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
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
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Nunley |
Aye
|
| B. Rohrer |
Aye
|
| L. Cavazos |
Aye
|
| A. Schaner |
Aye
|
| S. Subramanya |
Aye
|
| T. Breckenridge |
Aye
|
Board Member Schaner arrived at 11:32 a.m.
Board Member Subramanya arrived at 11:40 a.m.