Brevard Academy

Minutes

Board Meeting

Work Session and Regular 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:

  1. Ensure Academic Success for Every Student
  2. Provide Effective & Innovative Learning Environments
  3. Recruit, Hire and Retain Highly Effective Personnel
  4. Use Resources Effectively & Be Fiscally Responsible
  5. 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

Discussion and clarification on the need for a new bus and questions were asked on clarification for the proposed parent/non parent board makeup.

II. Regular Meeting Business

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

Jamie Atkinson called a meeting of the board of directors of Brevard Academy to order on Wednesday Oct 16, 2024 at 5:30 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge led by students from the school.

D.

Approve Minutes

Paul Cooper made a motion to approve the minutes from September Board Meeting on 09-18-24.
Tyree Griffin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

Approve Special Meeting Minutes

Paul Cooper made a motion to approve the minutes from October Special Meeting on 10-06-24.
Jennifer Silva seconded the motion.

Paul wants to commend Mr. Duncan on his response and his staff's ability to move quickly.

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

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

Paul Cooper made a motion to Move forward with purchase of bus with self-funded loan from BA bank account.
Abe Pallas seconded the motion.

Total cost is estimated to be $142,000 with interest at 6.5% for 5 years. Payments are estimated to be at $2800.00. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Jamie Atkinson made a motion to Approve Brandon Smith to Board Move April 2025 board meeting from April 16 to April 23, 2025.
Tyree Griffin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Abe Pallas made a motion to Approve the three policies listed in the agenda with a revision to the policy 1110 to read, no more than three board members that are parents.
Paul Cooper seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Jamie Atkinson made a motion to Bring on Sara Smith as a part time Speech Therapist to fill position held by an interim.
Paul Cooper seconded the motion.

On behalf of Mr. Duncan

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Jamie Atkinson made a motion to Accept the Hurricane Helene Displaced Student Enrollment.
Jennifer Silva seconded the motion.

On behalf of Mr. Duncan

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

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. 

VII. 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 7:47 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Silva