Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy
Minutes
Special Board Meeting
Date and Time
Friday August 16, 2024 at 1:45 PM
Location
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Topic: Scholars Academy Monthly Board Meetings
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You may also watch the meeting live via YouTube stream, at Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy - Charlotte - YouTube
Directors Present
A. Hall, D. Palmer, D. Tijerina, E. Alvarez, J. Doll, L. Lopez, M. Dixon
Directors Absent
A. Starling, E. Womer
Ex Officio Members Present
A. Pieper, C. Carper
Non Voting Members Present
A. Pieper, C. Carper
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
D. Palmer called a meeting of the board of directors of Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy to order on Friday Aug 16, 2024 at 1:55 PM.
C.
Adoption of the Agenda
M. Dixon made a motion to approved the agenda.
E. Alvarez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
II. Approve the Minutes
A.
6/17/24 Monthly Board Meeting
M. Dixon made a motion to approve the minutes from SA Monthly Board Meeting on 06-17-24.
A. Hall seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
B.
6/25/24 Special Board Meeting
E. Alvarez made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Meeting of the Board of Directors on 06-25-24.
A. Hall seconded the motion.
M. Dixon abstained - absent at meeting
E. Alvarez abstained - absent in meeting
III. Executive Director Updates
A.
Highlights of the Key Activities since July
- Update for the first 45 days of Mr. Carper
- Completed hiring needs for the new school year
- Met with 90% of staff members, PTO representation, Foundation members, students, and some parents, multiple camps during the summer
- School Beautification on Saturday to get school ready for the year
- Infinite Campus: new communication platform that allows phone calls, texts, and emails to the parent community
- Traffic and construction update: Commitment from neighboring construction to have driveway open for 8/27 first day of school. However, have an alternative traffic plan in case that is not available
IV. Review Amendments, Policies and Handbooks for the 2024-2025 School Year
A.
Discuss
- Employee and Student Handbooks were updated and will be shared with Board. No voting required.
- Charter Renewal Document update: Update language of Charter document (amendment) to ensure it is referring to current/generalized language. Requires Board voting. 2-year renewal process; renewed every 10 years. Was due in July. After Board approves, then it will be submitted to the State.
- Parental Leave Annual Opt-In: Provides paternity leave benefits as full salary (instead of short-term disability which was 60% of salary), the State provides reimbursement for benefits and substitute at $120/day, school covers cost of substitute above $120/day. This was approved last year. Need a vote for this option every year.
B.
Vote
M. Dixon made a motion to approve the Parental Leave Opt-In as recommended.
E. Alvarez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
C.
Updates
- Title IX Updates: Regulation was updated in August 2024 from 2020. The School's Legal Counsel has provided a draft 14-page policy that needs to be added to the School Policy. Should be reviewed, voted on and approved. First read will be provided in next Board meeting.
- Behavior Threat Plan (BTAM): NC Center for Safer Schools requires a Multi-disciplinary Behavior Threat assessment team. Board needs to develop a policy to address this requirement. Guidance on timeline was not provided.
V. Approve Substitute Teacher Pay Rate
A.
Vote on Substitute Teacher Pay Rate
E. Alvarez made a motion to raise the pay rate for certified substitute teachers to match CMS pay rate as recommended by Finance Director.
M. Dixon seconded the motion.
- Currently, SA pays $120/day for not certified (in 23-24 there were 235 days filled with non-certified)
- Currently, SA pays $140/day for certified (in 23-24 there were 25 days filled with certified)
- CMS pays $129/day for not certified
- CMS pays $151/day for certified
- Recommendation is to increase only the certified rate to be competitive with CMS (impact of $300 increase to budget)
- Currently, not in the Budget for 2024-2025
- Currently, substitute pool is from existing parent community
- There would be impact to Parental Leave Opt-In
VI. Traffic Circle Updates
A.
Status
- Storm system completed
- Commitment to have all entrance areas to the school will be available on 8/27, first day of school.
VII. Vote for New Secretary
A.
Secretary for 2024-2025 School Year
D. Palmer made a motion to approve Julie Doll as Secretary of the Board.
A. Hall seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
VIII. Closed Session
A.
Vote to enter into Closed Session
E. Alvarez made a motion to move into Closed Session.
M. Dixon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
B.
Discuss Employee Contracts in Closed
IX. Vote to Approve Employment Contracts
A.
Employment Contracts
E. Alvarez made a motion to approve five new employment contracts as presented in closed.
M. Dixon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
X. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
E. Alvarez made a motion to adjourn meeting.
M. Dixon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED 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 3:03 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
L. Lopez
Documents used during the meeting
None