The GDPST Leadership Team highlighted Fairley High School for receiving $15,000 from Fairley Alum P. Ison A.K.A Duke Deuce. The school also was celebrated their improvements on student achievement, football team, and their music department. 

Michael Cowans, the school's band teacher was spotlighted by the board during meeting. 

Dan Peñaranda reviewed GDPST Budget Contingency 

GDPST’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 Contingency Budget (“FY23BC”) has consolidated net income of $1.6M. The FY23BC breaks out as follows:

• $1.1M net loss at the Home Office 
• $2.7M net income at the Schools

Budget Highlights

• GDPSTN projects lower BEP revenue of $1.9M compared to the FY23 original budget. 
• 132 student decrease to original enrollment projections 
• $221 per student decrease to BEP funding rate
• GDPSTN plans to mitigate the BEP revenue shortfall using $4.0M of remaining $5.5M ESSER funds. ESSER funds will not be available after FY24.
• TN is evaluating options and economics of the addition of a multi use meeting and athletic facility and is targeting an FY23 or FY24 implementation

Beginning of year cash reserves of $3.4M or 39 days cash on hand are expected to increase to $7.1M or 81 days cash on hand

Executive Director Jocquell Rodgers reminded the board of our strategic priorities. 

Chief of Staff Marysa Utley reviewed student enrollment data and discussed trends. Board specifically focused on the increase in student enrollment at the three high schools. 

• All three high schools surpassed their initial targeted enrollment goal for the 22-23 school year. 
• Uptick in students transferring from Whitehaven HS, Southwind HS, and Germantown HS which continues to add students weekly to the 9th grade classes (specifically Bluff City). 
• Attendance Team rigorously tracking and following up with families regarding student attendance in an effort to retain our current students.
• Decreased the number of students transferring out of our schools by 37%. 

Chief Talent Officer Patrick Rudd review current staff retention rates as well as the introduction of the Talent Working Group. The group will meet to review and modify the current hiring process to ensure GDPST continues to recruit and maintain quality staff members. 

Director of Development Cecilia Walker gave development updates. 

Development continues to focus on core support for current programs at all five schools, while also advancing three strategies to provide students additional opportunities:

• CTE Workforce Development/ Mentorship
• Music Programs
• Bluff City Gym

Recently won!

• $15k Donation from local rapper and Fairley Alum Duke Deuce
  • In partnership with the Reaves Law Firm, Memphis Grizzlies, Adidas & Nike

Executive Director Rodgers reminded the Board of Directors to complete the required trainings for compliance. Additionally, Board Chair A. Allen agreed to serve as a delegate for the audit committee.