A discussion took place regarding reflections on the 2024 Scholarship Process.  An observation was made that some scholars who are applying are those who already have financial supporting (such as in the form of a full-ride from the college, as one example).

The Board discussed a variety of topics, including:

-Working with alumni to consider having them apply later (such as in their third or second year of college)

-Exploring the idea of supporting scholars who have a serious financial gap which could ultimately be the determining factor on going to college or not

-Travel expenses to and from school to ensure scholars feel connected to their family and community at home

-Adding a need-based question to scholarship

-Multiple scholarship offerings, need-based and merit-based

-Confirm with the Finance Committee the balance on the scholarship fund 

-Persistence of scholars providing documentation (proof of enrollment, tuition due bill) beyond first year

-Give recipients a deadline to submit their documentation and if they do not meet the deadline, the money rolls over into the needs-based scholarship pool

-Survey scholars in advance to ask what the gap is to be able to make an informed decision 

-Javier and Courtney to develop a survey for current and past scholarship recipients to come back to the Board with more data

Last week in December 2024, before Winter Break 

This year is 10th Graduating Class.  Alumni targeting ideas and events discussed as an option to support the Scholar/Board event.  

Tentative Date. 12/27/2024  at 7:30 PM 
 

Surplus for FY24 -All metrics looking good. 

Enrollment completed just under 700.  Spoke of revenue and rental assistance. 

Payment #1 was received for FY25 School Year.  

OTP numbers discussed. 

This month in the midst of standard audit and all is going well. 

Principal Brown shared the NYS Exam Results ( Grades 3-8) 

Mathematic scores very strong at Pharos Academy Charter School - 82.4% 

ELA scores at Pharos - 65.9 % 

Goal for Pharos is 99%.  

These are the numbers the city looks at in relation to the strength of the school. 

Suggestion to use this information for others promotional activities.  School is happy and going back for the new year with a new group.  The lower school has placed us at a good place. 

London - Oxford University visit discussed with the Board with the following student event/project for studying abroad. 

NYU Study Abroad at the Rowes Foundation House 

January 26- February 1, 2025 - Earmarked for the abroad study.  (Saturday - Sunday) 

Cohort of approx. 12 scholars.  

Javier suggested to connect with Briar as she is a Rowes scholar.  

Financials will be discussed and students recommended will be Juniors. 

No updates 

Joseph Rivera - Board Interviewee 

Interview shared history and reason for wanting to be a part of the Board. 

Entered into Executive Session:  7:50 PM 

Exited Executive Session: 7:55 PM