General Information

Government Type

Charter School

Entity

Salt Lake Arts Academy

Entity Website

http://www.slarts.org

Public Body

Salt Lake Arts Academy

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

2026-04-20 Governing Board PENDING Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

April 20, 2026 05:30 PM

Description/Agenda

Salt Lake Arts Academy PENDING Governing Board Meeting Minutes April 20, 2026, 5:30 pm 844 S 200 E, Salt Lake City Room 201 Board Members in Attendance Amy Fehlberg, Kelly Goff, Greg Ostrander (Board Chair), Reid Prentice, Shantel Stoff (Board Treasurer), Amy Yuda, and Diana Cabrales (Board Secretary) Board Members Excused Claudia Geist, Catherine Palmer, Whitney Provo, and Kimberly Venable Staff in Attendance Deborah Candler and Nicole Laird Quorum A quorum was present. Approval of March 16, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes Reid Prentice made a motion to approve the March 16, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes. Amy Fehlberg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Approval to Amend Agenda Order Shantel Stoff made a motion to move the HVAC Repair Update earlier in the agenda. Kelly Goff seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. HVAC Repair Update Nicole Laird provided an update regarding the school's HVAC system. She reported that three of the school's four chillers are currently nonfunctional, leaving the building operating at approximately 25% cooling capacity. Due to timing and installation logistics, repairs cannot occur until after the end of the school year. Nicole reviewed bids received for replacement of the chillers and associated controller boards. Rocky Mountain Mechanical submitted a proposal totaling approximately $42,185 after credits and discounts for prior work performed. Two additional bids were received at approximately $49,550 and $51,250. Board members discussed anticipated equipment lifespan, refrigerant compatibility and future availability, system efficiency considerations, broader HVAC planning opportunities, and the possibility of obtaining outside consultation before proceeding. Nicole also reported that the school's boiler system, approximately 30 years old, will require a formal RFP process for replacement or rebuilding. Estimated costs discussed ranged from approximately $40,000 for rebuilding existing systems to approximately $80,000 for a larger replacement system capable of supporting the building more efficiently. After discussion, the Board reached consensus to seek additional professional consultation regarding the overall HVAC approach before taking formal action on the chiller replacement proposal. No vote was taken. Principal's Report Deborah Candler reported that the school will transition from Lifetouch to a local photography company, Camera Shy, for student photos beginning next school year. The Board discussed benefits including higher-quality photography, digital photo purchase options, and support of a local business. Deborah also shared results from recent anonymous staff surveys. Approximately 22 staff members participated. Survey categories included communication, organization, support, leadership, collaboration, and overall effectiveness. Deborah noted that feedback was generally positive and would be used to guide future growth and improvement efforts. Deborah further reported that the new counselor has been an excellent fit for the school community and has integrated seamlessly into the team. An update was also provided regarding hiring for a full-time humanities teaching position for the upcoming school year. Deborah reported that the school received more than 40 applications and planned to begin interviews that week. Finance and Facilities Update Nicole Laird reviewed the school's balance sheet and operational budget. She reported that expenditures are tracking appropriately with the fiscal year and that major capital expenditures related to HVAC and outdoor projects will be paid from capital funds rather than the annual operating budget. Nicole also reviewed preliminary legislative funding estimates for FY27, including increases associated with the WPU adjustment and discontinuation of certain state programs, including Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) funding. Nicole provided an update regarding the outdoor classroom and stage projects. The Board's previously approved RFP process has been completed, contractors have been selected, and completion is anticipated by August 2026. Nicole additionally initiated discussion regarding the potential addition of a full-time facilities/custodial employee to better manage the school's growing facilities and operational needs. The Board discussed budgeting approaches, staffing structure, and operational considerations. No vote was taken. Fundraising Update Greg Ostrander summarized the fundraising update on behalf of Whitney Provo. The Board discussed preparations for the upcoming fundraising campaign and matching donation opportunity. Approximately $7,000 had already been secured toward the matching campaign. Board members were encouraged to begin outreach efforts to prospective donors. Public Comment No requests to speak were received. Adjournment Amy Yuda made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Reid Prentice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned Certification Submitted by: Diana Cabrales Board Secretary Salt Lake Arts Academy Approved by the Governing Board on: May 18, 2026

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Jen Guillory at 801-531-1173. .

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

NA

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

844 S 200 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
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Contact Name

Jen Guillory

Contact Email

jeng@slarts.org

Contact Phone

(801)531-1173

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

May 15, 2026 09:46 AM

Notice Last Edited On

May 15, 2026 09:46 AM

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