RUNNING HEAD: PUBLIC FORUM MEETING

Joy Preparatory Academy Board of Directors Meeting

Pamela D. Williams
Marygrove College

Joy Preparatory Academy Board of Directors Meeting

On February 16, 2016, I attended the monthly, Joy Preparatory Board of Directors
Meeting at the Dexter Campus, in Detroit. The board meets once a month and all board meetings
are open to the public. Joy Preparatory Academy is a public charter school operating in Detroit,
under The Leona Group and chartered by Ferris State University. A total of sixteen items were
covered during this meeting.
Call to Order and Roll Call
President George Waters called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members of the
board were present, with new board member Debryl Ector sworn in at 6:10 p.m. Others in
attendance included members of The Leona Group including School Leader Fran Gardulescu,
and Don Haist from Ferris State University. (TLG) member Georgia Rodgers shared her history
and background in education with TLG. Dr. Rizzo shared his history and background in
education as well as with Ferris State.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was unanimously moved and seconded with the change to move the Ferris
State University Report to New Business item A.

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Reading of the Mission, Vision and Core Values Statements
Designated members of the board went on to read the Mission, Vision and Core Values
Statements.
Oath of Office
Oath was administered to new board member Debryl Ector by Dr. Ronald Rizzo and
notarized by Barbara Cosby.
Consent Calendar
It was properly moved and seconded that Januarys regular meeting minutes were
accepted with noted corrections.
Correspondence
The next discussion was in response to a letter dated January 29, 2016 to Joy Preparatory
Academy from Ronald Rizzo regarding Final Authorization Review. President George Waters
shared from a recent Detroit Free Press article that school ranking is flawed and that schools
were unfairly ranked due to poverty rates. Discussion ensued relative to the article. G. Waters
thanked FSU for their cooperation with the purchase of the Dexter campus and their efforts for
working towards higher academic achievement. Dr. Rizzo discussed the reauthorization process
and stated that the academy is not a failing school but there were opportunities for growth.

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Treasurers Report
December 2015 Financials
Dr. Waldon reviewed the written report in detail, including a summary of receipts, cash
flow, and cash forecast through December 31, 2015. The documents were received by the board
members in their board packets prior to the meeting: Summary Budget-Functional Basis;
Summary Actuals-Functional Basis; Combined Balance Sheet; Budget Projections; Check Book
Register Report; Historical Trial Balance; TLG-paid Expenses Report and the Trial Balance
Summary. It was moved and seconded by board to accept the December 31, 2015 Treasurers
Report as presented.
Old Business
There were two items under old business; one being the Campus Consolidation and Audit
RFP Discussion/Recommendation. Dr. Merritt discussed the letter with the board regarding the
consolidation as well as the resolution. Dr. Rizzo stated that he no concerns regarding the
approval of the consolidation from the FSU Trustees. Discussion ensued regarding a
typographical error on the document stating K-8 instead of PreK-8 in the letter and resolution. A
revised version of the letter and the resolution will be brought forth at the March board meeting
for board review and approval.
Dr. Merritt advised that Darnell and Meyering is the firm that is being proposed for
boards approval for a three year engagement. It was properly moved and seconded by board
members to unanimously approve a three year engagement for fiscal year 2016, 2017 & 2018
with Darnell and Meyering. Then G. Waters thanked the team who met regarding the

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improvements and consolidation needed at the academy. Another meeting is scheduled for
February 27, 2016.
New Business
A Ferris State University Report
Dr. Rizzo stated it was a pleasure to work with Joy Prep over the years and gave kudos to
the board for their commitment. He made the point that the academy needs to move forward
academically and while it is not a failing school, the academy is in the lower percentile of the
schools authorized by Ferris State. He stated that the authorizer is not going to step in and run the
educational program but will work with everyone involved to gain academic achievement. The
Leona Group has key people in place to run a successful program at the academy. In June 30,
2018 the contract will expire and he will need to provide proof that the plan that was created will
merit an extension at that time. Currently the school did not meet the academic expectation of
Ferris State so Joy Prep has been given two years to improve their academic standing or run the
risk of closing. G. Rodgers stated the team met for a number of hours and reviewed/discussed
performance data and the layers over the years. The team identified a frame work and a plan was
put together that is realistic for academic growth over the next two years. Dr. Rizzo stated that
the goal in 2018 is to bring forth a recommendation to the trustees for a five year extension.
Ferris State will work collaboratively with TLG and the team at Joy Prep. A written plan will be
created and the draft of the plan will be reviewed by the board at the May board meeting and in
June a final approval will be needed by the board to implement the plan. Dr. Rizzo discussed
academic reports will be generated over the course of the next two years. Dr. Merritt stated that
he feels very positive about what has occurred thus far with FSU and the team. The new

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curriculum coach Jill Larkin introduced herself and shared her background and how she ended
up working in education. Dr. Cobbs stated that the school academic environment is changing
already and it is noticed that Jean, Jill and the entire team truly cares about the students and their
achievements. G. Waters stated that it is a reason to be concerned when the state leaders do not
know what direction education is going. He stated also that he was disappointed in the scores
that were discussed at the last meeting and he is pleased to hear that there is a monitored plan
being created. He wants to see accountability and to see what decisions need to be made to better
growth and achievement. Dr. Rizzo stated that student growth is what is needed and achievement
will follow. FSU will look at student growth and capacity (meaning if the academy had more
time will things get better) will be the two determining factors. He advised that FSU is
committed to working with the team to achieve growth over the next two years. Discussion
ensued regarding the building purchase an the goal over the next several months for the campus
consolidation.
Business/Management Report
School Leadership Team Report/School Improvement & Student Achievement Update
My school leader F. Gardulescu stated the team meeting that was held was open, honest
and respectful and thanked everyone involved in the meeting. Count Day was last Wednesday
and the Oakman campus had 134 students in attendance and the Dexter campus had 141 students
in attendance. NWEA (standardized test) data will be presented at the March board meeting. On
February 23, 2016 several members of the staff including the new curriculum coach will attend
NWEA training.

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There were additional items covered and it was moved and seconded by the board to adjourn at
7:42 p.m.
This board meeting had significance for me because Joy Preparatory Academy the Oakman
campus will consolidate with the Dexter campus at the end of June 2016 as its present building
will be sold. I have worked at the Oakman campus for the past 2 years and have enjoyed my
teaching time there. I can now end my relationship with the academy at the end of June, knowing
that there is a plan in place to improve student achievement.