General Information

Government Type

Charter School

Entity

Ranches Academy

Public Body

Ranches Academy Board

Notice Information

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Notice Title

August 24, 2026 - Minutes - DRAFT

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

August 24, 2026 06:40 PM

Event End Date & Time

August 24, 2026 08:13 PM

Description/Agenda

The Ranches Academy School Board Meeting Minutes -DRAFT Date 08/24/26 Board Members Present Josh Marsh, Preston Griffin, Michelle Bennett, Amy Harrison, Morgan Call, Parker Hatt Board Members Absent None Others Present Stephanie Colson, Executive Director Levi Anderson, Academic Director Haydn Stender, Red Apple Business Manager Guests None Start time 6:40 PM End time 8:13 PM Location The Ranches Academy Agenda Topic Discussion Motions/Actions Roll Call & Pledge of Allegiance Roll call was administered and all present but Preston Griffin Agenda and Previous Meeting Minutes The Board approved minutes from 7/20/2026. MOTION: A motion by Parker Hatt and a second by Michelle Bennett to approve the previous meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously. FOR: Josh Marsh Preston Griffin Michelle Bennett Amy Harrison Morgan Call Parker Hatt AGAINST: None ABSENT: None Update on School Expansion The Executive Director, Stephanie Colson, provided an update on outstanding facility and technology projects associated with the school and expansion efforts. The Board was informed that several items remain in progress, including the installation of the Phone system and PA system. The Executive Director also reported that following a recent storm, roofers returned to address leaks identified in the newly expanded portion of the building. Repairs were completed. The Board was informed that the scheduled and financial school expansion update would be postponed due to Jeff's absence from the meeting. The Board agreed to table the discussion until the next meeting. Budget Review Haydn Stender, Red Apple Business Manager, presented the Financial Report as of July 31, 2026, and reviewed the organization's financial position with the Board. Overall revenues are expenditures are tracking favorably and remain in good standing. Expense Item 700 is trending higher due to the purchase of furniture associated with the school's expansion efforts. The school reported an ending cash balance of $2,791,418, representing approximately 240 days of cash on hand. The following balances were reviewed: PTIF Account Balance: $1,787,125 New PTIF Reserve Balance: $1,793,078 Forecasted PTIF Reserve Balance: $1,858,563 Enrollment Update: Current student enrollment stands at 364 students. The Board reviewed the financial report and noted the positive financial position, healthy cash reserves, and enrollment status. The increase in furniture-related expenses was discussed and attributed to expansion-related needs. The financial report was accepted and filed for record. Vote on IT Service Company The Board discussed the status of the school's current IT service contract. The Executive Director, Stephanie Colson, reported that alternative IT service providers are being evaluated due to concerns and issues associated with the current contract. Research is ongoing to identify potential options that better meet the school's operational and technology support needs. The Board agreed to table this agenda item until the September Board meeting to allow additional time for the Director to complete the evaluation and present recommendations for consideration. Review and approve Parking Lot and Playground blacktop quotes The Executive Director, Stephanie Colson, presented and reviewed proposals submitted by Eckles Paving and R&R Paving for the Parking lot and playground asphalt project. The Board discussed the differences between the proposals, including the scope of work, project specifications, and related maintenance services offered by each vendor. Following discussion and evaluation of the proposals, the Board determined that Eckles Paving provided the most suitable option for the school's needs. MOTION: A motion by Morgan Call and a second by Preston Griffin to approve the proposal from Eckles Paving for the Parking lot and Playground blacktop. The motion passed unanimously. FOR: Josh Marsh Preston Griffin Michelle Bennett Amy Harrison Morgan Call Parker Hatt AGAINST: None ABSENT: None Discuss Vendor Service Committee The Board discussed the need to establish a committee responsible for monitoring and maintaining of the school's vendor services, contracts, and related agreements. The purpose of the committee would be to help ensure vendor information remains current and that services continue to meet the school's operational needs. The Executive Director, Stephanie Colson, was tasked with compiling a comprehensive list of school vendors, including relevant contract information and service agreements. The Board agreed that maintaining a centralized inventory of vendor information and agreements would support effective oversight and periodic review of vendor services. The Board agreed to further discuss the formation, structure, and responsibilities of a vendor committee at the next Board Meeting. Review and approve Technology Purchases The board reviewed a Technology equipment proposal submitted by Onward Technology and discussed the recommended purchases presented by the Executive Director. The Executive Director, Stephanie Colson, outlined the purpose of the equipment and its intended use in supporting classroom instruction and technology needs. The Board discussed the proposed purchases and their benefits to the school. Following discussion, the Board approved the purchase of the Technology equipment as presented in the Onward proposal. MOTION: A motion by Parker Hatt and a second by Preston Griffin to approve the purchase of the technology equipment as presented in the Onward proposal. The motion passed unanimously. FOR: Josh Marsh Preston Griffin Michelle Bennett Amy Harrison Morgan Call Parker Hatt AGAINST: None ABSENT: None Review Emergency Purchase of Freezer The Executive Director, Stephanie Colson, discussed the school's need for a new freezer and presented the freezer quotes that had been obtained for Board's review. The Board reviewed the available options and discussed the importance of replacing the freezer to support school operations and food service needs. The Executive Director reported that, due to an emergency need and the timing of the school opening prior to the scheduled Board meeting, a freezer was purchased from Commercial Kitchen Supply (CKS) on August 18th 2026, to ensure uninterrupted operations. The Board acknowledged the circumstances that necessitated the emergency purchase and expressed understanding of the decision to proceed prior to formal Board approval. The Board agreed to place the matter on the agenda for the next Board meeting and conduct a formal vote to ratify and approve the emergency freezer purchase from CKS. School Safety Update and Safety Grant The Executive Director, Stephanie Colson, provided the Board with an update on the school's safety initiatives and the status of the safety grant. The Board was informed that the final purchase made using grant funds was the installation of a PA System, which fully exhausted the available safety grant funding. The Executive Director reported that a school safety walkthrough was completed prior to the start of the new school year. In addition, the school's expansion building received the necessary safety approval. The Board was also informed that Ranches Academy submitted a request for an exception regarding the Safety Specialist requirement due to limited staffing resources and has applied for additional safety grant funding. The Executive Director reported that the school is currently in compliance with all applicable safety guidelines and requirements. The Board reviewed the updates and acknowledged the school's continued efforts to maintain a safe learning environment and compliance with state safety requirements. Keep on the Agenda. 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 Preston Griffin and a second by Michelle Bennett to enter into closed session pursuant to applicable law to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation and the character, and professional competence of an individual. The motion passed unanimously. FOR: Josh Marsh Preston Griffin Michelle Bennett Amy Harrison Morgan Call Parker Hatt 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 Preston Griffin and a second by Parker Hatt to leave the closed session. The motion passed unanimously. FOR: Josh Marsh Preston Griffin Michelle Bennett Amy Harrison Morgan Call Parker Hatt AGAINST: None ABSENT: None Director Evaluation The Board reviewed the Executive Director's progress toward and completion of established goals for the prior school year. The Board discussed the outcomes achieved and the school's progress during the review period. The Board expressed appreciation for the Executive Director's leadership and contributions to the school's operations and continued success. Following discussion, the Board approved a 4% salary increase for the Executive Director, effective in accordance with applicable school policies and procedures. MOTION: A motion by Preston Griffin and a second by Amy Harrison to approve a 4% salary increase for the Executive Director. The motion passed unanimously. FOR: Josh Marsh Preston Griffin Michelle Bennett Amy Harrison Morgan Call Parker Hatt AGAINST: None ABSENT: None New Business ACTION: The Board identified the following for the September 14 agenda: (1) vote on IT Service Company; (2) vote on Freezer purchase; (3) discuss vendor service committee. Next Meeting: September 14th at 6:30 PM at the Ranches Academy Adjourn Meeting was adjourned at 8:13 PM A motion by Amy Harrison and second by Michelle Bennett to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously. FOR: Josh Marsh Preston Griffin Michelle Bennett Amy Harrison Morgan Call Parker Hatt 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.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

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Meeting Information

Meeting Location

7789 E Tawny Owl CIR
Eagle Mountain, UT 84005
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Contact Name

Stephanie Colson

Contact Email

scolson@theranchesacademy.com

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

August 26, 2026 09:05 AM

Notice Last Edited On

August 26, 2026 09:05 AM

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