Bronx Charter School for the Arts
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday October 13, 2020 at 6:30 PM
Trustees Present
Ahmad Sheikh (remote), Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott (remote), Charles Whites (remote), Denise Brecher (remote), Eric Osorio (remote), Graham Powis (remote), Katherine Trager (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)
Trustees Absent
Aisha Bell, Dan Vislocky
Guests Present
Jonea Thomas (remote), Kan Xiie, CPA of N. Cheng, LLP, Karlene Cowan (remote), Melanie Hok (remote), Miaoling Lin, CPA of N. Cheng, LLP, Miriam Raccah (remote), Ryan McCabe (remote), Susan Fulwiler (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Barbara H. Scott called a meeting of the board of trustees of Bronx Charter School for the Arts to order on Tuesday Oct 13, 2020 at 6:35 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes from Previous Board Meeting
Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 09-08-20.
Arlene Bascom seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Nominating Committee Update
A.
Board Candidates
III. Executive
A.
Principals' Report
- Jonea Thomas presented the Bronx Arts Elementary Priorities for the 2020-2021 school year to the Board. Highlights include:
- New DCI Maria Hewins focus on ELA
- DCI Patricia Rooney focus on Math and Science
- DCI Jennifer Ciavirella focus on Students in Special Populations
- Dean of Students Jahneel Small focus on Social and Emotional Learning
- Arts Director Jerry Phelps focus on aligning the Arts program across the two sites.
- 19/20 teacher retention rate 85%
- Professional development overview
- Equity work overview
- Academic goals for State Exams
- Ryan McCabe presented the Bronx Arts Middle Priorities for the 2020-2021 school year to the Board. Highlights include:
- Improve teacher retention - 100% grade 6 staff retained
- 96% student attendance prior to March close. 92% since going remote.
- 50% for State Exams (did not give state test in 2020 not sure testing will happen in 2021)
- Goal for student growth is 1.5 years - measured by MAP test
- Discussed new staff (Geovanti Stewart and Alice McIntosh)
- Equity work at BAM
- Arts integration
- Arts Honor Society
- Defining excellence across BAM
B.
Dashboard
C.
950 Longfellow Building Update
HVAC Unit
IV. Development Report
A.
Development Report
Ahmad reported out on Development update. The goal is to engage the Board more with Development.
October 26th Event - Conversation about Art & Social Justice
- Getting your networks more engaged with Bronx Arts
- Asked Board to review 6 commitments from Development Plan
October 26th Event - Conversation about Art & Social Justice
V. Finance
A.
September Financials
Arlene Bascom presented the September financials.
B.
2019-2020 Audit Presentation
Auditors Mailing Lin and Kan Kie of N. Chang presented the 2019-2020 audit to the Board. The school is doing well. Cash is up and liability is down. Asset increased by 1.5M but liability stayed the same. 1.8M in income.
Audits for next year will need to begin early because of new compliance mandates.
Audits for next year will need to begin early because of new compliance mandates.
Arlene Bascom made a motion to have the Board allow the finance committee to approve the 2019-2020 audit.
Barbara H. Scott seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
VI. Other Business
A.
Executive Session
The board then had an Executive Session.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Katherine Trager
Colin H. Mincy will send resume and do virtual school tour.
Sara Villagio will have conversations with Graham Powis, Susan Geisenheimer, & Barbara Scott