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

M. Snyder called a meeting to order on Thursday Jun 16, 2022 at 8:34 AM.

C.

Approve Minutes

R. McLaughlin made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 05-12-22.
T. Hanmer seconded the motion.
The team VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Finance Committee Report

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.

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

P. Romain made a motion to Renew Nicole Maresca's term.
T. Hanmer seconded the motion.
The team VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Robert McLaughlin term

N. Velilla made a motion to Renew Robert McLaughlin's term.
Z. Nelson seconded the motion.

bob, Patrick to renew officers terms

patrick, Nilsa to adjourn

The team VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

P. Romain made a motion to Adjourn.
N. Velilla seconded the motion.
The team VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Z. Nelson