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Board Meeting Minutes » BOD Meeting Minutes - August 15, 2023

BOD Meeting Minutes - August 15, 2023

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING


The Arts Based School Board of Directors Meeting was held at the Arts Based School South campus on August 15, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 5:52 p.m.

Board Members: David Ford, Elizabeth Repetti, Chanita Coulter,  Asher Ellis, Ellen Coble, Jay Kumar, Amir Henry, Letitia Wall, Shannon Meares, Michelle Lawrence, Kyle Barnes, Tonya Monteiro, Tanya Montero, Endia Beal, Chanita Coulter, Tomisha Gladman

ABS Staff: Charter Director Robin Hillis,  Principal Sherell McArthur, Principal Yvonne Leab, Arts Director Mary Siebert, Curriculum Coordinator Liz Green, Director of Operations and Student Services Ashley Tate

The meeting materials (Agenda, June Meeting Minutes) were distributed to the Board by email on August 11, 2023.  Additional meeting materials (Charter School Director’s Report and draft of MOU with Happy Hills Neighborhood Association) were distributed to the Board by email on August 15, 2023.


Introduction of New Board Members: Ellen Coble and Amir Henry


Approval of June Minutes: Asher Ellis moved to approve. Ellen Coble seconded. Motion passed without opposition.


Asher Ellis reviewed financial reports for June and July:

  • An approximate $930k shortfall is largely attributed to opening the South Campus. ABS used the NC ACCESS grant to open the South Campus knowing school would start at a deficit. Reserves were used to cover the shortfall last year. 
  • The good news is the covid emergency has ended and school is at full enrollment 634 students. 
  • ABS spent all of NC ACCESS funds by June. This should be reflected in the audit by October. (NC ACCESS grants can be used to pay for curriculum, furniture, and conference attendance.)
  • In October, we will know what the state per pupil funding will be and then adjust the budget. Last year was $8,000 per pupil. It was recommended for the Board to consider fundraising initiatives.

Tomisha Gladman moved to approve the financial reports for June and July. Ellen Coble seconded. Motion passed without opposition.


Committee Updates: 

Shannon Meares encouraged more robust committee participation. A sign-up sheet will be shared before the retreat. Committee discussions will take place during the September 16th retreat and Board meeting. The president will reach out to Board members who have not attended meetings regularly to see if they wish to continue serving.


Parent Council: Chair of Parent Council attended and reported on preparations for the new year. 


Facilities Report (Jay Kumar, Endia Beal, and David Ford)

  • The committee is looking for ways to save money on costs with Duke Energy, Waste Management and Spectrum. 
  • Committee members  are also looking for federal grants. 
  • Endia Beal and Elizabeth Repetti will investigate public art grants ($20,000) from the city.

Charter Director’s Report (Robin Hollis): 

  • All student spots (634) are filled with waiting lists for all grades, and the school is fully staffed except for a counselor position.
  • All teaching staff and administrators participated in three days of A+ Arts integration training in Charlotte which will be reimbursed by NC ACCESS grant.
  • CPR and first aid training completed by all administrative staff and others (26 staff total on North and South Campuses.
  • Epipen and bloodborne pathogen training completed, and medical plans were reviewed by faculty who teach students with individual plans.
  • Two AEDs  were purchased for the North Campus. The South Campus had one already provided by the school system.
  • Principal Hollis opened the floor to additional questions regarding the issues raised in the June meeting. Shannon Meares stated for the record that the Board would consider additional means of securing nursing services for the school

. 

Approval of Faculty and Staff Roster as required by NC law. Asher Ellis moved to approve; seconded by Endia Beal. Motion passed without opposition.


The September meeting will be held during the September 16th retreat from 9:00 to noon.


Shannon, Robin Hollis, Sherelle MacArthur, and Elizabeth Repetti met with Abio Harris regarding the future of South Campus and building relationships with Happy Hill Neighborhood Association. A summer program run by Happy Hill Neighborhood Association at South Campus, was supported by a grant this summer. They will also use three rooms of the South Campus for after-school tutoring beginning this school year. Discussion was held about having the ABS Board and the Happy Hill Neighborhood Association meet to establish a good working relationship.

Letitia Wall moved to adjourn and David Ford seconded it. Motion passed without opposition. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Hopkins Lawrence

ABS Board of Directors Secretary