Brighten Academy
Minutes
Brighten Academy Charter School Governing Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday February 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Location
5897 Prestley Mill Rd, Douglasville, GA 30135
The Brighten Academy Governing Board will meet on Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 6:00 pm, in the Media Center.
Directors Present
C. Burns Falker, D. Carter, J. Smith, K. Moses, M. Vitale, N. Lord, R. Finan
Directors Absent
C. Claiborne, R. Zackery, S. Battle
Ex Officio Members Present
D. Davis
Non Voting Members Present
D. Davis
Guests Present
K. Bemus, K. Smith, S. Littles
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Adoption of Agenda
D.
Approval of Minutes
II. Executive Director's Report
A.
Staffing Update
B.
PTO Update
Wish List for voting will be out this week.
Recruiting for new PTO members
March 22, 2025 is the Middle School Kickback. It will be held in the gym.
C.
January Surplus List
III. Executive Committee
A.
Strategic Teams Updates
- Safety and Security: Matt found information about auditing safety and security for the school. Bemus explained that a "drop-off loop" is currently in the works to effectively improve morning drop-offs.
- Team has been formed for the ED hiring. Currently in the interview phase.
B.
Fun Run Update
Goal is $20,000
- Currently raised $1,755
- Greystone will be sending $5,000
Parent invitation has gone out to the parents. Medals and awards have arrived thanks to Dr. Carter. The Fun Run should be completed by noon on the 28th.
First group will be middle school. They will run in the front parking lot, and elementary will run in the parking lot behind the media center.
K-2 grade levels will be the second group to run.
C.
Board Election Update
Motion failed to not open the board election. Regina suggested strategically explaining our reasoning to the community on why we're not holding an election.
D.
Workplan Data
GMAS will begin the last week in April and carry over into May
Leadership opportunities: a lot of opportunities available for students. 55 students total
Discipline: January 23 referrals.
Attendance: Down in January. Mrs. Davis is working with the counseling team to understanding why. Compared to DCSS, we are averaging higher.
Expedition Night: May 8th or 12th
IV. Finance Committee
A.
Monthly Financials
Matt asked how much money the school gets from federal funding. Mrs. Davis said she has a call with South State Bank on 2/26 to get details.
V. Birdies Fore Brighten Ad Hoc Committee
A.
Golf Tournament Update
Coriya secured a foursome. Will get an update from Reginald regarding the contract with the golf course.
VI. Other Business
A.
Public Comment
Coriya hosted a community round table in the community for the Chamber regarding self leadership.
Parents are asking if they should start collecting items for the Birdies fore Brighten baskets. We will circle back on Friday.
Katie Smith provided update.
- 3-5 intervention teacher is pending background check with a start date of this week
- 6th grade para professional Ms. Kelly submitted a letter of resignation
- Executive Director position posted
Jamilia Smith asked if we have a PEC Specialist role. Katie explained the position will be open in the 2025-26 school year.