Absent Board Member: Loretta Cargill (Parent Rep)

Melanie Hok provided the board with financial updates.

FY25 Financials as of September 30, 2024

• The first quarter shows a positive net income as of September 30, 2024, primarily attributed to lower expenditures in personnel benefits.
• Expenses are slightly elevated, but are offset by grants such as Summer Boost, the Homeless Grant, and ESSER 3.

FY24 Audit

• NCheng LLP has received the audit package from the school.
•  A draft of the audited financials is expected to be available later this month.

Jasmin Abbatiello provided an update on private contributions, marketing, and recruitment initiatives.

Private Contributions

• Total raised to date is $215,463 ($142,163 cash and $73,300 in-kind) 
• Awarded the Cultural After-School Adventure (CASA) award $20,000 (in-kind) to cover programming provided by Bronx Ensemble
•  MoMA has invited Bronx Arts to continue with their Partnership Program (awarded $5,000 in programming)
• Kathy and Jasmin are scheduled to meet with Kay Tashner and Carole Kakos on October 10th. Kay and Carol first supported Bronx Arts during the 2024-2025 school year with a contribution that covered costs associated with establishing the laundry facility at BAE.

Marketing and Recruitment Plans in Progress

• Discovery & Strategy Phase: Digital Campaign
• Design Phase: Bus Kings and Liveboards on 52 routes
• New initiatives include bus advertisements and live boards
• Successful previous digital campaigns will be replicated, with a focus on targeting specific communities based on historical data

 Videography Schedule:

• October 8th: Swim Lessons
• October 16th: BAE
• October 17th: BAM

Enrollment Challenges: 

Kathy Ortiz further shared a preliminary plan involving grade level restructuring to address enrollment challenges that will likely be implemented in the 2025-26 school year! More information will be shared at a later date as this plan is finalized.

By-Laws:

Reviewed the revision of school bylaws for compliance with state laws about ED position and parent prep position.

• Clarify the language surrounding voting approvals in writing vs in-person meetings.
• Kathy Ortiz will discuss section 14 with Charles White to review the language, followed by a review from Paul O'Neill.

Three Year Evaluation:

Barbara Scott and Kathy Ortiz provided an overview of leadership transition, reflecting on the past, current and future direction. They reviewed the plans and preliminary strategic goals, emphasizing governance and board structure.

A virtual Board Book was introduced as a resource, encompassing the following elements: vision and mission, core values, board members, committee dates, committee goals, key contacts, and a section dedicated to bylaws.

The committee convened to discuss proposed assignments and evaluate the goals for board members.

Members are encouraged to assess their current assignments.

• Available committees for selection include:
  • Executive
  • Program
  • Finance
  • Development & Communication
  • Facilities & Real Estate
  • ED Evaluation & Support
  • Nominations
• Future planning and objectives for each committee, along with proposed dates for committee and board meetings, were discussed.
• Members are advised to review the proposed committee assignments and arrange a meeting with Barbara Scott and Kathy Ortiz prior to the next board meeting to confirm their assignments.
• Barbara Scott and Kathy Ortiz will schedule a time to meet with the committee.
• Attendance documentation is critical during Zoom meetings.
• Members should ensure their cameras are on and participate in roll call by stating their full names and "present" during the Zoom meeting. Additionally, please use your full name on your Zoom profile.

October

• 10/10: Special visit from Carole Kakos and Kay Tashner
• 10/16 & 10/17: Video shoot
• 10/23: Family Sofrito Mixer, 4-6pm

November

• 11/5: Full day staff PD
• 11/12: Board meeting in–person, mid-town in the city. Place to be announced.
• Monthly food and clothing drive