Strong Start Academy

STRONG START ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT THE TONY HSIEH EDUCATION CENTER

BOARD MEETING AGENDA 08/13/2026
Published on August 6, 2026 at 7:48 PM PDT

Date and Time

Thursday August 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM PDT

Location

City Hall, 495 S Main St, 1st floor, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Agenda

Section Number Topic Number Details Purpose Presenter Time
I. Opening Items 5:00 PM
  A. Call the Meeting to Order   Lorna James-Cervantes 3 m
  B. Record Attendance   Lorna James-Cervantes 1 m
  C. Public Comment   Lorna James-Cervantes 3 m
   

Comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters on the agenda for action. If you wish to be heard, come forward and give your name for the record. The amount of discussion, as well as the amount of time any single speaker is allowed, will be limited to three (3) minutes absent Board approval. Public comment may also be given by calling 1-415-655-0001 and entering access code number 2661 459 1370 followed by the # sign.

 
  D. Discussion for possible action to approve Minutes from July 22, 2026 Board meeting and Board Retreat meeting. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 1 m
  E. Discussion for possible action to approve AMENDED Minutes from November 20, 2025, and AMENDED Meeting Minutes from the May 14, 2026, Regular Board Meeting. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 2 m
II. Finance 5:10 PM
  A. Report by Nandini Vaishnav from Vertex Education on Strong Start Academy's financial update, including the FY2025–2026 unaudited actuals, the FY2026–2027 budget overview, and the financial forecast update through July 2026. FYI Nandini Vaishnav 5 m
III. Executive Update 5:15 PM
  A. Discussion for possible action to approve the Strong Start Academy Elementary School Parent Student Handbook, Employee Handbook, Restorative Justice Plan, the Suspension and Appeals Policy and Test Security Plan for the 2026-2027 School Year. Vote Miriam Benitez 5 m
  B. Report by the Executive Director on the status of on-going marketing efforts, open-enrollment, and recruiting. FYI Miriam Benitez 5 m
  C. Report by the Executive Director regarding the Summary of Whistleblower Protections for Testing Administration for the 2026-2027 school year. FYI Miriam Benitez 5 m
IV. Governance 5:30 PM
  A. Discussion for possible action regarding approval of annual audit contract and to authorize the President to execute any agreement properly related thereto. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 3 m
  B. Discussion for possible action to reappoint Board Members Dachresha Harris and Alee Moore to new terms. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 2 m
V. Special Reports
VI. Citizens Participation
 

Public comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters within the jurisdiction of the Board. No subject may be acted upon by the Board unless that subject is on the agenda and is scheduled for action. If you wish to be heard, come forward and give your name for the record. The amount of discussion on any single subject, as well as the amount of time any single speaker is allowed, may be limited.  Public comment may also be given by calling 1-415-655-0001 and entering access code number 2661 459 1370 followed by the # sign.

 
VII. Closing Items
  A. Adjourn Meeting FYI