Brighter Choice Charter Schools
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Friday March 10, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Location
BCCS-Boys' 116 North Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12206
Trustees Present
M. Snyder, N. Velilla, P. Romain, T. Hanmer (remote), Z. Nelson
Trustees Absent
N. Maresca, R. McLaughlin
Guests Present
K. Ford, K. Mclean (remote), L. Licygiewicz
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Governance
A.
Governance Committee Report
B.
ARP (COVID Grant) Public Comment
No public comment.
III. Finance
A.
Finance Committee Report
The committee heard from Paul Augello for the monthly budget update. January financials are on track with the amended budget. We are meeting all of our compliance requirements. Our account has moved to Metropolitan bank with a better interest rate. Billing has gone out to districts and most of it has come in.
The Office of the State Comptroller is auditing the schools and will be located in the schools for at least 6 weeks working on a report.
Both schools have been approved to receive the Employee Retention Tax Credit which will provide significant one-time funding for the schools.
There is a janitorial bid out as well as a food service bid going out in April or May.
We heard from the school leaders with updates on both Boys and Girls schools. We discussed enrollment (239 Boys, 321 Girls) and upcoming enrollment for next year. We discussed recruitment efforts to bring new scholars to the schools. We discussed staffing openings and changes as well as staff searches.
The Principals reviewed interim assessment data using past exam questions and standards, which are trending in a positive direction. Scholars are making measurable growth. The schools can focus on the specific standards that scholars are struggling with prior to the state tests. Intervention staff and classroom teachers are working together to address those skills that need improvement.