Brighter Choice Charter Schools
Minutes
Annual Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday June 16, 2022 at 8:30 AM
Location
250 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
Trustees Present
M. Snyder, N. Velilla (remote), P. Romain (remote), R. McLaughlin, T. Hanmer (remote), Z. Nelson
Trustees Absent
N. Maresca
Guests Present
K. Ford, L. Licygiewicz
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
D.
Finance Committee Report
E.
Governance Committee Report
Martha reported a desire to form a sub-committee to focus on some strategic planning with respect to school size, demographics, financial realities, etc.
She reported discussions regarding school safety measures, appropriateness, and cost. Luke reported on conversations with providers of a "panic button" and a new camera system outside the Boys' school.
Kristina Ford reported on BCCS-Girls enrollment and staffing numbers and updates for the coming school year. Martha reported Karen McLean's enrollment and staffing numbers and updates for the BCCS-Boys' school.
F.
NYSED Visit 6/8/22
K. Ford reported our SED liaison Laura Hill visited the schools. Laura Hill reported being very "amazed and inspired" with the school community and educational plans. She flagged a fingerprinting issue that has been rectified. K. Ford pushed information about our efforts in recruiting and supporting our students with disabilities and English Language Learners.
G.
Operations Update
Luke reported on potential capital improvement options to the bus loop pavement and drainage. Paul reported that this is a capitalized expense and does not impact our operations.
The board recommendation is to complete the full project.
Martha raised the potential to create a consortium of charter schools to purchase services. The board will check to see if there are legal mechanisms to do this.
H.
20Th Celebration Update
Nilsa Velilla and Patrick Romain reported on potential venues, including the Hilton Albany for an event on 10/21 for 200 people.
I.
SY22-23 Budget
Patrick Romain motioned to approve the budget, Trudy, unanimous
J.
SY22-23 Board Meeting Schedule
Luke provided a schedule for the coming year. Most meetings are on the second Thursday of each month.
Trudy made a motion to approve the new schedule, Nilsa seconded, all approved
Bob motioned to adjourn, Patrick seconded, unanimous
II. Annual Board Meeting, Trustee Terms
A.
Nicole Maresca term
B.
Robert McLaughlin term
bob, Patrick to renew officers terms
patrick, Nilsa to adjourn
Martha reported that during the Finance Committee meeting, they focused on budget and salary increases that were discussed and approved in May. The Committee also reviewed all of the organization's statements.
Paul Augello reported that the Organization has closed out the financial year and reported that our revised budget was stronger than the original '21-'22 budget due to enrollment staying strong and the additional E-rate federal funding. Both schools applied for and received funding from this program.
Paul reported on building the 2022-2023 budget based on enrollment projections and targets as well as future staffing needs, taking into account remaining federal funding given during the pandemic.
Paul reported on the Finance Committee's discussion of regional salary competition and ran scenarios comparing retention of teachers under various salary scales (vs. end of year merit bonuses). A new salary scale was approved during the May Board meeting.
Kristina Ford reported that the school leaders are confident this new model supports their staffing.