Mr. Holmes swore Ms. Bell into the Learn4Life Pontiac Board of Directors,

Mr. Cherry presented the January 31, 2026, finance report. He also stated a revised budget anticipated to include communications upgrade, with likely one more budget adjustment before the June meeting.

Ms. Williams shared on students of the month and Community Engagement and Events. Winter Wonderland event featured community partners: yoga led by Karima DeJesus, Sheriff Officer Thurkill, District 1 City Councilman Chris Jackson, and a representative from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) focused on trade pathways. Two students enrolled as a direct result of the event.

Ms. Williams shared Enrollment efforts ongoing and Current enrollment at 112 and growing.

Ms. Williams shared ACT WorkKeys discontinued; replaced by WIN (online) with immediate results and certificates applicable to skilled trades. Training courses required for testing coordinators and administering teachers.

Ms. Williams shared on a mid-year celebration of bowling and pizza for students meeting credit/attendance/behavior criteria, funded by Ferris State PBIS grant. The next potential trip is skating at Rolladium. PBIS raffle awarded a Nike gift card to a student earning credits. PBIS expenses tracked with a dedicated code and receipts retained for documentation. Efforts to reduce food waste and support student needs with leftover food redistributed to students.

Ms. Williams shared that our very own Board Chair Sanford came in to bring a donation of coats to students. Also, Oakland Schools provided two laptops to McKinney-Vento eligible homeless seniors.

Ms. Williams shared that she attended Oakland Schools superintendent breakfast. She met with the Superintendent who recommended actions related to regional enhancement millage election which will be covered under New Business.

Lastly, Ms. Williams shared on an upcoming event on March 9 focused on FAFSA and next steps to college and to continue an emphasis on both college and trades schools.

Mr. Holmes shared LLAC is supporting schools with Black History Month events. The final event is “Black 365 Knowledge Bowl Trivia” on Thursday the 26th. Additional info and prior events available via QR code. He also thanked Ms. Williams for posting flyers throughout the school.

Ms. Chase shared Ferris State’s visit to CA and thanked Chris Loiselle for sending Kelly Buckmaster & Beth Taylor to tour our CA schools. 

Mr. Nakon shared on the ongoing outreach and remains active with weekly engagement. Mr. Nakon and the school hosted an Oakland University nonprofit “coffee chat” despite heavy snowfall; met new partners. He also mentioned attending Pontiac Funders Collaborative at the new Webster Center where the school was recognized by the attendees. He also invited the Board to suggest additional organizations for outreach.

Ms. Chase shared on the Learning without Limits Conference, October 21-23, 2026, which will be replacing the traditional spring national board summit; hosted by Monument Innovations with a theme on innovation and future of education and will showcase a 25-year network recognition and awards. Invitations to board will be sent soon with travel coordination by Ms. Ruiz. The school to reimburse costs of the conference.

Legal shared there were no updates to report.

Mr. Jack Gilbert shared on January’s Board Appreciation Month and handed out FSU insulted bags to each member. Discussion on submitting actual insurance policies not just quotes via Epicenter. Mr. Holmes stated the challenges due to third-party handling and name issues. Final answers were obtained with insurance information submitted and appears accepted. 

Mr. Gilbert also mentioned required trainings to be completed by January with two more trainings needed before end of school year. He suggested an online course: “Navigating Your Role as a New Board Member.”

Mr. Holmes shared a letter dated February 3 regarding Quality Performance Resource Group review and that the school received Level 1 status, which means documentation current/on file or being processed timely and no immediate issues.

Ms. Sharp mentioned her company, Identify Your Dream, expressing interest in partnering with the school and reminded Ms. Williams about the bowling fundraiser next month with volunteer support.

Mr. Sanford shared an educational service training with Angela Irwin and encouraged the other board members to attend. He also mentioned that he will be sending out the materials for the training to the board members with another session from Angie scheduled in March.

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March 24, 2026, at 6:00pm.