Cedars International Academy

Governing Board

Regular Meeting - Thursday June 13th, 2024 @12:00 PM

Meeting Minutes

Attendance Summary

Name Status Arrival Time Departure Time
Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, DMin present member On Time At Adjournment
Sidne Campbell present member On Time At Adjournment
Dr. Sharon Butler (President) present chair On Time At Adjournment
Enrique Suarez present member On Time At Adjournment
Michael Blalock, Board President present chair On Time At Adjournment
Giacomo Leone present secretary On Time At Adjournment

I. Call To Order

Dr. Butler called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m.

III. CLOSED SESSION

For the purposes of considering matters for which closed sessions are authorized by Title 5, Chapter 551 Texas Government Code Section (.071-.084).

a. To deliberate the appointment, salaries, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee.

b. To deliberate the addition of Board members to the Board of Directors.


Dr. Butler convened closed session at 1:01 p.m. and the Board came out of closed session at 1:01 p.m. having made no decisions.

II. Approval of Minutes

A. Approval of May 23 minutes as submitted.

Motion to approve the minutes of the May 16, 2024 Board meeting

By: Giacomo Leone Seconded by: Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, DMin

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

VI. Discuss and Possible Action Items

A. Discussion and Possible Approval of New Board Members.

B. Discussion and Possible Approval of Board Officers.

C. Discussion and possible Approval of Attendance Waivers for 23-24 School Year.

D. Discussion and Possible Approval of Elevate Contract for HS credits for MS students. (Contract above 50k).

E. Approval of Returning Staff and New Hires for 24-25 School Year.

F. Discussion and possible approval of next steps for building purchase.

G. Discuss the possibility of a special meeting at the end of June.

H. Discussion and Possible approval of Investment Plan.
















Motion to elect Mr. Blalock to replace Dr. Butler as Board President effective July 1, 2024.

By: Sidne Campbell Seconded by: Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, DMin

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to elect Mr. Leone as Board Secretary.

By: Dr. Sharon Butler (President) Seconded by: Giacomo Leone

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to approve the attendance day waivers for December 21, 2023; January 16, 2024; April 8, 2024 and May 29, 2024 and to have the Superintendent complete all activities to gain TEA's approval.

By: Dr. Sharon Butler (President) Seconded by: Giacomo Leone

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to approve the Elevate Contract to allow for High School credits for Middle School students.

By: Michael Blalock, Board President Seconded by: Sidne Campbell

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to approve staffing recommendations by the Superintendent for the 2024-25 school year.

By: Giacomo Leone Seconded by: Dr. Sharon Butler (President)

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to authorize the Superintendent to cease negotiations, due diligence, and any contract agreements for the determination of whether the building at 8317 Cross Park is a viable alternative for consolidation of both campuses.

By: Enrique Suarez Seconded by: Giacomo Leone

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to delay any future investments with Edward Jones until after August 31, 2024 and to allow funds from any bonds that mature to remain in the money market fund.

By: Giacomo Leone Seconded by: Dr. Sharon Butler (President)

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

IV. Consent Agenda

A. Elementary Report

B. Secondary Report

C. Superintendent Report

D. Finance Report



V. Report Items

A. Update on Consolidation, Building Purchase and financing.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:39 pm

Motion to adjourn

By: Sidne Campbell Seconded by: Enrique Suarez

There was no notable discussion on the motion.