The Learning Foundation of Georgia
Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting
August 11, 2026
City Park School Auditorium
Members present: Mr. John T. Minor V (Chairman), Mr. David Elrod, Dr. John Fuchko III, Dr. Sharon Hixon, Ms. Cindy Howalt, Ms. Tangela Johnson, Ms. Julie Patterson, Ms. Jessica Triviño, and Mr. Larry Winter. A quorum was present.
Members absent: None
Quorum Established
The Board of Directors of the Learning Foundation of Georgia, Inc., convened for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:05 p.m. at City Park School Auditorium. Meeting materials were provided during the meeting. Chairman Minor noted the presence of a quorum. On a motion made by Dr. Sharon Hixon and seconded by Mr. Larry Winter, the minutes of the July 21, 2026, meeting were unanimously approved as presented.
Action Items:
Election of new Directors. Chairman Minor introduced Dr. Michelle Koneman and Mr. Scott Smith to the Board.
Proposal: That Dr. Michelle Koneman and Mr. Scott Smith be elected to the Board of Directors of the LEARNING Foundation of Georgia for the 2026-2029 term effective August 11, 2026
Motion made by: Mr. Larry Winter
Seconded by: Mr. David Elrod
Vote: Unanimous in favor
Voting in favor: All directors present
Voting against: None
Abstaining: None
Board governance software. Chairman Minor reported that he and Dr. John Fuchko had discussed a trial period for Aureclar, a board governance software platform that supports board preparation, analysis of board materials, and traditional document portal functions. Customization options are available during the trial period. Following the trial, the annual cost is $3,500.
Proposal: That the Learning Foundation of Georgia proceed with a trial of the Aureclar board governance software.
Motion made by: Mr. Larry Winter
Seconded by: Dr. John Fuchko III
Vote: Unanimous in favor
Voting in favor: All members present
Voting against: None
Abstaining: None
Information / Discussion Items:
Treasurer’s Report. Mr. Larry Winter presented a balance sheet that had been distributed with the meeting materials. He indicated there was limited activity to report since the prior meeting and noted that, once the school is operational, establishing a line of credit would be an appropriate next step.
News release dated August 7, 2026. Chairman Minor discussed the news release published on August 7, 2026, by several news outlets. The release will also be published on the school website.
Update on Head of School search. Dr. Sharon Hixon reported that the Head of School search committee has met. The committee has developed a rubric for reviewing applications and has created a spreadsheet to track candidate evaluations. The committee will next meet to determine which candidates will advance to virtual interviews. Following the virtual interviews, the committee will select candidates for in-person meetings.
Update on Learning Academy at Boys & Girls Club. Mr. Robbie Slocumb, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Georgia, provided an update on the facility. Construction is planned in two phases. Phase One will consist of a detached full-size gymnasium. Phase Two will convert the current pavilion into common space, a cafeteria, a kitchen, and two stories of classrooms, and will also convert the current gymnasium into two stories of classrooms. Mr. Larry Winter emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that the Learning Academy and the Boys & Girls Club will each use the facilities approximately fifty percent of the time under a long-term lease. The target occupancy date is July 1, 2027.
Other Business:
Dr. Helene Robinson, Dean of the School of Education at Dalton State College, was introduced to the Board. Mr. Larry Winter suggested that a future agenda include a fifteen-minute overview presentation on the education models to establish shared vocabulary among Board members. Dr. John Fuchko recommended that a formal letter regarding a memorandum of understanding be prepared and sent to all parties in the target areas. Mr. Robbie Slocumb suggested that a future Board meeting be held at the Boys & Girls Club facility.
Executive Session:
No executive session was held.
Announcements:
Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Park School Auditorium.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Julie Patterson
Julie Patterson
Secretary