Download minutes PDF Minutes Approved

Beatrice Mayes Institute

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday May 18, 2022 at 6:30 PM

Directors Present

A. Berry, Ed.D., B. Gilbert, G. Thomas, J. Greenberg, J. Keeton, R. Caine

Directors Absent

M. Taylor

Ex Officio Members Present

C. Mayes

Non Voting Members Present

C. Mayes

Guests Present

Allonna Snipes, Dedra Johnson, S. Shahid

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Determine Quorum Present

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Greenberg called a meeting of the board of directors of Beatrice Mayes Institute to order on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at 6:30 PM.

C.

Reading of the Minutes

A. Berry, Ed.D. made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board Meeting on 04-20-22.
G. Thomas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Superintendent Updates

A.

Organizational Update

  • Currently working on the Strategic Plan and adding missing pieces.
  • Interviewed candidates for the HR position this week.
  • Multiple interviews, one candidate accepted another job and the other candidate did not show. We selected a candidate that we like, offer letter has been sent and we are waiting on the response.
  • Selected HR candidate will need to learn education.

Enrollment

  • Planning for an enrollment of 510 for the 2022-23 school year.
  • 477 students confirmed as of today.
  • 63 applications in process.
  • Technically enrollment is complete. Biggest hurdle is to fill all kindergarten seats.
  • Enrollment team worked hard to complete the goal. Worked evenings and Saturdays.

III. Academic Update

A.

Agreement Review

  • Testing almost complete.
  • End of the year MAP Testing is next week.
  • STAAR Testing is complete.
  • MCLASS Testing is complete.
  • K-2nd grade completed MCLASS testing during STAAR
  • Averages from 2019 and 2022 to compare.
  • 2021 scores cannot be used.

 

  • Summer Enrichment Program begins June 13, 2022 and ends July 7, 2022.
  • SPED students invited first for Summer Enrichment Program.
  • Students assisted under HB4545 invited for Summer Enrichment Program.
  • Teacher recommended invites went out last.
  • Summer Enrichment Program is Monday-Thursday from 7:30am-12:30pm.
  • Parents requested an all day program.

 

  • Retention list is complete. First year retaining students since the pandemic began.
  • Parents of retained students have been informed.
  • Nine elementary students have been retained.

 

  • 91% of faculty/staff will be returning.
  • Current openings: 
    • K-3rd Technology
    • Middle School History
    • Middle School Science
    • Middle School Technology (Filled)
    • K-3rd Physical Education
  • University of Houston Tutors loved BMI.
  • Tutors requested to work during the Summer Enrichment Program and the upcoming school year.
  • Director of Student Achievement candidate begins this summer. Focus on 4th and 5th Math Growth Plan.
  • Summer work will include calendar planning, curriculum planning and attendance.
  • SPED Coordinator will lead The Summer Enrichment Program.
  • STEAM - We placed in the 2022 Ecobot Challenge.
  • More resumes needed for teachers, referrals are requested.
  • STAAR results come back mid-June.

IV. Discuss Formation of Board Academic Committee

A.

Board Academic Committee

  • Dr. Almitra Berry will lead the Board Academic Committee.
  • Selects BMI Chief Academic Officer, Ms. Dedra Johnson and Christina Pipkin (Math and STEAM) to be on the committee.
  • Meetings will be minimal.
  • First meeting will be in June 2022.

V. Fund Development

A.

Capital Campaign

  • Fundraising total -$10,086,000.
  • Working to determine how much fundraising will be needed long term and short term.
  • Final GMP due Friday, May 20, 2022.
  • Loans will come from EFF low market rate.
  • Has an Academic Requirement.
  • Currently working on Board Academic Committee Formation.
  • Expecting to receive approval in one week.
  • July closing - groundbreaking.
  • Tour with Herzstein was open and exciting.
  • BMI invited to apply for quarter of a million dollar Herzstein Grant in July 2022.
  • Grant requires naming a classroom, hallway, etc.
  • Month of June - will work on more cultivation.
  • Plan to schedule tours during summer school.
  • Expected to apply for a grant with the Alexander Foundation and O'Quinn Foundation. 
  • Ramon Manning wants to host a fundraising event - end of June.
  • Drew Masterson of Masterson Advisors is expecting the loans to close 7/13/22.
  • Taylor Construction Management (TCM) will have a representative at our next board meeting, June 15, 2022.
  • Plan to start trying to keep GMP low after closing.
  • Requested a 5 year call instead of 9 year call.
  • Resolution needs to be completed early. Attorneys will be contacted to create board resolution.
  • Dr. Almitra Berry moved to have attorneys draft board resolution for fees not to exceed $1.5 million. 
  • James Keeton seconded.
  • All approved.

 

VI. Miscellaneous Items

A.

Miscellaneous Discussion

  • Discussed June 2022 Board Meeting.
  • C. Mayes may testify in Austin on May 24, 2022 for HB4545.
  • Next Board Meeting is June 15, 2022.
  • Incerease Superintendent salary immediately to $160,000 per year.
  • Create metrics for salary growth.
  • Create 3 year contract.
  • Board will draft contract to approve.
  • Contract draft due for June 15, 2022 board meeting.
  • Discuss Superintendent salary and contract.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:44 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Greenberg