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KIPP Memphis Public Schools

Minutes

Governance Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday May 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Committee Members Present

D. Hopson (remote), L. Johnson III (remote), L. Sweet (remote), R. Crutcher (remote)

Committee Members Absent

D. Lyles-Wallace, D. Yancey

Guests Present

A. Burt (remote), G. Williams (remote), J. Ward-Gill (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

R. Crutcher called a meeting of the Governance Committee of KIPP Memphis Public Schools to order on Thursday May 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM.

B.

Roll Call

C.

Agenda Review

The agenda was reviewed by the committee with no changes.

D.

Approve Minutes

D. Hopson made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance Committee Meeting on 04-10-25.
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Governance Committee Updates

A.

Board Member Service Celebration

Dr. Laritha Sweet was honored for her service on the KIPP Memphis Board of Directors from December 2020 to May 2025. The committee expressed gratitude for her dedication, expertise, and support, which have positively impacted the schools and students.

B.

2025-26 Board Committee Chair Nominations

The Governance Committee discussed nominations for the 2025-26 Committee Chairs as below. The Committee agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair should have conversations with the board members to see who may be interested in serving and communicate the updates by August. Nominations are as follows (some based on survey response):

  • Finance Committee Chair - Mikara Davis
  • Governance Committee Chair - Desiree Lyles Wallace
  • Operations/Facilities Committee Chair - Jasmine Worles
  • Academic Excellence Committee Chair - Natasha Gatson

III. Governance Committee Actions

A.

Board Member Renewals

It is recommended that the Governance Committee approve the following board members for a new term as outlined below.

  • Dr. Lin Johnson - 2nd Term (07/02/2025 - 07/01/2027)
  • Roquel Crutcher - 3rd Term (06/01/2025 - 06/01/2027)
  • Jane Neal - 2nd Term (06/01/2025 - 06/01/2027)

 

 

D. Hopson made a motion to approve renewal of Dr. Lin Johnson for a 2nd Term.
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Sweet
Aye
D. Yancey
Absent
R. Crutcher
Aye
D. Lyles-Wallace
Absent
L. Johnson III
Abstain
D. Hopson
Aye
L. Sweet made a motion to approve renewal of Roquel Crutcher for a 3rd Term.
D. Hopson seconded the motion.

Committee Chair Crutcher abstained from the vote.

The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Crutcher
Abstain
L. Johnson III
Aye
L. Sweet
Aye
D. Lyles-Wallace
Absent
D. Hopson
Aye
D. Yancey
Absent
L. Sweet made a motion to approve renewal of Jane Neal for a 2nd Term.
D. Hopson seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Board Member Recruitment

It is recommended that the Governance Committee approve the recommendation of the following board of directors candidates to move to the full board for approval.

  • Charmaine Kyles - West Fraser - Recommended Start Date: August 1, 2025 - August 1, 2027
  • Becky Gennings - Varsity Spirit - Recommended Start Date:  August 1, 2025 - August 1, 2027 
D. Hopson made a motion to approve the recommendation of Charmaine Kyles as a board of directors candidate to move to the full board for approval.
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D. Hopson made a motion to approve the recommendation of Becky Gennings as a board of directors candidate to move to the full board for approval.
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

CEO Contract Extension

It is recommended that the Governance Committee approve the Chief Executive Officer's contract extension for the following three years:

  • 2025-26 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026)
  • 2026-27 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027)
  • 2027-28 (July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028)
D. Hopson made a motion to approve the Chief Executive Officer's contract extension for the following three years: 2025-26 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026), 2026-27 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), 2027-28 (July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028).
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

KIPP Memphis Wireless Device Policy

It is recommended that the Governance Committee approve moving the following policy to the full board of directors for approval.

 

DRAFT KIPP Memphis Wireless Device Policy - Policy #1000

D. Hopson made a motion to approve the KIPP Memphis Wireless Device Policy moving to the full board of directors for approval.
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

KIPP Memphis Student Acceptable Use Policy

The Governance Committee will review and discuss the approval of the use of the MSCS Student Acceptable Use Policy which serves as part of the state requirements to have an Artificial Intelligence Policy reviewed and in place by July 1st each year.

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=18x_b4-Dw7uuDwXU7ViRrACkaC9N-o_vP

 

D. Hopson made a motion to approval of the use of the MSCS Student Acceptable Use Policy which serves as part of the state requirements to have an Artificial Intelligence Policy reviewed and in place by July 1st each year.
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

F.

Acceptable Use Policy (Staff and Other Users)

It is recommended that the Governance Committee approve the use of the Memphis Shelby County Schools Policy # 4015, Acceptable Use Policy District-Provided Access to Electronic Information and Digital and Technology Resources - Employees and Other Authorized Users, with minor contextual edits for KIPP Memphis Public Schools as a part of the State Law requiring an Artificial Intelligence Policy by July 1st.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18x_b4-Dw7uuDwXU7ViRrACkaC9N-o_vP/view?usp=drive_link

 

D. Hopson made a motion to the use of the Memphis Shelby County Schools Policy # 4015, Acceptable Use Policy District-Provided Access to Electronic Information and Digital and Technology Resources - Employees and Other Authorized Users, with minor contextual edits for KIPP Memphis Public Schools as a part of the State Law requiring an Artificial Intelligence Policy by July 1st.
L. Sweet seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Questions and Comments

A.

Governance Chairperson Comments

Committee Chair Crutcher thanked everyone for their patience.

V. 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 5:31 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Ward-Gill