Brighten Academy
Minutes
Brighten Academy Governing Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday June 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location
Brighten Academy
The Brighten Academy Governing Board will meet on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm, in the school cafeteria.
Directors Present
C. Claiborne, E. Hammonds, J. Smith, K. Moses, L. Bryant, R. Coffee, S. Battle, T. Cabrera
Directors Absent
M. Vitale
Guests Present
C. Sparks, D. Davis, K. Smith, S. Littles
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Adoption of Agenda
Amendment:
- Budget approval
- 2026-2027 transition responsibilities
D.
Approval of Minutes
Sharon Young discussed dress code at the June 1 meeting.
II. Public Comment
A.
Aknowledgment of Guests
III. Executive Committee
A.
Executive Session Voting Matters
- Implement the final version of the 2026-2027 organization structure
second by Cary. Passed.
- All staff that are transitioning out must meet the transition requirements.
- Reviewing and reissuing contracts in accordance with the 2026-2027 organization structure.
B.
Contract Ratification: STEM Teacher
C.
Board Officer Nominations
Lakia Bryant- Board Secretary
Evony Hammonds- Vice Chair
D.
Strategic Support Task Force
Strategically support Brighten's efforts including dress code and IT, and other concerns throughout the year.
IV. Finance Committee
A.
Finance Committee
Candy discussed monthly financials.
three
Vote:
updated diversified contracts
- cleaning
- maintenance
- school nutrition
Cary submitted a motion for all three contracts. Shauncey second. Passed.
Technology contract will not be moving forward. Further research and discussion.
B.
Monthly Financials for Vote
V. School Leadership Report
A.
Information Only
Facilities update:
- Parking structure
- replacement of 11 windows
- bathroom update
- outdoor maintenance is in progress
Curriculum:
- Admin met with science teachers, there is a need for a dedicated science curriculum including STEM scopes, amplify science, or discovery education. The team landed on STEM scope.
Staffing Update:
- One individual resigned. 10 contracts ready to be signed, 3 are pending including:
- 4th grade ELA
- 6th grade math
- 8th grade math
- School nutrition program:
- -$28,000 balance due
- on probation with the Georgia Dept of Ed. The reports were not being done from December-March.
- Scheduling interviews for Head and Assistant volleyball coaches
- Discussed May surplus list.
VI. Governance Committee
A.
Info Only
Reviewed athletics
f39-parental leave. information only.
h7-food services. tabled for review.
vote
f24-Seperation
Shauncey made motion. Cary seconded.
B.
Items for Vote
VII. Other Business
A.
Announcements
Watch the Cup- FIFA World Cup two FREE events at Boundary Waters.
www.watchthecupdouglas.com for tickets.
Kriston Peterson: Questions about the inclusions of multiple director roles and not hiring an AP.
Terry Pino: Outside of the published meetings, Pino wanted to know if communication would be sent out to teachers and administration.
Tony Aybar: Wanted to know if the needs of the staff align with the survey results.
Lori Tidwell
Donna Turner
Dr. Terry Pino
Sandi Gore
Sara Louhr