KIPP Memphis Public Schools

Minutes

KIPP Academic Excellence Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday April 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Location

Virtual

Guests are welcomed to attend these public meeting and are asked to pre-register to receive the meeting location details: KMPS Board Meeting Registration

Committee Members Present

C. Kyles (remote), D. Lyles-Wallace (remote), J. Neal (remote), L. Johnson III (remote), N. Gatson (remote)

Committee Members Absent

M. Davis

Guests Present

A. Burt (remote), J. Ward-Gill (remote), K. Durham (remote), L. Tate (remote), T. Todd (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

N. Gatson called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of KIPP Memphis Public Schools to order on Tuesday Apr 7, 2026 at 5:03 PM.

B.

Roll Call

C.

Agenda Review

The agenda was reviewed with no changes.

D.

Approval of Minutes

D. Lyles-Wallace made a motion to approve the minutes from KIPP Academic Excellence Committee Meeting on 02-03-26.
N. Gatson seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Academic Excellence Presentation

A.

Academic Goals 2025-2026

Dr. Tate presented the 2025-2026 academic goals for On-Track Mastery for all campuses.

  • Presented an overview of the double AMO Goals and Anchor Metric goals for various grades.
  • Highlighted the importance of Benchmark 3 results and clarified the rationale for using Mastery Connect cut scores rather than those from the state assessment.

B.

One KIPP Anchor Metrics

Dr. Tate presented the One KIPP Anchor Metrics and our regional goals from the KIPP Foundation that all regions are using.

C.

Benchmark #3

Dr. Tate presented an update on Benchmark #3 for ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies for all schools meeting their AMO goal.

  • Outlined four strategies for closing academic gaps: academic progress monitoring, cohesive coaching, performance training, and after-school tutoring.
    • Performance training is described as a four-week program with daily assessments and adjustments based on student performance.
    • After-school tutoring is an eight-week initiative focusing on non-mastered standards.
    • EOC takeover which is similar to Performance Training ran for 4 weeks at the High School. 

D.

Class of 2026 Preliminary Graduation Data

Dr. Kimberly Durham presented and update and overview of the following:

  • Class of 2026 - Preliminary Graduation Data
    • 113 Total Seniors | 95 Currently Enrolled at KMCH
    • 92 Students which is 81% on track to graduate with a clear action plan in place to secure graduation outcomes while continuing to verify documentation for the remaining 21 students. 

E.

Dual Credit Enrollment & Access (Early Post secondary Opportunities)

Dr. Durham presented an update as follows:

  • 64 Students enrolled in Dual Credit 
    • 39 Students (12th) - Pre-Calculus
    • 15 Students (11th) - English Comp II
    • 10 Students (11th) - Sociology 
  • Expanding access to EPSOs is critical for promoting "Ready Graduate" status, which indicates high school students are prepared for college, technical school, or the workforce.

III. Committee Questions

A.

Academic Excellence Chairperson Comments

Committee Chair Gatson closed the discussion by thanking the academic team for their leadership and dedication, acknowledging the challenges of the school year and testing season, and expressing confidence that the strategies, coaching, and professional learning implemented will yield strong results. Shared appreciation for the team’s adaptability and enthusiasm for students demonstrating their progress. 

B.

Action: Communications will send the KIPP Board information for signing up to be a Proctor at the Henry Campus Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting April 14th and go until April 24th.

IV. 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 5:52 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Ward-Gill