Brighter Choice Charter Schools
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday July 11, 2024 at 9:30 AM
Location
Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls
250 Central Ave, Albany, NY
Trustees Present
M. Snyder (remote), N. Clement, T. Hanmer, Z. Nelson
Trustees Absent
N. Velilla
Guests Present
Christine Forbes, K. Ford, K. Mclean, L. Licygiewicz, colleendriggs@gmail.com
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 Jul 11, 2024 at 9:37 AM.
C.
Approve Minutes
T. Hanmer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 06-13-24.
N. Clement seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Committee Reports
A.
Governance Report
III. Other Business
A.
Child Nutrition (Vote)
Z. Nelson made a motion to renew the five year contract with A'viands for dining services for the 2024-2025 school year.
T. Hanmer seconded the motion.
A'viands has been a positive partner and food service provider. Increased costs will be offset by increased reimbursements.
IV. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Z. Nelson made a motion to adjourn.
T. Hanmer seconded the motion.
The board 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 10:05 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Z. Nelson
M. Snyder reported on the Governance committee report. K. Ford reported on the enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year at 299 scholars. We are focused on getting to the budget goal of 223 or above. Some scholars are not returning due to families moving out of state or region. K. Ford also reported on staffing changes and new hires and interview process going forward. Summer PD planning is underway.
M. Snyder reported that the Boys' school needs 13 scholars to meet the budgeted enrollment goal. 252 is the high enrollment goal with a focus on K enrollment to fill the K classes. We heard about several open positions that exist in the school though several candidates are being interviewed in each of those areas. Ms. Winfrey is returning as AP, and Paul Stallings is leading summer recruitment and will be full time recruitment director for the Boys' school. Assistance and encouragement for teachers to attain or reattain their certification were discussed so we are not out of compliance. The committee spoke about strategies to retain teachers such as a paid mentor programs and a teacher fellow program along with transparency of salaries and salary scale.
The committee discussed how the enrollment coordinators will work both separately and together to leverage the strengths of each to benefit both schools. P. Stallings has begun in earnest to engage with prospective students where they live.
M. Snyder reported that the committee discussed the HVAC system that needs replacement and L. Licygiewicz will get more quotes and look into grants to assist with the costs.
L. Licygiewicz is looking into a 403(b) change into a plan that could have lower fees for participants.
The committee settled on August 19th at 4:00 for a followup to the June all staff/board meeting. This meeting will be in person and optional but encouraged for staff.