Andrea R. Rivers

The board received a financial update noting a stable cash position and consistent revenue streams. The Chief Executive Officer reported on various successful school events and forums, and discussed advocacy efforts regarding athletic placement for charter schools. The academic report highlighted the school's successful six-year accreditation through Cognia, noting strengths in stakeholder trust and areas for improvement in student agency, data analysis, and STEM proficiency. Additionally, the board approved the FY27 tentative budget, the 2026-2027 school calendar, and a contract for new school signage.

The meeting included a review of the current financial report, noting strong ratios and an expected cash increase from a federal Employee Retention Credit. Updates were provided regarding the Charter Facility Support Foundation and upcoming sports field drawings. The Chief Executive Officer reported on recent community fundraisers, holiday initiatives including an 'Angel Tree' program, and veterans support efforts. An academic presentation detailed the school's Dual Credit program, which allows students to earn college credits. New business items included the approval of the FY26 amended budget, which accounted for enrollment changes and infrastructure investments, as well as the approval of a one-time payment to a consulting firm. Board discussions also covered legal compliance regarding the use of group text messages for board business and the required lead time for agenda items.

The board approved a four-year lease agreement for Apple staff devices, noting benefits in budget stability and standardized IT support. Additionally, the board approved a four-year lease for student Chromebooks to support secondary students, with deliveries scheduled for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions covered device lifecycle management, interest rate clarifications on the leases, and plans for the disposal or repurposing of older technology.

The board discussed and approved the purchase of a 165 LED display TV for $52,435.00 to replace aging projectors in the gym. The key benefits highlighted for this expenditure included cost efficiency due to the purchase of open-box units, versatility for use as a digital scoreboard, and the potential to generate revenue through advertising and sponsorships. The board also confirmed that although the expense was below the standard $75,000 spending limit for the CEO, the purchase required board approval because it was a non-budgeted item.

The board discussed and approved the Amplus Academy AB398 Budget Plan for the 26/27 school year. The discussion highlighted a slight decrease in state allocation, a shift in budget strategy to prioritize teacher salaries to address retention and recruitment gaps compared to local districts, and an inquiry into how the new budget reduces salary disparities for teachers with master's degrees.