Rick Carpenter

The meeting agenda was approved, and the minutes from the January meeting were approved. Discussions covered governance, including the approval of updated bylaws with the addition of the culture and climate committee and title changes reflecting the promotion of Mr. Bang. Finance agenda items included reviewing January accounts payable transactions, highlighting significant IT supply purchases totaling $23,000 and a $9,450 software renewal, and reviewing financial statements showing a $85,000 deficit for December, with an expected year-end deficit reduction to approximately $2 million due to pausing $2 million in K8 furniture refresh capital expenses. An update on the electrification grant for buses showed potential savings of about $100,000 against initial projections. The development committee reported on the annual fund as of December 2025, totaling $570,000, and announced the approval of the AL Athletics Booster Club as an independent organization rolling up financially under the AL 501c3. Furthermore, the successful fundraising for the Oak Auditorium lighting and sound upgrade, which raised $28,000 against a $25,000 goal, was noted, with installation scheduled for the end of February. The performance committee reviewed student discipline and attendance reports for Semester 1, noting a decrease in the overall discipline rate compared to the prior year, with a detailed breakdown by grade level, ethnicity, and gender.

The special board meeting focused on reviewing the year-end audit report presented by the auditors. Key discussion points included reviewing the management letter, which identified a significant deficiency related to the entity being under-collateralized at two financial institutions for the year ended June 30, 2025, resulting in a potential risk exposure of $158,000. The entity agreed with this finding and detailed corrective actions already implemented, such as consolidating bank accounts, redeeming a certificate of deposit, and enhancing internal oversight through monthly and annual reviews of collateralization levels. The auditors issued an unmodified opinion on the financial statements, which are prepared on a modified cash basis of accounting. The auditors also reported on internal controls, confirming the under-collateralization issue constituted a significant deficiency.

The meeting included discussions about setting up an educational foundation to support fundraising efforts for the school. The foundation would focus on large dollar donations and align with the board's strategy for growth. There were considerations about staffing, potential funding sources, and accountability measures. The possibility of the foundation cannibalizing existing donors was addressed, with the goal of targeting new donors who may not typically donate directly to schools. Legal and financial aspects were also discussed, including potential costs and oversight.

The meeting discussed potential changes to the school calendar, including moving the parent-teacher conference and adding a day off for teachers. There was a discussion about a request to avoid April 18th as a map testing date. The possibility of a week-long Thanksgiving break was considered, along with the impact on generation day. Other topics included the first day of school, the number of days for teachers, and instructional hours. The meeting also touched on the idea of late starts for school improvement and conference dates.

The meeting discussed a go Bond, which allows a school district to borrow money for public projects like school renovations, repaying it through property tax. The bond aims to fund facility renovations, improve bathrooms, and upgrade playfields. The presentation highlighted the unified vision between kcps and charter schools, emphasizing the importance of this vote, requiring a 4/7 majority due to its long-term debt implications financed by taxpayer dollars. The discussion also covered the allocation of funds, prioritizing student-based allocation. Key projects include addressing roof leaks, replacing the roof, improving the H system, and enhancing the S field and gymnasium. The pros and cons of passing or failing the bond vote were also discussed.