Ridgeline Education Corporation
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday March 19, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Location
In person: 1922 S General McMullen Drive, San Antonio, TX 78226
Virtual via Microsoft Teams: https://llac.io/RECBoard
Meeting ID: 248 959 160 729
Passcode: de7HNh
Directors Present
A. Melo, C. Humphrey, L. Davis (remote), M. Lewis (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
A. Gibson (remote), A. Holmes (remote), A. Miller (remote), D. Petropulos (remote), D. Pierce (remote), Dustin Garbaciak (remote), G. Sharifi (remote), Grace Bautista (remote), H. Ruiz (remote), Justin Calvin (remote), K. Delaney (remote), K. Welsh (remote), K. Willmann, M. VanKirk, Nadar Ali II (remote), Philip Sanchez, R. Reyes (remote), V. Chase (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Record Board Member Attendance
D.
Introduction of In Person and Virtual Attendees
E.
Pledge of Allegiance
II. Approval of Agenda
A.
Approval of Agenda
III. Review and Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting(s)
A.
Prior Meeting Minutes
IV. Reports
A.
School Leader
- Ms. Willmann introduced Mr. Mello as the newest board member and added her excitement about his addition to the board.
- Ms. Willmann shared that the school celebrated Black History Month with student participation in creating a dream board and a video presentation about Rosa Parks.
- Ms. Willmann shared on Grace initiated a partnership with Youth Empowerment Services, which will provide support to students. Ms. Handy, the career navigator, will visit to discuss the program with students.
- Ms. Willmann shared on a recruitment event at Fair Park, which had good attendance but attracted those interested in elementary campuses.
- Ms. Willmann mentioned she is in talks with TDI Industries to present opportunities to students in trades like mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Brett from TDI is interested in promoting education in trades. She also shared on the Spring Graduation date and time, May 28th at 3:00pm.
- Ms. Willmann shared on the school is organizing a Fiesta event on April 4th, featuring a medal designed by a student. The event will include a medal reveal, and parents are invited. There is a discussion about selling the medals and using the proceeds for school events, requiring legal and financial consultation.
- Ms. Willmann discussed student attendance and enrollment with reasons for student withdrawals, such as moving or seeking online schooling. Plans to implement flexible schedules next year are discussed to improve retention.
B.
Finance
- The Board was presented with the financial statement as of February 28, 2025, including the balance sheet, income statement, cash projections, and revenues & expenses.
- Mr. Humphrey mentioned the possibility of investing funds.
C.
Management Organization
- Mr. Garbaciak presented the results of the winter marketing campaign, which included billboards, television, and digital ads. The campaign targeted specific demographics and locations, with notable success on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat.
- Mr. Melo mentioned the effectiveness of mailers in San Antonio for reaching parents and the potential shift in marketing focus from brand awareness.
- Mr. Petropulos discussed the submission of an OFSDP application to allow more flexibility for students, enabling them to attend school part-time and study from home.
- There was a discussion on the approval process for the OFSDP involving Edgewood ISD and the TEA. It was considered whether Edgewood’s board approval is sufficient and discussed the possibility of tentative approval to expedite the process.
- Ms. Chase mentioned the House Bill 2196, which could impact the need for the current program by allowing alternative schools to have flexible hours. The bill’s progress is being monitored.
- Mr. Holmes shared on the upcoming National Board Summit, with plans for activities.
D.
Legal
Ms. Peterson shared on the progress of legislative matters affecting public education and will provide a more detailed update in April or May.
V. New Business
A.
2025-26 School Calendar
Ms. Willmann shared on the 2025-26 school calendar and that it is aligned with Edgewood ISD’s calendar.
VI. Open Discussion regarding future Board Agenda items
A.
Open Discussion
- Mr. Humphrey mentioned the need to review employee benefits, including medical and dental insurance, with a plan to address this in May.
- Mr. Davis also mentioned the need to amend the budget based on ADA and active enrollment figures. It was mentioned that this will be added to the presentation for next month.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Next Scheduled Board Meeting
Next Scheduled Board Meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2025, at 4:15pm CT.
Mr. Philip Sanchez from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented a membership plaque to the L4L Edgewood. He added the chamber’s accreditation and its focus on education, expressing excitement about the partnership.