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

Barbara H. Scott called a meeting of the board of trustees of Bronx Charter School for the Arts to order on Tuesday Nov 15, 2022 at 6:05 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

Denise Brecher made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting (Rescheduled) on 10-18-22.
Charles Whites seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Board Chair Update

A.

Board Chair Report

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.

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

Arlene Bascom made a motion to to approve the renewal of Cigna as the medical benefits insurance carrier for the January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 plan year.
Susan Geisenheimer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

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. 

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 7:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Geisenheimer