Bronx Charter School for the Arts

Minutes

Monthly Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday November 10, 2020 at 6:30 PM

Trustees Present

Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott (remote), Charles Whites (remote), Dan Vislocky (remote), Denise Brecher (remote), Eric Osorio (remote), Graham Powis (remote), Katherine Trager (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)

Trustees Absent

Ahmad Sheikh, Aisha Bell

Guests Present

Erica Jones (remote), Jonea Thomas (remote), Karlene Cowan (remote), Melanie Hok (remote), Miriam Raccah (remote), Ryan McCabe (remote), Sara Villagio (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 Nov 10, 2020 at 6:35 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes for Board Meeting on October 13, 2020

Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 10-13-20.
Arlene Bascom seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Nominating Committee Update

A.

Board Candidates

Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to nominate Sara Villagio as a board member.
Graham Powis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Susan also discussed Colin H. Mincy's experience and interest for nomination in December. 

B.

New Board Member Orientation

III. Program Committee Report

A.

Program Committee Report

Program committee met with Principals on November 2nd. 

B.

Principals' Report

Reviewed Dr. Gholdy Muhammad's 5 learning pursuits and discussed how they're being used at Bronx Arts. 

 

IV. Executive Director Report

A.

Operations

 Miriam Raccah suggested that all members schedule classroom observations with Erica. Sara Villagio was introduced into the call. 

The middle school's onsite attendance is 25 students while the elementary school remains closed due to HVAC repairs.  COVID rates increasing. Current planned reopening date late January 2021. 

BLACC has partnered with Freedom Coalition of Charter Schools to suggest candidates to Biden's incoming cabinet. 

Lastly, we shared SDSK Thank a Teacher Ad campaign featuring Bronx Arts parent. 

B.

950 Longfellow Building Update

1. Gas line repairs are resolved. 
2. Sidewalk repairs are pending. 
3. HVAC and possible roof repairs are pending,

V. Development Report

A.

Development Report

Susan Fulweiler suggested a possible development committee meeting before Dec 8th. The development committee is focused on increasing donor engagement. Susan is leading the Director of Development recruiting efforts and asks the board to help identify diverse candidates. 
 

VI. Finance

A.

October Financials

Melanie Hok presented the October Financials. Discrepancy with Bill.com was discussed and remedies taken.

B.

Proposed Benefits Change

Switching from LittleBird to Happy HR as HR Service provider. 
Next Steps: Send executed contract to vendors, then implementation proposed for January 2021. 

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 7:43 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Katherine Trager