency vs. 16.62% AMO
  • Social Studies: 24.63% proficiency vs. 26.72% AMO

Performance Highlights

  • Notable math growth in grades 7–8.
  • Strong gains in science, particularly in grades 5–6.
  • Social Studies remains the highest-performing content area overall.
  • Overall performance is approaching AMO targets across subjects.

Instructional Response & Adjustments

  • Implementation of targeted tutoring beginning after Spring Break.
  • Adoption of a strategic co-teaching model.
  • Ongoing data-driven instruction, including weekly and daily instructional adjustments.
  • Implementation of the “Read the Test” model to strengthen student test readiness.

C.

Ops Report

K. Green provided an operations update, highlighting key priorities and planning efforts.

 

Key Updates

  • Insurance Renewal & Benefits: Ongoing review and preparation for upcoming renewals and benefits alignment.
  • Enrollment & Financial Adjustments: Monitoring enrollment trends and aligning financial plans accordingly.
  • End-of-Year Closeout & Merger Integration: Planning for a smooth year-end closeout alongside merger integration efforts.
  • Charter Surrender & Closure Protocols: Preparing for voluntary charter surrender and associated school closure procedures, if applicable.
  • Family Engagement: Planning for additional support and engagement sessions for families should the merger move forward.

IV. Executive Session

A.

Executive Session

E. Eber made a motion to approve to enter Executive Session, including E. Cupples, M. Cowan, K. Green, and D. Song.
J. Torres seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Grizzlies Prep Partnership Vote

A.

Grizzlies Prep Partnership Vote

J. Torres made a motion to to approve the Education Collaboration Agreement with Grizzlies Prep and M3 Project.
D. Reed seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E. Eber made a motion to Approve the budget with the additional $40k for incidentals.
J. Buford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
J. Torres made a motion to approve the allocation of up to $300,000, including an immediate allocation of $50,000 to Grizzlies Prep.
D. Reed seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
J. Torres made a motion to authorize the Oversight Committee to distribute the remaining $250,000 allocation over the months of April through June.
F. Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Torres