Learn4Life Pontiac
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday December 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Location
Location
In person: 142 Auburn Ave, Pontiac, MI 48342
Virtual via Microsoft Teams: https://llac.io/L4LPontiac
Meeting ID: 252 239 996 612 9
Passcode: jH2V53b7
Directors Present
C. Sanford, D. Sharp, M. Washington, O. Ewing
Directors Absent
None
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
D. Sharp
Guests Present
A. Holmes (remote), A. Miller (remote), Chris Loiselle (remote), G. Robinson, H. Ruiz (remote), J. Gilbert, K. Welsh (remote), Kelly Buckmaster (remote), Latoya Bell, P. Williams, Rya Hardy (remote), T. Cherry, V. Chase (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Board Member Attendance
C.
Introduction of In Person and Virtual Guests
D.
Pledge of Allegiance
II. Approval of Agenda
A.
Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Previous Board Meeting Minutes
A.
Previous Regular Meeting Minutes
It was recommended that the Board of Directors adopt, as presented, and approve the minutes of November 20, 2025, Regular Board Meeting of the Board of Directors of Learn4Life Pontiac. The following action was taken to approve the Minutes.
IV. Reports
A.
Finance
Mr. Cherry presented the November finance report.
B.
School Leader
Ms. Williams shared on students of the month; recognition of Mr. Jovon Burks (Who's Who in Detroit) aiding recruitment.
Ms. Williams shared on Friendsgiving event with attendees: local City Council member (District 1), Dr. Brown (Ferris State), Director of Curriculum from Oakland ISD (Dr. Stephen Sneed), community partners (Children Villains, Healthy Hearts, Oltec, Amazon).
Ms. Williams shared Enrollment efforts ongoing; expecting uptick in January; reminder about target around 110, weekly informational meetings, and remote learning during snow days.
Ms. Williams shared on NWEA, using fall data; winter assessment skipped to maintain credit momentum; spring testing planned. She also shared on Edmentum progress.
Ms. Williams shared FAFSA workshops via Pontiac Promise Zone and Oakland University; last workshop Dec 6. And Winter Wonderland enrollment event on January 27, from 2–5, and will be focused on recruitment.
C.
Education Service Provider (ESP)
Ms. Chase shared collaboration with Ferris State at the MAPSA Symposium and key figures; Dr. Jim Goenner, National Charter School Institute. She also mentioned Founders Library initiative and potential inclusion of organizational documentaries/interviews.
Ms. Chase also shared the upcoming visit itinerary for Ferris State team to California schools and HQ: January 12–15, 2026.
D.
Legal Updates
Legal shared there was no update.
E.
Authorizer
- Mr. Jack Gilbert shared on a leaders’ network starting in January, a monthly special ed roundtable, July conference with Lake State in Bay City, and an upcoming virtual professional development requirement.
- Mr. Loiselle shared on the financial oversight letter. Mr. Sanford mentioned he will circulate the letter; focus on aligning enrollment with budget and January recruitment efforts.
V. New Business
A.
Nomination of Board Member Candidate
VI. Board Member Comments
A.
Board Member Comments
Mr. Ewing said “In it for the kids; New Year, same objective”.
Ms. Sharp asked based on the budget, how many students the school can hold? Ms. Chase mentioned 140 students, but with 110 students, an amended budget is in the works for the Jan. meeting.
Ms. Washington announced her resignation and thanked everyone for their support and hard work.
Mr. Sanford thanked everyone and reminded the board to “make it happen” and hopes to see enrollment reach 140.
Ms. Chase thanked Ms. Washington for her service to the board and that it was an honor.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Next Scheduled Board Meeting
Next Meeting Date: January 27, 2026, at 6:00pm
Mr. Chris Loiselle and Ms. Kelly Buckmaster briefly introduced themselves. Mr. Loiselle also mentioned he would be discussing the letter that was sent earlier in the week.