Cedars International Academy

Governing Board

Regular Meeting - Thursday January 23rd, 2025 @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
Enrique Suarez present member On Time At Adjournment
Dr. Michael G. Blalock, Board President present chair On Time At Adjournment
Giacomo Leone present secretary On Time At Adjournment

I. Call To Order/Approval of Minutes

Approval of December 12, 2024 Minutes submitted.

A motion to accept the minutes of the December meeting of the Board was made:

By: Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, DMin Seconded by: Dr. Michael G. Blalock, Board President

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Mr. Blalock called the meeting to order at 12:04 pm on Thursday, January 23, 2004.

By: Dr. Michael G. Blalock, Board President

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Sidne Campbell moved to accept LaTresa Stroud as a New Board Member

By: Sidne Campbell Seconded by: Giacomo Leone

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Consent Agenda

  1. New Hires: Ursula Wells, Tia Siong
  2. Resignations: Dolores Vasquez, Emily Ashley



Financial Audit Report

Giacomo Leone moved to accept the Audit. Chorbishop Sawyer Seconded the motion. Passed

A motion to approve the financial Report:

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

No discussion.

II. Report Items

  1. Audit Review
  2. Elementary Report
  3. High School Report
  4. Superintendent Report
  5. TAPR Report



New Board Member

Ms. Kerry Parker was introduced as a prospective new Board Member

By: Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, DMin Seconded by: Enrique Suarez

The next item of business was the nomination of two new board members:

The board was shown a Thank You video.

There was a myriad of happy students thanking the Board as a whole and individual members for their work on the Board. The video was enjoyable and uplifting. Board members were also presented with Cedars International Academy backpacks. These are great backpacks, and will help with advertising our wonderful school.

Superintendent's Report

1 Miss D. Maria received an award from TPSCA for exemplary teaching of Math and Science for the year 2021. It was awarded physically this year. Only two Texas teachers received this type of award.
2 This is the second year we have a soccer team at the high school. Yeah! 3 10 Students retested, and 5 passed. The remaining 5 will continue to work toward the passing.
4 100% of the High School students are on track for College and Career readiness. 5 I will be attending the TWSCA conference free, as I received a scholarship from the Council of Women's School Executives.
6 We received a $49,000 Grant from NSLP, which will be used to fix/replace the walk-in cooler for about $40,000. The remainder will be used for kitchen equipment replacement/upgrades. 7 The Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior classes are doing well and are working on incorporating the following core tenets into their experiences: Trust; Respect; Responsibility; Perseverance; and Integrity. 9 TSI Preparation. With the dual credits being offered, more students can attend ACC, thus freeing some of the congestion at the High school, increasing their educational horizons, preparation for the work world, and networking. ACC offers at least four degrees. 10 Miss Ursula Wells it a new SPED teacher. She is replacing Mr. L Cody 11 This past week, students were interviewed by TSDLA. The team reported that the students presented themselves better than most adults can.

  1. Our attendance is now at 94%, which is an improvement from the past two years, 93% and 92%, respectively. It is a constant increase, which is good. 13 Recruitment is underway, in anticipation of family situations that may change in the ensuing month or so. 14 The is our first Foreign Exchange student from Korea at the high school. 15 We have been in contact with the Gallagher Organization, which has offered to help analyze the Crawley Campus' student capacity. 16 The cost to fix the parking lot will be $173,000. 17 We have a contact at Region 13, Jerry Vaughan, to help us get qualified bids. 18 Due to the Spring Break, The March Board Meeting will be on March 27.

IV. Discuss and Possible Action Items


  1. Discussion and possible approval of items discussed in closed session.
  2. Discussion and possible addition of board members.
  3. Approval of 23-24 Audit
  4. Discussion and possible approval of Board Workshop for March meeting date.


Mike Brotherton from Crow Accounting reported that the firm joined Crow. The Audit was like a first-year audit. It was thorough. It was an Independent Auditor's report. It was clean and unmodified—like a clean bill of health. One grant required auditing. The financial position did not significantly change. All is in good order. Specifics are in the board packet. All findings were positive. He thanked Dr. Sparacello and the staff for their assistance this year, especially with the change to Crow.


Giacomo Leone moved to accept the Audit. Chorbishop Sawyer Seconded the motion. Passed




The next item of business was the nomination of two new board members:

  1. Mr Blalock invited Kerry Parker to offer a vita of herself.
  2. She was the president of A+ Credit union for 20 years.
  3. Just celebrated her 40 Anniversary of Marriage, has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.
  4. she has worked with schoolsin the past on grants, scholarships, etc.
  5. This is her first school board, has experience on several boards.











The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:24 pm

Motion to adjourn

By: Sidne Campbell Seconded by: Enrique Suarez

There was no notable discussion on the motion.