El Camino Real Charter High School

Minutes

Regular Board meeting

10-23-2025 Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday October 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

El Camino Real Charter High School - Media Center

 

5440 Valley Circle Woodland Hills CA 91367

 

Meeting can also be seen and heard at:

 

North Campus - 7401 Shoup Ave. West Hills CA 91307

ANNUAL MEETING AND REGULAR BOARD MEETING

For board meeting materials, please go to the school's main office, or call (818) 595-7500. Some board meeting materials are also posted on the school's website (https://ecrchs.net - click the ECR Board tab).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD BY PARENTS AND OTHER MEETING ATTENDEES: El Camino Real Alliance (“ECRA”) welcomes your participation at ECRA’s Board meetings. The purpose of a public meeting of the Board of Directors (“Board”) is to conduct the affairs of ECRA in public. Your participation assures us of continuing community interest in our charter school. To assist you in the ease of speaking/ participating in our meetings, the following guidelines are provided:
 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

1. Agendas are available to all audience members at the door to the meeting. 

 

2. “Request to Speak” forms are available to all audience members who wish to speak on any agenda items or under the general category of “Public Comments.” “Public Comments” is set aside for members of the audience to raise issues that are not specifically on the agenda. However, Due to public meeting laws, the Board can only listen to your issue, not respond or take action during the Public Comments periods. The Board may give direction to staff to respond to your concern or you may be offered the option of returning with a citizen-requested item. 

 

NOTE: Public Comments, effective with the March 24th, 2022, Regular Board Meeting, are limited to two (2) minutes and total time allotted to all agenda and non-agenda items will not exceed thirty (30) minutes. 

 

A member of the public who requires the use of a translator, in order to receive the same opportunity as others to directly address the Board, shall be permitted twice the allotted time to speak. The Board may give direction to staff to respond to your concern or you may be offered the option of returning with a citizen-requested item. 

 

3. You may also complete a “Request to Speak” form to address the Board on Agenda items. With regard to such agenda items, you may specify the item(s) on your “Request to Speak” form and you will be given an opportunity to speak for up to three (3) minutes before the item is addressed, and total time allocated to agenda items will not exceed six (6) minutes for a Discussion item and nine (9) minutes per Vote item. A member of the public who requires the use of a translator, in order to receive the same opportunity as others to directly address the Board, shall be permitted twice the allotted time to speak, and the total allocated time shall be appropriately increased as well. 

 

4. When addressing the Board, speakers are requested to state their name and adhere to the time limits set forth. In order to maintain allotted time limits, the Board Chair may modify speaker time allocations or the total amount of allotted time for an item. 

 

5. Any public records relating to an agenda item for an Open Session of the Board which are distributed to all, or a majority of all, of the Board members shall be available for public inspection at 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, California, 91367.
 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PUBLIC COMMENTS: Effective September 2022, public comments presentations at all ECRA Regular and Special Board Meetings and at Committee Meetings must be made in person. There is no obligation on the part of the school to have a school official read public comments during inperson Board Meetings. Powered by BoardOnTrack 2 of 4 A member of the public is welcome to appear at the Board meeting to make a public comment or make arrangements with another person in attendance to speak on the person's behalf.

Consent Agenda: All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered by the Board to be routine and may be approved/enacted by the Board in one motion in the form listed below.  Unless specifically requested by a Board member for further discussion or removed from the agenda, there will be no discussion of these items prior to the Board votes on them.  The Executive Director recommends approval of all consent agenda items.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, El Camino Real Alliance may furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with disabilities. Requests for disability related modifications or accommodations shall be made 24 hours prior to the meeting to David Hussey, in person, by email at comment@ecrchs.net, or by calling (818) 595-7500.

Directors Present

Brad Wright, Joe Kolkowitz, Linda Ibach, Ronald Laws, Steven Kofahl

Directors Absent

Alexandra Ramirez, Gregg Solkovits

Directors who left before the meeting adjourned

Joe Kolkowitz

Guests Present

Fernando Delgado, Ryan Guinto

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

Brad Wright called a meeting of the board of directors of El Camino Real Charter High School to order on Thursday Oct 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

C.

Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America (USA)

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

D.

Public Comments

No public comments were received for this meeting.

E.

Executive Director Update

Executive Director Update – Mr. David Hussey

 

  • Acknowledgment of Homecoming Success
    • Thanked Student Council, Mrs. Shaino, and Mr. Wilson for organizing an excellent Homecoming Week.
    • Activities included themed days, lunch events, and the first school-wide pep rally.
    • Performances by dance groups, step team, cheer team, Jazz Ensemble, choir, and football team.
    • Over 2,000 tickets sold for the football game and 1,000 tickets sold for the dance.
    • Praised student energy and advisor support.
  • Upcoming Events
    • Pink Out Day scheduled for tomorrow in recognition of Cancer Awareness Month.
    • Pink Out Football Game and Senior Night to honor football team, flag football team, cheerleaders, band, and Color Guard.
  • Open Enrollment for Next School Year
    • Begins November 1 and continues until January 16.
    • Ricardo will lead social media and Google campaigns to promote enrollment.
    • First school tour for prospective parents and students scheduled for this Friday.
  • High Leverage Practices and Teacher Development
    • Ongoing Wednesday meetings focused on improving student learning outcomes.
    • Teachers are analyzing high leverage practices in behavior, assessment, and instruction.
    • Staff members developed SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) to guide classroom improvements.
    • Emphasis on using data with fidelity to create actionable plans for increasing student growth and performance.


 

F.

Chief Business Officer Update

Chief Business Officer Update – Mr. Ferdinand Delgado

 

  • Current Enrollment Overview
    • Total student enrollment: 2,979 students
    • Grade-level breakdown:
      • 9th Grade: 719 students
      • 10th Grade: 634 students
      • 11th Grade: 716 students
      • 12th Grade: 810 students
    • Enrollment remains stable and strong across all grade levels, with particularly solid retention from 9th–12th grade.
  • Student Demographics
    • 23% (691 students) qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRPM), supporting Title I supplemental funding.
    • 157 students (≈5%) enrolled in the Independent Study Program, aiding retention efforts.
    • 83 students identified as English Learners (EL).
    • 27 students identified as Homeless or Foster Youth, representing less than 1% of total enrollment.
  • Upcoming Enrollment Activities
    • Open Enrollment and Lottery Window announced (aligns with Mr. Hussey’s update).
    • Lottery Drawing scheduled for January 22.


 

G.

Board Chair Update

Board Chair Update – Mr. Brad Wright

 

  • Athletics Recognition
    • Tennis Team: Commended for an outstanding season — overall record 7–3, currently 4–0 in league play, and advancing to the playoffs.
    • Football Team and Athletic Department: Expressed appreciation for the athletic director, coaches, teachers, and staff contributing to the school’s strong community spirit and success.
  • Community and Staff Appreciation
    • Acknowledged Ms. LaRue for her remarkable courage and resilience in returning after personal challenges.
    • Extended heartfelt thanks and support, emphasizing that the school community is “one team together.”


 

II. Consent

A.

Approve Minutes of September 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting

Joe Kolkowitz made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board meeting on 09-25-25.
Linda Ibach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Absent
Joe Kolkowitz
Aye
Linda Ibach
Aye
Ronald Laws
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent

B.

Review and Vote on September 2025 Check Registers

Joe Kolkowitz made a motion to September 2025 Check Registers.
Linda Ibach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Joe Kolkowitz
Aye
Ronald Laws
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Brad Wright
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Absent
Linda Ibach
Aye

C.

Review and Vote on September 2025 Credit Card Statements

Joe Kolkowitz made a motion to September 2025 Credit Card Statements.
Linda Ibach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Linda Ibach
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Joe Kolkowitz
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Alexandra Ramirez
Absent
Ronald Laws
Aye

III. Investment

A.

Investment Update September 2025

Investment Update – September 2025
Presented by Fernando Delgado, CBO, and Janneyra Verduzco, Director of Accounting and Finance

 

  • Reporting Period: July–September 2025
  • Investment Accounts Covered: OPEB Trust and General Fund

OPEB Trust Summary

  • Beginning Balance (July 1, 2025): $33,407,833
  • OPEB Payments: $156,652 (distributed over three months)
  • Net Gains/Losses: $1,579,294 increase
  • Investment Return: 4.5% for the period
  • Ending Balance (September 30, 2025): $34,830,476
  • Total Portfolio Change: 4.3% growth overall

General Fund and Combined Investments

  • Combined Portfolio Growth: From $41.76 million in July to $43.31 million in September
  • Quarterly Return: 1.9%
  • Year-to-Date Return: 4.1%

Overall Summary

  • Investments reflect steady performance and positive growth across both OPEB and General Fund accounts.
  • Returns remain consistent and above expectations, supporting ongoing fiscal stability for the 2025–2026 school year.


 

IV. Finance

A.

Financial Update September 2025

Financial Update – September 2025
Presented by Fernando Delgado, CBO, and Janneyra Verduzco, Director of Accounting and Finance

 

  • Fourth Quarter Lottery Allocation
    • The State Controller’s Office released the fourth quarter lottery disbursement.
    • Allocation: $27.54 per ADA (Average Daily Attendance) per student.
    • Amount is lower than June projections of $35 per ADA, primarily due to fewer large Powerball jackpots.
  • State Revenue and Budget Outlook
    • State revenues are exceeding projections, currently $3.4 billion above forecast, driven mainly by higher income tax receipts.
    • When state revenues rise, the Proposition 98 education guarantee increases, resulting in:
      • Higher LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula) allocations.
      • Greater funding stability for programs, staff, and student support services.
  • Fiscal Strategy and Outlook
    • The school is tracking revenue trends early to make strategic, proactive financial decisions.
    • Positive fiscal indicators suggest a brighter budget outlook for education funding.
    • Awaiting the Governor’s January 2026 budget proposal for updated projections and potential adjustments.
    • The district will continue to maintain a conservative reserve position until revenue trends are confirmed later in the fiscal year.
  • Discussion Summary
    • No questions or discussions were noted following the update.

B.

Discuss on the status of ECRCHS Grant Funding

Grant Funding Update – September 30, 2025
Presented by Fernando Delgado, CBO, and Janneyra Verduzco, Director of Finance & Accounting

 

  • Overview
    • Presented a summary of all current ECRCHS grant funds as of September 30, 2025.
    • Report includes grant name, resource code, total allocation, year-to-date (YTD) spending, remaining balance, and spending deadlines.
    • Update to be presented monthly to the Board.
  • Grant Balances and Deadlines
    • Educator Effectiveness Block Grant:
      • Remaining: $44,410.49 | Deadline: June 30, 2026
    • Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant:
      • Remaining: $1,771,872.38 | Deadline: June 30, 2026
    • A–G (Adrian G.) Completion Grant: Access/Success:
      • Remaining: $248,379.86 | Deadline: June 30, 2026
    • A–G Completion Grant: Learning Loss Mitigation:
      • Remaining: $129,358.00 | Deadline: June 30, 2026
    • Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant:
      • Remaining: $801,402.57 | Deadline: June 30, 2028
    • Total Allocation: $5,945,338.00
    • Total YTD Spent: $2,949,914.70
    • Total Remaining: $2,866,065.30
  • Board Chair Comments (Mr. Wright)
    • Requested that financial reports and supporting documents be emailed in advance to allow Board members time to review and prepare questions.
    • Suggested this process to avoid redundant discussion during meetings and streamline presentations.
  • Board Discussion
    • Question raised: What happens if the funds are not spent before the deadline?
      • Response: Unspent funds must be returned, which the finance team aims to prevent through active monitoring.
    • Confirmation that Fernando Delgado and Janneyra Verduzco will oversee spending timelines and ensure proper fund utilization.
    • Team is working on a “budget vs. actual” report for future updates.
    • Upcoming focus: Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant ($1.7 million remaining).
  • Conclusion
    • Board expressed appreciation for the detailed report and the commitment to monthly updates and proactive fund management.


 

V. School Business

A.

Capitalization Project: Office Furniture Modernization

Office Furniture Modernization Update
Presented by Fernando Delgado, CBO, and Ryan Guinto, Director of Technology

  • Project Overview
    • Presented update on the ECR-CHS Office Upgrade/Conversion Project.
    • Discussion followed up from the Finance Committee meeting held the previous week.
    • The project is the next phase following completion of the Teacher and Classroom Modernization Project.
  • Budget and Cost Summary
    • Total Proposed Cost: $96,120.02
    • Funded through the Capitalization Budget.
    • Breakdown by Location:
      • Room 205 – $26,544.23
      • Room 205B – $16,530.55
      • Room 206 – $47,880.03
      • Counseling Office 2 – $5,165.21
    • Grand Total: $96,120.02
  • Context and Comparison
    • Previous Classroom Modernization Project totaled approximately $702,000,000 making this phase significantly smaller in scale and cost.
    • Focus for this phase is upgrading office spaces with new furniture, tables, and chairs to align with modernization standards across campus.
  • Next Steps
    • Board approval sought for expenditure from the capitalization budget.
    • Implementation to follow upon approval.
  • Meeting Note
    • Mr. Kofahl and Mr. Wright participated in prior discussions at the Finance Committee meeting.
    • No additional questions or concerns were raised during the presentation.


 

Steven Kofahl made a motion to Capitalization Project: Office Furniture Modernization.
Ronald Laws seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Linda Ibach
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Brad Wright
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Absent
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Ronald Laws
Aye
Joe Kolkowitz
Aye

B.

Approval of the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant

Approval of the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant
Presented by Fernando Delgado, CBO, and Ryan Guinto, Director of Technology

 

  • Grant Overview
    • One-time discretionary Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant.
    • Use-it-or-lose-it deadline: June 30, 2026.
    • Total allocation: Approximately $2.1 million.
    • Remaining balance: $1.7 million to be spent within the next year.
    • Funds are flexible and may be used for professional development, instructional materials, training, school climate, library resources, operational expenses, or COVID-related costs.
  • Planning and Priorities
    • Staff consulted to identify sustainable and long-term investments.
    • Focus on programs that enhance student experience, attract families, and increase enrollment.
    • Emphasis on arts, music, and technology innovation while ensuring multi-departmental equipment use.
  • Key Program Areas and Allocations
    • VAPA/CTE Programs – $622,109.33
      • Investment in theater lighting, stage equipment, and live event production.
      • Upgrades to music and audio production programs, including industry-standard sound equipment.
      • Purchase of new musical instruments, band trailer, and equipment maintenance.
      • Refinishing of stages in Anderson Hall and the main theater.
      • Enhancements to visual arts with new digital design tools (e.g., Procreate, large-format printer).
    • Shared Spaces – $363,753.77
      • Development of Robotics and Engineering Maker Space with modern furniture, 3D printers, and storage.
      • Creation of an Esports Lab and refreshed computer lab to support technology and gaming programs.
      • Upgrades designed to support cross-departmental use and align with current CIF-recognized Esports programs.
    • Teacher/Staff Initiatives – $496,261.79
      • Teacher and staff device refresh—replacing aging devices from 2020.
      • Enhancements to support classroom technology integration and instructional innovation.
    • Enhance Other Programs – $289,747.49
      • Establishment of ECR Media Production Studio for live events, podcasts, and student interviews.
      • Integration of green screens and professional-grade sound equipment for school marketing and communications.
      • Additional support for campus-wide modernization and shared creative spaces.
  • Total Planned Expenditure: $1,771,872.38
  • Next Steps
    • Board approval sought for expenditure of remaining block grant funds.
    • Implementation to begin upon approval, prioritizing projects with lasting academic and community impact.


 

Linda Ibach made a motion to Approval of the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Linda Ibach
Aye
Ronald Laws
Aye
Joe Kolkowitz
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Alexandra Ramirez
Absent
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye

C.

Discussion and Vote on 2025-2026 Comprehensive School Safety Plan

2025–2026 Comprehensive School Safety Plan
Presented by Dean Bennett, Administrative Director

 

  • Annual Plan Review
    • The Comprehensive School Safety Plan is updated annually.
    • Updates include personnel changes — new parent and student representatives on the Safety Committee.
    • Goals from the previous year were reviewed and assessed for progress and effectiveness.
    • New goals for the 2025–2026 school year were presented and discussed.
  • Student Safety and Discipline Data
    • Suspension data (2024–2025):
      • 26 students suspended, 27 total incidents.
      • Average of 2.5 suspensions per month in October.
    • Positive trend:
      • Down from 64 students suspended three years ago (average of 7 per month).
      • Reflects improved campus behavior and effectiveness of the Dean’s Office, security team, and staff.
    • The Charter Office monitors suspension rates; current results are favorable.
  • School Climate and Perception
    • 81% of parents in the most recent survey reported that they feel their children are safe at El Camino.
    • This reflects strong community confidence in school safety efforts.
  • Emergency Operations and New Requirements
    • The Emergency Operations Plan is embedded within the Safety Plan.
    • Updates included replacement of personnel who left the school.
    • New state-mandated requirement: schools must now include a Cardiac Arrest Emergency Plan following American Heart Association guidelines.
  • AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Program
    • Seven AED units are available on campus:
      • Six fixed locations (e.g., gym, locker rooms, admin areas, key buildings).
      • One mobile unit carried by the athletic trainer.
      • One additional unit located at the North Campus.
    • Staff, including administrators and security, have completed AED and CPR training.
  • Commendations
    • Recognition to Mr. Kansas, Mr. Jones, and the security team for effective management of student behavior and safety.
    • Continued commitment to maintaining low suspension rates and a safe, well-prepared school environment.


 

Ronald Laws made a motion to 2025-2026 Comprehensive School Safety Plan.
Linda Ibach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Absent
Ronald Laws
Aye
Joe Kolkowitz
Aye
Linda Ibach
Aye

D.

Discuss 2025-2026 Fall Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Data

2025–2026 Fall MAP Data and Committee Updates
Presented by Dr. Clark, Administrative Director

 

MAP Data Overview

  • MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer-adaptive test assessing students in English, Math, and Science for grades 9–12.
  • The test adjusts in difficulty based on student performance, providing individualized assessment data.
  • El Camino has administered MAP testing for five to six years, with consistent performance trends.

 

Reading Performance

  • The Growth and Achievement Overview Report compares student performance from one semester to another.
  • 20% of students scored in the 80th percentile or higher nationally — meaning they outperformed 80% of students across the U.S.
  • 26% of students scored between the 60th–80th percentile nationally.
  • Overall, more than 50% of ECR students performed above the national average in reading.
  • Slight year-to-year variations were observed (2–3 point differences), but overall performance remains strong and stable.

 

Math Performance

  • 15% of students scored in the 80th percentile or higher nationally.
  • Math scores are slightly lower than reading, reflecting a national trend of declining math performance post-pandemic.
  • Despite this, most students remain at or above the 50th percentile, performing comparably to national peers.

 

Instructional Applications

  • MAP data helps identify:
    • High-performing students who may benefit from accelerated or enrichment instruction.
    • Underperforming students (below 15th percentile) who may need targeted academic support.
  • Teachers and administrators use MAP data to guide instruction and set growth goals per subject area and grade level.

 

Discussion on Student Handwriting

  • Board members raised concern about declining handwriting and cursive skills among students.
  • Dr. Clark noted that cursive instruction had been removed but is now reintroduced in the curriculum due to renewed importance in literacy and life skills.

 


 

E.

Committee Updates: School Site Council (SSC), Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), and English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

 

Parent and Stakeholder Committees

  • Parent Advisory Committee (PAC):
    • Required under Education Code to review and support the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
    • Held its first meeting on October 15.
    • Focused on parent engagement and input on school priorities.
  • School Site Council (SSC):
    • Meets monthly to review goals, survey results, and staff input.
    • Provides recommendations for LCAP goals and school improvement strategies.
  • ECR Royal Family (Parent Booster Club):
    • Led by Matt Wright, with 55 active parents — double last year’s participation.
    • Supports school activities, fundraising, and parent involvement.
  • English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC):
    • Required under state law.
    • Includes parents, teachers, and students representing the English Learner population.
    • Meets quarterly; current attendance includes 8 parents and 12 total members.
    • Goal: Increase participation and strengthen communication with EL families.
  • LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan):
    • Reviewed mid-year and approved annually.
    • Collects feedback from teachers, parents, and students to shape goals and action plans.
    • Serves as the “voice of the school” for aligning programs and budgeting to student needs.

 

Closing Remarks

  • Dr. Clark invited board members to review deeper MAP data analyses by visiting her office.
  • Data can be further broken down by grade level, gender, ethnicity, and instructional category.
  • Dr. Clark’s presentation covered both agenda items E and F — the Fall MAP Data review and the Committee Updates.

The board entered the closed session at 6:24 PM on the 23rd of June, 2025.

 


 

VI. Reconvene to Open Session

A.

Report on Actions Taken in Closed Session, If Any

Joe Kolkowitz left at 6:38 PM.

 

The board reconvene to open session at 6:50 PM on the 23rd of June, 2025. Mr. Wright reported that there were no actions taken during the closed session and therefore nothing to report.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Steven Kofahl made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
Ronald Laws seconded the motion.

single voice vote

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:51 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ryan Guinto