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

Barbara H. Scott called a meeting of the board of trustees of Bronx Charter School for the Arts to order on Tuesday Jul 9, 2024 at 6:03 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

Susan Geisenheimer made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 06-11-24.
Denise Brecher seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Nominating Committee

A.

Welcome Zahreen Ghaznavi

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. 

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

VII. 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 6:53 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Geisenheimer
Arlene Bascom made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Susan Geisenheimer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.