Spokane International Academy

Minutes

Monthly Board Meeting

August

Date and Time

Friday August 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Location

Spokane International Academy, Media Center

777 E Magnesium Rd. Spokane, WA 99208

Directors Present

Ashlee Lent, Cassie Anderson, Charina Carothers, Guillermo Espinosa, Javier Medina, Ron Poplawski

Directors Absent

Maureen Rosette

Guests Present

Brad DeJager, Caryn McGee, Chandalee Wood, Mathias Sanders, Morgen Flowers-Washington, Myra Keast, Russ Battiata, Sam Schweda

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Cassie Anderson called a meeting of the board of directors of Spokane International Academy to order on Friday Aug 7, 2026 at 12:23 PM.

II. Consent Agenda

A.

Approve July Meeting Minutes

Charina Carothers made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 07-22-26.
Ashlee Lent seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Resolution to add a Student Activity Fee 26-27

C.

Approve Consent Agenda

The Board reviewed the consent agenda, which included:

  • Approval of the July Board meeting minutes
  • Student Activities Fee of $50

Motion: Charina Carothers moved to approve the consent agenda.
Second: Ashley Lent
Vote: Unanimous consent.
Motion carried.


 

III. Enrollment 26-27

A.

Enrollment Update

The Board received an enrollment update indicating a current enrollment of 963 students, with 54 students on the waitlist.

 

The Board discussed enrollment and grade-level capacity, including whether the school should explore a combined first grade/kindergarten class. It was noted that both kindergarten and first grade have new curriculum requirements, making a combined classroom impractical at this time.

 

There are currently no students on the kindergarten waitlist. The school will continue to enroll students as space permits, including after the school year begins.


 

IV. Strategic Growth Options

A.

Strategic Growth Options

Javier Medina made a motion to accept the Strategic Growth Options document as an initial planning framework and authorize the Head of School to develop a Phase I feasibility work plan.
Ron Poplawski seconded the motion.

Javier Medina-Chinas moved that the Spokane International Academy Board of Directors accept the Strategic Growth Options document as an initial planning framework and authorize the Head of School to develop a Phase I feasibility work plan and budget addressing enrollment demand, site capacity, portable options, permanent campus expansion, second-campus feasibility, organizational capacity, and a five-year growth financial pro forma. Staff will return to the Board with findings and recommendations before any binding facility, financing, or expansion commitment is made.


 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Head of School Goals 26-27

The Board reviewed the Head of School goals using the CEO Excellence Framework. The goals are organized around five areas:

 

  1. Lead the Strategic Vision for Academic Excellence
  2. Cultivate and Develop a High-Performing Leadership Team
  3. Strengthen Organizational Culture and Talent
  4. Steward Organizational Resources for Long-Term Sustainability
  5. Lead Strategic Change and Organizational Improvement

The Board and Head of School will conduct four check-ins throughout the year to review progress toward these goals.


 

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 1:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Cassie Anderson
Ashlee Lent made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Javier Medina seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Board Retreat

The board retreat immediately followed upon adjournment.