LaQuicia Harris

The executive committee of the Board of Trustees convened to hear a level three parent grievance appeal. The board deliberated in closed session regarding the appeal and subsequently returned to open session to motion and unanimously vote to deny the grievance, thereby upholding the previous level two hearing officer's decision.

The executive committee meeting included a closed session to deliberate on the evaluation of an officer or employee. Following the closed session, the board voted unanimously to remove a member from the Uplift Education Board of Trustees and the executive committee, effective immediately.

The board meeting focused on several key performance metrics for the current school year, including philanthropic goals, enrollment, average daily attendance, staff retention, and academic achievement targets. The executive team provided updates on senior decision days, college readiness rates, and the implementation of career programming through a three-tier framework (exposure, access, and acceleration). Discussions also included upcoming budget preparations for the 2027 school year, advocacy efforts, board governance, and the integration of new career pathways in aerospace engineering and education.

The board discussed the organization's financing strategy for the upcoming 12 months, including priorities for construction projects such as a primary school and a gym, alongside plans for bond issues in the fall and the following spring. Additionally, the board reviewed the status of line of credit and loan negotiations with banks and authorized the CEO to sign an agreement, with an added requirement for approval from the Finance Committee chair or a designated committee member.

The board meeting covered a range of topics, including an advocacy update regarding legislative priorities for public charter schools and efforts to support these priorities through the Institutional Advancement Committee. Regular reports were provided on the five-year strategic investment plan, specifically addressing human capital updates and staff retention, growth and service trends in special education, initiatives regarding equity and inclusion, and the progress of the partnership with GPISD. Additionally, a governance update was provided, which included discussion and recommendations on the structure, function, and engagement of Campus Advisory Councils. The session also included an open forum for community comments regarding college and job market alignment.