Brevard Academy
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday September 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Mission:
The Mission of Brevard Academy is to prepare its students to achieve academic excellence through the Core Knowledge Sequence. Through a partnership involving students, teachers, and parents, the school strives to create citizens with strong moral character and active intellectual inquiry.
Vision:
Brevard Academy, a K-8 public charter school, develops and encourages motivated, intellectually curious students who are skilled in critical thinking, individual expression, and problem-solving. From their diverse backgrounds, students accept our challenge to pursue personal and academic excellence. Through this pursuit, they become confident members of their community who lead by serving others.
Strategic Goals:
- Ensure Academic Success for Every Student
- Actively Engage Stakeholders to Strengthen and Enrich Our Communities
- Recruit, Hire and Retain Highly Effective Personnel
- Use Resources Effectively and Be Fiscally Responsible
- Provide Effective and Innovative Learning Environments
Directors Present
Abe Pallas, Brandon Smith, Cara Varney, Hannah Camenzind, Jennifer Silva, Trish Andrews, Tyree Griffin
Directors Absent
Paul Cooper
Ex Officio Members Present
Ted Duncan
Non Voting Members Present
Ted Duncan
Guests Present
Ali Liubenov
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
D.
Approve Meeting Agenda
E.
Approve Minutes
II. Regular Meeting Business
A.
Good News
We have a Girls Flag Football Team!
B.
Staff Spotlight
House Leaders came to explain about Sorting Day and the House System. This system is adapted from Ron Clark Academy.
- Sorting Day for the Middle School is tomorrow, and students are very excited and looking forward to seeing which House they will join.
- Isibindi, Altruismo, Reveur, and Amistad are the 4 Houses that we have chosen to incorporate in Brevard Academy.
- Other Middle Schools in the area are also participating in House Systems, so it is a great way to connect with them as well.
- Every House at Brevard Academy will have their own traditions, and earn points for their House. This helps reinforce our Code of Behavior as well.
Mr. Terry explained what the Essential 55 are, and how Ron Clark's grandmother instilled these ideals in his life to make him a better person. It has been a mission for us this year to incorporate the Essential 55 into our day as well. Our students have created a club to record themselves to help teach other students these important lessons.
C.
Opportunity for Public Comment
No one for Public Comment
D.
Mission Moment
Pepper Ware, Ella Whitworth, Violet Silva, and Marshall Edwards led us in a Code of Behavior discussion. They each explained what the Code of Behavior means to them, and how it helps support our students.
III. Committee Reports
A.
Finance
Hannah Camenzind led the discussion about Finance and Budget review.
- The state started our budget at 423 students, which is where we ended up last year. We are currently averaging 444 students, so our budget will have a surplus of around $110,000 instead of a deficit.
- Giving Day Update: we currently have 2 matching sponsors that are totaling $7,500 so far. BCW Remodel and Silly Goose Embroidery.
- Our Cash on Hand is currently at 42 days
B.
Finance Action Items
It was noted that Juli Lefler's husband is an employee at Stifel, but he will not manage the account.
C.
Governance
- Disclosure of possible conflicts of interest
- Brandon Smith: Wife is employed by Brevard Academy
- Abe Pallas: is occasionally hired as a substitute teacher for Brevard Academy
- Jen Silva: Sister is employed by Brevard Academy
A Cardiac Response Plan was discussed, once a policy is created there will be a vote to adopt the policy.
D.
Governance Action Items
The School Director will report back which other policies the School Wellness Policy covers.
E.
Facilities
Upcoming Facilities updates were discussed, and there is a spreadsheet with this information as well.
RYSE change orders for additional outlets and Duke Power hook up attached in the agenda.
F.
Facilities Action Items
G.
CEO Support and Evaluation
IV. Director Report
A.
Director Report
Mr. Duncan presented the Director's Report. He noted a slight improvement in the beginning-of-year data from the previous school year.
B.
School Director Action Items
V. Other Business
A.
Announcement of Next Meeting
October 21
- 5:00pm Working Session
- 5:30pm Open Meeting
B.
Upcoming Committee Meetings and Agenda Items
- All Committees will go over job descriptions as well and committee descriptions.
- Finance : will begin looking at an Investment Policy and Capitalization Policy at their next meeting, and the Annual Audit will be presented.
- Governance and Facilities Committees will meet as needed instead of monthly
VI. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
- BA-CFA-2121-Board-Conflict-of-Interest.pdf
- BA-CFA+7070+Nepotism++(1) (1).pdf
- budget-vs-actual_brevard-academy_august-2026.xlsx
- Cash On Hand August 2026.png
- BA-CFA+6001+Internet+Safety+Policy (1).pdf
- BA-CFA-2320-Compliance-of-Open-Meeting-Laws.pdf
- 2026.Cardiac training form.docx
- Attachment+H+-+Alcohol+and+Drug+Policy.docx (1).pdf
- Brevard_Academy_Student_Wellness_Policy (1).docx
- Correct Signature - contract change order.pdf
- 26249-New Art Building for Brevard Academy- Change Order Request 5.pdf
- Front Porch Rendering.pdf
- Playground and Fitness Shade Plan.png
- BOY_26-27 _ Overall _iReady Inform.pdf
- BA 5 Year School Performance Snapshot.pdf
- School Attendance (4).pdf
- Director Report September 2026.pdf
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction_ School Value-Added EOG_26.pdf
Pepper Ware, Violet Silva, Marshall Edwards, and Ella Whitworth led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.