The agenda was amended to include the February 17, 2026 Special Called Board of Directors meeting minutes for approval.

There were no public comments.

Board Member Gatson presented the Academic Excellence Highlights as follows:

Student Performance - Benchmark #2.

• Benchmark #2 results show strong performance overall, with most grade levels exceeding their double AMO goals across subjects. Notably, K–2 m-Class DIBELS on-track mastery increased from 33% at BOY to 48% at MOY.

Advanced Academics

• Four seniors currently have an ACT score of 21 or higher, and 32 are scoring between 16–20.  We have two ACT workshops scheduled in February. FAFSA completion has reached 96%, surpassing the 90% goal, with six students remaining. Additionally, 50 participants attended the Early Decision Cohort Dinner to align students and families around early college planning and financial commitments.

Chief Carr presented an update on the Finance Committee Highlights:

Committee Actions [Approved]

• The Finance Committee approved a three-month Certificate of Deposit with the institution offering the highest available interest rate at the time of investment.

Financial Update

• Both the financial statement and federal awards audits were unmodified, with no material weaknesses.

December 2025 Financial Update

• Revenues exceeded expenditures for All Schools and KIPP Forward, while SST had a $357 shortfall due to program and architectural costs for the new elementary school.  At the time of the February 4th Finance Committee, KIPP Memphis projected 198 days of cash on hand at June 2026 (without investments) and 252 days projected cash on hand at June 2026 (with Charles Schwab).  Based on the action taken at the February 17th Special Called Finance Committee meeting, days cash on hand at June 2026 projected to be between 170 and 180 days.

2026-27 Initial Budget

• The Executive Team will hold a budget retreat on February 23, 2026.  The 2026–27 budget will be presented to the Finance Committee in April.

Chief Williams presented an update on the Governance Committee Highlights:

Board Recruitment, Composition and Succession

• Board recruitment support is needed from all, with follow-ups planned for potential candidates contacted through the New Memphis Partnership.

Fundraising Update

• Fundraising update provided on current progress toward event goals.

Committee Actions

• The committee approved extending Dorsey Hopson’s board term through June 11, 2026, renewing two members—Desiree Lyles-Wallace and Alfred Anderson—for a two-year term, and approved the Student Promotion and Retention Policy.

Chief Phillips presented and update on the Operations/Facilities Committee Highlights:

2025-26 Enrollment

• As of February 3, 2026, enrollment was 1,005, 25 below budget, with highs of 1,040 in mid-September and lows of 995 in early August.

Attendance & Chronic Absenteeism

• As of January, average attendance across all schools was 91%, with chronic absenteeism at 36%.

2026-27 Student Recruitment & Enrollment

• For the 2026–27 school year, 261 students are registered, including 227 returning and 34 new students.

Facilities Updates

• Several Charter School Facilities Grant projects will be presented to the board in April for approval, with completion required by June 30.

Facilities Update - Projects

• KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary property updates: rezoning approved on 2/12; PSA due diligence ends 2/18/26, closing by 3/25/26; renovations expected 5/01/26–1/31/27, with school opening in August 2027.

Dr. Antonio Burt presented an update and recap of the following:

• The KIPP Foundation conducted its 2nd Site Visit of the year on February 19th, and a summary of their findings will be presented to the board at the upcoming meeting in April.
• The KIPP Foundation Regional Leader Convening provided regional leaders with updates on network priorities, opportunities to collaborate and share effective practices, and guidance to ensure strong alignment and progress across schools and regions.
• On March 2 at 9:00 a.m., the elementary school will celebrate Read Across America Day to promote literacy and a love of reading.  We'd love the board to volunteer 9-10:30 am.
• The board received an update on the Rigorous Instruction for All K–12 Strategic Priority emphasizing high-quality Tier 1 curriculum and strengthening educator capacity through professional development and effective instructional systems.

Board Chair Johnson presented an update on the following.

• Board members are encouraged to help grow and activate the board by referring potential candidates from their networks to either the Board Chair or the Board Vice Chair Crutcher.
• The March fundraiser is coming up, and although progress has been made, additional efforts are still needed from the Board.
• Next Board of Directors Meeting: April 23, 2026 (to be held in person)

It is recommended that the Board of Directors extend the term for the following board member through June 11, 2026 - the final board meeting of the school year.

• Dorsey Hopson:  February 1, 2026 to June 11, 2026

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve a third two-year term for the following board members from February 1, 2026 - February 28, 2028.

• Alfred Anderson
• Desiree Lyles-Wallace

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the KIPP Memphis Public Schools Student Promotion & Retention Policy that was required to be added to the Student & Parent Handbook by Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the updated Inclement Weather Work Expectations & Pay Policy that is included in the Employee Handbook.

Inclement Weather Work Expectations & Pay Policy.pdf