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

M. Snyder called a meeting of the board of trustees of Brighter Choice Charter Schools to order on Friday Mar 10, 2023 at 9:01 AM.

C.

Approve Minutes

P. Romain made a motion to approve the minutes from BCCS Board Meeting on 02-17-23.
T. Hanmer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Governance

A.

Governance Committee Report

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. 

Z. Nelson made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 school calendar with 190 school days.
P. Romain seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

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.

IV. Other Business

A.

Executive Session

T. Hanmer made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters at the schools.
P. Romain seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
T. Hanmer made a motion to approve the recommended salaries for the schools' principals and Operations Manager based on their evaluations starting July1, 2023.
P. Romain seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. 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 9:41 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Z. Nelson
P. Romain made a motion to adjourn.
T. Hanmer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.