Durham Charter School

Minutes

Durham Charter School Board Virtual Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday April 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Location

Our Mission: To Build a World-Class, K-12 School in Durham that Empowers Students to Thrive in College, Career, and Life. 

Directors Present

C. Cain (remote), E. Lembert (remote), G. Wicker (remote), L. Morey (remote), M. Lesesky (remote), P. Edwards (remote), R. Ford (remote)

Directors Absent

A. Gutierrez, M. Bailey

Guests Present

B. Brown (remote), P. Adkins (remote), P. Cummings (remote), Sarah Machak (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

L. Morey called a meeting of the board of directors of Durham Charter School to order on Thursday Apr 23, 2026 at 5:03 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

Quorum was reached with 7 of 9 board members present.

C.

Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge of Allegience was rendered.

D.

Approve Minutes

R. Ford made a motion to approve the minutes from Durham Charter School Virtual Board Meeting on 02-26-26.
E. Lembert seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

Approval of Agenda

G. Wicker made a motion to approve the April 23, 2026 agenda.
R. Ford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

F.

Privilege of the Floor

No one was present for Priveledge of the Floor.

II. Executive Director Report

A.

Presentation of Report

Mr. Quigley presented the Executive Director's Report

 

  • Academic Assessment and Achievement 
  • Enrollment 
  • Attendence and Disciplinary Data
  • Transportation improvements fo next school year
  • YTD Budget Summary (including cash on hand)
  • Mr. Quigley asked Ms. Machak to discuss the Durham Tech Partnership (courses, pathways, grade point averages, registration process, and current enrollment)

III. Old Business

A.

Phase II Project Update

Mr. Cummings presented and discussed the update on the Phase II construction project:

 

  • Project Budget 
  • Architectural and Civil presented to the City of Durham for permitting
  • AGMP presented to Bond Team
  • Draft Hubrich Construction Contract
  • E Rate Funding
  • Timeline for contract approval
  • Owner's Rep
  • Modular removal

IV. New Business

A.

Senior Trip to New York City

Mr.Quigley discussed the Senior Trip New York City (for board approval)

B.

2026 Audit

  • The Sharpe Patel Engagement and Planning Letters presented and discussed by Mr. Quigley and Ms. Morey
  • Final year using Sharpe Patel
  • Next year start using Thomas, Judy, and Tucker

V. Academic Excellence

A.

Committee Report

Mr. Quigley presented:

  • New Hires (for board approval)
  • Health and Safety Reproductive Parent and Student Information (for board approval)
  • High School Principal Search

VI. Finance & Operations

A.

Finance & Operations Committee Report

Matt Lesesky presented:

  • Budgets (February and March Reconciled [for board approval], 25-26 Balanced, FY 27 Annual Draft
  • EFF Financing
  • S&P Report Bond Rating (for board approval)
  • Mr. Quigley asked the Janelle Bosek be approved by board as Owner's Rep

VII. Governance and CEO Evaluation

A.

Governor and CEO Evaluation Report

Mr. Cain presented:

  • 26-27 Administration & Operations Holiday Schedule (for board approval)
  • CEO Mid Year Evaluation (closed session)

VIII. Closed Session pursuant to (G.S.) 143-318.11 (6) for Personnel Matter(s)

A.

Enter Closed Session for Personnel Matter

C. Cain made a motion to enter closed session for personnel matter.
M. Lesesky seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Adjourn Closed Session

P. Edwards made a motion to adjourn closed session.
R. Ford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IX. Board Votes

A.

The following items are presented as a slate for board approval: February & March Reconciled Budgets,Senior Class Trip to NY City,Health & Safety Reproductive Youth and Parent Information,Hiring of Janelle Bosek as Owner's Rep, 26-27 Administration & Operations Holiday Vacation Schedule, Hubrich Construction Contract

the following teacher hires: Jackie Deravil, Taneisha Benjamin-Clarke,Richard Pidkameny III, Kristina Swinton,Shandelene Binns-Thompson, Paul Duhaney,Bibiana Rodriguez,Lina Del Mar Rosado Arias,Samuel Colli Chan,Nathan Bridle,Tyson Watson, Ruth Rodriguez Guevara,Barbara Diaz Flores Garcia,Gabriel Contreras, Radhika Sehgal, and March & April Committee Minutes

G. Wicker made a motion to approve the aforementioned slate of items.
R. Ford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

March Committee Minutes

G. Wicker made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance & Operations on 03-16-26.
R. Ford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

April Committee Minutes

G. Wicker made a motion to approve the minutes from Academic Excellence on 04-21-26.
R. Ford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
G. Wicker made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance & Operations on 04-20-26.
R. Ford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
G. Wicker made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance and CEO Evaluation on 04-08-26.
R. Ford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

X. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

P. Edwards made a motion to adjourn the board meeting.
C. Cain seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
C. Cain