A motion was made to approve the minutes with the correction of the name from Loft to Lott from the open forum session
By: Kerry Parker Seconded by: Enrique Suarez
Yes-Michale Blalock, Giacomo Leone Not Present-Don Sawyer, Sidne Campbell
Cedars International Academy
Governing Board
Regular Meeting - Thursday September 18th, 2025 @12:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
Attendance Summary
| Name | Status | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, DMin | not present member | ||
| Sidne Campbell | not present member | ||
| 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 |
| Kerry Parker | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
Call to Order/Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by board President, Dr. Michael Blalock.
Open Forurm
No speakers present for open forum
Report Items
Heather Rauls, elementary principal, reported that Dr. Trinidad and Ms. Mekha from EFF and Blueprint were visiting the school and were impressed by the programs being implemented and by the student ambassadors and students' communication and social skills. A new teacher has been added to the middle school, and now Spanish II has been added to the curriculum. They commented on the positive culture of the school. Mr. Zipkes, High School Principal, stated that the visiting team also commented on the outstanding culture exhibited by the staff and students at the high school. The comments made at the elementary level were repeated to him at the High School level.
Dr. S asked if there were any questions about the Superintendent report sent earlier in the week and gave a quick update on the Status of the EFF loan which should go to committee for final approval on October 2nd.
A motion to adjourn was made. Adjournment was at 12:25 pm
By: Kerry Parker Seconded by: Giacomo Leone
Yes-Michael Blalock, Enrique Suarez Not Present-Don Sawyer, Sidne Campbell
Consent Agenda
- Homebound Student Virtual Learning Approval
- MEOP and Active Threat Annex
- Superintendent Goals 25-26
- Student/Staff Handbook Revisions
A motion was made to approve the consent agenda minus the Superintendent Goals which will be presented at the October Meeting.
By: Kerry Parker Seconded by: Giacomo Leone
Yes-Michael Blalock, Enrique Suarez Not Present-Don Sawyer, Sidne Campbell
Executive Session
Executive session began at 12:19 pm to discuss the possible extension of the Superintendents contract. Executive sessions ended at 12:22 pm with no decisions made
Discussion Items
- Items Discussed in Closed Session-No decisions made in closed session.
- Potential New Board Member-No action taken. He will be present at the next board meeting to meet the board and possibly join.
- Approval of Revision/Extension of Superintendent Contract
A motion was made to add the following paragraph to To extend the Superintendent's contract to a 3 or 4 year contract with negotiations to take place each January adding 1.2 to the contract. the Superintendent contract: 1.2 During the month of January of each year of this Contract or at any other time during the term of this Contract, the Board shall consider extension of the Contract and may, in its sole discretion, extend the term of this Contract for additional years as authorized by law, with the Superintendent's acceptance of such extension. The Superintendent does not have a property or liberty interest, or any other legally recognized and protected interest or expectation, in such extension by the Board. In the event that the Contract is extended, the Superintendent's compensation and benefits will be as set forth herein, unless the parties agree to a different compensation and benefits in the form of a written addendum or new contract and to create a committee for such discussions. Mr. Blalock and Mr. Leone will sit on this committee
By: Enrique Suarez Seconded by: Giacomo Leone
Yes-Michael Blalock, Kerry Parker Not Present-Don Sawyer, Sidne Campbell
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:46 pm
Motion to adjourn
By: Kerry Parker Seconded by: Giacomo Leone
Yes-Michael Blalock, Enrique Suarez Not Present-Don Sawyer, Sidne Campbell