Cecelia updated the Board on the Work of the academic and family life committee. She recognized the My Brother's Keeper and Girls' Summits which occurred in the past month, which great success. Themes included community and self-care.

Staff appreciation week was very appreciated, as the school engaged in various activities and acknowledgement of our great school staff. Quarter 3 staff evaluations are ongoing. The New York State Exams occurred with no issues.

Career Day will be June 7th, all Trustees are invited to attend. Graduation will be at Bishop Laughlin HS on June 17th at 11am. Planning for our Summer Program (July 10th to August 4th) is ongoing now, to support our scholars learning over the summer.

The Board acknowledged Lamar Garcia and her new role of Principal starting in 2023-24.

Doris explained the Board is in the middle of its recruitment process for new Trustees and encourages people to share any candidates.

Lisa-Renee shared the update on the school's finances. Current enrollment is 722; the school is on track for its end of year enrollment targets and has exceeded its finance baseline of 710 students. There are no unusual revenue or expense items for this period. Lisa-Renee updated that our auditors were in the building this week, testing our financial records and documents, as a part of the regular auditing of the school's finance.

Doris explained that Committee met to review the Fiscal Year 24 budget for the last three finance committee meetings, March, April and May, as well as the last two full Board Meetings, in March and April.  

The school will be investing in its expansion to add an additional 540 students through this process, which is reflected in the FY24 proposed budget which was voted and approved by the Finance Committee at its May Public Meeting. Joe recommended; Doris seconded; the motion was unanimously recommendation.

Nicholas described the school's intent to apply for the Charter School's Program grant, of which it is eligible for up to $750,000 in funding for its expansion expenses.

Trustees asked questions regarding the scope and usage of the funds and what it could be utilized. There was a discussion about the value of using funding to support McKinney-Vento eligible students (who are homeless, in transitional housing, in the shelter system or doubled up) for uniforms or other school expenses.

Victor Rivera recommended that the Board authorize Nicholas to apply for the CSP grant, with the Board reviewing the progress of the grant in midyear, February 2024 and following of the fiscal year, August 2024. Kevin seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. 

There were no public comments.