Strong Start Academy

STRONG START ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT THE TONY HSIEH EDUCATION CENTER

BOARD MEETING AGENDA 10/14/2026
Published on September 29, 2026 at 9:52 AM PDT

Date and Time

Wednesday October 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM PDT

Location

City Hall, 495 S Main St, 5th 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 September 10, 2026 Board meeting. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 1 m
II. Finance 5:08 PM
  A. Report by Nandini Vaishnav from Vertex Education on Strong Start Academy's financial update, including the FY2026-2027 forecast update through August 2026. FYI Nandini Vaishnav 5 m
III. Executive Update 5:13 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. Report by the Executive Director regarding end of the year (2025-2026) student achievement data to include SBAC results and Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) rating. FYI Miriam Benitez 5 m
     
     
IV. Governance 5:23 PM
  A. Discussion for possible action to reappoint Board Member Kristie Cole to a new term. Vote Lorna James-Cervantes 2 m
  B. 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
     
     
  C. Discussion for posible action to approve the 2025-2026 performance review of Executive Director, Miriam Benitez. 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