Learn4Life Pontiac

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday August 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Location

In person: 142 Auburn Ave, Pontiac, MI 48342


Virtual via Microsoft Teams: https://llac.io/L4LPontiac

Meeting ID: 235 822 934 999 085

Passcode: o76kw6jR

Directors Present

C. Sanford, D. Sharp, L. Bell, O. Ewing

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

A. Gibson (remote), A. Miller (remote), D. Petropulos (remote), G. Robinson (remote), H. Ruiz (remote), J. Gilbert, K. Welsh (remote), P. Williams, R. Reyes (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

O. Ewing made a motion to approve the agenda for the August 25, 2026, Organizational Board Meeting of the Board of Directors of Learn4Life Pontiac.
D. Sharp seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

III. Approval of Previous Board Meeting Minutes

A.

Previous Board Meeting Minutes

D. Sharp made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 07-28-26.
L. Bell seconded the motion.

It was recommended that the Board of Directors adopt, as presented, and approve the minutes of July 28, 2026, Organizational Meeting of the Board of Directors of Learn4Life Pontiac. The following action was taken to approve the Minutes.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Reports

A.

Finance

Mr. Cherry shared on the financials as of July 31, 2026. He also mentioned that end-of-year audit adjustments and accruals are still being finalized.

B.

School Leader

Ms. Williams shared on community outreach efforts, including attending a health and housing fair and an upcoming Pontiac Promise Zone fair. She also shared current enrollment is 102 students. She also stated many parents are still aligned with the Pontiac Public School District calendar (starting September 8), so an increase in enrollment is anticipated after Labor Day.

 

Ms. Williams shared the NWEA benchmark assessment window is open until October 9, with results expected in early to mid-October.

 

Ms. Williams shared a key focus for improving school climate and culture will be building peer-to-peer supportive relationships, as this was a low-scoring area in the spring data. More all-student activities are planned.

 

Lastly, Ms. Williams shared the projected size of the 2026-27 graduating cohort is still being determined as the school reviews junior class credits. The official cohort will be set around count day.

C.

Education Service Provider (ESP)

Mr. Petropulos provided an update on the new virtual learning program. Weekly collaborative meetings are ensuring a smooth implementation. He also shared an agreement has been executed with USLC and Pulse, a data platform that will provide a dashboard for monitoring student attendance, academic progress, and engagement in one place. 

A new advertising campaign has been launched with billboards and digital messaging to support enrollment. Technology integration between Pulse and PowerSchool is underway. Laptops have been delivered and are available to students, though student acceptance is low. Many students report having their own devices.

 

Ms. Ruiz wished Mr. Sanford a Happy Birthday and reminded the board members to review the Service Provider report.

D.

Legal Updates

There was no legal update.

E.

Authorizer

Mr. Gilbert shared the Conflict-of-Interest forms, and all board members filled them out and signed them. He reminded the board that Ferris will be focusing on "Pillar #3: Operations" this year, which includes board member preparedness, data-driven decision-making, and focusing on school culture and safety. The board's upcoming professional development trip to California in October was noted. A report-out on the experience will be required for Ferris. He also mentioned that $15,000 grants would be available, and the school should consider its needs. Ms. Williams asked about the process for applying for these grants. 

V. Board Member Comments

A.

Board Member Comments

Ms. Sharp asked if the school offered childcare for student parents. Ms. Williams mentioned she is looking into the Hope Program for the school.  

Mr. Ewing said that it’s all for the kids.

Ms. Bell thanked Ms. Williams for all that she does for the school. She also announced a new community venture, Clear Path Solutions, offering free workshops on legal document preparation and credit repair to parents of students.

Mr. Sanford mentioned to stay focused this school year.

VI. Closing Items

A.

Next Scheduled Board Meeting Date/Time and Location

Next Meeting Date: September 22, 2026, at 6:00p (ET) Learn4Life Pontiac 142 Auburn Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48342.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:32 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
H. Ruiz