Brighter Choice Charter Schools
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday March 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Location
250 Central Ave, Albany, NY
Trustees Present
C. Driggs, M. Snyder (remote), N. Clement, N. Velilla, T. Hanmer, Z. Nelson
Trustees Absent
None
Guests Present
K. Ford, K. Mclean, 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 Thursday Mar 13, 2025 at 8:35 AM.
C.
Approve Minutes
N. Velilla made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 02-28-25.
C. Driggs seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Committee Reports
A.
Governance Committee Report out
B.
Approve '25-'26 School Calendar
T. Hanmer made a motion to Approve the '25-'26 calendar.
N. Clement seconded the motion.
Built off of the Albany CIty School calendar. This is built upon 188 school days with 3 snow days. First day of school September 2, and last day of school June 26 unless no snow days are used. Remote is a consideration if more than 3 snow days.
III. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
C. Driggs made a motion to adourn.
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 8:51 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Z. Nelson
Martha Snyder reported on the Governance
Discussions around teacher compensation and staffing structure, health care, and retirement will be scheduled for the coming months. The committee heard from the school leaders regarding examples of compensation philosophies and documentation. A work group will be created and discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant (cost dependent) to support this goal. Focus group activities will engage staff and faculty. A communications plan will be constructed to make sure the school communities are aware of the work group actions and decisions.
Regarding health plans, Luke is continuing to work with our vender and the board will engage with faculty and staff as we consider changes.
The principals reported on enrollment and activities for current and next year. The boys school has 20 enrollees in K for next year, 14 of whom are from Jump Start program. Digital re-enrollment is beginning. No changes to specials populations. NYSED visit will be on 3/27. Recruitment campaigns are taking place. Karen reported on activities for the month.
Kristina reported on enrollment currently and new applications for next year. 41 new applications including 25 new apps for Kindergarten. Specials populations remain consistent, NYSED visit March 25. K. Ford updated the board on a disciplinary issue with a scholar as well as activities for the month.
Martha reported that the committee discussed potential opportunities around development and fundraising.