Members of Ben Mays Preparatory School board of directors received a clean audit at their Oct. 29 meeting.

Don Wheat, a certified public accountant from Carr, Riggs & Ingram firm, presented a brief overview of the school’s financial audit.  Wheat said the school received an unqualified opinion, which is a positive accounting assessment of the school’s financial statements.  The audit will be submitted after the school’s financial director Brent Washington completes the annual financial report for Mays Prep.

While most school boards discussed their school performance scores this month, Ben Mays’ board members did not.  When asked why there was no mention of the scores at the meeting member John Williams said they learned of their score earlier in the year.

Though most schools learned of their scores the same day as the public, Oct. 22, Barry Landry, the state department of education’s press secretary said failing schools were notified of their status during the summer.  He said this is done in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act.

“In July, they were notified that their projected SPS was going to be 53.3,” said Landry.

A review of meeting minutes from July 30, 2012 and the Lens’ reporting from the board’s rescheduled August and September meetings show no mention of SPS discussion by the board.

Members approved a motion to extend invitations to Torrance Green and Jolon McNeil to join the board.  Should they accept, the Benjamin E. Mays Preparatory School board will total nine members.

Assistant Principal Latoye Brown stood in for principal Shanda Gentry at the meeting.  Brown said the school is still actively trying to fill open student spots.  She said Ben Mays is 50 students shy of anticipated enrollment.

Member Todd James said there were no updates on the former Frantz Elementary building’s status.  The school’s move to Frantz over winter break was delayed and has not been rescheduled.

Members James, Williams, Damon Burns and Bonita Robertson were present.  The meeting began at 5:45 p.m. and adjourned at 7:03 p.m.  The next meeting will be Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m.

Marta Jewson

Marta Jewson covers education in New Orleans for The Lens. She began her reporting career covering charter schools for The Lens and helped found the hyperlocal news site Mid-City Messenger. Jewson returned...