Bronx Charter School for the Arts

Minutes

Monthly Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday June 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Location

Zoom

Trustees Present

Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott (remote), Charles Whites (remote), David Barnard (remote), Lori Biancamano (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)

Trustees Absent

Dan Vislocky, Denise Brecher, Eric Osorio, Evette Stair- Radlein

Guests Present

Jasmin Abbatiello (remote), Kathy Ortiz (remote), Krisann Vega (remote), Lesly Garcia (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 Jun 11, 2024 at 6:10 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 05-14-24.
Lori Biancamano seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Nominating Committee Update

A.

Two-Year Term Board Member Approval

Lori Biancamano made a motion to approve an additional two-year term for the following Board members, with terms ending between January 2024 and December 2024.
Arlene Bascom seconded the motion.

 

Approval for a two-year term renewal for the following board members:

  • Lori Biancamano
  • Denise Brecher
  • Susan Geisenheimer
  • Eric Osorio
  • Evette Stair-Radlein
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Prospective Board Member

Charles Whites made a motion to vote and approve an initial two-year term for the following board member, Zahreen Ghaznavi.
David Barnard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

III. Facility Update

A.

Update

Ms. Kathy Ortiz shared that LaBella Associates is scheduled to commence the building conditions assessment for 950 Longfellow on June 24th. Ms. Ortiz also shared that the School received a proposal from Ciardullo Architecture & Engineering, reflecting a cost of $35,600 to conduct a feasibility study that will help determine whether or not we can add another floor at 950 Longfellow Ave.

Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to empower Kathy Ortiz, Executive Director of Bronx Charter School for the Arts, the authority to accept the fee proposal from Ciardullo Architecture & Engineering to complete building feasibility study for 950 Longfellow Ave, upon the review, consultation, and approval from the assigned board members supporting real estate and building needs of the School.
Lori Biancamano seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Finance Report

A.

Update

Ms. Melanie Hok presented the revised 2024-2025 budget.

Lori Biancamano made a motion to approve the revised budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, as presented.
Arlene Bascom seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Arlene Bascom made a motion to retain and approve NCHENG LLP as the auditing firm for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
Susan Geisenheimer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Executive Director Report

A.

Update

Kathy Ortiz shared that the NYSED Board of Regents recently approved a five-year charter renewal for the School. Ms. Ortiz also presented the proposed board meeting dates for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, noting that meetings will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of each month. 

VI. Development & Communications

A.

Update

Ms. Jasmin Abbatiello discussed fundraising goals, objectives, and outcomes, which included a close look at campaigns over time. She noted that as of June 7th, a total of $576,898 in cash contributions ($425,000 goal) and $638,377 in cash and in-kind contributions ($450,000 goal) has been raised. 

 

Jasmin Abbatiello also discussed other accomplishments throughout the year, including: 

  • Redesigned website
  • Launch of the quarterly newsletter 
  • Digital recruitment campaign
  • Significant growth across social media platforms 

 

Last, she shared the monthly Bronx Arts Can't Stop, Won't Stop highlight video. 

 

 

VII. Upcoming Events

A.

Update

  • 6/12-ANNIE JR. PERFORMANCE
  • 6/13- HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
  • 6/15- FISH PARADE
  • 6/21- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
  • 6/21- KINDERGARTEN, 5TH & 8TH GRADE GRADUATIONS.

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 6:48 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lori Biancamano