Bronx Charter School for the Arts
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday November 15, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Trustees Present
Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott (remote), Charles Whites (remote), David Barnard (remote), Denise Brecher (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)
Trustees Absent
Andrea Zayas, Dan Vislocky, Eric Osorio, Evette Stair- Radlein, Katherine Trager, Sara Villagio
Guests Present
Jasmin Abbatiello (remote), Kathy Ortiz (remote), Melanie Hok (remote), Patricia Rooney (remote), Ryan McCabe (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Board Chair Update
A.
Board Chair Report
III. Interim Executive Director Update
A.
Academic Program
Kathy Ortiz reviewed the November dashboard with the Board, which highlighted overall student demographics and recent interim MAP assessment results. She shared that the school is planning to make an offer to bring on a Grades 3-8 Instructional Math Coach. Kathy also discussed current plans to support uncertified teachers.
IV. Finance
A.
Q1 Financials for Fiscal Year 2022-23
Melanie Hok gave the finance report highlighting FY2022-23 Q1 financials and full year forecast. She also gave an overview of the school's proposed benefits for the 2023 plan year, highlighting the renewal premium cost for Cigna.
B.
Health Benefits Renewal - January 2023
V. Development and Communications
A.
FY22-23 Fundraising update
Jasmin Abbatiello provided a brief update on current fundraising target.
B.
Recap of MoMA Event on Oct 26, 2022
Jasmin Abbatiello shared that the event was enjoyed by all who attended and that it was particularly meaningful to see students and their families. She gave a shout out to David Barnard for all his work and support in helping to make the event successful.
The event resulted in a pledge from the Salice Foundation, as well as offer from Susan Salice for Jasmin to attend an upcoming event that will provide opportunity for Jasmin to meet potential donors.
Barbara Scott provided a brief update on meeting with Laura Hill from NYSED that she and Kathy Ortiz had earlier in the month. Barbara also reported on the facilities conversation she had with Civic Builders, who asked whether the Board had made a decision about lease renewal for the elementary school.
Barbara discussed yet again the requirement for in-person meetings once the current NYC local COVID state of emergency is lifted. She discussed the need to increase the number of board members and shared that she is having conversations with Board members who have not been able to attend in-person.