Bronx Charter School for the Arts
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday March 9, 2021 at 6:30 PM
Trustees Present
Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott (remote), Denise Brecher (remote), Graham Powis (remote), Katherine Trager (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)
Trustees Absent
Ahmad Sheikh, Aisha Bell, Charles Whites, Dan Vislocky, Eric Osorio
Guests Present
David Barnard (remote), Erica Jones (remote), Jasmin Abbatiello (remote), Jonea Thomas (remote), Karlene Cowan (remote), Melanie Hok (remote), Miriam Raccah (remote), Ryan McCabe (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 Mar 9, 2021 at 6:30 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes
Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 02-09-21.
Arlene Bascom seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Nominating Committee Report
A.
Prospective Board Member - David Barnard
Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to nominate David Barnard to become a member of the board.
Barbara H. Scott seconded the motion.
Susan Geisenheimer shared David B's background and experience.
III. Executive Director Report
A.
Leadership for Educational Equity and Justice
Barbara H. Scott discussed continuous work with Reimagine Education Group (REG). Next steps are to form a Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (DEI) sub-committee of the board to work with REG. REG will provide support to Staff and Principals as to how to engage in equity work more fully.
B.
Strategic Plan
Miriam Raccah referenced Bellwether working with Bronx Arts two years ago to develop our initial strategic plan and worked with the leadership team during Summer 2019. Bronx Arts will continue to work with Bellwether in refreshing Strategic Plan.
Barbara H. Scott advised that she and David Barnard will represent the board with Bellwether during planning.
C.
Student Achievement
Miriam Raccah reviewed demographics from the Data Book which will be sent after board meeting. Jonea Thomas noted the limited numbers of students who tested in the fall and efforts to increase participation and document growth in testing, particularly during remote learning. Ryan McCabe invited the board to attend one of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) meetings for a deeper dive into data.
D.
Potential New Position -- Academic Director
Miriam Raccah will work with the HR committee to finalize job description. She also noted that time is of the essence.
E.
School Reopening Plan
Karlene Cowan advised that we will review re-opening plan during May Board Meeting. Miriam Raccah shared that we will close school one week early in spring and reopen one week early in the fall.
IV. Development Report
A.
Development Report
Jasmin Abbatiello gave an update that we are at 100% board participation for gifts given or pledged. We are currently at $53k. The goal by June 30th is to reach $78k, per budget and to secure Walton Family Foundation match.
V. Finance Report
A.
January Financials
B.
PPP Loan Forgiveness
C.
Cash -Money Market Account
D.
Civic HVAC Loan Proposal
E.
FY21-22 Budget Timeline
VI. Other Business
A.
Graham Powis
Graham Powis resigned, noting that he will not seek another term on the board for family reasons.
B.
Executive Session
Board went into executive session at 7:48pm.
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 8:15 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Katherine Trager
Documents used during the meeting
- REG Board Proposal.pdf
- Bellwether Board Proposal.pdf
- Board Meeting Development Report_ 3.9.21 (1).pdf
- BXCSA FY21 Financials - Jan 2021.xlsx
- CIvic HVAC Loan Model_2021-01-06 (1) (1).xlsx