Brevard Academy
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday October 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Location
Brevard Academy Music Room
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 Challenge Foundation Academy (BA-CFA) 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
- Provide Effective & Innovative Learning Environments
- Recruit, Hire and Retain Highly Effective Personnel
- Use Resources Effectively & Be Fiscally Responsible
- Engage Our Communities
Directors Present
Abe Pallas, Jamie Atkinson, Jennifer Silva, Paul Cooper, Tyree Griffin
Directors Absent
Mark Campanini, Mark Franklin
Ex Officio Members Present
Ted Duncan
Non Voting Members Present
Ted Duncan
I. Opening Items
A.
Public Work Session
II. Regular Meeting Business
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge led by students from the school.
D.
Approve Minutes
E.
Approve Special Meeting Minutes
Paul wants to commend Mr. Duncan on his response and his staff's ability to move quickly.
F.
Student Spotlight
Ms. Geer-Hardwick presented informaiton about Arts Integration which a research based curricular strategy. This method uses art to teach a specific subject or lesson in the regular classroom. A recent example comes from 3rd grade where Alice in Wonderland being studied to be able to capture recounting stories. They used installation art as the lesson to meet this competency. In the middle school grades, two students provided examples of how they are using whimsy and "get to know me" jars as part of Advanced Art.
Mr. Duncan gave a shout out to alumni who have been providing support and volunteering during the closures last week due to the modified hours from Hurricane Helene.
Mr. Gardner provided a highlight of the field trips last year. K-8 were all able to go out and see a production that involved music and art. There have been some challenges this year that they have been navigating but these are being navigated. He also shared that there are BA alumni that are doing big things and he highlighted that this is a testament to the program and shows a positive outcome.
Mr. Dennis was noted as the Out of This World Educator.
G.
Staff Spotlight
Mr. Gardner provided a highlight of the field trips last year. K-8 were all able to go out and see a production that involved music and art. There have been some challenges this year that they have been navigating but these are being navigated. He also shared that there are BA alumni that are doing big things and he highlighted that this is a testament to the program and shows a positive outcome.
Mr. Dennis was noted as the Out of This World Educator. He was recognized over 500 nominations.
H.
Opportunity for Public Comment
There was no sign up for public comment.
III. Committee Reports
A.
Finance
Mr. Cooper noted that we are showing a $39,879.53 surplus to date and that the budget is looking on track. We are currently tracking progress for the slight overage in the Facilities line and there have been some minor unexpected costs related to repairs.
B.
Governance and Policy
Dr. Pallas provided an update about a policy that is in review and will be voted on in the next committee.
C.
Facilities
Mr. Griffin noted that the meeting was cancelled due to the weather and the school is working through all of the FEMA processing.
D.
Development
Ms. Silva reported the giving day donation number of $8,161.00. This is 82% of the set goal of $10,000.
E.
Long Range Planning
Ms. Atkinson made a note that the April board meeting will need to be moved due to spring break.
IV. Director Report
A.
Director Report
Ms. Kelly Brown, President of the PTO, reported that several parents joined the student alumni to assist with providing services to the school. There will be an event on November 1, 2024 at Sideways Brewing and HideHo and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to BA and for Hurricane Relief. They are also doing the Golden Leaf and Pisgah Roasters Fundraiser. There will be a 50's day in November and these funds will assist with providing funds for field trips, snack carts and other needs.
Mr. Duncan noted that BA was among the Top 15% for academic growth in the state last year. He also noted that the National ESEA Distinguished School recognition was received and they will be attending an awards banquet next week. Total enrollment is currently at 434. Currently up to date on Performance Framework.
B.
Important Upcoming Dates
V. Items for Board Approval
A.
Committee Consent Items
Total cost is estimated to be $142,000 with interest at 6.5% for 5 years. Payments are estimated to be at $2800.00.Â
On behalf of Mr. Duncan
On behalf of Mr. Duncan
VI. Other Business
A.
Strategic Planning and Discussion
B.
Announcement of Next Meeting
Ms. Atkinson announced that the next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Discussion and clarification on the need for a new bus and questions were asked on clarification for the proposed parent/non parent board makeup.