Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter Schools
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday May 28, 2019 at 6:00 PM
Location
82 Lewis Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11206
Trustees Present
Doris Givens, Joseph Sciame, Kevin Nesbitt, Leticia Theodore-Greene (remote), Patricia Bramwell, Victor Rivera
Trustees Absent
Cecelia Russo, Dalia Oberlander, Tyler McConnell
Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened
Doris Givens
Ex Officio Members Present
Nicholas Tishuk
Non Voting Members Present
Nicholas Tishuk
Guests Present
Lisa-Renée Brown, Patience Brown, Vicky D'Anjou-Pomerleau
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Joseph Sciame called a meeting of the board of trustees of Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter Schools to order on Tuesday May 28, 2019 at 6:13 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes
Victor Rivera made a motion to approve minutes from the Monthly Board Meeting on 04-30-19 Monthly Board Meeting on 04-30-19.
Doris Givens seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Executive
A.
Report from the Executive Committee
We connected throughout the month, we will talk later of last week's event.
III. Academics
A.
Report from the Academic Committee
Nicholas Tishuk summarized a call with Board members and school leadership. Very large proportion of instructional staff was asked back and we will know early next month what the return rate is. Kevin Nesbitt mentioned that the committee is very interested in staff retention. The process for promotion in doubt was discussed, along with the school's Response to Intervention program. The academic leadership structure was also discussed.
Doris Givens arrived.
IV. Finance
A.
Report from the Finance committee
Kevin Nesbitt made a motion to approve the budget for Fiscal Year 2020.
Doris Givens seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Finance committee reviewed the enrollment for the year, we expect to be at target by the end of the year. Reminder of the protocol for non-per pupil funds to be moved to a separate savings account, and of the new savings account with a higher interest rate.
The committee also reviewed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2020. The budget is expected to increase by about 4% because of increased projected enrollment to better align with historical enrollment and an increase in per pupil rate to be received.
The biggest driver for expenses is staffing, noting increase in base compensation for returning staff and other benefits such as 529 contributions. Happy staff wants to stay, we are in competition with other schools, and so we offer benefits that are attractive to staff.
This is a balanced budget which assumes that the cap does not get lifted, but thought has been given as to how this budget may change if the cap is lifted.
After a discussion, the committee voted to recommend this budget for the Board's approval.
The committee also reviewed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2020. The budget is expected to increase by about 4% because of increased projected enrollment to better align with historical enrollment and an increase in per pupil rate to be received.
The biggest driver for expenses is staffing, noting increase in base compensation for returning staff and other benefits such as 529 contributions. Happy staff wants to stay, we are in competition with other schools, and so we offer benefits that are attractive to staff.
This is a balanced budget which assumes that the cap does not get lifted, but thought has been given as to how this budget may change if the cap is lifted.
After a discussion, the committee voted to recommend this budget for the Board's approval.
V. Governance
A.
Report from the Governance Committee
The committee followed up with prospective trustees. One of the prospective trustee has moved out of town, another prospective trustee shared his interest and is interested in next steps. Other people may be approached from personal networks as well. Some have not responded yet to initial outreach.
VI. Family Life
A.
Report from the Family Life Committee
The committee appreciated seeing families and students at the Board fundraiser - they are the most important people in our school.
VII. New Business
A.
Public comments
No public comments.
B.
Vote to enter executive session
Patricia Bramwell made a motion to enter executive session.
Victor Rivera seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
C.
Vote to return to public session
Kevin Nesbitt made a motion to return to public session.
Victor Rivera seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Report from executive session
Personnel and legal matters were discussed.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Doris Givens made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10.
Patricia Bramwell 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 9:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Vicky D'Anjou-Pomerleau