Brandon Chandler

The meeting involved several key discussions and actions. The board heard reports from the Superintendent, including a public hearing for the 2024-2025 TAPR and updates from the Facilities and Fundraising Committees, alongside Legislative & TEA updates. A significant portion was dedicated to the Financial Reports, featuring the presentation, review, and acceptance of the Annual Financial and Compliance Audit for the year ended August 31, 2025. Discussions on the audit addressed material adjustments, asset/liability changes, and the decrease in net assets attributed to bond expenditures and the elimination of ESSER funds. Academic performance was reviewed via the TAPR report, which showed a 'D' rating; subsequent discussions focused on curriculum changes, reading comprehension instruction, and the establishment of an academic committee. Campus security updates detailed improvements at Savoy and Belfort campuses, funded by grants and bond funds. The board also addressed fundraising application rejections due to past financial weaknesses. A budget amendment for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year, necessitated by insurance changes and network needs, was approved. During Executive Session, a Level III Grievance Hearing was conducted. Action items included approving and adopting the Local Improvement Plan required by the TEA, approving the implementation of Additional Days School Year (ADSY) beginning June 2026, and awarding the contract for the school remodeling and renovation project to The Emerald Group, Inc., despite initial procedural concerns.

The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) meeting involved reviewing key components of the district wellness policy, focusing on student nutrition requirements, physical activity expectations, and overall wellness supports. A primary discussion point was the need for consistent posting of monthly breakfast and lunch menus on the district website. The committee identified priority areas, including revising wellness policy language for clarity through eighth grade, exploring grab-and-go breakfast options for late arrivals, and ensuring consistent parent access to menus online. Furthermore, the committee decided on pursuing a District Wellness Week culminating in a Wellness Night/Resource Fair as the preferred district-wide wellness event model.

Key discussion topics for the board meeting include the review of the 2024-2025 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) and Federal Report Card, updates from the Facilities and Fundraising Committees, and legislative updates from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Financial reports will cover the AAL Financial Review and discussion of the budget amendment for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. A major action item involves the review and acceptance of the Annual Financial and Compliance Audit for the year ended August 31, 2025. Other action items include considering the adoption of the Local Improvement Plan, approval of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar which incorporates Additional Days School Year (ADSY) beginning June 2026, approval of a contract for school remodeling and renovation, and approval of a proposed board resolution regarding a period of prayer and Bible reading. The session includes an executive session to consult with legal counsel, deliberate on personnel matters, and discuss real property acquisition.

The meeting included Superintendent reports on legislative updates, specifically new rules regarding parental excuse for religious purposes, and policy updates. A Public Hearing concerning the 2023-2024 Charter FIRST rating was held, where the rating of 'C' was presented, with discussions focusing on debt service ratio and administrative staff cost ratios. Action items included the unanimous approval and adoption of Board Policy PG 3-Students: Attendance -- Released Time Courses (PG 3.206). Additionally, the board discussed and approved an RFQ for Real Estate Broker Services, contingent on timely presentation of offers to purchase property.

The agenda includes discussion and updates on academic progress, student health, enrollment, facilities, and fundraising. Financial reports, the annual audit, and the depository bank for public funds will be reviewed. The board will discuss the Texas Public Charter School Conference and TEA governance reporting. Action items include nominating and voting on board officers, approving contracts with Cubes K12 Inc., Vortex Computer Systems, and the Emerald Team, as well as partnering with The Liberation Project, Inc. Further actions involve approving the Student Health Advisory Council bylaws, evaluating facilities use, determining the future of the Savoy Site, and approving campus and district improvement plans and the amended AAL Board Travel Policy. The meeting will also include an executive session for consultations with the board attorney and deliberations on personnel matters, property, and security.