January 23rd Meeting of the GHTX Board of Directors

Dear Great Hearts Texas Community–

 

On January 23rd, 2025, Great Hearts Texas held its Board of Directors meeting at Great Hearts Western Hills. We are grateful to all parents, faculty, staff, PSO leadership, and other community members who attended. We also appreciate the leadership at Great Hearts Western Hills, which partnered with us to host the meeting.

 

 

James Rahn, Chair of the Board, called the meeting to order and reflected on the Board’s good visit with Headmasters Keffer and Absher at Western Hills. The Board also engaged with the campus’s Academic Advisory Committee, which shared their experiences within the community and enthusiasm for the academy.

 

 

Lower School Headmaster Kyla Absher expressed gratitude for the teachers and parent community, noting their vital role in student success. She shared improvements in reading literacy readiness, which increased by 10% over the past year due to instructional initiatives. 

 

Upper School Headmaster Trinette Keffer highlighted academic progress, including a new math foundations class and the continued expansion of student leadership through the student house council. She also discussed the development of varsity athletics, Lyceum electives, and student mentorship programs.

 

 

Community members shared their perspectives during the public comment portion of the meeting.

 

 

TEA Conservator Paul Pastorek updated the board on human resource processes and background check compliance. He assured the Board that appropriate oversight measures are now in place and recommended ongoing policy development to sustain compliance.

 

 

Interim Superintendent Dr. Wade Dyke discussed budgeting strategies to maintain financial health, emphasizing a lean approach while awaiting potential funding increases from the Texas Legislature. Monet Lessner, Executive Director of Academics and Special Education, updated the Board on hiring efforts and upcoming academic performance reviews.

 

 

Vice President of Operations Lisa Zerbonia provided updates on real estate projects, including the Arlington Phase 2 development, the construction of Irving Lower School, and potential additional parking at Western Hills. She noted that enrollment numbers are substantial, with over 7,000 applications received during open enrollment. The state is conducting safety and security audits across Texas, which will include Great Hearts campuses in March.

 

 

Julie Minnehan, a charter school policy expert, briefed the Board on the Texas legislative session. She noted the possibility of increased charter school funding. She also outlined proposed improvements for Great Hearts Online’s public funding.

 

 

Vice President of Finance Kevin Byrne reported on Great Hearts Texas’s financial health. He highlighted enrollment gains, a 1% increase in average daily attendance, and current philanthropic contributions. The Board discussed budgeting priorities for the next fiscal year, emphasizing faculty and campus needs.

 

 

The Board approved multiple motions, including the Governance Committee Charter, the addition of Director Brandon Byrne to the Governance Committee, a resolution for a non-expansion amendment to relocate the Great Hearts Texas administrative office in the coming year, and the HB 1707 resolution. Additionally, the Board approved the hiring of Dr. Wade Dyke as the permanent Superintendent of Great Hearts Texas, with Board Chair Jim Rahn authorized to negotiate the final agreement.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m. after an executive session where the Board discussed governance, personnel, and financial matters.