Element Education

Minutes

Governing Board Meeting

Date and Time

Friday May 22, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Location

1441 Montiel Road #145

Escondido, CA 92026

Directors Present

A. Schaner, B. Rohrer, C. Nunley, L. Cavazos, S. Subramanya, T. Breckenridge

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

S. Michaels, T. Novacek

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

C. Nunley called a meeting of the board of directors of Element Education to order on Friday May 22, 2026 at 11:31 AM.

Board Member Schaner arrived at 11:32 a.m.

Board Member Subramanya arrived at 11:40 a.m.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Public Comment on Closed Session item

No comments from the public.

D.

Recess to Closed Session

Board recessed to Closed Session at 11:33 a.m.

II. Public Session

A.

Call to Order and Establishment of Quorom

The Regular Meeting was called to order at 12:12 p.m., and a quorum was established.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

Board Member Subramanya led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C.

Approval of Agenda

A. Schaner made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of Agenda Item XIV E: Consideration of HVAC Replacement for Santee Learning Center.
S. Subramanya seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Cavazos
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye

D.

Disclosure of Board Actions Taken in Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code §54957.1.

 

Board President Nunley shared that the Board was pleased to announce that an agreement had been reached with Element Education Executive Director candidate Roland Yung. The Board formally approved offering Mr. Yung a three-and-a-half-year contract to serve as Element’s next Executive Director. Roland Yung will officially assume the role on January 1, 2027.

 

Closed session action- revise contract with 12/31 expiration and salary aligned with updated salary matrix.

III. Recognitions and Presentations

A.

Staff

Mr. Yung recognized Marvin Soares, Custodian and Maintenance, for his exceptional work in preparing for the San Diego County Office of Education’s May site visit.

B.

Programs

Ms. Sestina highlighted the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Program and recognized the staff members whose collaboration and dedication have supported its implementation, including Catherine Khajavi, School Psychologist; Arlene Chousmith, School Psychologist; Brandi Rodrigues, Student Support Manager; Cerrah Vondersaar, Student Support Manager; Courtney Federoff, Speech Language Pathologist; Lauren Donatelli, Special Education Program Manager; Lindsey Monforte, Behavior Technician; Lois Ingber, Behavioral Counselor; Mikaela Martin, Occupational Therapist; Nicole Warner, Education Specialist; and Vidya Ramesh, Speech and Language Pathologist.

C.

School Presentation-Community Montessori

Mr. Otte presented updates and activities within CM.

D.

Advisory Council Report

Kristen Kurtz shared the CM Advisory Council meeting report with the Board.

E.

School Presentation-Dimensions Collaborative School

Mr. Johnson presented updates and activities within DCS.

F.

Advisory Council Report - Dimensions Collaborative School

Danielle Stubbs shared the DCS Advisory Council meeting report with the Board.

G.

Dimensions Collaborative School - Career and Technical Education Presentation

Greg Hawkins shared a Career and Technical Education Presentation with the Board.

IV. Communications- Agenda and Non-Agneda Items

A.

Public

Board President Nunley shared the Board received 12 written public comments regarding the need for a shade structure at the Community Montessori Carlsbad Learning Center. 

 

The comments were distributed to the Board and entered into the record.

Because this item was not agendized, the Board counld not discuss or take action at this meeting. 

 

Staff may follow up and determine whether this should return as a future agenda item.

B.

Members of the Board

Ms. Novacek shared that Board Member Schaner will conclude her term in June and thanked her for her service and support.

 

On behalf of the Element Education Governing Board, Board Member Schaner expressed her condolences to the victims and their families following the recent shooting at the Islamic Center in San Diego.

V. Approval of Consent Items

A.

Approval of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes on April 24, 2026.

L. Cavazos made a motion to approve the minutes from Governing Board Meeting on 04-24-26.
T. Breckenridge seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Breckenridge
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye

B.

Approval of the Special Board Meeting Minutes on May 15, 2026.

L. Cavazos made a motion to approve the minutes from Governing Board Special Meeting on 05-15-26.
T. Breckenridge seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Breckenridge
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye

C.

Approval of Check Run for April 2026.

L. Cavazos made a motion to approve Check Run for April 2026.
T. Breckenridge seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
B. Rohrer
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye

VI. Information Item-Chief Business Officer Report

A.

Financial Position of Schools

Mr. Miller presented current financial information for Community Montessori and
Dimensions Collaborative School.

B.

Technology Report

Mr. Miller reported on recent technology projects and updates.

VII. Information Item-Director of Human Resources Report

A.

Employment Activity

Ms. Sihota reviewed her written report on recent hires and current openings.

B.

Professional Learning Activity (external)

Ms. Sihota reviewed her written report on employees who engaged in formal professional
learning since the last board meeting.

VIII. Information Item-Chief Operations Officer Report

A.

Facilities Update

Mr. Yung reported on the status of recent facility improvements.

B.

Resource Management

Mr. Yung shared a report on resource management projects and improvements.

 

 

IX. Executive Director Report

A.

Authorizer Relations

Ms. Novacek shared it was a pleasure hosting SDCOE Board Members Mr. Gregg Robinson and Ms. Alicia Munoz at the DCS Mission Valley Learning Center earlier this month. Ms. Novacek shared the SDCOE team reviewed the 25-26 First Interim Reports for Community Montessori and Dimensions Collaborative School and both schools are in good standing. 

X. Public Hearing: Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Community Montessori

A.

Review of Procedures for Public Hearing

Board President Nunley opened the Public Hearing regarding the 2026–2027 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Community Montesorri. Opportunity for public comment was provided; no public comments were received. Mr. Otte presented the Community Montessori draft LCAP to the Board. Board President Nunley closed the Public Hearing.

XI. Public Hearing: Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Dimensions Collaborative School

A.

Review of Procedures for Public Hearing

Board President Nunley opened the Public Hearing regarding the 2026–2027 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Dimensions Collaborative School. Opportunity for public comment was provided; no public comments were received. Mr. Johnson presented the Dimensions Collaborative Schoool draft LCAP to the Board. Board President Nunley closed the Public Hearing.

XII. Annual Board Elections

A.

Consideration and Possible Appointment/Reappointment of Governing Board Members for the 2026–2027 School Year

The Board considered nominations for Board membership. The following individuals were nominated for board service:

  • Chris Nunley-Returning Member
  • Suhas Subramanya-Returning Member
  • Adam Hopps- New Member and Community Montessori Parent Representative

 

A. Schaner made a motion to approve the appointment/election of the nominated individuals to the Board.
L. Cavazos seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Nunley
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye

XIII. Action Item(s) for Element Education

A.

Approval of Revised Certificated Compensation Matrix

S. Subramanya made a motion to approve the Revised Certificated Compensation Matrix.
T. Breckenridge seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Breckenridge
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye

B.

Approval of Revised Classified Compensation Matrix

A. Schaner made a motion to approve the Revised Classified Compensation Matrix.
S. Subramanya seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
B. Rohrer
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye

C.

Approval of Executive & Administrative Leadership Salary Matrix

T. Breckenridge made a motion to approve the Executive & Administrative Leadership Salary Matrix.
L. Cavazos seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Schaner
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye

D.

Approval of Enhanced Employee Health Benefit Contributions

S. Subramanya made a motion to approve the Enhanced Employee Health Benefit Contributions.
A. Schaner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Nunley
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye

E.

Approval of HVAC Replacement for the Santee Learning Center

S. Subramanya made a motion to approve the HVAC Replacement for the Santee Learning Center.
T. Breckenridge seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Subramanya
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye
C. Nunley
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye

XIV. Future Agenda Items

A.

June 26, 2026 Agenda Items

Charter Petition Renewal

 

XV. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

L. Cavazos made a motion to adjourn meeting.
T. Breckenridge seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Nunley
Aye
B. Rohrer
Aye
L. Cavazos
Aye
A. Schaner
Aye
S. Subramanya
Aye
T. Breckenridge
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 1:40 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
C. Nunley