A.C.E. Academy

Minutes

A.C.E. Academy January 23, 2025 Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday January 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Location

Join Zoom Meeting https://aceacademycharter-org.zoom.us/j/84445533716?pwd=8fTF0HDnG5DVQQfe3NkMHhWCcyaJKC.1 

Meeting ID: 844 4553 3716 Passcode: 246230

Mission: A.C.E Academy will equip students from all backgrounds to succeed in the college and career of their choice by driving academic excellence, developing strong character, and instilling an entrepreneurial mindset.

 

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Directors Present

D. Graham (remote), J. Figueroa (remote), K. Best (remote), T. Cline (remote)

Directors Absent

C. Rodgers

Guests Present

D. Hammond (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

T. Cline called a meeting of the board of directors of A.C.E. Academy to order on Wednesday Jan 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM.

C.

School Mission

A.C.E Academy will equip students from all backgrounds to succeed in the college and career of their choice by driving academic excellence, developing strong character, and instilling an entrepreneurial mindset.

D.

Approve Agenda

Motion to Dionna Graham.
K. Best seconded the motion.

Dionna Graham moved to accept the agenda pending the finalization of the immigration policy.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Approve Minutes

A.

Approve Minutes

Motion to Dionna Graham.
T. Cline seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Public Comment

We respectfully urge that public commentary remain exclusively related to the topics outlined in the present agenda. This protocol promotes a concentrated and productive dialogue.

C.

Hear from Board Chair

Dr. Cline and Ms. Minott discussed the board's goals, emphasizing that the board should set clear objectives for the next few months. They stressed that the functions of the school and the board should remain distinct. The board will not simply approve everything but will understand the school's operations without interfering in daily activities. Those elected will manage day-to-day operations and lead the school. The board's goal is to design objectives that best guide the school. We are currently seeking new board members that will be committed to the school.

III. Charter Renewal

A.

Charter Renewal

Ms. Minott shared the exciting news that our Charter Renewal has been approved, giving us three more years. The new charter contract will be mailed out soon for everyone to review.

IV. Staff Updates (New Hires & Vacancies)

A.

New Hire

Ms. Laila Minott explained that we hired an EC teacher through an agency because we couldn't find one directly. She discussed the pros and cons of using an agency, noting that EC teachers are in high demand and hard to find. The agency was the best option to fill the position. Ms. Minott also mentioned that she and Ms. Pooja, the EC director, applied for a grant to get someone to act as a one-on-one assistant to help support a student in the classroom.

V. Closed session

A.

Closed Session

Motion to Dionna Graham.
K. Best seconded the motion.

Meeting went into closed at 7:21 pm

 

To prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State or of the United
States, or not considered a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
K. Best made a motion to come out of closed session and back to open session at 7:36 pm.
D. Graham seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VI. Budget Approvals

A.

December Budget Review

D. Graham made a motion to approve December 2024 Budget.
K. Best seconded the motion.

Ms. Minott presented the December budget review, confirming our good financial standing. She noted some categories require further review due to underspending but mentioned there are unspent funds. She provided an example of reallocating funds appropriately. Ms. Minott requested the board to approve the December budget for 2024.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VII. New Board Members

A.

New Board Members

D. Graham made a motion to approve the Board Member description document for charter school's.
K. Best seconded the motion.

Ms. Minott updated the Board Member description document for charter school's that explains what is expected from all board members and their duties. She is asking the board to approve this new version and suggests it be used when bringing in new members. This will help new recruits understand their roles and responsibilities clearly from the start.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VIII. Conflict of Interest DPI Performance Framework

A.

Conflict of Interest

D. Graham made a motion to approve the Conflict-of-Interest Policy.
K. Best seconded the motion.

Ms. Minott shared Dr. Cline's recommendation that the board should formally vote on the Conflict-of-Interest Framework document. This document has been used and signed by each board member. However, there is no formal record of the board's agreement to this policy. Dr. Cline stressed the importance of taking this matter seriously and addressing it with the board.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

IX. Immigration policy / Enrollment Policy draft regardless of Immigration Status

A.

Enrollment Policy draft regardless of Immigration Status

D. Graham made a motion to Immigration policy.
K. Best seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
D. Graham made a motion to Enrollment Policy draft regardless of Immigration Status.
K. Best seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

X. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

D. Graham made a motion to Adjourn the Board meeting at 8:01 pm.
K. Best seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
D. Hammond

B.

Closed Session