Barbara H. Scott introduced parent representative Loretta Cargill who was approved by NYSED as of September 1.  

Furthermore Ms. Scott informed the board of Kathy Trager's resignation. Barbara H. Scott and the board accepted Kathy Trager's resignation.   

Barbara H. Scott revisited the conversation regarding whether or not the board and school will move forward with a new charter. Discussion ensued around cost, timeline, and how it impacts staffing and other school priorities. Kathy Ortiz, Loretta Cargill, Krisann Vega as well as Ryan McCabe shared their thoughts about this opportunity. 

Discussion concluded with Ms. Ortiz sharing next steps which will include sending out a survey to the board along with cost proposals from the consultants who would support with the application efforts. 

Kathy Ortiz provided the board an enrollment update for the current year which reflected a positive variance against the budget. She furthered shared additional student demographic information such as attendance, SPED, and ELL/MLL percentages. 

Both principals at each campus shared their highlights from the first weeks of school which included Family BBQ, 6th grade orientation, and strong student attendance. 

Kathy Ortiz shared the academic priorities for the year.

• STEAM- in preparation for the NEW 5th & 8th grade exams which this year will be online.
• Writing- all students will be administered on-demand writing assessments.  Focusing on the 6+1 Rubric. 
• Math- playing catch up. Greater focus on skills; building fluency K-8 Vocabulary; Number Talks School created Fluency benchmarks 
• Ensuring students are reading on grade level. 

Melanie Hok reviewed the five year renewal budget (FY25-FY29) with the board, highlighting assumptions and staffing changes. 

Jasmin Abbatiello opened by sharing a 10 minute video to be used for brand awareness, recruitment, and fundraising efforts throughout the 2023-2024 school year. She noted that the new website and video would be shared during the Back to School Night events at both the elementary and middle schools later in the week (after being shared with teachers/staff during Launch Day). 

Jasmin mentioned a significant increase in social media followers and profile activity over the past several months and noted over the last 30 days Bronx Arts:

1. Reached Accounts 21.7K (+418%)

2. Engaged Accounts 524 (+356%)

3. Increased Followers by 6.9% (1,407 in total). 

Jasmin discussed private contributions:

1. In FY23, projections totaled $350,000 and $398,000 was raised. *This number is subject to change following reconciliation with the Finance Department and completion of the Audit. 

2.  In FY24, projections total $425,000 and the amount raised to date equals $63,363. 

A. Summer Boost appeal approved for $57,000

B. Citibank contribution of $5,000 

C. Various grants pending, including a $50,000 grant funding opportunity with Ponce de Leon (program officer assigned) and up to $20,000 from Sax LLP Foundation (invited to attend award ceremony at the end of September as a top finalist).