Kathy Ortiz updated the board on the current 24-25 school year student enrollment and registration totals. This was followed by discussing the district safety plan and requesting a minor addition pertaining to earthquake preparedness. 

Kathy Ortiz asked the board to review the redlined version of the School's current by-laws. Some next steps are:

• Final review during the September meeting.
• Submit the proposal for approval to the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
• Anticipate a waiting period of approximately one month for approval.
• Expect the revised bylaws to take effect in either November or December.

Kathy Ortiz unveiled this year's academic theme: "We have just begun." Following this, Principal Ryan McCabe and Principal Krisann Vega provided an overview of the scheduled guest speakers and professional development initiatives over the next two weeks during Summer Institute.

Melanie Hok provided a preliminary budget versus actuals for FY23-24. She noted that the School will be subject to an A-133 Single Audit due to over $750k in federal expenditures (Title funds, school food reimbursements, and ESSER). Based on the preliminary BvA for FY23-24, the net income reflects a positive variance against budget.

A proposal for a one-time year-end performance bonus accrual for eligible staff was presented for approval by both Kathy Ortiz and Melanie Hok. Ms. Kathy Ortiz shared that performance would largely be based on staff members who successfully met and surpassed the predetermined objectives aligned with their respective roles within the School, in addition to their participation in securing a full 5 year charter renewal term; and having served the full 2023-24 school year. Questions ensued regarding eligibility criteria and amount. 

Jasmin Abbatiello shared an update on private contributions:

FY24 (updates since the last board meeting):

• Raised $572,098 in cash contributions (goal = $425,000)
• Raised $639,367 in cash and in-kind contributions (goal = $450,000)
• Adjusted board line to reflect $54,434 raised (goal = $75,000). Noted that 73% of the board provided a cash gift of $100 or more.
• Adjusted corporations line to reflect $10,075 raised (goal = $5,000). Received a matching gift of $5,000 from Mastercard (initiated by Evette). 

FY25

• $112,698 received to date ($97,440 from Summer Boost)
• Awarded swim lessons for all 2nd-grade students throughout the 2024/2025 school year from Asphalt Green/Wave Makers program.
• SAX LLP offers an opportunity to secure an unrestricted grant of $15,000. Bronx Arts applied and has been named one of the top 75 applicants (more than 1,000 applied). We will be notified at the end of September during a networking event. 
• Robin Hood Foundation is offering two grant funding opportunities that we will be pursuing. Evette confirmed that she has a contact there and Jasmin and Evette plan to connect before the applications are submitted.

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

• 8/19- LAUNCH DAY
• 9/03- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
• 9/10- BOARD MEETING
• 9/11- BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT (BAE)
• 9/12- BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT (BAM)