Ms. Ortiz shared the monthly Data Dashboard, noting that attendance goals were not met in December, largely due to a seasonal increase in student and staff illnesses. While attendance dipped, the trend aligns with historical winter patterns and is already stabilizing as we move through January.

Ms. Ortiz also highlighted the annual January shift in focus, which marks a critical transition point in the school year. January serves as a recalibration period—moving from reflection on mid-year data to intensified progress monitoring, instructional planning, recruitment efforts, and end-of-year preparation. Key priorities include deeper data dives, coaching and development cycles for teachers, student recruitment activities, and early planning for spring and summer programming. This month sets the foundation for strong outcomes in academics, enrollment, culture, and operations for the remainder of the year.

A Facilities update was provided by Board Member David Barnard, including ongoing monitoring of building conditions and planning for upcoming facilities work to ensure safe, functional, and well-maintained learning environments.

Melanie Hok provided an update on the Finance Report 

1. Year-to-date (YTD) revenue totals $7.1M, driven by higher than budgeted student enrollment, though federal funding is temporarily delayed due to a pending IDEA payment. Expenses are tracking below budget overall, primarily because personnel and fringe benefit costs remain lower as several positions at both campuses remain unfilled. 
2. Based on YTD results, full-year projections assume total revenue at approximately $14.6M, contingent on an enrollment of 598 students, with private revenue and school food reimbursements meeting budget. Projected annual expenses are $14.4M, reflecting continued savings in personnel costs and lower medical premiums from PEO transition, partially offset by higher instructional program costs and increased building consulting fees related to the Elementary school capital project. Overall, net income represents a favorable variance of more than $200k over budget.

Joseph Chiofalo Shared the Following updates

1. During the end of year giving season, Bronx Arts raised $89,416.31 from 39 individual donors, 10 of whom were first-time supporters of the school. Two matching gifts were secured; 12 lapsed donors were reengaged; and 1 major gift was secured, to support morningcare at the elementary school. Overall, $111,613.91 has been raised since July 1st. Reengaged lapsed donors were retained thanks in part to the A.R.T.S. tiered giving campaign.
2. New partnerships have been struck with Popular Bank, who will be providing financial literacy workshops for parents. The Bronx Children’s Museum will be providing two kindergarten field trips at no cost. A collaboration with Bronx Native will involve site visits for students, as well as workshops and content creation for the school.

Kathy Ortiz presented an overview of upcoming events, including The Addams Family Musical, to be held at the Lovinger Theater this week. This production represents the first instance in which students have assumed full ownership of the performance, managing all aspects of production, including hair, costumes, staging, choreography, makeup, and set design. In addition, a meet the lead actors gathering will be held prior to the performances. Ms. Ortiz, also shared the scheduled dates for committee meetings and provided information regarding the upcoming holiday break. 

The next Board meeting will be the Board Retreat, scheduled for February 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at BAE.