Kathy Ortiz presented this year’s data dashboard, highlighting key updates. She reported that while the school had budgeted for an enrollment of 580 students, actual enrollment reached 600 students, exceeding projections. Average attendance across both campuses stands at 91.54%. Additionally, she noted that the student body demographic has remained consistent with prior years.

Juan Pimentel provided an update on what is happening in the arts at both BAE and BAM. Arts Afterschool programs are in full effect at both campuses. During this report Juan mentioned that there has been a 35% increase in auditionees this year for the BAE Musical and a total of 61 students auditioned for the BAM Musical. Standards and benchmarks have been identified and developed for each artform. At the middle school there has been a 40% increase in students auditioning for a specialized high school and 5 students are a part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Middle School Jazz Academy. Juan also introduced a new 6th grade declaration system where all 6th grade students will be able to declare a major in Dec vs declaring their major at the end of the academic school year. 

Juan continues to expand and build on the existing relationships between Bronx Arts and other arts programs such as the MET opera, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Theatre Development Fund, The Classical Theater of Harlem, BLICK, Concert for Compassion and more. 

The facilities update noted that the skylight replacement on one side of the building has been completed, producing impressive results and greatly improving natural light in those areas. However, some leakage issues have been identified and are being addressed. The installation of skylights on the opposite side of the building remains on hold pending further assessment and resolution of these concerns.

Melanie Hok reviewed the school’s financial performance for the period ending September 30, 2025 against the approved budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Overall the school remained on budget, with a few key variances. During the reporting period, revenue lagged slightly due to unrecognized federal title funding, while expenses were lower from personnel savings tied to two unfilled positions. 

Based on actuals for the period, full-year projections indicate the school will remain on budget, with revenue expected to exceed budget due to student enrollment remaining above the 580 total. Expenses are projected to be over budget, driven by higher costs for annual musicals, building management consulting, recruitment, and donor engagement.

The audit for fiscal year 2024-2025 is in progress, with a draft expected later this month. The Finance Committee will review it before finalization

1. Joseph Chiofalo and Kathy Ortiz presented a strategic plan they had developed for the A.R.T.S. donor engagement campaign.
2. This presentation began with a data dashboard showing key figures in donor involvement over the years.
3. Joseph reintroduced the A.R.T.S. Campaign, a tiered-giving initiative designed to reengage lapsed donors while drawing in new donors.

During the meeting Kathy Ortiz shared updates on upcoming events, sports activities, special visits, and after school activities scheduled for October at both BAE and BAM. She also noted the dates for the next committee meeting and next board meeting will take place on November 12, 2025.