Download minutes PDF Minutes Approved

Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy

Minutes

SA Monthly Board Meeting (Open Session)

Date and Time

Monday March 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Location

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.


Topic: Scholars Academy Monthly Board Meetings
Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_scvf1hB1RAyCn81hxsmkvw

 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

 

You may also watch the meeting live via YouTube stream, at Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy - Charlotte - YouTube

Directors Present

D. Palmer, D. Tijerina, E. Alvarez, E. Womer, K. Becnel, L. Lopez, M. Dixon, X. Dong (remote)

Directors Absent

A. Hall

Ex Officio Members Present

H. Richter (remote), J. Cuneo

Non Voting Members Present

H. Richter (remote), J. Cuneo

Guests Present

D. Delp (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

E. Alvarez called a meeting of the board of directors of Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy to order on Monday Mar 23, 2026 at 6:50 PM.

C.

Read Mission Statement

Daniela Tijerina read the mission statement.

D.

Administrative Meeting Review

Enrique Alvarez read the webinar etiquette/rules.

E.

Approval of Minutes of Previous Board Meetings

M. Dixon made a motion to approve the minutes from SA Monthly Board Meeting (Open Session) on 02-23-26.
E. Womer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

F.

Adoption of the Agenda

D. Palmer made a motion to adopt the agenda.
D. Tijerina seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Community Comments (First Opportunity) - subject to guidelines

A.

Community Comments - guidelines

No community comments.

III. Director's Report

A.

General Report

  • Second year using scribbles for the lottery.
  • Lottery was held on March 18th 
  • Total # of applicants 259
    • 158 (K)
    • 10 (1st)
    • 15 (2nd)
    • 21 (3rd)
    • 23 (4th)
    • 10 (5th)
    • 14 (6th)
    • 7 (7th)
    • 2 (8th)
    • 187 on waiting list 
    • 48 open seats
  • Approximately 50% of applicants qualified for the lottery

IV. Governance Committee

A.

Governance Updates

  1. The Governance Committee met in an off-site workshop and prepared a draft 5-year strategic plan.
  2. School Town Hall (Mark calendars for April 22)
    • A Google Form will be available for the community to send questions in advance
  3. Update on new staff 
  4. Staff pay planning
  5. Performance plan for employees
  6. 2026-2027 Slate Planning

B.

Personnel and Staff

  • Various personnel matters to be discussed in closed.
  • Vote on recommendations made by the Executive Director relating to personnel 
D. Palmer made a motion to approve the Executive Director's personnel recommendations as discussed in closed session.
E. Womer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Board Recruitment

Ongoing recruitment for the board. Interested parties can complete the nomination form found here:

 

V. Policy Committee

A.

Committee Work on Policy Updates

  • AI policy: Discussed AI policy guidelines issued by the County and prepared an initial policy framework to be discussed with teacher staff members, as well as with Educational Excellence.
  • Policies in review in order of priority:
    • Grievance policy: review at the recommendation of counsel continues. 
    • Code of Conduct for discipline purposes - Review at recommendation of counsel continues.
  • New Policy Needs:
    • Credit by Demonstrating Mastery
    • Revisit Instructional Time Definitions
  • The next Policy Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, March 24, at 8:15 am

VI. Finance Committee

A.

Financial Updates

  • February 2026 Financial Statements, Budget vs. Actuals (see attached)
    • Adjustments from last month are reflected as expected, no significant items to highlight
  • Bearman contract renewal letter - VOTE
  • Insurance renewal (see attached) - VOTE

 

D. Palmer made a motion to Approve the Bearman contract as recommended by the Finance committee.
D. Tijerina seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D. Palmer made a motion to Accept the insurance renewals pending clarification on the Student Accident policy coverage details.
L. Lopez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VII. FAST Committee

A.

FAST Updates

  • City will be installing a 'School Zone' on 77 Center Drive within the next month or two.  They also plan on lowering the speed limit on that street in general.
  • Quotes were received for the HVAC units.  They will need to be replaced in about 4-5 years.  The plan would also be to re-roof the building at that time.  
  • One water heater had to be repaired, and we will need to replace/repair the others.  
  • The Admin team is working on a new custodial structure for the upcoming school year due to the inconsistency of cleaning companies over the years.
  • Next meeting is Thurs, April 2nd.

VIII. Educational Excellence Committee

A.

Educational Excellence Committee Updates

  • Next Meeting April 14th, 2026 (8:15)
  • Continue Strategic Plan preparation. 
  • AI Policy Implementation. 

 

IX. DEI

A.

DEI Updates

  • Exploring funding for resources for Economically Disadvantaged Students (EDS).
  • Required McKinney-Vento training done by Counselor.
  • Discussing marketing/advertising initiatives for the upcoming year.
  • Next meeting--May 6

X. Foundation

A.

Foundation Update

  • Annual Giving Campaign (AGC) updates:
    • More donations this month, but still only 25% from the goal.
    • Family participation increased to 45%.
      • up from 35% last month.
    • Making phone calls to unpledged families.
  • New Foundation Manager position filled starting Monday, 3/23.

XI. Community Comments (Second Opportunity) - Subject to Guidelines

A.

Community Comments

No comments

XII. Closed Session

A.

Vote to go into Closed Session

D. Palmer made a motion to enter into closed session.
D. Tijerina seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

XIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

D. Palmer made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
M. Dixon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
D. Palmer