SANY April 2020 - June 2020 Board Minutes

Enrollment

Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools

Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Date : 4/14/2020

Place : Online – COVID19

Here is the zoom meeting link https://zoom.us/j/3156715470

I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.11 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.

Open Public Meeting Act Statement

This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the

New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.

II. Approval of Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)

Regular Board Meeting of 3/10/2020

Motion by Chanel Turnquest, seconded by Murat Baysal

Roll Call: approved anonymously.

III. Agenda for Finance committee

1. Bank accounts reconciliation

2. Review of payments

3. Internal audit review

IV. Agenda

1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS

2. Approval of SBA PPP Application

3. Approval of E-rate Service Provider

4. Approval of Gym Flooring and Equipment for new Gym for Frankfort School

5. Approval of health insurance contribution increase

6. Approval of SASHS roof replacement payment agreement

7. Approval of SASCitizenship HVAC project payment agreement

8. Approval of SANY funding UAS construction project

9. Approval of competitive bid for purchasing UAS-ES and SASC-ES school furnishings

Discussion

1. Financial status and budget

2. Internal audit report: Internal audit report was reviewed and discussed

3. Citizenship Academy LED lights update

4. UAS construction update

5. Online Education at SANY schools due to COVID-19 school closings

6. Online lottery for 2020-21 school year

7. Letter of Intent for CSARochester charter school submitted to charter school office.

8. Appeal of a suspension case – attorney’s response

Motion by Murat Baysal, seconded by Chanel Turnquest, to adopt the agenda as presented.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

V. Executive Session

Motion by Chanel Turnquest, seconded by Murat Baysal to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.

VI. Reconvene Public Session

Motion by Jawwaad Rasheed, seconded by Murat Baysal, to exit the executive session.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

VII. Discussion Items

1. Financial status and budget: Dr. Hayali provided financial plan for next year with the possibilities of cuts. Currently, 5.5% cut is projected with the possibility of more cuts based on state budget.

2. Internal audit report: cancelled for this month

3. Citizenship Academy LED lights and Ceiling: The school would like to update the lights in the school with LED in order to save in the long term and get more lighting in the classrooms and building. Since we have 12 years lease in the building, the school would like to update them to save money over the time by having LED lights as part of the utilities.

4. UAS construction update: The school paid $1million and the steel has been ordered, excavation work started. The construction received exemption as an essential work to continue.

5. Online Education at SANY schools due to COVID-19 school closings: The school shared the communication plan since NY Pause, distribution of Chromebooks to students and also providing tech help twice a week in each city, also provided Elmos, laptops to teachers to use at their homes. In addition, they created several online PD for teachers in order to utilize several tools that school made available to teachers. School also provided one-on-one PD how to use the software and do live sessions, screenshots, etc. All teachers holding office hours in addition to their live session, and post homework to Google classroom. They content they create also record their lectures and share them with students which can be watched by students. A teacher has been made available throughout the day as an academic support teacher if any of the student is stuck with any homework. Mrs Miller from SAS-ES provided what they have been doing since March 13. They have been following each students’ attendance or response to homework on a daily basis and principals can follow the list and make contact to parents. Principals are checking on teacher on a daily basis through an online survey, including asking how do you feel today and what is accomplished today, what to day need as a support services. In addition, they are also checking on families and how they are doing in terms emotionally and their student’s inclusion in their courses. ES also asked for community leaders to record themselves for Read Aloud sessions to be shared with students.

6. Online lottery for 2020-21 school year: UAS will be held on April 23, and SAS and SASC will be held on April 25. The school received around 15-18% ELL students in the applications.

7. Letter of Intent for CSARochester charter school was submitted to charter school office. There are 13 applications and only three were for Rochester. We will update about the final application at the next meeting.

8. Appeal of a suspension case – attorney’s response: discussed in executive session and decided to ask the parents to come for the next meeting and not to share any evidence with the parent other than the first text message the student send which start the incident. However, the school should hide the student’s name that the text was sent to.

I. Superintendent’s Report

Demographics

Suspension

Enrollment

SANY Activity Report:

SAS

1. Friday, February 28, 2020—A cornerstone of the #SASCS foundation is our commitment to promoting scientific literacy. Scholars at the Middle School recently presented their annual science fair projects to judges from around the community, including SANY Alumni.

2. Friday, February 28, 2020—February 28th marked the annual science fair at the Syracuse Academy of Science High School. Students from grades 8-12 shared student-driven research projects in a public forum and received feedback from valued community members.

3. Monday, March 2, 2020—The SASCS choir visited Syracuse University. We went to an admissions session, took a campus tour, ate lunch in a dining hall, and attended a rehearsal of the Syracuse University Singers Choir in the School of Music. Students spent the day experiencing college-life and music in college!

4. Tuesday, March 3, 2020—Middle School Atoms were awarded certificates for their hard work in their core classes as well as special presentations for robotics and PBIS. This is a great time for students and faculty alike as we get the opportunity to recognize the amazing efforts of our Atoms.

5. Thursday, March 5, 2020—Here at the elementary school, art is created, celebrated and shared. We began sharing out student artwork with families through Artsonia at the beginning of the school year and are proud to continue to use this tool. Each month a newsletter is sent through email, sharing the artful news of the month and upcoming events related to art. Along with the newsletter, each project students create is uploaded to their personalized portfolio.

6. Thursday, March 5, 2020—Seventh-grade students in the Middle School PBL class presented their projects on their Little Free Library; and the importance of literacy. The students designed a Little Free Library box to be built and placed at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America on East Fayette St.

7. Thursday, March 5, 2020—A mini-celebration was held for fifth grade Pro and All-Star students. These students were rewarded with board games for following the school norms of respect, safety, and responsibility with due diligence.

8. Thursday, March 5, 2020—Students and families enjoyed an evening of math games last Thursday. Some of the favorites were Bowling, Shape Twister, and Cup Stacking. Through these fun games, math concepts were practiced as such basic math facts, geometry, vocabulary, and estimating.

9. Friday, March 6, 2020—Friday marked the end of an exciting Read Across America Week. Students celebrating reading and Dr. Seuss with crazy sock, hair, hat, and mustache day. They learned about the authors and the importance of reading not just during this week, but all the time!

10. Friday, March 6, 2020—Have you ever been turned upside down in order to enter a building? The kinder atoms have! Going through the purple tunnel as they call it was definitely one of the highlights of their trip to WonderWorks. They also enjoyed watching a 4D movie, laying down on a bed of nails and writing words on a gigantic light brite. Playing connect four and pretending to be eaten by a dinosaur were also fun things to do.

11. Tuesday, March 10, 2020—Ms. Dickinson and Mr. Scheemaker's first-grade students explored the Betts Branch Library this week. They listened to a read aloud from the librarian Ms. Quinn, got to make their very own buttons, and bring some books home!

12. Tuesday, March 10, 2020—At Painting With a Twist Dewitt, Atoms were able to connect their space knowledge from their science unit to make a masterpiece of their own. Instructors guided students through the steps to create a twinkling outer space background with a unique planet. We played pass the paintbrush and took some time to view each other's art and give them compliments. This was a great opportunity to remember that we are all unique with different strengths and abilities.

13. Wednesday, April 1, 2020—Who said you need to be in the same location to celebrate success? Not #SASCS! Please join us in celebrating our March Student of the Month Award Recipients at Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School.

14. Thursday, April 2, 2020—Congratulations to Freey Pleasants for her Honorable Mention in the All CNY Girls Basketball Team for the 2019-20 Season.

15. Thursday, April 2, 2020—Congratulations, ZACCHAEUS SMITH 🏀😍🔥 The Senior Forward was named to the 2019-20 All-CNY boys basketball team.

16. Tuesday, April 7, 2020—Curator of Education at the Everson Museum, Kimberly Griffiths took the time to read one of her favorite childhood stories to Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary Students. Even though we could not have an in-person visit from Ms. Griffiths, the students enjoyed it just as much. Thank you, Ms. Griffiths, for your ongoing support for our children!

17. Thursday, April 9, 2020—The educators from SAS Elementary wanted to let their students know just how much they miss them! We hope this video brings a smile to your face.

SAS Citizenship

1. Thursday, March 26, 2020—Central New York teachers are getting creative in their efforts to keep kids learning while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the video above, Lucas Cognetti, a first-grade teacher at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship Charter School on Valley Drive, shows how he is being creative. He and his fellow teachers are using social media as a platform to connect with the kids. Cognetti’s special classroom reading chair is still in the classroom, so he made his own out of snow! He then shared the story “How to Make a Shark Smile!”

UAS

1. Friday, February 14, 2020—Last February, our #UASCS Scholars kicked back and enjoyed an Atoms Day. A chance to spend quality time with friends and celebrating their hard work throughout the quarter. The next ATOMS Day will be held at the end of the third marking period.

2. Thursday, February 27, 2020—Everyone loves a great book, especially our kindergartners at #UASCS! Ms. Sharon at Dunham Public Library gave our kindergartners a little tour of their library, read us a story, and even prepared a craft. Some of the kindergartners even received their first library cards.

3. Saturday, February 29, 2020—Did you know March 1 is Bosnian Independence day? To celebrate, UASCS held it's second annual Bosnian Culture Night. Over three hundred community members attended the event. The evening was filled with successful Bosnian speakers, community leaders, Bosnian music, Bosnian traditional folk dance " Behar" from Utica, poems, historical facts and Bosnian cuisine.

4. Tuesday, March 10, 2020—First-grade scholars enjoyed a cooking demonstration form Tammy Pittsley, who is the Director of Dining Services at Chartwells where our school food is provided from. This cooking demonstration activity helped students to observe the process of preparing a meal to help them better understand where their food comes from.

5. Thursday, March 12, 2020—The second-grade team played hard during their last field trip to Accelerate Sports. The students played a game of kickball, dodgeball, and even had a nerf war! Students practiced teamwork and good sportsmanship.

6. Thursday, March 19, 2020—We asked our entire teaching staff to change the way they handle student engagement and curriculum in the course of 24 hours—and it's remarkable to see how they have risen to the challenge. Our PE Teacher has already created a microsite for her classroom. The site is filled with activities and resources for her students. Not only that, but Ms. Digristina found a way to seamlessly continue the American Heart Association's challenge that students began a few weeks ago.

7. Wednesday, April 1, 2020—Congratulations to all of our February Class Dojo and Student of the Month Winners! We wish we could celebrate your success and hard work in person, but we want you to know that we miss you and can't wait to see all the amazing learning you'll be doing online until we can see one another again!

8. Friday, April 3, 2020—Zoom Meetings, Lego Masterpieces, Science Experiments... we miss our scholars in the classroom, but we are so proud of their hard work in keeping up with their education while at home. So really, that's a big shout-out to all the parents out there making sure your students are staying engaged. Y'all are the real MVP's right now.

9. Thursday, April 2, 2020—Pajama Party! UASCS Elementary Scholars participated in a Zoom PJ Party. Our young scholars were accompanied by their favorite stuffed animal, and some even brought their pet along! Atoms enjoyed story time, and engaging with their community.

II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item

Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.

Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.

Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.

III. Motion by Jawwaad Rasheed, seconded by Chanel Turnquest, to adjourn the meeting at 10.09 pm.

Roll Call: approved anonymously

Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools

Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Date : 5/12/2020

Place : ONLINE due to Covid19

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88582377931?pwd=YU1iWVA0WW1YcUY5OGlUeTNHdFdnUT09

Meeting ID: 885 8237 7931

Password: SANY2020

https://zoom.us/j/3156715470

I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.10 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.

Open Public Meeting Act Statement

This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the

New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.

II. Approval of Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)

Regular Board Meeting of 4/14/2020

Motion by Jawwaad Rasheed, seconded by Murat Baysal

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

III. Agenda for Finance committee

1. Bank accounts reconciliation

2. Review of payments

3. Internal audit review

IV. Agenda

1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS

2. Approval of gym floor, installing padding, bleacher and backboard project for Utica Academy

3. Approval of new ceiling and lighting at Citizenship Academy

4. Approval Environmental Review for Utica Construction

5. Approval of MoU with Center for Educational Innovation to submit US DoE grant

Discussion

1. Online lottery for 2020-21 school year

2. Utica Academy and Citizenship Academy Stimulus Grant Applications

3. Rochester application

4. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

5. Terra Science and Education Financial Status and Support for SANY Schools:

Motion by Jawwaad Rasheed, seconded by Linda Spencer, to adopt the agenda as presented.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

V. Executive Session

Motion by Linda Spencer, seconded by Jawwaad Rasheed to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.

VI. Reconvene Public Session

Motion by Chanel Turnquest, seconded by Coskun Cetinkaya, to exit the executive session.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

VII. Discussion Items

1. Online lottery for 2020-21 school year: All grades have a waiting list

2. Utica Academy and Citizenship Academy Stimulus Grant Applications: Each for $200,000 for building purposes. Utica funding will be used for the new construction and SASC will be used for the approved HVAC project.

3. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Approved for little over $3million and will be used for payroll purposes.

4. Rochester Full application will be sent this Friday.

5. Terra Science Education Financial Status and Support for SANY Schools:

Terra’s 2019 Audit resulted following:

1- Management and general expenses (non-programmatic) is around 7.5% (this was 9.6% last year) -the national median for nonprofits for MGE is around 13.5 - 18%. Lower the number better for nonprofits. This means we spend most of the funds on programs and Terra is very efficient with its structure.

2- Audit found no material weaknesses or issues or recommendations, means following all regulations and accounting practices.

3- Terra Science and Education received Platinum Seal (highest level) from GuideStar, a leading national non-profit transparency monitoring agency. This seal puts Terra on top of 0.1% of non-profits in terms of transparency.

Here is our actual support for SANY Schools last three years:

2019 Terra Scholarships and Grant given to SANY Schools: $84,983.69

2018 Terra Scholarships and Grant given to SANY Schools: $84,365.88

2017 Terra Scholarships and Grant given to SANY Schools: $53,597.76

2020 Building improvements by Terra at SANY Schools (planned) worth to $800K including SASC HVAC, SASC gym windows, SASHS storage roof, SAS gym roof, etc.

2019 Building improvements by Terra at SANY Schools worth up to $400K including SASC roof, etc.

2018 Building improvements by Terra at SANY Schools worth up to $700K including SASC Flooring, SAS MS HVAC, SASHS new pipe, etc.

2017 Building improvements by Terra at SANY Schools worth up to $750K including SASC renovations.

I. Superintendent’s Report

Demographics

Suspension

Enrollment

SANY Activity Report:

SAS

1. Wednesday, April 8, 2020— Syracuse City Fire Fighter, Kelly Wilcox paid a virtual visit to our elementary atoms. She read one of her daughter's favorite books called Dinosaurs Love Underpants to our students.

2. Monday, April 13, 2020—Joanna Masingila read eight stories to our students! Ms. Masingila is the Dean of the School of Education at Syracuse University. We thank you for your support during this difficult time, and for being there for our students.

3. Wednesday, April 15, 2020—When the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to in-person band practice, music teacher Lexi Carlson and her band students knew they had to keep the music going. After trial, error, and six weeks of hard work, the Syracuse Academy of Science High School Band is releasing their first-ever recording—“Ode to Joy,” the theme from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony that for centuries has been a symbol of hope and the resilience of the human spirit. The recording is available at https://youtu.be/lHE1SCxpesU

4. Friday, April 17, 2020—Congratulations are in order for the following Atoms! Owyn Blue, Umesh Dahal, Savanna McMullen, Zyreeanah Shepard, Kaina Vidal. These scholars were all awarded the George H. Ball Community Achievement Award. The scholarship is named after the Keuka College founder, Rev. Dr. George Harvey Ball, whose vision is continued at Keuka College by educating young students and adult learners who “bring strength to our nation and to help humanity” through combined classroom and experiential learning. This award includes a $10,000 annual scholarship for a total of $40,000. Congrats, Atoms!

5. Monday, April 20, 2020—Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary Staff collaborated on uplifting messages of encouragement for their students. While nothing can replace being in a classroom, it is our hope that these little messages can help lift our Atoms spirits!

6. Monday, April 20, 2020—Syracuse City Fire Department Lieutenant Dan Conners gave a virtual visit to our students. With everyone home during this time, we were lucky enough to have our friends at the fire department give a cooking lesson to us! Students learned safety tips and how to properly cook in your home. We were shown the importance of fire safety in the kitchen.

7. Wednesday, April 22, 2020—"Just keep your grades up and good luck," Nicholson said. Motivating words from current senior, Beloved Nicholson. Read the full article about how students are staying positive throughout the pandemic. Full Article is at https://cnycentral.com/news/local/graduating-classes-of-2020-stay-positive-despite-covid-19-setbacks

8. Saturday, April 25, 2020—Syracuse Academy of Science held its lottery for 2020-21 school year. Full video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnzgO4YVwJM

9. Monday, April 27, 2020—This #MotivationMonday, the #SASCS Middle School staff wanted to let all their students know how much they are missed! Oh, and that now would be a great time to pick up a book! Full video is at https://www.facebook.com/syracuseacademy/posts/3045396398851851

10. Thursday, April 30, 2020—Congratulations to all our SASCS Elementary Student of the Month Atoms! Last month’s character trait was Perseverance! 🌟 With everything happening in the world we can honestly say our students, parents, teachers, administrators and community are all persevering and putting in 💯 percent!

11. Friday, May 1, 2020—Way to go, SASCS Elementary School, and the rest of the SANY Staff! We are so proud of you and all you do for our community of scholars! Full video is at https://www.localsyr.com/community/tell-me-something-good/tell-me-something-good-teachers-going-the-distance/

12. Monday, May 4, 2020—Across the country, teachers are recognized on a special day each year: Teacher Appreciation Day. At SANY schools, we believe our teachers deserve recognition year-round. During these unprecedented times, we are especially grateful for their dedication to their students. Take a moment to hear from our students as they thank their teachers, today and every day. Full video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daOmMD2iqfg

13. Wednesday, May 6, 2020—Congratulations to Alexius Pierce, SAS, 2022 & Freey Pleasants, SAS, 2020 for being awarded Section III All-State Team Co-Player of the Year Class B Honorable Mention by the New York State Sportswriters Association! Full article is at https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2020/05/jackie-piddock-named-class-b-co-player-of-year-in-girls-basketball-all-state-team.html

14. Friday, May 8, 2020-Story of "High School Band Won’t Let Pandemic Stop the Music" was published on NYSED website at http://www.nysed.gov/edtech/staying-connected-your-stories-may-2020-edition-1

SAS Citizenship

1. Saturday, April 25, 2020—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship held its lottery for 2020-21 school year. Full video is at https://youtu.be/OnzgO4YVwJM?t=4279

2. Monday, May 4, 2020—Across the country, teachers are recognized on a special day each year: Teacher Appreciation Day. At SANY schools, we believe our teachers deserve recognition year-round. During these unprecedented times, we are especially grateful for their dedication to their students. Take a moment to hear from our students as they thank their teachers, today and every day. Full video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Dr-aWR-NY

UAS

1. Tuesday, April 14, 2020—How do you talk to little ones about germs, COVID-19, and the importance of washing our hands? First-grade #UASCS teacher, Ms. DeAngelis, assigned an at-home science experiment aimed at demonstrating how soap can help repel germs. Thanks, George, for helping share this lesson with the rest of your class! Full video is at https://www.facebook.com/uascs/videos/1152968145050866/

2. Wednesday, April 15, 2020—The Varsity Volleyball team qualified for the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team award.

3. Thursday, April 16, 2020—Thank you, Ms. Cardwell, for sharing these mindfulness practices with our UASCS scholars and staff! Full video is at https://youtu.be/AGu4EN12pe8

4. Thursday, April 23, 2020—Utica Academy of Science held its lottery for 2020-21 school year. Full video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wkR9K9ZP2E

5. Monday, May 4, 2020—Across the country, teachers are recognized on a special day each year: Teacher Appreciation Day. At SANY schools, we believe our teachers deserve recognition year-round. During these unprecedented times, we are especially grateful for their dedication to their students. Take a moment to hear from our students as they thank their teachers, today and every day. Full video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgHmBbxxd2s

6. Thursday, May 7, 2020—"Our building is missing the most important piece, that's the heartbeat of our school, and that's our scholars." Ms. Grider, we couldn't agree more. To celebrate the Class of 2020 the UASCS team drove to the homes of each of our graduating seniors to wish them well, plant a congratulatory lawn sign, and check-in. It's times like these that remind us more than ever, we are many Atoms, ONE Family. This heartfelt gesture received wonderful coverage from both the Observer-Dispatch at https://www.uticaod.com/photogallery/NY/20200507/PHOTOGALLERY/507009998/PH/1 & WKTV Newschannel 2 at https://www.wktv.com/content/news/Utica-Academy-of-Science-faculty-celebrate-graduating-seniors-with-congratulatory-caravan-570281651.html

II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item

Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.

Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.

Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.

III. Motion by Jawwaad Rasheed, seconded by Murat Baysal, to adjourn the meeting at 8.30 pm.

Roll Call: Choose an item.

Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools

Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Date : 6/9/2020

Place : Online Meeting due to Covid-19

Topic: SANY June BoT Meeting

Time: Jun 9, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 882 3275 9534

Password: 808873

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I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.08 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.

Open Public Meeting Act Statement

This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the

New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.

II. Approval of Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)

Regular Board Meeting of 5/12/2020

Motion by Jawwaad Rasheed, seconded by Murat Baysal

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

III. Agenda for Finance committee

1. Bank accounts reconciliation

2. Review of payments

3. Internal audit review

IV. Agenda

1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS

2. Approval of payment of SANY Teacher Certification Masters Program (TCMP) tuition and fees

3. Approval of Change Order for construction project at Utica Academy

4. Approval of new classroom and offices at Citizenship Academy

5. Approval of new LED lighting for Citizenship Academy

6. Approval of new serving line for Utica Academy HS&ES Cafeteria

7. Approval of phase 2 construction project for architecture approval

8. Approval of 2019-20 budgets for SAS, SASC and UAS

9. Approval of 2020-21 SANY BoT Meeting Schedule

Discussion

1. Financial status and budget

2. Mid-term site visit schedule

3. Online instruction

4. Addition of cafeteria to construction project to Utica Academy

5. CSARochester charter application is submitted

6. Terra replaces the roof of SAS high school gym and connector

Motion by Murat Baysal, seconded by Jawwaad Rasheed, to adopt the agenda as presented.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

V. Executive Session

Motion by Murat Baysal, seconded by Jawwaad Rasheed to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.

VI. Reconvene Public Session

Motion by Murat Baysal, seconded by Chanel Turnquest, to exit the executive session.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

VII. Discussion Items

1. Financial status and budget: Budgets were discussed, and school budget cuts were discussed, and schools plans to absorb the cuts made by the state. There is a possibility of 20% cut but hoping that it will stay around 10% rate. The school has reserve funds which may be used to absorb part of the cuts. Some of the non-essential staff may be cut or positions may not be filled based on needs. Dashboard will not be given to any of the schools for the year to save positions.

2. Mid-term site visit schedule; Friday June 12 at 3 pm.

3. Online instruction: Videos developed by school principals describing the schools’ efforts are shared with board members. The school is planning a summer school to close the gap. The teachers continue to do home visits to keep the personal touch with parents. Graduation will be during the first week of August.

4. Addition of cafeteria to construction project to Utica Academy: In order to separate cafeterias, the schools would like to build an additional cafeteria as part of phase 2 for elementary school connected to newly built ES building, so that ES student does not go through HS for lunch.

5. CSARochester charter application is submitted: We should know the outcome in August for interview if invited.

6. Terra will replace the SAS high school roof and connector and adds additional insulation to make the school save with utilities bill. It received quotes for half of the gym roof only around $95K-130K, but terra will replace the whole roof plus the connector between gym and main building, which is an around $300K worth job.

I. Superintendent’s Report

Demographics

Suspension

SANY Activity Report:

SAS

1. Monday, May 11, 2020—It's #CharterSchoolsWeek & #CollegeWeek!! #SASCS Elementary kicked off our annual college week with an inspirational video message from our staff.

2. Friday, May 8, 2020—Earlier this month, Christine Kitano, an assistant professor at Ithaca College gave our #SASAtoms a special virtual visit. Ms. Kitano teaches courses in poetry and Asian American Literature. She is also an author and has written two poetry books of her own. Our students had the privilege of being read two of her wonderful poems.

3. Monday, May 18, 2020—When the pandemic halted everything in the American Sign Language (ASL) interactive classroom, #SASAtoms found a way to share the love of ASL remotely.

4. Monday, May 18, 2020—Do you know what makes #SASCS special? Well, there's a lot of things, but at the TOP of our list is the fact that our teachers come to you. Even though our Home Visits have had to shift gears dramatically to ensure the safety of our families--the Kindergarten team found a way. Ms. Figueroa and Ms. Martinez developed a plan to safely deliver a bag of goodies to each of their students.

5. Tuesday, May 19, 2020 through Thursday, May 28th, 2020, SANY College Guidance Counselors had six workshops for students from 7th grade to 12th grade in various topics like College & Career Readiness, Transition to College, Academics, Enrollment Process, Financial Aid Package, and Extracurricular Activities.

6. Thursday, May 21, 2020—With horns blaring, pom poms waving, and lawn signs in-hand the #SASCS staff drove through Syracuse to surprise and congratulate our graduating Seniors. To all of our Seniors, we miss you, we miss you, we miss you. Thank you for being so patient and kind during this time. Wishing the Class of 2020 success and joy in the future.

7. Monday, June 1, 2020—The Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School has been busy traveling the world...virtually! The students took a virtual field trip to the Musée d'Orsay museum in Paris, France. It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world! They were asked to replicate an artwork and the results were amazing.

8. Wednesday, June 3, 2020—Teamwork makes the DREAM work 🙌🏾🤝👏🏼🤩 May Student of the Month Ceremony Link 👉 https://www.loom.com/share/59eaa40c58b34b6c84845c7ab4e0d667

9. 2020 Cultural Fair: Singing "Siyahamba," a traditional Zulu song, the #SASCS Choir set the stage for images of our diverse student body for the 2020 #SASAtoms Cultural Fair, created by the #SASCS Foreign Language Department. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4rCaU43sE4

SAS Citizenship

1. Thursday, May 21, 2020—We have said it before, and we will say it again. Other People Matter. The Citizenship Team is doing everything they can to ensure our Atoms don't miss a moment of their #CharacterStrength lessons. #OtherPeopleMatter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXwFqhFxjaQ

UAS

1. Tuesday, May 5, 2020—Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced the winners of her 2020 Teaching Recognition Awards in the 119th Assembly District.

2. “Teachers and principals aren’t given enough credit for their important work,” said Buttenschon. “It’s no small feat to help guide the next generation, and their work has only grown more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. These awards are a way to celebrate the achievements of our educators and remind them that we appreciate all that they do for our kids. I’m proud to recognize Mohawk Valley’s finest educators for making a difference in students’ lives.”

3. The 2020 Teaching Recognition Awards highlight the contributions of teachers and principals in the 119th Assembly District who have had a positive impact on their students.

The winners of Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s 2020 Teaching Recognition Awards are:

a. Aysenur Ersoy – Utica Academy of Science

b. Megan Fallone – Utica Academy of Science

c. Michael Farnach – Utica Academy of Science

d. Rachel German – Utica Academy of Science

e. Yagmur Kasimogullari – Utica Academy of Science

f. Anthony Kulesa – Utica Academy of Science

g. Bobbi Latray – Utica Academy of Science

h. Aaron McElroy – Utica Academy of Science

i. Marco Rodegher – Utica Academy of Science

j. Allison Taft Keysor – Utica Academy of Science

k. William Wares – Utica Academy of Science

4. Friday, May 15, 2020—The UASES 1st Grade Team has been hard at work looking for ways to show our students we’re still thinking about them despite the distance. Here’s a special message from your teachers, we love and miss you all! Keep up the hard work atoms! Until we see you again.

5. Tuesday, May 19, 2020 through Thursday, May 28th, 2020, SANY College Guidance Counselors had six workshops for students from 7th grade to 12th grade in various topics like College & Career Readiness, Transition to College, Academics, Enrollment Process, Financial Aid Package, and Extracurricular Activities.

6. Friday, May 29, 2020—73 Days. We have been at this distance learning for 73 days. And you know what is the biggest lesson we have learned? We miss you. It's that simple. Our scholars are why we come to work every day. With so much uncertainty in the world, there is one thing we know for sure, we really are here for you. If you are struggling in class, or just want to chat, reach out to any #UASCS staff member. We would love to hear from you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thIfu7ia7YA

7. Monday, June 1, 2020—Can you find flour, salt, and water in your pantry? We thought so. Ms. Ferguson's scholars dug into the cabinet to craft DIY Play Dough for their Zoom meeting. Who said distance learning wasn't hands-on?

II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item

Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.

Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.

Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.

III. Motion by Jawwaad Rasheed, seconded by Murat Baysal, to adjourn the meeting at 8.25 pm.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously