Strong Start Academy

STRONG START ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT THE TONY HSIEH EDUCATION CENTER

BOARD MEETING AGENDA 09/10/2026
Published on September 1, 2026 at 4:05 PM PDT
Amended on September 3, 2026 at 10:43 AM PDT

Date and Time

Thursday September 10, 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 2662 916 4491 followed by the # sign.

 
  D. Discussion for possible action to approve Minutes from August 13, 2026 Board meeting. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 1 m
  E. Introduction of new board member, Kristie Cole who was recently approved by the City of Las Vegas City Council. 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 FY2026-2027 forecast update through July 2026. FYI Nandini Vaishnav 5 m
III. Executive Update 5:15 PM
  A. Report by the Executive Director on the status of on-going marketing efforts, open-enrollment, and recruiting. FYI Miriam Benitez 5 m
  B. Discussion for possible action to approve the updated Student Lottery Policy. Vote Miriam Benitez 5 m
  C. Discussion regarding the results of the FY27 Risk Assessment Designation based on data from Fiscal Year 2026 conducted by the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority. Discuss Miriam Benitez 5 m
     
     
     
     
  D. Discussion for possible action to approve Foster Care Policy, McKinney-Vento Policy, and English Learner Policy. Vote Miriam Benitez 5 m
     
     
     
  E. Discussion for possible action to approve the 26-27 Annual Written Test Security Notice. Vote Miriam Benitez 2 m
     
  F. Discussion for possible action to approve the Read By Grade 3 Local Literacy Plan (LLP). Vote Miriam Benitez 5 m
     
  G. Discussion for possible action to renew the Memorandum of Understanding with S.A.F.E. House to provide services for the prevention of interpersonal violence/domestic violence. Vote Miriam Benitez 3 m
     
  H. Discussion for possible action to review the Fiscal Policies and Procedures Self-Evaluation Checklist, as required by the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority, and approve revisions to the school’s fiscal policies and procedures based on the findings of the self-evaluation. Vote Miriam Benitez 5 m
IV. Governance 5:50 PM
  A. Discussion for possible action to review and approve proposed revisions, as necessary, to the Board Policy and Procedure Manual, Code of Ethics, and Bylaws. Vote Colleen McCarty 5 m
     
  B. Discussion and possible action to approve revisions to the previously adopted Governing Board meeting calendar for the 2026–2027 school year. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 5 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 2662 916 4491 followed by the # sign.

 
VII. Closing Items
  A. Adjourn Meeting FYI