The Ranches Academy
School Board Meeting Minutes
Date
03/16/26
Attendees
Stephanie Colson, Levi Anderson, Josh Marsh, Michelle Bennett, Carina Moss, Amy Harrison, Claire Anderson
Guests
Haydn Stender, Jeff Biesinger, Morgan Call, Parker Hatt
Start time
6:30 PM
End time
9:15 PM
Location
The Ranches Academy
Agenda Topic
Discussion
Motions/Actions
Roll Call & Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda and Previous Meeting Minutes
The Board approved minutes from 2/9/2026.
MOTION: A motion by Preston Griffin and a second by Michelle Bennett to approve the previous meeting minutes as is. The motion passed unanimously.
FOR:
Josh Marsh
Preston Griffin
Michelle Bennett
Carina Moss
Amy Harrison
Claire Anderson
AGAINST:
None
ABSENT:
None
Budget Review
Haydn discussed the current budget and expenses.
Current Enrollment 365 students
The PTIF balance has been updated with the following figures:
Actual YTD: $1,764,217.00
Forecast: $1,799,552.00
Net Operations less Construction cost: $602,936.00
Forecasted Net Operations minus construction costs: 202,868.00
The camera and PA system is itemized under State 3000 Revenue.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio:
The forecasted debt service coverage ratio is higher than Alta Bank's target. While the current forecast reflects a ratio of 3.4, Alta Bank has indicated a preference for forecasts closer to 1.1.
Update on School Expansion
Jeff reviewed and discussed the school expansion with the Board.
Change Orders are being tracked and recorded in the Project Plan.
Jeff is coordinating with Alta Bank to facilitate payment to Stout. Once funds are drawn, Alta Bank will conduct biweekly site visits to monitor construction progress.
The project timeline is on track.
ACTION:
Keep on Agenda for Monthly updates after financial reports.
Board Member Interviews
The Board conducted interviews with two candidates for the Board position.
Report SLT Prior Year Implementation
The Academic Director reported 25/26 and 26/27 SLT plans with the Board.
Funding is used for interventionist salaries and benefits.
Review and Approve Upcoming SLT Plan (signature form)
The goal remains the same. Estimated funding increased compared to prior year.
MOTION: A motion by Claire Anderson and a second by Preston Griffin to approve the 26/27 upcoming SLT Plan. The motion passed unanimously.
FOR:
Josh Marsh
Preston Griffin
Michelle Bennett
Carina Moss
Amy Harrison
Claire Anderson
AGAINST:
None
ABSENT:
None
Review Stakeholder Survey Results
The Director reviewed Stakeholder Survey results with the Board.
ACTION:
The Director will share Stakeholders comments with the Board in the next meeting.
Intro Training for School Board Members
The Board to complete training and attach the Certification to a shared Folder.
https://training.auditor.utah.gov/courses/introductory-training-for-school-board-members-2026
School Safety Update and Safety Grant
The Director reported on the School Safety plan.
Training and safety drills -
drills once a month
The Director reviewed and discussed camera system and access controls quotes from ETS vs. Onward with the Board.
The Director will verify retention period and cloud storage with ETS and will provide an update to the Board in the next meeting.
PA system bids are pending.
ACTION:
Keep School Safety Update on Agenda for Monthly Updates.
The Director will verify retention period and cloud storage with ETS and will provide an update to the Board in the next meeting.
MOTION: A motion by Preston Griffin and a second by Michelle Bennett to approve the bid by ETS to purchase the camera system and access control with the stipulation that they retain the video feed for 30 days. The motion passed unanimously.
FOR:
Josh Marsh
Preston Griffin
Michelle Bennett
Carina Moss
Amy Harrison
Claire Anderson
AGAINST:
None
ABSENT:
None
Review and Update Emergency Response Plan
The Director reviewed and discussed the Ranches Academy Incident Action Plan (IAP) with the Board.
The Directors would like to conduct reunification drills and gather feedback from parents.
Teachers are up to date on the training drills.
Review Board Terms
The Board reviewed and updated Board terms.
Motion to Enter Into Closed Session for the Purchase, Exchange, or Lease of Property; Pending or Reasonably Imminent Litigation; the Character, Professional Competence, or the Physical or Mental Health of an Individual; or the Deployment of Security or Security Personnel, Devices, or Systems
MOTION: A motion by Claire Anderson and a second by Michelle Bennett to enter into closed session. The motion passed unanimously.
FOR:
Josh Marsh
Preston Griffin
Michelle Bennett
Carina Moss
Amy Harrison
Claire Anderson
AGAINST:
None
ABSENT:
None
Motion to leave the Closed Session for the Purchase, Exchange, or Lease of Property; Pending or Reasonably Imminent Litigation; the Character, Professional Competence, or the Physical or Mental Health of an Individual; or the Deployment of Security or Security Personnel, Devices, or Systems
MOTION: A motion by Michelle Bennett and a second by Claire Anderson to enter into closed session. The motion passed unanimously.
FOR:
Josh Marsh
Preston Griffin
Michelle Bennett
Carina Moss
Amy Harrison
Claire Anderson
AGAINST:
None
ABSENT:
None
New Business
ACTION:
Vote to approve new Board members
Discuss Stakeholders Survey comments
Review Staff survey results
Review and approve Chromebook quotes
Training reminder
Next Meeting:
April 20 at 6:30PM at the Ranches Academy
Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 9:15PM
A motion by Michelle Bennett and second by Preston Griffin to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
FOR:
Josh Marsh
Preston Griffin
Michelle Bennett
Carina Moss
Amy Harrison
Claire Anderson
AGAINST:
None
ABSENT:
None
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION DURING PUBLIC MEETINGS
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Kammi Pyles at 801-400-3932.