April 2025 Minutes
Date of Meeting: April 17, 2025
Directors Present: Chairperson Jon Wilhite, Vice Chairperson Mike Tooley, Treasurer Bob Baird, Head of School Deb Byely, Dr. Blair Dowden, Mrs. Monica Johnson, Dr. Russ Baker, Mrs. Julia Harcourt, Mr. Edgar Momah, Mrs. Anne Witter
Directors Absent: Secretary Andrew Norris, Mrs. Keli Reese
Others in Attendance: Director of Athletics Kenny Huber
Opening Prayer: Director Momah
New Staff Introduction: Mr. Kenny Huber was introduced as our new Athletic Director. Mr. Huber recently relocated from Michigan and his family will be moving here soon. He is excited to be at Traders Point and already has many ideas for the athletic program.
Review of Minutes – The March 20, 2025, meeting minutes were circulated before the meeting by Secretary Norris.
ACTION: Director Johnson moved to approve the minutes for the March meeting and Director Dowden seconded. Voice Vote. Motion carried.
Finance: Treasurer Baird
The process we currently use for budget planning is not at the level we will need as we move forward.
We have cleared 1.2 million in debt in the last year, which is a tremendous achievement but it did come at a heavy expense in terms of relationships and workload for staff and teachers.
There was a lengthy discussion about the status of the budget and the need for a sustainable budget model.
Committee on Directors: Director Baker
Final conversations are taking place in the next two weeks with one prospective new board member. Director Baker will be recommending new and returning board members in May for new three-year terms of service.
These new terms will begin in August 2025.
Board Award Committee: Vice-Chairperson Tooley
Directors Witter and Johnson are serving as members of this committee along with Committee Chair Tooley.
The deadline for students to apply for the award will be May 9.
Board Chairperson Wilhite reminded board members to contribute to the board award. This is given annually to a graduating senior to assist with college tuition and is paid directly to their selected college or university.
Board Administrative Matters: Chairperson Wilhite
Next meeting on May 15 as previously scheduled
June/July meetings combined with one meeting on July 10
TPCS Graduation Ceremony on May 17, 2025 at 4:00. The ceremony will be held at the Downtown TPCC location. All Directors are strongly encouraged to attend.
Head of School Report: Head of School Byely
The Director of Advancement position search is continuing. Head of School Byely is ready to make an offer to a candidate. There was discussion regarding the skills needed to ensure that this individual is effective.
An update on the status of our ASCI accreditation report was given. Matt Wachtor is leading this effort with great effectiveness. The goal is to submit the report by October.
Josh Lansford has been hired as new Director of Facilities and is making a very positive difference.
Vision Night feedback has been positive. The Board unanimously praised Head of School Byely for her presentation and that of the three school principals. She was commended for the positive atmosphere and interaction.
Adjournment: 8:45 pm
