Strong Start Academy
Minutes
STRONG START ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT THE TONY HSIEH EDUCATION CENTER
BOARD MEETING AGENDA 12/12/24
Date and Time
Thursday December 12, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Location
City Hall, 495 S Main St, 5th floor, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Directors Present
A. Angulo, A. Bengochea (remote), A. Moore (remote), D. Harris (remote), J. Gonzalez, L. James-Cervantes, M. Pulido
Directors Absent
T. Smethurst
Guests Present
A. Rose, C. McCarty (remote), M. Benitez, M. Fredriksen
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
L. James-Cervantes called a meeting of the board of directors of Strong Start Academy to order on Thursday Dec 12, 2024 at 5:02 PM.
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Public Comment
D.
Approve Minutes from September 12, 2024 and November 14, 2024 Board Meeting.
M. Pulido made a motion to approve the minutes from STRONG START ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT THE TONY HSIEH EDUCATION CENTER on 11-14-24.
J. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Smethurst |
Absent
|
| J. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| A. Bengochea |
Aye
|
| M. Pulido |
Aye
|
| A. Angulo |
Aye
|
| A. Moore |
Aye
|
| L. James-Cervantes |
Aye
|
| D. Harris |
Aye
|
II. Finance
A.
Report by Kristin Dietz from EdTec on Strong Start Academy budget and financial reports.
III. Executive Update
A.
Report by the Executive Director on the status of on-going marketing efforts, open-enrollment, and recruiting.
A. Marketing and Enrollment Report
- Presented by Miriam Benitez:
- Enrollment: 215 students, Adjusted due to one second-grade student withdrawal. (25 seats available.)
- Open enrollment (December 2 - January 15): 33 kindergarten applications to date.
- Future advertising planned to ensure enrollment targets
B. Student Achievement Data
Presented by Miriam Benitez:
- Discussion tabled due to pending feedback from the State Charter Authority.Focus on tracking student outcomes, especially those participating in dual-language programs.
B.
Discussion for possible action regarding the rate of improvement for measuring student performance in K-3 reading.
Tabled for future meeting.
IV. Governance
A.
Discussion regarding Board committee updates and calendar events.
A. Committee Updates and calendar of events
- Mid-year evaluation for Executive Director planned for January.
- Agenda to include financial training, board calendar review, and team-building.
- New board members to be onboarded and participate.
B. January Retreat Planning
- Scheduled January 14, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at City Hall
- Agenda to include financial training, board calendar review, and team-building.
C. Recognition of Jaime Gonzalez and Meli Pulido
- Both members thanked for their service as they transition off the board.
B.
Discussion for possible action to draft agenda for the half day Board Retreat and financial training schedule in January.
Will meet for retreat on Jan. 14th at 8:30am (start at 9am) in City Hall. January Board Meeting will be added to the schedule.
C.
Recognition of Jaime Gonzales and Meli Pulido for their service as Board Members.
V. Facilities
A.
Report by the City of Las Vegas regarding status of construction of new building at Strong Start Academy.
- Bid was given to Builders United for construction of new building.
- $650,000 awarded for security enhancements
VI. 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 5:39 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
L. James-Cervantes
Documents used during the meeting
- 09.12.24 Board Meeting Transcription.docx
- 11.14.24 Board Meeting Transcription.docx
- 11.14.2024 Board Meeting Minutes.docx
- 9.12.24 Board Meeting Minutes.docx
- SSAES Financial Presentation 241127kd.pdf
- SSAES Oct24 Bank Recon.pdf
Kristin Dietz (EdTec) submitted a recorded presentation: