Beatrice Mayes Institute
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday October 19, 2022 at 6:30 PM
Location
Beatrice Mayes Institute
Directors Present
A. Berry, Ed.D. (remote), G. Thomas, J. Greenberg, J. Keeton, M. Taylor, R. Caine
Directors Absent
B. Gilbert
Ex Officio Members Present
C. Mayes
Non Voting Members Present
C. Mayes
Guests Present
A. Patton, Anthony Walker, B. Foster, C. Simpson, D. Johnson, James Lofton, Remy Sirls, S. Shahid, T. Watts (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Determine Quorum Present
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Reading of the Minutes
II. Superintendent Updates and Missional Moment
A.
Organizational Update
B.
Texas Public Charter School Association and Advocacy
Chelbi Mims from Texas Public Charter School Association led a presentation to the board, regarding the newest developments, House bills, enemies, and advocates for charter schools. Her presentation detailed the following:
-Fighting for Charter Schools.
-Expansion notification process - extend to 3 months.
-School safety funding.
-Reach out to lawmakers.
-Opportunity to go to Austin and testify on a bill and advocate in Houston.
III. Academics
A.
Academic Updates
J. Lofton and A. Walker led a presentation on Minorities In Technology ("MIT"), a nonprofit organization they started to create in-person and virtual spaces for minority youths to connect and socialize around their interests in technology. MIT accomplishes its goals through the following mediums:
- Developer Student Seminars: Students hear from industry professionals from the computer science and technology fields.
- CompSci Competitions: Students get the chance to submit their best Web/Software development work. The winner will receive recognition for their work and a cash prize.
- Live Tech Tournaments: Students get a chance to compete in gaming tournaments for a cash prize.
- In-Person Events: Students in the M.I.T. club can organize and socialize in person.
The BMI Academic Team provided the following presentation:
-Discussed smart goals
-Region 4 T TESS
-Weekly academic meetings
-Educate staff on TEA guidelines
-Better tracking of student progress
-MAP Testing
-Dibbles Exam
-Tutorials start Monday
-New students vs. old students
-Reading improvements
-Professional Development Day to train teachers on data
-Monthly departmental meetings
-Student IEP's Individual Education Plan
-Academic Excellence Committee
-PAL's Program 4th-5th grade
B.
Academic Excellence Committee
Academic Excellence Committee will discuss updates in academics during board training on Saturday, October 20, 2022.
IV. Finance
A.
Finance Committee
Finance Committee discussed the following:
-Board structure.
-Summary tracker for loans and covenants.
-Financial audit.
-Converting from QuickBooks to new system.
-First draft of audit expected before Christmas.
-Audit process is smoother.
-Auditors have November and December to review audit.
-Back office and bank reconciliations caught up.
B.
Superintendent Goals
V. Miscellaneous Items
A.
Fund Development
Remy Sirls will be handling Fund development while Allonna Snipes is on maternity leave. Remy introduced herself to the board and shared her background and years of experience.
Mr. Mayes provided updates on the following:
-Enrollment
-Financial Audit
-Construction
-Permitting process for construction