Bronx Charter School for the Arts
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday December 8, 2020 at 6:30 PM
Trustees Present
Aisha Bell (remote), Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott (remote), Charles Whites (remote), Dan Vislocky (remote), Denise Brecher (remote), Graham Powis (remote), Katherine Trager (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)
Trustees Absent
Ahmad Sheikh, Eric Osorio
Guests Present
Erica Jones (remote), Karlene Cowan (remote), Melanie Hok (remote), Miriam Raccah (remote), Sara Villagio (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 Dec 8, 2020 at 6:40 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes for Board Meeting on November 10, 2020
Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 11-10-20.
Barbara H. Scott seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Nominating Committee Update
A.
New Board Member Candidate
Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to nominate Colin H. Mincy to join the Board.
Katherine Trager seconded the motion.
Colin has lots of experience in non-profits. Susan Geisenheimer will be his Board buddy.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Board Member Orientation
Arlene Bascom is Sara Villagio's board buddy. Erica Jones will set up calls to introduce Sara to the organization. Erica will meet with Sara to complete documents required by the state to make her nomination official.
III. Executive Director Report
A.
Operations
B.
ReOpening Plan
Staff will quarantine and participate in COVID testing after the winter recess. The principals will revamp the attendance as to who comes in to the Elementary School, since K-2 was not ideal. Middle School is ready to open, just waiting for city to announce when middle schools can reopen. Miriam Raccah noted that we are in yellow zone and the school will use saliva testing. Charles suggested creating a program/partnership with the school where parents can get testing.
C.
Retreat in January
The Retreat will be on January 23rd and will focus on three subjects:
1. Anti-racist work for which Barbara Scott suggested that all Board Members read White Fragility.
2. Growth - we will revisit previous talks on growth plan.
3. We will review the students progress and adaptability to the virus restrictions.
This will be the focus of the Board Retreat. White Fragility should be read by Board Retreat date. We will be working with consultant to figure out what we are called to do as a Board with regards to diversity work.
Kathy asks that some time is spent talking about the students. How are they doing?
1. Anti-racist work for which Barbara Scott suggested that all Board Members read White Fragility.
2. Growth - we will revisit previous talks on growth plan.
3. We will review the students progress and adaptability to the virus restrictions.
This will be the focus of the Board Retreat. White Fragility should be read by Board Retreat date. We will be working with consultant to figure out what we are called to do as a Board with regards to diversity work.
Kathy asks that some time is spent talking about the students. How are they doing?
IV. Development Report
A.
Highlights from the update report
Susan Fulweiler presented development report . She discussed the following:
-Year end appeal
-Road map of how we meet goals by June 30.
-Work with individual givers and foundations.
-Cultivation activities
-Virtual cabaret
The plans are to hire a new Director of Development within the next 2 weeks. There are three candidates, all live in the Bronx. Barbara will meet with candidates next week.
Revenue overview
-Year end appeal
-Road map of how we meet goals by June 30.
-Work with individual givers and foundations.
-Cultivation activities
-Virtual cabaret
The plans are to hire a new Director of Development within the next 2 weeks. There are three candidates, all live in the Bronx. Barbara will meet with candidates next week.
Revenue overview
B.
How the board can help
-While our purpose is to raise money, it is also important to develop relationships.
-Keep the DoD informed of activities.
-Thank donors by sending note cards.
-Add Bronx Arts to social profiles
-Get Miriam published more (Miriam made Apple news!)
V. Finance
A.
November Financials
If there are any questions, please reach out to Melanie Hok.
VI. 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 7:30 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Katherine Trager
Documents used during the meeting
- Colin_Mincy_Resume_August 2020.docx
- Board of Trustees - New Member submission to NYSED.pdf
- BCSA_Finance Report Overview_for Dec Board Meeting (1).pdf