BELIEVE STL Academy
Minutes
February Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday February 28, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Location
Directors Present
J. Boone (remote), K. Martin-Johnson (remote), M. Hantak (remote), M. Johnson (remote), T. Jordan (remote), T. Wells (remote)
Directors Absent
P. Woods
Guests Present
J. Manning (remote), K. Neal-Brannum (remote), T. Vonderheit (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
T. Jordan called a meeting of the board of directors of BELIEVE STL Academy to order on Wednesday Feb 28, 2024 at 4:00 PM.
II. BELIEVE STL Academy Updates
A.
Executive Director Updates:
- St. Louis American article: BELIEVE featured on front page. New charter high school to open in St. Louis this fall | Living It | stlamerican.com
- St. Louis Public Schools voluntarily withdrew the lawsuit. By product: representatives have started protesting Central Baptist Church. The church has drafted a statement on behalf of the congregation stating commitment and support of education.
- A lease has been signed with Central Baptist Church and has been announced publicly this will be the location for year 1.
- Recommendation for new board member: D. Thomas joined the meeting.
- Executive Director went through potential permanent school locations.
- Buses: transportation is going to be a big item for the school. Engaging the company we have been working with for the summer program. With CSP Grant, may be able to purchase buses.
- Will start accepting bids within the next month.
- Messaging to students: offer satellite spots in strategic locations.
B.
Principal's Report
- Enrollment update:
- 55 9th grade applications. 51 have accepted their seat.
- 8 10th grade applications. 7 have accepted their seat.
- Outpouring of interest.
- Academic Update
- Curriculum search: specifically in math and history. Looking for a strong math teacher.
3. Programs and Partnership:
- Reviewed a variety of new partners and programs in the city
- Athletics: need to start hiring coaches. Open to any sports outside of football. Ideally start with: soccer, baseball, track, cross country, volleyball, basketball.
III. Approvals/Vote
A.
McKinney-Vento Plan
T. Jordan made a motion to approve McKinney-Vento Plan.
T. Wells seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Jordan |
Aye
|
| J. Boone |
Aye
|
| T. Wells |
Aye
|
| K. Martin-Johnson |
Aye
|
| P. Woods |
Absent
|
| M. Hantak |
Aye
|
| M. Johnson |
Aye
|
B.
Internet Safety Act
T. Jordan made a motion to approve Children's Internet Safety Act.
K. Martin-Johnson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| K. Martin-Johnson |
Aye
|
| T. Wells |
Aye
|
| J. Boone |
Aye
|
| M. Hantak |
Aye
|
| P. Woods |
Absent
|
| M. Johnson |
Aye
|
| T. Jordan |
Aye
|
C.
2024-2025 Academic Calendar
T. Jordan made a motion to approve academic calendar.
K. Martin-Johnson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| K. Martin-Johnson |
Aye
|
| J. Boone |
Aye
|
| T. Wells |
Aye
|
| T. Jordan |
Aye
|
| M. Hantak |
Aye
|
| P. Woods |
Absent
|
| M. Johnson |
Aye
|
IV. Upcoming Events & Opportunities
A.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
BELIEVE Breakfast is open to all board members in March.
V. 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 5:03 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
T. Jordan