The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Our World Neighborhood Charter School was held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010, at 7:00pm, at the Middle School Building of Our World Neighborhood Charter School. (31-20 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103).

The Trustees Present were: Jeanette Betancourt, Maura Fitzgerald, Sara Geelan, Rachel Brody, Douglas Brody, Sari Nadler

Also present were Principal and Executive Director, Brian Ferguson, Director of Special Projects, Steve Zimmerman, Director of Development, Mark Crusante, Development Associate, Damara Gonzalez, OWN Business Manager Karrine Montaque, and Teacher representative, Mrs. Jayme Pabon.

Principal/Executive Director Update - Brian Ferguson

• Mr. Ferguson presented school year calendar for approval. Had input from staff.

Board Business/General Information Update - Jeanette Betancourt

• Noted that Jeanette Betancourt, Vice President of OWNCS board of trustees, will be chairing the board meeting in Steve Solinsky's absence.
• Distributed 990 for board review and was open to questions and comments. Revisions were incorporated and were filed on schedule. Discussed placing 990 on website.

Education Committee Update - Sara Geelan

• Looking at budget and making comments and where costs can be cut without interfering with programs. ELA program is in place and may not need current level of support. Considering bringing math specialist in house.
• Talking about adding foreign language to curriculum because FLAP (for grant k-16 integrated foreign language program including Urdu, Turkish, Mandarin, Korean, ect) grants are available for instituting Mandarin K-8 and Arabic and discussed how would impact. Applied for grant for k-12 program grant in collaboration with Renaissance and NYU. K-5 would be more cultural integration and then apply foreign language study and then child would have choice of language to choose to study through 8th grade... Renaissance would then have curriculum to access for 9th-12th grade and NYU would provide professional and curriculum development.
• Discussed school wellness policy... will speak at PTO meeting because need parent council as part of policy.

Facilities Committee Update - Steve Zimmerman

• Roof concerns with leaks on 4th floor... damage from heavy rains during March. During spring break, repairs were done... DEP came in and reported there are mold concerns and room in question was vacated. Put remediation plan in place 4/27/10 to complete work by June. As per lease, we are responsible for cost of damage and repairs, but can receive rent credits (up to 500K one-time credit... already 50K in work applied to that because of facade work) During renewal period, 200K total credit we can receive and we should get that and hope it will cover some of the costs of damage and repairs. Will still have to go to bid and RFP's for engineering/environment issues. Internal staff is taking care of in a timely manner and Board will vote on plan.
• Following engineering reports on soil and surrounding ground, architect developed schematics which were shared with staff to talk about spacing. Presented with 2 initial cost estimates for 2 scenarios that are considerably higher due to results of engineering reports and the fact that we need additional structural work. Schematics were shared with the facilities committee. Estimates are that cost will be 2.5 million above the 12 million originally budgeted for building project. Talking about ways these costs can be offset. Steve will continue to interview construction managers rather than general contractor as a way to contain cost... they would sub contract each piece which can save some amount.

Development Update - Mark Crusante/Damara Gonzalez

• Reported that OWNCS did not receive Pencil Grant
• Tap Root Foundation Service grant of 50K was also not accepted, plan is to go back to them once we have a rebranding strategy... new logo, new design for new building.
• Developing young advisory council (20's to 30's), asking for board to refer anyone they think would be interested in OWNCS, charter school movement and helpful in leadership and future fundraising. Sari Nadler suggested looking at young social organizations and conduct informal meeting with Board to meet potential members of council. Mark will email Board with outline and what he is seeking in terms of candidates. This is for board member development and fundraising opportunities.
• Plan to apply for dissemination grant for 250K from SUNY
• Starting marketing video and annual report
• Annual fund presentation at next board meeting. Will give "The Art of Giving" which is a book that talks about importance of Board involvement in giving. Discussion ongoing with committee about doing friend-raiser with the Board.
• Development Committee met 3/23 by phone conference.

Finance Committee Update - Doug Brody

• Revenue and expenses continue to track against budget, as planned.
• Shortfall in devel. Due to difficult economy and other factors
• No significant additional expenses related to facilities... expect in other months.
• Propose to approve monthly financials for March.
• Continue to pay down liability... 1 year away from paying NCB loan (financing on school)
• Will have budget to consider for next meeting to present to OWNCS Board of trustees.

Foundation Update - Dr. Rick Welles

• On 4/26, 700 page application to CSI was submitted for new charter schoolÉdubbed ÒOWNCS 2Ó.
• Drafted support letter from Board to show community support for the creation of another school.

Teacher Update - Ms. Jayme Pabon

• Parent/teacher night Wednesday (MS 4-7pm) and Thursday in evening (MS 1-5 ES 4-8).
• Career fair/day in May (5/14) - invited board trustees to attendÉcontact Ms. Whitney (guidance counselor).
• Book fair is currently going on at Elementary School.
• Spring art festival was put together for ES, art, film and music. Was well attended.

PTO Update - Ms. Mobini and Ms. Murphy

• No representative in attendance