Brighten Academy
Minutes
Brighten Academy Governing Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location
Brighten Academy Charter School
The Brighten Academy Governing Board will meet on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm, in the media center..
Directors Present
E. Hammonds, L. Bryant, T. Cabrera
Directors Absent
J. Smith, M. Vitale, R. Coffee
Ex Officio Members Present
T. Washington-Knight
Non Voting Members Present
T. Washington-Knight
Guests Present
A. Cameron, C. Sparks, Chuck Canady, D. Davis, S. Littles
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Adoption of Agenda
D.
Approval of Minutes
II. Public Comment
A.
Aknowledgment of Guests
Toshia Lenard - PTO President
III. Executive Committee
A.
BACS Bylaws
Informational Purposes Only
BACS Bylaws are still in review
B.
Strategic Plan
Informational Purposes Only
• Strategic Plan Review
Sections P1 – Academic Excellence and P5 – School Climate, Culture, and Community remain under review with school leadership. The committee will revisit these sections once leadership provides feedback.
• Parent Pulse Survey Discussion
Members explored the potential for implementing a Parent Pulse Survey, including initial thoughts on purpose, structure, and feasibility. Shared proposed questions.
• PTO Collaboration
There was a brief discussion on opportunities for coordination and collaboration with the PTO to support ongoing school and community initiatives.
IV. Finance Committee
A.
Finance Committee
Informational Purposes Only
July Financials were previously shared
V. School Leadership Report
A.
Information Only
Informational Purposes Only
- Staffing Update
- The school is interviewing for two paraprofessional positions (6th and 7th grade).
- The administrative assistant/front office coordinator position will be the final position to be filled for the business department, with interviews scheduled to begin the week of October 19th.
- State of Transition
- Multiple executive‑level transitions have recently taken place, and payroll/TRS responsibilities have shifted to new staff.
- Required state and instructional staff credentialing documents are being finalized to ensure all staff hold necessary certifications.
- Work is underway to strengthen human resources processes, procedures, and communication updates.
- Banking and financial system transitions have been completed, and payments remain on track.
- The operations team continues to oversee TRS functions and other staff‑related transitions.
- The school is emphasizing improvement of student attendance and encouraging parents to partner closely with the school. Incentive: Pizza Party
- Staff are auditing attendance documentation and providing families clarity on reporting expectations.
- Processes are being developed to track planned staff leave, short-notice leave, leave during school day, unplanned and emergency absences.
- Staff are working on systems to streamline communication, including shared drives and forms.
Upcoming Transitions
- Ms. Reyes is transitioning to a new role, as executive assistant effective early October
- Ms. Georgia Deakin will be transitioning into the front office coordinator role beginning the first week of October.
**Mention parking, police officer support, traffic concerns, and general safety coordination.
B.
Staff Updates: Areas of Function
VI. Governance Committee
A.
Policies for Vote
B.
Info Only
Informational Purposes Only
D13, F3, I2 – Complaint Receipt & Notification Process
G7 – Athletics Student Health Requirements
G7‑E1 - Athletics Student Health Forms
F34 - Staff Requirements
F35 - Staff Conflict of Interest
B1‑E1 – Board Functions
VII. Other Business
A.
Announcements
Informational Purposes Only
- PTO Update on Operations and Communication
- Recap of September Saturdays
- Reminder Scarecrow Contest Voting begins next week
A quorum was not present. No official actions, motions, or votes were taken. The board proceeded with informal discussion only.