East Texas Advanced Academies (ETAA) board members approved expenditures for student supplies and a fifth-grade trip, hired an accounting firm, passed a debt repayment plan, and presented reports on new programs during their regular meeting Thursday night.
Kicking off business, leaders greenlit a multi-day fifth-grade excursion from Ware East Texas Montessori Prep to historic sites in Van, Texas. Next, they authorized purchasing 400 student art supply kits from the Texas Cultural Trust at approximately $16,000. Officials said the supplies will be distributed across their partnership campuses.
Shifting focus, the governing body hired Lufkin-based accounting firm Alexander, Lankford, and Hiers to handle 2023 tax preparation services. This comes as part of ETAA’s overarching financial audit.
Board members then passed a joint debt repayment plan to clear $1.25 million owed to Longview ISD by 2025. The outstanding balance resulted from Longview ISD fronting ETAA’s portion of a special education litigation settlement in 2018. As part of the approved deal, ETAA guarantees a $70,000 payment in fall 2024 plus additional payments after future budget reconciliations.
Later, board members presented reports on launching a prospective volunteer reading program and sponsoring a grant-funded urgent care clinic.
Before adjourning, the directing body entered a closed executive session to review unspecified employee disciplinary actions. However, upon reconvening, officials made no related motions.
ETAA currently operates six campuses in partnership with Longview ISD, including East Texas Montessori Prep Academy (PreK and K), Bramlette, Everhart, Johnston-McQueen, and Ware elementary schools, as well as Forest Park Middle School.
For more information about ETAA, please contact CEO and Chief Learner Dr. Brian Ziemer at 903-381-2321.