Bronx Charter School for the Arts
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday July 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Location
Zoom
Trustees Present
Arlene Bascom (remote), Barbara H. Scott (remote), David Barnard (remote), Denise Brecher (remote), Evette Stair- Radlein (remote), Susan Geisenheimer (remote)
Trustees Absent
Charles Whites, Dan Vislocky, Eric Osorio, Lori Biancamano
Guests Present
Jasmin Abbatiello (remote), Kathy Ortiz (remote), Krisann Vega (remote), Lesly Garcia (remote), Melanie Hok (remote), Ryan McCabe (remote), Zahreen Ghaznavi
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Nominating Committee
A.
Welcome Zahreen Ghaznavi
III. Executive Director Report
A.
Update
Kathy Ortiz updated the board on the year-end school activities this past June. She also shared the current 24-25 school year student enrollment and registration totals and the curriculum layout of the Summer Boost program, which began on July 8.
Kathy Ortiz also shared staffing needs in both the elementary and middle school campuses; overall, we had a positive staff turnover.
Kathy Ortiz began a conversation on establishing a facilities/real estate committee needing the following:
- Appointing a Lead Person/Chair
- Selecting Members
- Defining the Committee's Charge
- Establishing a Timeline
Finally, Kathy Ortiz suggested to review our bylaws:
- We need to ensure compliance with the New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act, General Municipal Law, and Opening Meetings Law, especially given the post-COVID situation.
- We need clearer guidance on meetings and onboarding of board members.
- Our legal counsel, Paul O'Neil, will review and provide guidance.
- To gather input, we will send out a Google Form for feedback.
IV. Finance Report
A.
Update
Melanie Hok shared that in preparation of the audit, the work to close out prior fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 is in progress. She stated that the goal is to present a preliminary full year BvA of prior fiscal year at the August board meeting.
V. Development & Communication
A.
Update
Jasmin Abbatiello shared an update on private contributions:
- $577,098 received in FY24 (cash only/exceeded goal of $425,000 by $152,098).
- $644,367 received in FY24 (cash + in-kind contributions/exceeded goal of $450,000 by $194,367).
- The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation award of $150,000 restricted to STEAM afterschool has been received.
- Bronx Arts was approved for our 2nd and 3rd grade students to participate in the Wave Makers (created by Asphalt Green and the Gray Foundation) swim instruction program throughout the summer. The program is valued at $5,790. Students will also receive swimsuits, goggles, and swim caps.
Last, she shared the Can't Stop, Won't Stop monthly video.
VI. Upcoming Events
A.
Update
8/13- Board Meeting
Susan Geisenheimer welcomed Zahreen Ghaznavi to her first Bronx Arts board meeting. Zahreen Ghaznavi spoke briefly about her career background and experience. Barbara Scott expressed excitement and gratitude for Zahreen's addition to our board.