Mr. Fernando Delgado led the Board members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America (USA).

At 5:31 p.m., the meeting was turned over to Finance Chair Ms. Ramirez, who had just arrived and assumed responsibility for the remainder of the meeting.

No public comments were received for this meeting.

Mr. Fernando Delgado, Chief Business Officer (CBO), and Ms. Janneyra Verduzco, Director of Accounting and Finance, presented the El Camino Real Charter High School (ECRCHS) Investment Update for September 2025.

• OPEB Trust:
  • Beginning balance as of July 1, 2025: $33,407,833
  • Total OPEB retiree payments: $156,652
  • Net gains: $1,579,294
  • Quarterly investment return: 4.5%
  • Ending balance as of September 30, 2025: $34,830,476
  • Total portfolio increase: 4.3%
• Combined Investments:
  • Grew from $41,606,096 (July) to $43,305,381 (September)
  • 1.9% monthly increase and 4.1% year-to-date return
• Committee Discussion:
  • Inquiry on upcoming Treasury Bill annuity maturity.
  • Mr. Delgado confirmed outreach to the bank for updated two-year renewal rates, which appear comparable to current terms.
     

Ms. Janneyra Verduzco, Director of Accounting and Finance, presented the September 2025 Check Registers from El Camino Real Charter High School’s City National Bank accounts prior to the committee’s vote to recommend approval.

• Presenter: Ms. Janneyra Verduzco, Director of Accounting and Finance
• Total Payments Issued: 213
  • 150 checks
  • 63 ACH (electronic funds transfer) transactions
• ACH Payments: Represent digital transactions for regular operational expenses processed through the school’s A/P account.
  • Routine Payees: AT&T, Amazon, Sweetwater, and iCONE
• ASB Account: 31 payments issued for school activities including the student store, sports uniforms, senior events, and fundraising (e.g., Chartwells for staff bagel day).
• General Account: Included recurring payments for charter services, SIS systems, and other operational costs.

System Enhancements:

• Mr. Fernando Delgado, CBO, reported that the check register is accessible online with detailed data by account, vendor, and description.
• The finance team is developing a graphical reporting dashboard to improve transparency and accessibility.
• Goal: Reduce paper checks and increase ACH transactions for better audit tracking and efficiency.
• Future expansion will include trust and grant accounts, providing real-time balance and activity visibility.

Board Questions and Discussion:

• Chelsea Parker Refund: $45 refund for PE clothing due to student withdrawal; reimbursements allowed only with supervisor pre-approval.
• Professional Development Reimbursements: Must have written pre-approval and should be limited to cases where direct school payment is not feasible.
• Brooks Transportation Costs: Vendor charges approx. $850 per trip (vs. $1,100 for charter buses). Past issues of potential double-booking noted, though no delays reported this year. Mr. Delgado will follow up on vendor scheduling and vehicle branding.

Overall:

• The review emphasized financial transparency, operational efficiency, and ongoing digital modernization of reporting systems.

Mr. Fernando Delgado, Chief Business Officer (CBO), and Ms. Janneyra Verduzco, Director of Accounting and Finance, presented the September 2025, credit card charges.

Report Overview:

• The existing dashboard system continues to be used to compile and present detailed credit card transaction data.
• Each transaction includes a purchase order (PO) and identifies the budget account it impacts.
• The data extract provides transparency on spending categories and departmental allocations.

Discussion Points:

• Equipment and Materials Charges:
  • Purchases primarily include operational supplies such as buckets, mops, tools, and patching materials.
  • These items are used for general maintenance and repair work.
• LAUSD Facility Coordination:
  • Some expenses relate to temporary maintenance while awaiting LAUSD’s decision on longer-term facility plans.
  • The school continues to address immediate operational needs in the meantime.
• Transcription Services:
  • The school will continue to use Fiverr as its transcription agent for meeting documentation and reporting purposes.

Next Steps:

• Continue refining the dashboard for accurate and transparent financial tracking.
• Maintain communication with LAUSD regarding site updates and facility direction.

Summary:

• The review emphasized financial transparency, budget alignment, and accurate documentation of all credit card transactions using the existing reporting dashboard.

Mr. Fernando Delgado, Chief Business Officer (CBO) presented the El Camino Real Charter High School Grant Funding Report and discussion on spending plans, timelines, and board approvals.

Overview:

• Total grant allocations amount to $5,945,338, with $2,949,914.70 spent year-to-date and $2,866,065.30 remaining.
• The grants under review include:
  • Educator Effectiveness Block Grant – $591,871 allocation; $44,410 remaining; expires June 30, 2026.
  • Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant – $2,176,757 allocation; $1,771,872 remaining; expires June 30, 2026.
  • A-G Completion Grants (Access/Success & Learning Loss Mitigation) – combined allocation of $474,408; expires June 30, 2026.
  • Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant – $2,702,302 allocation; $801,403 remaining; expires June 30, 2028 (largest and longest-term grant).

Discussion Highlights:

• Mr. Delgado noted that the Educator Effectiveness and Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials (AMIM) grants will expire in June 2026, making them priority areas for completion and expenditure planning.
• The Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant remains available until June 2028 and is the largest grant in the portfolio.
• Mr. Wright inquired whether the AMIM Block Grant could be used beyond VAPA-related expenses. Mr. Delgado confirmed it is a discretionary grant, allowing flexibility in use as long as expenditures align with approved purposes.
• Mr. Kofahl asked whether the arts, music, and instructional materials groups determine allocations internally. Mr. Delgado clarified that to avoid confusion seen last year, a structured spending plan with milestones is now required before funds are released.
• He emphasized the importance of using funds for one-time costs such as equipment and systems rather than ongoing or fixed expenses to maintain long-term sustainability.

Fernando Delgado, CBO, and Ryan Guinto, Director of Technology, presented the Office Furniture Modernization Project planned for Winter Break 2025, including scope, cost breakdown, and implementation timeline.

Overview:

• After completing classroom and instructional space upgrades over the summer, the focus will shift to office modernization.
• The upcoming phase includes Room 205, Room 205B, Room 206, and Counseling Office 2.
• The goal is to modernize administrative areas, replacing older carpeted spaces with new ergonomic furniture to enhance workspace efficiency and presentation, especially in high-traffic visitor areas.

Project Details:

• New furniture installation: ergonomic desks, chairs, shelving, and storage units.
• Existing furniture will be repurposed and redistributed elsewhere on campus.
• Furniture cost: approximately $96,120, based on the preliminary budget provided by Jules Seltzer Associates.
• Manufacturer: Herman Miller – includes a 12-year warranty with free materials, labor, and quarterly servicing.
• Flooring abatement and potential polished concrete upgrades will be coordinated with LAUSD pending cost review and possible future board approval.

Budget Summary:

Room 205                    $26,544.23

Room 205B                  $16,530.55

Room 206                    $47,880.03

Counseling Office 2    $5,165.21

Total Estimated Cost  $96,120.02

Key Considerations:

• This project covers furniture only; flooring and abatement expenses will be addressed once LAUSD completes testing.
• The upgrade will support the business office, payroll office, and CBO storage area, enhancing professional appearance and functionality.
• The design standard aligns with previous modernization phases for visual and operational consistency across campus offices.

Next Steps:

• Finalize procurement and schedule installation during Winter Break 2025.
• Await LAUSD’s abatement cost estimates before proceeding with any structural updates.
• Present any additional costs for board approval, if necessary.

Summary:
The Office Upgrade / Conversion Project marks the next stage in ECRCHS’s campus modernization initiative. It supports a professional, efficient, and cohesive administrative environment while ensuring long-term value through durable furnishings and thoughtful resource repurposing.

Fernando Delgado, CBO, and Ryan Guinto, Director of Technology, presented the Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials (AMIM) Block Grant Plan.

Purpose:
To review the Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials (AMIM) Block Grant Plan and request board approval to utilize the remaining $1,771,872.38 of grant funds, to be fully expended by June 30, 2026.

Overview:
The AMIM Block Grant, originating from AB 181 (2022), provides one-time, flexible funding to support arts, music, instructional materials, and related improvements. Funds can cover staff, facilities, operations, and materials, with broad discretion to meet post-COVID instructional and programmatic needs.

Key Funding Focus Areas:

1. Enhancement of VAPA Programs – strengthen Visual and Performing Arts offerings and maintain instruments.
2. Professional Development – support staff training for instructional and climate improvement.
3. Facility Upgrades – improvements for Visual Arts, Music, and multipurpose spaces.
4. Technology and Equipment Refresh – classroom and staff technology modernization.
5. Program Expansion – develop new pathways and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Program Highlights and Discussion Points:

• Theatre and Performing Arts:
  • Upgrades to theatrical lighting, stage equipment, and audio/visual systems.
  • Installation of a rotating stage platform for dynamic live productions.
  • Potential curtain track automation and laser projection mapping for performances and school events.
  • Work planned for Thanksgiving Break, with Anderson Hall updates to follow.
• Music and Audio Production:
  • Purchase of professional-grade sound equipment, mixers, and recording tools.
  • Integration with journalism, broadcasting, and filmmaking programs.
  • Collaboration between teachers and external industry professionals for experiential learning.
  • Plans to host live “Foley shows” and expand student career pathways.
• Instrumental Music Program:
  • Instrument repair and replacement, with an emphasis on lifecycle management.
  • Acquisition of a new equipment trailer to replace outdated storage units.
• Visual Arts Program:
  • Expansion into digital arts using Procreate and new print-making tools.
  • Addition of 3D printers and digital tablets for creative coursework.
• Robotics and Engineering Program:
  • Modernization of learning spaces into a “MakerSpace” environment.
  • Inclusion of 3D printing, storage, and updated engineering equipment.
• ECR Media Production Studio:
  • Creation of a state-of-the-art space for music, audio, journalism, and podcast production.
  • Integration with the Video Production Lab for broadcasting and film projects.
  • Designed as a marketing feature for prospective students.
• Teacher and Staff Device Refresh:
  • Replacement of 2020-issued staff computers to maintain a five-year lifecycle.
  • Repurposing or resale of old units to recover costs.
• Computer Lab Refresh:
  • Replacement of outdated 2017 lab devices.
  • Establishment of a High-Performance Lab for CAD, Autodesk, and resource-intensive applications, also serving as an eSports and engineering lab.

Implementation and Timeline:

• Project designs and procurement will be finalized by December 2025, with updates shared with the Board.
• Equipment purchases are prioritized as Phase 1, followed by deferred maintenance and space upgrades over Summer 2026.
• All expenditures to remain within the allocated $1.77 million, with any necessary adjustments brought back to the Board for approval.

Summary:
The AMIM Block Grant will fund comprehensive arts, media, and instructional technology enhancements across multiple programs, benefiting a broad range of students and staff. The initiative supports ECRCHS’s vision to provide modern, engaging, and career-aligned learning environments through strategic use of one-time funding.