BOD Meeting Minutes - November 18, 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
The Arts Based School
North Campus
Tuesday November 18, 2025
Attendees: Michelle Lawrence, Joy Blaser, Becky Dickson, Asher Ellis, Jennifer Borrero,
Elizabeth Repetti, Marc Pope, Shannon Meares, Kelly Alston, Endia Beal, Jes Bolduc,
DeeDe Holly, Isaac Perry, Lina Sims
ABS Staff: Robin Hollis
Meeting materials: The agenda, September & October financial reports, financial audit
report, and the charter director’s report were shared via email on November 12. The
October Meeting Minutes were shared via email on November 18.
Michelle Lawrence called the meeting to order at 5:51 PM.
Approval of October Minutes – 1
st Becky Dickson, 2
nd Jennifer Borrero, All approved
Approval of September Minutes – 1
st Asher Ellis, 2
nd Elizabeth Repetti, All approved
Review of September & October Financial Results & Audit Report –
● In September, we were 25% of the way through our total revenue, a little under
budget. The total expenses were at 26%. We are slightly at a deficit year to date
because we have expense items that have yet to be offset, which is to be
expected for this time of year.
● For Oct at 31% of revenue and 33% of expenditures, running on state funding
pulled 22% of state funds year to date. Most school systems have started paying.
No funds from WSFCS yet, but no reason to think that funding won’t come
through. The offset for October’s expenses will be covered by federal funds that
have not come through yet or are funds that were front-loaded for the school
year.
● Routine monthly expenses run roughtly $680k per month. We have funds set
aside in money market accounts (about $500k for the school and $200k for the
ABSSO) earning interest each month as a buffer. We also have a loan from the
bus at just over $300k sitting in the bank earning interest in the money market.
We should get about $46k in tax credits for the bus that can be used to pay down
the bus loan.
1. Sept Financials – 1
st Shannon Meares, 2
nd Marc Pope, All approved
2. Oct Financials – 1
st Finance Committee, All approved
Audit Report – Rebecca Barr – No concerns stemming from the audit. All balances and
expenses confirmed. Financial and compliance audit. – All approved
Committee Updates –
● Community Creates website (CommunityCreates.org ) has been registered with
Google and shows up as an event. The new website has a dedicated artist page
and sponsor page. Proposal to sell tickets through a new vendor this year that
won’t charge a fee. Most events in our area around $50/person, which is what we
charged last year. The event will be May 2.
● Fundraising google sheet with information about funding opportunities. More
information about fundraising opportunities will be added to the sheet. Ways for
board members to get involved: curtain ask for donations at performances,
writing thank you notes to donors.
Strategic Plan Review – 2022-2027, if your committee group hasn’t met, please
schedule a time to meet just after the new year.
Director’s Report –
● Last year’s EOG was the top 10% of growth in the state. In addition, principals
and teachers whose students had the growth are awarded bonuses from the
state.
● Annual giving – 100% board participation; school participation was 33% and total
amount was $60k.
● School calendar proposal for 2026/2027 school year will be in the December
meeting.
Parent Council Updates –
● Teacher appreciation in the spring, coffee break & lunch. PC will help with
fundraising.
● January Jam, Fri 1/23 – potentially to change that event.
● Volunteer hub going very well with signup genius.
● Already planning for Fall Fest and Book Fair 9/26-10/2, Fall fest on 10/3.
Other Business –
● nominations for next year are open and encouraged if the nominee is a parent
who needs to get into the lottery.
Adjournment – 1
st Becky, 2
nd Elizabeth, All approved
The Arts Based School
North Campus
Tuesday November 18, 2025
Attendees: Michelle Lawrence, Joy Blaser, Becky Dickson, Asher Ellis, Jennifer Borrero,
Elizabeth Repetti, Marc Pope, Shannon Meares, Kelly Alston, Endia Beal, Jes Bolduc,
DeeDe Holly, Isaac Perry, Lina Sims
ABS Staff: Robin Hollis
Meeting materials: The agenda, September & October financial reports, financial audit
report, and the charter director’s report were shared via email on November 12. The
October Meeting Minutes were shared via email on November 18.
Michelle Lawrence called the meeting to order at 5:51 PM.
Approval of October Minutes – 1
st Becky Dickson, 2
nd Jennifer Borrero, All approved
Approval of September Minutes – 1
st Asher Ellis, 2
nd Elizabeth Repetti, All approved
Review of September & October Financial Results & Audit Report –
● In September, we were 25% of the way through our total revenue, a little under
budget. The total expenses were at 26%. We are slightly at a deficit year to date
because we have expense items that have yet to be offset, which is to be
expected for this time of year.
● For Oct at 31% of revenue and 33% of expenditures, running on state funding
pulled 22% of state funds year to date. Most school systems have started paying.
No funds from WSFCS yet, but no reason to think that funding won’t come
through. The offset for October’s expenses will be covered by federal funds that
have not come through yet or are funds that were front-loaded for the school
year.
● Routine monthly expenses run roughtly $680k per month. We have funds set
aside in money market accounts (about $500k for the school and $200k for the
ABSSO) earning interest each month as a buffer. We also have a loan from the
bus at just over $300k sitting in the bank earning interest in the money market.
We should get about $46k in tax credits for the bus that can be used to pay down
the bus loan.
1. Sept Financials – 1
st Shannon Meares, 2
nd Marc Pope, All approved
2. Oct Financials – 1
st Finance Committee, All approved
Audit Report – Rebecca Barr – No concerns stemming from the audit. All balances and
expenses confirmed. Financial and compliance audit. – All approved
Committee Updates –
● Community Creates website (CommunityCreates.org ) has been registered with
Google and shows up as an event. The new website has a dedicated artist page
and sponsor page. Proposal to sell tickets through a new vendor this year that
won’t charge a fee. Most events in our area around $50/person, which is what we
charged last year. The event will be May 2.
● Fundraising google sheet with information about funding opportunities. More
information about fundraising opportunities will be added to the sheet. Ways for
board members to get involved: curtain ask for donations at performances,
writing thank you notes to donors.
Strategic Plan Review – 2022-2027, if your committee group hasn’t met, please
schedule a time to meet just after the new year.
Director’s Report –
● Last year’s EOG was the top 10% of growth in the state. In addition, principals
and teachers whose students had the growth are awarded bonuses from the
state.
● Annual giving – 100% board participation; school participation was 33% and total
amount was $60k.
● School calendar proposal for 2026/2027 school year will be in the December
meeting.
Parent Council Updates –
● Teacher appreciation in the spring, coffee break & lunch. PC will help with
fundraising.
● January Jam, Fri 1/23 – potentially to change that event.
● Volunteer hub going very well with signup genius.
● Already planning for Fall Fest and Book Fair 9/26-10/2, Fall fest on 10/3.
Other Business –
● nominations for next year are open and encouraged if the nominee is a parent
who needs to get into the lottery.
Adjournment – 1
st Becky, 2
nd Elizabeth, All approved