Bronx Charter School for the Arts

Minutes

Monthly Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday April 13, 2021 at 6:30 PM

Trustees Present

Aisha Bell (remote), Arlene Bascom (remote), Charles Whites (remote), Denise Brecher (remote), Eric Osorio (remote), Katherine Trager (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)

Trustees Absent

Ahmad Sheikh, Barbara H. Scott, Dan Vislocky

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

Charles Whites called a meeting of the board of trustees of Bronx Charter School for the Arts to order on Tuesday Apr 13, 2021 at 6:34 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 03-09-21.
Charles Whites seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Nominating

A.

Annual Meeting

Lori Biancamano made a motion to extend the term for board members for additional 2 year terms.
Susan Geisenheimer seconded the motion.
Charles Whites Jr. 
Arlene Bascom
Barbara H. Scott
Katherine Trager
Daniel Vislocky
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to to remove Colin Mincy from board based on section 13 in the bylaws.
Aisha Bell seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

III. Executive

A.

SED Visit

Miriam Raccah summarized the SED visit with Laura Hill and advised we will receive a non-public memo.

B.

Bellwether

David Barnard reviewed Strategic Plan proprosal from Bellwether. Charles Whites Jr. was invited to participate in planning conversations. 

C.

Lottery

Karlene Cowan advised applications are down for SY 2021-2022, consistent across all of charter sector, but feels confident we have enough applications to fulfill enrollment goals. 

IV. A Year in the Pandemic

A.

Academics

Ryan McCabe reviewed academic progress and highlighted increased student attendance and engagement. Ryan M. also noted the need for additional staff and changing math curriculum in the 21-22 school year. 

Jonea Thomas discussed the introduction of new curriculum and highlighted high numbers of participation during MAP testing. Jonea T. also noted the need for additional staff and adding more resources to the math curriculum. 

B.

Teaching & PD's

Both principals discussed the 5 areas of support the teaching staff has received since the onset of COVID, as well as the request for additional instructional staff. 
1. Planning and Preparation
2. Social Emotional Development
3. Mission/Vision of Bronx Arts
4. Analyzing Student Academic Performance
5. Remote Instruction Tips and Tricks

C.

Social Supports

Karlene Cowan reviewed the supports for students and their families throughout the past year since the onset of COVID-19. 

V. Development

A.

Development Report

Jasmin Abbatiello reviewed Development Report.

VI. Finance

A.

February Financials

Melanie Hok reviewed Financial Report.
Arlene Bascom made a motion to approve resolutions to update bank signatories and close inactive bank accounts.
Lori Biancamano seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VII. Other Business

A.

Executive Session

The board resolved that ESSER grant funds should be used to fund the new ventilation system . 

VIII. 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
  • Board Meeting Development Report_ 4.13.21.pdf
  • BXCSA FY21 Financials - Feb 2021.xlsx
  • BRONF1C- Insurance Summary & SOV.pdf
  • Finance Resolution 2021.docx
  • Finance resolution 2.pdf