Pharos Academy Charter School

Minutes

PHACS Monthly Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday May 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Location

All meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Pharos Academy Charter School are held in compliance with New York State Open Meeting Law. 
 

Date:  May 21, 2026
Time:  6:30 pm
Location:  1005 Intervale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459 
Other Location(s):  https://bronxlighthouse.zoom.us/j/5239033349

 

 

ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!
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PHAROS ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL
DE LA JUNTA ADMINISTRATIVA
 

 

Realizamos todas las reuniones de la Junta Administrativa de la escuela Pharos Academy Charter School conforme a la Ley de Reuniones Abiertas del Estado de Nueva York.

Día:   21 de mayo, 2026
Hora:  6:30 pm
Lugar:  1005 Intervale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459
Otros Lugares:   https://bronxlighthouse.zoom.us/j/5239033349 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trustees Present

G. Garcia (remote), J. Lopez-Molina (remote), J. Sowell (remote), T. Perez, T. South, V. Angeles (remote)

Trustees Absent

J. Rivera, K. Shah, P. Wesonga

Guests Present

C. Russell, M. Dorsey, T. Brown

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Sowell called a meeting of the board of trustees of Pharos Academy Charter School to order on Thursday May 21, 2026 at 7:09 PM.
J. Sowell made a motion to Call the meeting to order.
G. Garcia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Board Governance

A.

Approve Minutes

J. Sowell made a motion to approve the minutes from PHACS Monthly Board Meeting on 04-23-26.
G. Garcia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

PHACS Scholarship (Reminder from April)

 

Scholarship applications were distributed to scholars and families with a few minor revisions. Updates included FAFSA adjustments and slight changes to terminology.

C.

26 - 27 Board Calendar

J. Sowell made a motion to Approve the 26-27 Board Calendar.
V. Angeles seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Special Populations Plan Review

III. Finance Committee Review

A.

Finance Committee Report

T. Perez made a motion to Approve the Financials for April 2026.
J. Sowell seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

The Finance Committee meeting took place on Monday, May 18, 2026. Discussions focused on enrollment updates and the current financial status of school funds. Financial reports indicate that operations are progressing as planned, with positive projections for the close of the FY26 school year.

B.

Investment Account Update

C.

Items Over 50K

D.

Insurance Renewal

IV. Executive Director's Report

A.

Executive Director's Report

  • College Commitment Night took place, celebrating scholars as they prepare for the next step in “Leaving the Nest.” Approximately 80% of the graduating class will attend college with little to no debt. This achievement reflects the intentional process of matching each student with the right college and academic program to best support their educational goals.
  • There is great excitement surrounding the colleges selected by the scholars. Four students were accepted to Binghamton University, while the University at Buffalo was among the most frequently chosen institutions.
  • Prom is scheduled for tonight at Villa Barone Manor from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
  • The renewal was officially announced and recorded with the State.
  • A suggestion was made for the Scholarship Advisor to attend a Board Meeting and present the results and data regarding college acceptances.
  • Many students selected colleges where former scholars are currently enrolled, ensuring they have mentorship, guidance, and support as they transition into college life.

V. Facilities

A.

Facilities Update

All facility matters remain in good standing, with no new concerns to report for the May 2026 Board Meeting.

VI. Executive Session

A.

Executive Session

T. Perez made a motion to Enter into Executive Session at 7:15 PM.
J. Sowell seconded the motion.

Invited Into Executive Session : 

Courtney Russell 

Maria Dorsey 

 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

Executive Session: Discussion regarding a previous legal matter.

 

T. South made a motion to Exit out of Executive Sessions at 7:19 PM.
T. Perez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Next Board meeting scheduled for the 17th of June 

 

Scholarship Candidates will be attending the June 17, 2026 

 

Scholarships applications are to in by the 27th of May. 

 

T. South made a motion to adjourn the May 17, 2026 meeting.
T. Perez 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 7:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
M. Dorsey