Bronx Charter School for the Arts
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting - In Person
Date and Time
Tuesday November 14, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Location
1440 Story Ave Bronx NY 10473
Trustees Present
Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott, Dan Vislocky (remote), David Barnard, Denise Brecher (remote), Evette Stair- Radlein (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)
Trustees Absent
Charles Whites, Eric Osorio
Guests Present
Jasmin Abbatiello, Kathy Ortiz, Krisann Vega, Lesly Garcia, Loretta Cargill (remote), Melanie Hok, Patricia Rooney, Ryan McCabe
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Board Chair Update
A.
Welcome
B.
Announce Lori Biancamano as new secretary
Barbara H. Scott announces Lori Biancamano as the new board secretary.
III. Executive Director Report
A.
Update
Kathy Ortiz summarized our public hearing and renewal walkthrough at our elementary campus on day one of the visit. She further shared family workshops, sports, and event highlights.
Kathy Ortiz provided the board with an update on student enrollment and attendance data, as well as 3rd-grade - 8th-grade test score percentages.
Kathy Ortiz mentioned the state has implemented several modifications to the certification process, making it more accessible for educators to acquire certification. We have built a great relationship with RELAY who are helping us get teachers certified on both campuses.
Krisann Vega and Ryan McCabe talked about their curriculum overview at both campuses in the following subjects:
- Literacy
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arts
IV. Finance
A.
Update
Melanie Hok provided the board with a year-to-date financial update. She further shared the 2024 benefits are up for renewal. A proposal was presented to include both dental and vision to Cigna.
Melanie Hok shared that the school was alerted by Morgan Stanley that due to their recent internal regulations, funds invested in government securities need to be moved by January 29, 2024. No action is currently needed by the board at the moment. However, board approval will be needed once a new institution has been identified.
V. Development and Communications
A.
Update
Jasmin Abbatiello opened by sharing contributions that have already been made for Giving Tuesday. She also shared the total of in-private and in-kind contributions already made for Giving Tuesday and informed everyone that an email will be sent every Tuesday until the day of the event.
Jasmin Abbatiello gave an update regarding Instagram growth insights in the last 90 days.
Jasmin Abbatiello shared a monthly "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" video, highlighting recent celebrations and events at Bronx Arts.
Barbara H. Scott announced Ms. Andrea Zayas's resignation from the board.