The agenda was approved as presented, with no changes.

 Board Member Lyles-Wallace provided an update on the following:

• The Governance Committee met on September 1, 2026, and approved two policies: the K–5 Digital Device Use Policy, which limits non-instructional device use in accordance with state law, and the Employee Resignations Policy, which updates handbook language regarding certificated employees who provide less than 30 days’ notice.
  • The Executive Team will review the 30-day resignation notice process, specifically whether an employee who provides the required 30-day notice but whose separation date is moved up by KIPP Memphis should be paid through the original notice period or considered compliant without payment for the remaining days.

Chief Phillips presented an update on the Operations/Facilities Committee and reviewed operations, attendance, chronic absenteeism, enrollment, and facilities updates. Key highlights included:

• The 2025–26 Operations Scorecard ended with an overall score of 4.83 out of 5, a slight year-over-year increase.
• Network-wide average daily attendance was 96%, with chronic absenteeism at 11%.
• Enrollment was 1,051 students, exceeding the budgeted enrollment of 1,015, with a continued target of 1,250 students.  As of September 17, 2026 the total enrollment is 1,054.
• Summer facility improvements included interior painting, lighting upgrades, window shades, and paving improvements to enhance school safety, appearance, and functionality.

Dr. Johnson asked about efforts to address chronic absenteeism. 

• Chief Phillips highlighted several strategies, including daily attendance monitoring and family outreach, targeted interventions for at-risk students, school attendance team meetings, the Adopt-a-KIPPster initiative, student incentives and awards, and attendance requirements tied to athletics and senior activities.
• Attendance expectations are tied to participation in Kindergarten Graduation, 8th Grade Week, and senior activities. With Kindergarten and 12th grade experiencing the highest chronic absenteeism rates, continued parent education on the importance of daily attendance was emphasized.

Action Step: Schedule meetings with the high school team to address attendance expectations with seniors and with Kindergarten parents to reinforce the importance of consistent attendance. Counselor Wilson will also provide information on early childhood brain development and the importance of the first eight years of a child’s development.

Board Member Gatson presented an update on the Academic Excellence Report from 9/8/2026.

• The Academic Excellence Committee reviewed 2025–2026 academic performance and beginning-of-year data, noting areas of progress and opportunities for improvement. The Committee discussed strengthening instruction, interventions, progress monitoring, and coaching, with an emphasis on alignment to state standards. Highlights also included expanded STEM, AP, dual enrollment, and industry certification opportunities for students.
• Mr. Booker, (CTE/STEM Director), is in the process of completing the final submission for the Tennessee STEM designation process with the state, with the high school and elementary school pursuing designation through TDOE. 

Chief Carr presented and update on the Finance Report as follows:

• The Finance Committee reported that all three schools received the highest financial scorecard rating of 5 in every area. Pre-audit results reflected a $4.1 million deficit, primarily related to the purchase of the new elementary school building, while the year ended with 218 days cash on hand.
• The Committee also reviewed the $8.6 million renovation financing, including tax-exempt financing, an anticipated September 24 closing, and an interest-only construction period with rates adjusted monthly.

Guest Joined at 5:04 PM:  

- Scott Lindsey with First Horizon Bank

- James Maclin and Allison Gilbert with Harris Shelton, Attorney's

• The Board discussed key terms of the renovation loan, including early repayment, debt service coverage requirements, collateral, state compliance, prepayment penalties, and the construction draw process. Early payoff is permitted without penalty unless the loan is refinanced with another financial institution. During construction, payments will be interest-only, with monthly draw requests based on verified construction progress, followed by a 15-year amortization period after construction.
• The loan requires quarterly financial reporting, an annual audit, and a 1:1 debt service coverage ratio. The CFO emphasized the need to develop a balanced budget for the next school year and carefully manage spending to ensure the organization can meet its principal and interest obligations. 
• KIPP Cordova has received more than 40 family interest forms, with registration opening October 5. Marketing efforts will include Live at 9 and billboards beginning October 5, while construction is expected to take approximately eight months. The team will also explore fundraising, partnerships, and potential naming opportunities to support the new school.

CEO Dr. Burt reported on the following:

• The KIPP Foundation Regional Impact Team was part of the Beginning-of-Year visit, and Regional Superintendent Chad Soleo attended the Board of Directors meeting.
• K–12 Academics: Strong start to the school year with solid attendance, consistent routines, and a continued focus on high-quality instruction.
• Academic Assessments: Beginning-of-year assessments established literacy and math baselines to guide targeted student support; new Tennessee standards-aligned curriculum was implemented.
• College & Career Readiness: Hosted a College & Career Fair on September 16 with colleges, technical schools, and local employers.
• College Exposure: Bayou City College Tour scheduled for October 29–November 1, with 45 students and 5 chaperones visiting LSU, Southern, Dillard, and Xavier.
• Family Engagement: Title I Nights and Open Houses were held across all campuses within the first 30 days to communicate academic goals and available resources.
• Community Partnerships: Partner Impact Report highlighted monetary and in-kind contributions from partners and volunteers, with highlights shared on social media.
• KIPP Cordova: New Facebook page launched, billboard campaign begins October 1, and new school leader Shayla Morgan started August 31.
• KIPP Cordova Construction: Construction and the Ground/Wall Breaking Ceremony are scheduled to begin October 1.
• AI Leadership Cohort: Leadership will participate in a year-long AI cohort focused on identifying and improving three back-office opportunities using AI.

Board Chair Johnson reported as follows:

• A strong start to the year and discussed plans for a Spring Board Retreat, a Fundraising & Development Working Group, and the $1,500 Board fundraising commitment. He also emphasized the importance of Committee Meeting attendance and continued opportunities for Board Members to connect outside of regular meetings.
• Next Board of Directors Meeting: December 3, 2026 (in-person).  At least one-third of Board Members must attend in person to establish a quorum.

K-5 Student Digital Device Use Policy new required by state law, meant to limit the amount of non-instructional time elementary students are on devices

Employee Resignations Policy (update):  An update to language in the KIPP Memphis Employee handbook that includes TN Code annotated language, which allows action to be taken for certificated employees who give less than 30 days notice.

It is recommended that the KIPP Memphis Board of Directors approve the resolution to enter into a bond purchase loan agreement not to exceed $9,350,000 for the renovation of the property located at 7275 Goodlett Farms Parkway, Cordova, TN, which will operate as KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary school.

It is recommended that the KIPP Memphis Public Schools Finance Committee approve the revised contract to Grinder, Taber, & Grinder, Inc. for a Guaranteed Maximum Price amount not to exceed $8,633,158 to provide Construction Management At Risk (CMAR) General Contractor services to renovate the KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary School property at 7275 Goodlett Farms Pkwy.

The funding source for this expense will be financing secured for and by the 7275 Goodlett Farms Pkwy property.