NBFA School Board Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2015
Attendance: Prudence Bailey, Richard Bentley, Lisa Callahan, Claire Foerster (via phone), Sabita Kanhai,
Kevin Knight, Paul Myerson (via phone), David Schlakman, and Shari Ginyard (recording secretary)
Staff: Ronelle P. Swagerty, Quentin Ball, Jumi Nathan, Tom Lupinski, Julie Singer, Edward Del Signore,
Susan Sieber, and Dennis Jones
Guests: Mary Humphries, Dick Whitcomb, Ivonne Griffiths, and Kerida Black
The meeting was called to order at 4:32 pm by David Schlakman, President of the Board.
Public Comment: Two parents attended the meeting. One shared concerns she had about a suspension
received by her son.
CEO Report: Ronelle P. Swagerty, CEO
1. NBFA’s Charter Renewal Corrective Action Plan:
Mrs. Swagerty walked the board through three areas that were addressed in the report
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Student achievement
Governance matters
An uptick in NBFA’s Hispanic population
Conversation ensued. Ronelle informed the board that a mandatory hearing for Charter
Renewal will be held on February 23, 2015 at 6pm at Bridgeport’s City Hall. The address is 45
Lyons Terrace. The DOE will submit its decision on April 1st, 2015.
In addition, Dick Whitcomb and Mary Humphries were introduced to the Board. Humphries is a
candidate for teacher representative on the board.
2. Draft Data Dashboard:
Ronelle explained that the dashboard will drive meaningful strategic discussion around student
achievement. The Dashboard also shows gains on school culture, which includes a drop in
negative behaviors and suspensions. Discussion ensued.
3. General Updates:
Through the relationship that Prudence has with Northfield Mount Hermon Boarding
School, five of NBFA’s students have been invited to interview for admission in 2015-2016.
A group of 7th and 8th graders are taking the trip to the school.
Operation Report: Tom Lupinski, Operations Manager
1. We are monitoring supplies to achieve budget.
2. Pre-K construction is complete; however the soil removal is the only outstanding item to be
rectified.
3. Recommendation was made by the State to have the treasurer sign off every month on bank
reconciliations.
4. The board reviewed and approved an auditor recommended process for monthly bank
reconciliations.
Development Report: Quentin Ball, Development Director
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Quentin reported that we have reached 56% of the year’s fundraising goal.
We are searching for corporate sponsors for the Gala.
David requested the corporate sponsor package for the Boards review.
Quentin informed that Gala sponsorship invitations are going out on January 21. The tables are
priced at 5k, 10k, and 15k dollars.
50 for 50 brought in 65 new donors by the end of December 2014. That translates to $12,000 in
new donor money.
Kevin is having a group at his home to try and generate some new donors.
Additional Items:
Ronelle spoke about Mary Humphries involvement in the school as one of NBFA’s SPED teachers.
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Motion to elect Mary to the Board: David S., Lisa C. 2nd, Unanimous.
The Board acknowledged Christine Morrone, the Bridgeport Board of Education’s representative
appointed to our Board.
Motion to approve the November 2014 minutes: David S., Prudence B. 2nd, Unanimous.
Motion to approve the updated Anti-nepotism policy: Richard B., Kevin K. 2nd, Unanimous
Motion to amend NBFA’s Accounting Manual to include bank, credit card and cash handling
policies and procedures: Paul Myerson, 2nd Richard, All in favor.
Ronelle suggested that the board adjust the meeting schedule. The Board agreed to cancel the
April meeting. The next board meetings will be March 17th followed by May 19th.
Ronelle mentioned a feasibility study. An outside consultant would come in and do a workshop with the
Board.
Possible dates for the workshop include 2/27, 3/25, and 3/2/2015. Ronelle agreed to send out a doodle
poll to schedule the meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:01 pm by David Schlakman.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shari Ginyard