Brighter Choice Charter Schools
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday November 18, 2021 at 9:30 AM
Location
250 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
Trustees Present
M. Snyder (remote), N. Maresca (remote), P. Romain (remote), R. McLaughlin (remote), T. Hanmer (remote), Z. Nelson (remote)
Trustees Absent
N. Velilla
Guests Present
K. Ford (remote), K. Mclean (remote), Ken Claflin (remote), L. Licygiewicz (remote), Paul Augello (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
M. Snyder called a meeting of the board of trustees of Brighter Choice Charter Schools to order on Thursday Nov 18, 2021 at 8:30 AM.
C.
Approve Minutes
T. Hanmer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 10-14-21.
P. Romain seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Academic Policy
A.
Academic Policy Committee Report
The Principals gave comprehensive reports and enrollment is strong. Testing results are strong as well. Where weak, instructors have been replaced.
B.
Update by Enrollment Directors
Enrollment Directors, Carol Morrison and Paul Stallings discussed marketing plans and website development tools to recruit new students to BCCS.
They discussed a partnership with Albany Housing Authority along with Green Tech HS and Albany Leadership Academy and an afterschool development program with Ida Yarborough houses. This will be a January '22-June '22 pilot. A partnership with Black churches was also discussed.
III. Governance
A.
Governance Committee Report
B.
Audit report
Ken Claflin reported on the relevant points of the audit. Financial statements audit, single audit, and tax returns submitted to the IRS. It was an unmodified, clean audit. Financial details include a strong current liquidity and improved equity to assets percentage. There were no unanticipated changes to the balance sheet; no new accounting policies; minor adjustments recommended regarding pension withholdings which have been fixed.
C.
Executive Session
Z. Nelson made a motion to enter executive session to discuss merit pay.
T. Hanmer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Executive Session
N. Maresca made a motion to exit executive session.
Z. Nelson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E.
Bond refinance
Paul Augello reported that there was a successful pricing last week and there will be a closing Tuesday afternoon. The estimated savings will be $180,000 per year after the refinance. The holding requirement for repair and replacement account went down from $1M to $100K.
F.
Mayor Sheehan and Chief Hawkins meeting
The Mayor of Albany, Police Chief and two Seargents who patrol the beats around the Boys' and Girls' schools met with BCCS leadership. It was a positive meeting overall. The Mayor and Chief agreed to increased and better communication with the schools in light of gun violence nearby. The Chief offered training for our staff which is appreciated.
The Board will have a standing "safety" discussion during meetings.
G.
Brighter Choice 20th Anniversary
K. Mclean suggested a theme of recommitment to the community. The board discussed local community performers and awards and possibly an event coordinator. Future decisions will be to establish a budget and date
IV. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Z. Nelson