North Lakes Academy

“All parents and guardians of students enrolled and all staff employed by the school are eligible to vote for the board of directors held annually in the fall.”

“The school does not have any committees which have the authority to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“The board treasurer and the business manager go over the form 990 together and then send to finance committee members for review and comment. Copies are then distributed to board members who review the document and discuss it at the board meeting prior to filing the form 990.”

“The conflict-of-interest policy applies to the school's board of directors, committees of the board, as well as employees and parents of enrolled students. Transactions where a conflict of interest was determined to exist by remaining independent members may not be executed unless all of the following conditions are met: (1) the interest is disclosed or known to the members of the board (or committee thereof) (2) the board or committee approves, authorizes, or ratifies the action in good faith (3) the approval is by a majority of members (not counting the interested individual) at (4) a meeting where a quorum is present (not counting the interested individual). The individual with the conflict may be present for discussion to answer questions but may not advocate for the action to be taken or vote on the action. The minutes of the meeting document clearly that the proceedings related to conflicts of interest and that the policy's requirements have been met.”

“The board of directors has a subcommittee - directors evaluation committee, that works with the executive director to set goals, check in on progress and make recommendations to the board for renewal. The board of directors uses data sourced from enrollment, minnesota association of charter schools compensation comparison survey, and a review of local charter schools to determine a price point for compensation. The board of directors relies on the macs compensation survey, along with the other compensation survey reports most recently (2020-22sy) conducted by community of peace academy as review for compensation. Comparison of local isd's and charter schools are also sought out for a baseline. Other key officers and employees compensation levels are determined by recommendation of the executive director, who uses the same data points and surveys as a baseline along with a professionalism rubric and goal process. The board of directors relies on the macs compensation survey, along with the other compensation survey reports most recently (2020-22sy) conducted by community of peace academy as a base for compensation. Comparison of local isd's and charter schools are also sought out for a baseline.”

“The school makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request at their office.”

“Net change in pension liability -32,455. Change in lease liability -10,226. Change in compensated absences 94,997.”

“The school follows a modified accrual method of accounting as prescribed by the minnesota department of education. The schoolwide financial statements are reported using the economic resources measurement focus and the accrual basis of accounting. Grants and similar items are recognized when all eligibility requirements imposed by the provider have been met. The organization was not required to undergo an audit under uniform guidance because of federal funds received over $750,000. However, the organization did have their financial statements prepared and audited by government auditing standards (gas) and the state of minnesota for state funding received, and as a part of that audit there was a report on the internal control over financial reporting and compliance and other matters based on an audit of financial statements performed in accordance with gas.”