Board of Trustees

The BUGS Board of Trustees is a committed and experienced group of educators, professionals, community members and parents who bring a range of skills and knowledge necessary to meet the diverse needs of an established, mission-driven charter school.  Members of the group have experience in education, school operations, social work, start-ups, finance, law, human resources, marketing and project management.

If you would like to contact the BUGS Board of Trustees, please email board@BUGSbrooklyn.org.

 

Meet the BUGS Board of Trustees:

  • Felice Ekelman brings to BUGS her expertise as a workplace lawyer.  For over 30 years Felice has advised clients on a broad range of employment law issues, and has worked with corporate Boards to guide leaders through the maze of issues facing employers.   She is a partner with Jackson Lewis P.C. and has served on the firm’s Board of Directors.  Felice earned her undergraduate degree in Economics from the Johns Hopkins University, where she currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Sheridan Libraries and Museums.  She received her law degree from Albany Law School.  Felice is Co-Chair of the Board and also serves on the Education & Accountability Committee and the Finance Committee.

  • Jamal Deek brings to the BUGS Board his financial expertise and a commitment to education and financial literacy. He is an investment banker at SVB Leerink, with prior roles held at HSBC and Cain Brothers & Co. Jamal is a former trustee of Capital Community, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Austin, Texas that conducts basic personal finance lessons for the under-served Austin community. Also in Austin, he currently serves on the Advisory Board for the SXSW Conference. Jamal holds an MPA and BBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Jamal serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and is also on the Education & Accountability Committee.

  • Regina Fechter is the Chief Marketing Officer at HealthyBaby, a platform for safe and more sustainable baby care essentials from diapers to wipes and skincare. HealthyBaby is the only Plastic Neutral diapers and wipes brand that is committed to creating more sustainable, plastic-free products.

    Prior to that, Regina led the marketing and innovation teams at Happy Family Brands, an Organic food company. She was involved in sustainability efforts and regenerative farming commitments. Previously, she was a management consultant at Bain and Company.

    She brings to her board membership experience in marketing, innovation, strategic planning, data analysis and dashboards. Her interest in education was sparked during an internship with Uncommon Schools during Business School. She has both a passion for, and connections to projects related to sustainability. She has an MBA from Columbia Business School, and a BA from Princeton University. Regina serves as the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

  • Adam Drucker serves on the Finance Committee. Check back soon for more information about Adam.

  • A dedicated K-12 educator, Don Mabrey holds two masters degrees, a MAT, Ed.S, and is currently a doctoral candidate. Don is a native of New York City and attended public schools. He credits his experiences and exposure as the motivation for pursuing a career in service and education. Don’s skills as a mentor, teacher, dean of students, curriculum/instructional administrator, assistant principal, and head of the school have given him a unique perspective and allow him to appreciate multiple stakeholder viewpoints. Don brings his wealth of practical expertise and innovative thinking to the BUGS Board of Trustees, where he looks forward to contributing to this group of dedicated professionals. Don serves as Chair of the Education and Accountability Committee.

  • Eric Rench is an educational leader who brings a strong background in data, operations, and strategic development across K–12 and higher education contexts to the BUGS board. He currently serves as Director of Data & Development at Compass Charter School, where he oversees enrollment strategy, school marketing, fundraising initiatives, and the launch of a new middle school. Previously, Eric held the role of Director of Operations, supporting the school’s growth through systems design, organizational leadership, and cross-functional coordination. He will serve on the BUGS board's Education and Accountability Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.

    Eric holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Developmental Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is ABD (All But Dissertation) in an EdD in Instructional Technology from the American College of Education. His academic and professional interests center on institutional effectiveness, access, and the use of technology and data to improve educational outcomes.

    In addition to his leadership work, Eric teaches online English courses, maintaining a direct connection to teaching and learning. His long-term professional ambition is to serve as President of a community college, where he hopes to advance equity-driven innovation and student success at scale.

    Eric lives in Brooklyn with his turtle, Michelangela. Outside of work, he enjoys sailing, going to the movies, and cooking, finding balance through both creative and reflective pursuits.

  • Erin has nearly 20 years of experience in education, including: classroom teaching, school district administration at the New York City Department of Education, and leadership roles in several edtech organizations. Currently she is the Director of the Audiobook Solution for Learning Ally, an education non-profit focused on solving the literacy problem. She earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from the George Washington University. As a proud parent of two BUGS Alumni, she is happy to serve on the Education and Accountability Committee.

  • Linda Timko Liang has over a decade of experience in public education, and brings her perspective as a former classroom teacher, school leader, and network curriculum leader to BUGS. She began her career as a Teach for America corps member in Oklahoma City, where she taught 4th grade. In 2016, she joined Coney Island Prep, a charter school network based in South Brooklyn, as a classroom teacher, before serving as a founding Vice Principal of the Upper Elementary School in 2021. She currently serves as the Director of Humanities, K-5. Linda has a BS from Carnegie Mellon University and a M.Ed from The University of Oklahoma, and sits on the Ed and Accountability Committee at BUGS.  

  • PTA Presidents: As per BUGS bylaws, the president or co-presidents of the BUGS Parent Teacher Association are permitted to serve on the BUGS board in an ex-officio capacity. 

    The PTA can be reached at bugspta@BUGSbrooklyn.org.

Board Meetings & Public Participation

The Public is Welcome To Join Us at all Meetings At:

500 19th Street, Brooklyn NY 11215

 

We happily invite members of the community to speak and share their thoughts, ideas and concerns with us during the Public Comment portion of our meeting. During this time, each community member will have three minutes to speak. There will be a sign-up sheet available 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Meetings have in person or remote options.  Speakers can sign up to speak at the in-person sign-in sheet, or virtually  in the Google Meet chat. Once the Public Participation portion of our agenda begins, we will remove the sign-up sheet and invite speakers to share their thoughts in the order indicated on the sign-up sheet.  Please scroll down to see our Policy on Procedure for Public Comments.

Board meeting materials are furnished upon request, please email board@BUGSbrooklyn.org.

Meetings are scheduled from 6:30 to 8:00pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month unless otherwise noted with an *. 

  • The Board of Trustees of Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School desires to provide the general public with an opportunity at each Board of Trustees meeting to address the Board regarding issues that they may wish to bring to the Board’s attention. In order to facilitate a reasonable, orderly procedure for holding a public comment period, the Board sets forth the following policy to be observed at each Board meeting:

    • An individual wishing to address the Board must print his or her name on the sign-in sheet available at the entrance to the room where the Board meeting is being held. (Individuals are invited to use the chat function to sign up to address the Board at the start of the virtual meeting.)

    • Any individual wishing to address the Board must sign up to do so prior to the call to order of the Board meeting. No requests to speak will be accepted after the meeting has begun.

    • There will be a limit of ten (10) members of the public permitted to speak at any one Board meeting.

  • The board of trustees provides competent stewardship and oversight of the school while maintaining policies, establishing performance goals, and implementing systems to ensure academic success, organizational viability, board effectiveness and faithfulness to the terms of its charter. The school's Charter renewal is based on evidence that the following indicators are generally present: 

    1. The board utilizes an annual written performance based evaluation process for evaluating school leadership, itself, and providers. 

    2. The board recruits and selects board members with a diverse set of skills and expertise that meet the needs of the school and represent the community in which the school serves. 

    3. The board demonstrates active oversight of the charter school’s management, comprehensive service provider(s), if applicable, fiscal operations, and progress toward meeting academic and other school goals through written evaluation processes. 

    4. The board engages in strategic and continuous improvement planning by setting priorities and goals that are aligned with the school’s mission and charter. 

    5. The board regularly updates school policies when needed and receives NYSED approval prior to applicable policy implementation. 

    6. The board engages in ongoing professional development. 

    7. The board demonstrates full awareness of its governance role, its legal obligations to the school and stakeholders, and requirements of the school’s charter. 

    8. The board is familiar with NYSED Charter School Performance Framework standards and has a plan to ensure that the school meets these standards.

2026-27

  • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce Street, New York, NY 10038

  • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

  • Felice Ekelman, 8 East 12th Street, New York, NY 10003

  • Regina Lee Fechter, 27 W 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023

  • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road, Clifton, NJ 07012

  • Eric Rench, 274 E. 2n Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218

  • September 23

  • October* DATE TBD,  BOARD RETREAT In Person Public Meeting.  

  • November 18*

  • December 16*

  • January 27

  • February 24

  • March  24 

  • April 21*

  • May 26

  • June 23 

AGENDAS AND MINUTES FROM PAST MEETINGS:

2024-25

2025-26

  • July 30*, 2024 - Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

    • Christine Kang, 316 Moore Avenue, Leonia, NJ 07605

  • Agenda and Minutes

    Join by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

    • Christine Kang, 316 Moore Avenue, Leonia, NJ 07605

  • September 30* - Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

    • Christine Kang, 316 Moore Avenue, Leonia, NJ 07605

  • October 22 - Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by google meet link https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

  • November 19*- Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

  • December 17* - Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Location:

    8 East 12 Street NY NY 10003

  • January 28, 2025 - Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Attend in person or by google meet link https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

  • February 25, 2025: Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

  • Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Attend in person or by google meet link https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

  • Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by google meet link https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

  • Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Christine Kang, 316 Moore Ave, Leonia NJ 07605

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

  • Agenda and Minutes

    Attend in person or by Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iww-pkee-pye

    Additional Public Locations:

    • Ana Bast, 9 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn NY 11215

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce St, Apt 16V, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 666 third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

    • Regina Lee Fechter: 234 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Jackie Piccolo: 220 Lighthouse Terrace Edgewater, NJ 07020

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

 

    • Jamal Deek, 8 Spruce Street, New York, NY 10038

    • Adam Drucker, 18 Peacedale Circle, Needham Ma, 02492

    • Felice Ekelman, 8 East 12th Street, New York, NY 10003

    • Don Mabrey, 100 Hepburn Road, Clifton, NJ 07012

    • Erin Walker: 328 East 26th Street Brooklyn, NY 11226

    • Eric Rench, 274 E. 2n Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218

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Building Health & SaFETY

BUGS School Drinking Water Lead Testing Results

In compliance with NYS regulations (5 ppb action level), BUGS completed routine drinking water testing for all potable outlets. All outlets met safety standards.

Water Testing Results (March 2026)

New York State requires public and charter schools to perform lead testing on drinking water outlets every three years, or whenever new fixtures are installed.

Questions for BUGS Operations: For questions regarding our facilities, water testing protocols, or building safety plans, please contact Joshua Altamirano at Joshua.Altamirano@bugsbrooklyn.org.

State Guidance: To learn more about state requirements for school drinking water, visit the NYS Department of Health Lead in School Drinking Water Program.

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