Brighten Academy

Minutes

Brighten Academy Charter School Governing Board Meeting

Work Session

Date and Time

Monday September 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Location

5897 Prestley Mill Rd

Douglasville, GA 30135

The Brighten Academy Governing Board will meet on Monday, September 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm, in the Media Center.

Directors Present

C. Claiborne (remote), J. Smith, K. Moses, M. Vitale, S. Battle

Directors Absent

C. Burns Falker

Ex Officio Members Present

D. Davis

Non Voting Members Present

D. Davis

Guests Present

C. Sparks, K. Boone, K. Smith, S. Littles, T. Cabrera

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Smith called a meeting of the board of directors of Brighten Academy to order on Wednesday Sep 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

C.

Adoption of Agenda

J. Smith made a motion to Adopt the amended agenda.
K. Moses seconded the motion.

Board meeting date changed to Wednesday, September 10, 2025. 

 

Amended agenda: 

- ED items for vote 

-IT Contract 

-Executive Assistant Title Change 

-Elite Gaming Experience Approval 

- Fundraising and Parent Code of Conduct Policy changes 

- Board Open House Date 

-Birdies fore Brighten Tournament Chair 

- Date for Fall Fun Run 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Approval of Minutes

J. Smith made a motion to approve the minutes from Brighten Academy Charter School Governing Board Meeting on 08-18-25.
K. Moses seconded the motion.

Approval tabled. Admin error in getting previous minutes posted for review.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Executive Director's Report

A.

ED Items for Vote

J. Smith made a motion to To approve the Executive Assistant role change to School Business Manager, Parent Liaison resignation, add SPED Teacher (part-time), Instructional Technology Specialist: Shift to Salaried Staff versus Contractor, and Update on Substitute Teachers (8).
K. Moses seconded the motion.

Instructional Technology Specialist: Shift to Salaried Staff versus Contractor. Current IT Specialist will not renew his contract. Last Day is September 30, 2025. New hiring is in process. Position will be posted. An instructional technology transition plan has been created for the current contractor to ensure a smooth transition.  (mat motion, Kristen approved 

 

Executive Assistant role change to School Business Manager: Instead of having two part-time Exec Assistants, we will now have one full-time. The role and responsibilities will remain the same. The other Exec Assistant will transition to a full-time parent liaison role  and get a stipend for being the Communications Coordinator. 

 

Elite Gaming Experience: $9,000 for the first year. This quote includes a 10% discount which makes the total $8100, price includes a one-time payment of $4,995 for the equipment cost. This league is intended for grades 3-8th. Students will compete with other leagues. Accommodates up to 50 students. $325/pp for the first year. The students will meet once a week. Coaching, development, and on-boarding will be provided. All students have to be in good financial standing. 

 

Policies: 

Fundraiser Policy: Redefined what the policy is and put parameters around it. Fundraisers have to be approved by administration before beginning. Those expected to raise over $5k would need board approval (VOTING TABLED)

 

Parent Code of Conduct: Progressive discipline has been put in place for parents including: 

- Behavioral expectations

- Climate following the school procedures 

- Address concerns appropriately and avoid misconduct and disrupting the school 

- Posting content on social media  

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

ED Report

1. Facilities Report: 

$47,165 Security Grant - Monthly allocations of $3,930.42 will be applied toward phased implementation, prioritizing the most urgent safety upgrades first. 

- Security Cameras & Surveillance: $15,000

- Access Control & Entry Systems: $10,000

- Alarm & Emergency Notification System: $7,500

- Visitor Management System: $4,500

- School Resource Officer Support: $5,000

- Safety Training & Drills: $3,165

- Contingency & Maintenance: $2,000

 

2. Financial Report (FYI): 

  1. $36,267 raised with PTO PoP! Fundraiser
  2. Bank - New signers
  3. Birdies Fore Brighten -contract and planning committees
  4. Fun Run - requesting date

 

3. Staffing Update (FYI): 

  1. Executive Assistant role change to School Business Manager 
  2. Parent Liaison resignation
  3. Add SPED Teacher (part-time)
  4. Instructional Technology Specialist: Shift to Salaried Staff versus Contractor
  5. Update on Substitute Teachers (8)

 

4. B1 - E1 Revisions (FYI)

 

5. Strategic Plan Update (FYI)

  1. Review draft and proposed revisions
    1. Align goals to teaching and learning (EL Work Plan)
    2. Establish

6. Tech Updates (FYI)

  1. AI Staff Training
  2. The STEAM Experience
    1. Elite Gaming 

7. August Surplus (FYI)

  1. 6 damaged chairs
  2. 1 damaged book shelf
  3. 2 unused easels
  4. 1 damaged computer headset
  5. 5 outdated/unused tables

 


 

III. Executive Committee

A.

Board Open House

Discussed date being in October with a hybrid option. 

IV. Finance Committee

A.

Birdies Update

Discussion was had on who will lead Birdies fore Brighten. Discussion was had on how it has been ran historically. The Board and Administration will discuss in deeper conversation once roles and responsibilities have been established with Administration, staff, and the Board. 

B.

Birdies Golf Tournament Chair

Vote will be tabled for the September 22nd meeting. 

C.

Fall Fun Run

Discussed who will lead Fun Run moving forward (board or administration) and dates for this school year. 

 

The Board will have further conversation about a future date. 

 

 

V. Closing Items

A.

Announcements

The Board will acknowledge the students on the Student Council. They will be invited to a board meeting. 

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 1:52 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Smith