Rochester Academy Charter School
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Friday July 24, 2015 at 6:00 PM
Location
Portland
Trustees Present
J. Santos, M. Gedemenli, M. Guler, W. Middleton, Y. Bilgic
Trustees Absent
D. Calder, G. Aktas
Guests Present
D. Ozcan, M. Demirtas
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
M. Gedemenli called a meeting of the board of trustees of Rochester Academy Charter School to order on Friday Jul 24, 2015 at 6:02 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes
M. Guler made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Meeting on 06-19-15 Board Meeting on 06-19-15.
Y. Bilgic seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Finance, Facilities & Audit
A.
Finance Committee Report
Demir is in the process of making final adjustments; full report will be presented at the Board retreat in August.
Both revenues and expenses were slightly less than budgeted, in part because we received less than expected due to lower enrollments. Title I funds have not yet been received.
The final budget will reflect pending
Attached budget line items are increased for additional needs.
We will still have an surplus at the end of the year.
M. Guler made a motion to approve budget revisions.
Y. Bilgic seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Monthly Financial Report
C.
Budget Revision 2014-2015
D.
Relocation of the Portland Building
We are looking to move from our Portland building to a building in Greece pending the Charter School Office’s approval.
Because the owner of the Portland location doesn't want to renew the lease, we need a new building to meet our students’ needs. There is a building available in Greece that meets our needs.
NY State is aware of the problems with buildings and familiar with similar relocation practices. Our main school building will remain in Rochester as the feeder school and RACS will continue giving preference to the students for enrollment from the City of Rochester. Rent per square feet on the new building will be less compared with the current rent.
At Portland, we have had to assume a number of extra costs, so the change will actually represent reduced cost.
Board approval is needed to start the process of seeking approval of the change.
M. Guler made a motion to grant board approval to begin the process of relocation from Portland to Greece (5000 Mt Read Blvd.).
J. Santos seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E.
Approvals
The base salary will be increased by $1K to improve teacher retainment. final budget effect was presented to the board. Due to the change in transportation of the students, the working hours for teachers for next school year need to be adjusted as 7:35 am to 4:05 pm.
M. Guler made a motion to approve the increase in the starting salary by $1K and the daily working hours for teachers for next school year as 7:35 am to 4:05 pm.
Y. Bilgic seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Faculty and staff will be allowed up to $1000 per semester for "educationally related courses" taken at accredited institution of higher education.
W. Middleton made a motion to approve tuition assistance at a rate of $1k per semester for educationally related courses.
M. Guler seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
cap on total reimbursement needs to be added ($15K).
It department wants to transition from smart boards to iPads and TVs for the middle school. (cost will be less than smart board)
Demir will prepare a formal proposal for the board retreat in August
III. Academic Excellence
A.
Academic Excellence Committee Report
B.
Director's Monthly Report
Graduation rate 35 out of 40 plus 1 junior graduated early
Five seniors will be attending summer school
Organizational chart has added STEM coordinator and instructional coach (formerly dean of academics)
There needs to be a clear succession plan and chain of command incorporated into the organizational chart
Mehmet's title will be amended to Director and CEO
M. Guler made a motion to approve the new organizational chart with recommended changes.
Y. Bilgic seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Summer Regents Review Sessions will start on Monday
Eight new hires, one termination, three resignations
M. Guler made a motion to approve hiring, termination, and resignations.
D. Ozcan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
IV. Governance
A.
Governance Committee Report
Gungor is in Brunei for work, but he has posted the draft agenda for the August retreat
V. 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 7:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
M. Demirtas