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

No public comments

Executive Director Update

• Executive Director David Hussey shared that the school successfully held a wonderful graduation ceremony.
• He expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the event a success.
• He specifically thanked:
  • Mr. Wright for attending and supporting the graduation ceremony.
  • All Board members for their continued support throughout the event.
• Mr. Hussey recognized Board members whose children were part of the graduating class:
  • Dr. Gunby, whose son graduated.
  • Mr. Law, whose daughter graduated.
• He expressed hope that everyone enjoyed the graduation festivities and celebrated this important milestone with the graduates and their families.
• Mr. Hussey noted that the school is now transitioning its focus to preparations for the 2026–2027 school year.
• He stated that additional updates and information regarding the upcoming school year will be provided during the August Board meeting.

CBO reviewed Enrollment and Attendance

No board committee update were received for this meeting.

Presenter: Brad Wright

• Board Chair Brad Wright expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the school year.
• Mr. Wright stated that the year had been very successful, acknowledging the teamwork and dedication that made it possible.
• He also extended special thanks to the parents for their continued support and involvement throughout the year.
• Mr. Wright recognized Netflix for partnering with the school and assisting with improvements to campus promotion, helping to enhance the school's visibility and public image.

This item will be discussed in an upcoming board meeting and will not be approved at this board meeting.

May 2026 Investment Update
• The combined investment portfolio increased to $46.33 million, up from $45.09 million in April.
• The portfolio earned a 2.7% gain for the month and is up 11.4% year-to-date (YTD).
• The OPEB Trust grew to $37.40 million, up from its beginning balance of $33.41 million.
• The District paid approximately $606,050 in retiree benefit payments during the fiscal year while
still achieving $4.60 million in investment gains.
• The OPEB Trust posted a 2.9% monthly gain and 11.9% YTD growth.
• Beacon Pointe continued to outperform in both the OPEB and General investment portfolios.
• U.S. Bank Holdings remained positive, contributing to the portfolio's overall growth.
• Overall, the District's investments continued to perform well, strengthening long-term financial
reserves despite ongoing retiree benefit payments.

Revenue Highlights

• Total projected revenue: $44.63 million, about $535,000 below budget.
• State revenue remained close to budget overall.
  • Higher Education Protection Account (EPA) funding helped offset lower LCFF State Aid.
  • In Lieu of Property Taxes exceeded budget by $1.26 million.
• Federal revenue is projected to be $264,000 above budget, mainly due to higher Child Nutrition funding.
• Other State Revenue is expected to exceed budget by $846,000, driven primarily by additional state funding.
• Local revenue is projected to be $282,000 below budget, mainly because:
  • Lower Other Local Revenue.
  • Lower fees and contracts than anticipated.
  • Fundraising revenue helped offset some of the shortfall.

Expense Highlights

• Total projected expenses: $46.58 million, approximately $222,000 below budget.
• Teacher salaries are projected to be about $889,000 under budget.
• Classified salaries are projected to be about $176,000 over budget.
• Employee benefits remain very close to budget overall.
• Books and supplies are projected to exceed budget by approximately $950,000, largely due to:
  • Higher food service costs.
  • Increased non-instructional supplies.
• Subagreement services are projected to be about $747,000 over budget, including higher costs for:
  • Educational consultants.
  • Security services.
  • Substitute teachers.
• Operations and housekeeping are projected to be about $258,000 under budget, primarily from lower utility costs.
• Professional and consulting services are projected to be about $503,000 under budget, reflecting lower-than-budgeted spending on:
  • Legal services.
  • General consulting.
  • Professional development.

Financial Position

• Operating loss: projected at $1.95 million, which is about $313,000 worse than budget.
• Interest and dividend income is expected to total about $1.77 million.
• Overall change in net assets: projected loss of approximately $182,000.

Key Takeaways

• Revenue is slightly below budget, but additional state and federal funding helped offset several shortfalls.
• Expenses remain generally in line with budget, although books and supplies and contracted services exceeded expectations.
• Savings in utilities, legal, consulting, and professional development helped reduce overall spending.
• Despite investment income, the school is projected to end the year with a small decrease in net assets.

• Explained that the report is a California compliance requirement under Propositions 30 and
55, not a request for additional funding.
• Noted that the report certifies to the Board how EPA funds were budgeted, allocated, and
used during the fiscal year.
• Reported total EPA revenue of $6,564,700.
• Confirmed that 100% of EPA funding was allocated to direct instructional costs for certificated
teachers.
• Budget allocation included:
• $4,350,000 for certificated teachers' salaries.
• $2,214,700 for employee benefits, including:
• $830,850 for State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS) contributions.
• $63,075 for Medicare/OASDI contributions.
• $1,320,775 for health and welfare benefits.
• Confirmed that total expenditures exactly matched total revenues at $6,564,700.
• Reported no surplus or deficit, as all EPA funds were fully expended.
• Explained that EPA funds are a restricted funding source and must be used exclusively for
certificated teacher compensation, as required by state law.
• Confirmed that no EPA funds remain as a carryover balance at the end of the fiscal year.
• Stated that the report fulfills the California Department of Education's annual certification and
reporting requirements.
5 of 21
• Explained that the item represents the final Proposition 28 Expenditure Report for Fiscal Year
2023–2024.
• Noted that the three-year expenditure window for these Proposition 28 funds closes on June
30.
• Confirmed that the final expenditure report will be submitted to the California Department of
Education (CDE) to satisfy state reporting requirements.

 Mr. David Hussey introduced the agenda item regarding the Board election for:
• Two (2) Certificated Board Member positions.
• One (1) Parent Board Member position.
 

Presenter: Mr. Ricardo Covarrubias

2025–2026 Marketing Highlights

• Focused on increasing:
  • Brand awareness and recognition across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.
  • Social media presence.
  • Student enrollment.

Strong Social Media Growth (4th Consecutive Year)

• All major social media platforms experienced growth.
• Instagram
  • 227,800 accounts reached (+15.7%).
  • 57,300 content interactions (+46.3%).
  • 1,800 new followers (+320.6%).
  • 4.2 million profile/content views (+100%).
• Facebook
  • 172,442 accounts reached.
  • 256 new followers (+9%).
  • 1.5 million profile/content views.
• X (Twitter)
  • 41,400 post views.
• TikTok
  • 70,200 profile/content views (+39%).

Digital Marketing Results

• 124 new students were attributed to digital marketing efforts.
• Student sources included:
  • 87 from Meta (Facebook & Instagram) advertising.
  • 31 from the Niche platform.
  • 6 through organic Google searches (no advertising cost).
• Digital marketing investment:
  • Approximately $40,507.
  • Estimated revenue of $1.736 million.
  • Estimated return on investment (ROI) of approximately $1.70 million.

Traditional Marketing Results

• Generated 71 additional students through:
  • School banners.
  • Direct mail postcards.
  • Daily News exposure.
• Traditional advertising investment:
  • Approximately $3,012.
  • Estimated ROI of nearly $991,000.

Overall Marketing Impact

• Combined marketing efforts produced:
  • 195 new students.
  • Total investment of approximately $43,500.
  • Estimated revenue of $2.73 million.
  • Estimated ROI of approximately $2.69 million.

Enrollment Success

• Approximately 680 incoming ninth-grade students currently enrolled.
• Enrollment exceeded early projections by more than 100 students.
• Achieved enrollment growth despite district-wide enrollment declines.
• Applications from outside ECR's attendance boundaries increased by over 10%.
• More than 100 students enrolled from outside the traditional attendance area.
• Admissions team continues processing 110+ prospective student leads.

2026–2027 Marketing Priorities

• Continue investing in:
  • Meta (Facebook and Instagram) advertising.
  • Google Ads.
  • Website improvements and user experience.
  • Branding and advertising partnerships.
• Expand collaboration with:
  • Students.
  • Teachers.
  • Coaches.
  • Parents.
• Promote student achievements, school programs, events, and campus culture.
• Continue improving communication with families through email, text, and voice messaging systems.

Advertising & Branding Opportunities

• Explore additional advertising through:
  • Billboard campaigns.
  • Bus advertising.
  • Expanded street banners.
  • Windscreens and campus branding.
  • Updated marketing materials.
  • Support for campus modernization efforts.

Niche Platform Performance

• Niche generated:
  • 7,356 profile views.
  • 2,395 page clicks.
  • 305,608 impressions.
  • 69 campus visits.
  • 31 completed applications.
• ECR achieved:
  • 33.1% year-to-date referral rate, compared to the typical 7–11% among approximately 2,500 partner schools.
  • 89.2% referral rate in May, described by Niche as the highest they had seen among partner schools.

2026–2027 Proposed Marketing Budget

• Total proposed budget: $112,278.
• Major allocations include:
  • Digital social media advertising.
  • Google Ads.
  • Website renewal and user experience improvements.
  • MailChimp communication platform.
  • Branding and advertising partnerships.
  • Street banners and traditional marketing.
  • Marketing equipment and campus branding projects (camera equipment, mascot, trophy case, etc.).

Board Discussion

• Trustees commended the positive return on investment and enrollment gains.
• Discussion focused on:
  • Identifying which marketing strategies generate the highest enrollment conversion rates.
  • Using more detailed analytics to guide future budget decisions.
  • Exploring additional data tools (such as Hootsuite and Google advertising analytics) to better measure marketing effectiveness across all platforms.
• Mr. Covarrubias agreed that future efforts will prioritize data-driven decision-making to maximize enrollment and marketing returns.

 The annual Charter School Division (CSD) oversight report for the 2025–2026 school year
has not yet been received.
• Because the report is still pending, no oversight findings or updates were presented at this
meeting.
• Mr. Hussey stated that he will provide the report and discussion at the August board meeting
once it is received.

 Mr. Hussey presented the draft notification letter to LAUSD regarding the school's reservation
of rights to exit the LAUSD SELPA.
• The letter does not withdraw the school from the SELPA; it simply preserves the option to
leave in the future if needed.
• The purpose is to ensure the school and other charter-operated schools have an exit option if
the SELPA no longer meets their needs.
• Mr. Hussey stated that he does not anticipate leaving the SELPA at this time.
• The letter is a precautionary measure to protect the school's future flexibility and options

 Reviewed ECR's 2026 California Dashboard Local Indicators.
• Confirmed that all required state priority standards have been successfully completed and
mapped.
• Local Indicators addressed include:
• Basic Services
• Academic Standards
• Parent and Family Engagement
• Student Climate Survey
• Broad Course of Study

Overall Dashboard Successes

• Met all required State Priority Local Indicators.
• Green Dashboard Performance in:
  • English Language Arts (ELA).
  • Graduation Rate.
  • College & Career Indicator (CCI).
  • Suspension Rate.
• Areas identified for continued improvement:
  • Mathematics Achievement.
  • English Learner (EL) Progress.

Goal 1 – High Quality Instruction & Academic Achievement

• Strong progress across multiple academic areas.
• Continued improvement in:
  • Mathematics performance.
  • English Learner achievement.
• Focus remains on closing achievement gaps for:
  • Students with disabilities.
  • English learners.
  • Foster youth.
  • Students experiencing homelessness.
  • Latino and African American students.

Academic Supports

• Continue funding:
  • Study Skills classes.
  • After-school intervention programs.
  • Intervention team.
  • Teacher assistants.
  • Student support professionals.
  • Homeless/Foster Youth Liaison.
  • Special Education supports.
  • School therapists.
  • EL Coordinator.
  • In-class English Learner instructional aide.

Instructional Improvements

• Continue expanding teacher professional development.
• Teachers completing Educator Effectiveness Grant training with positive feedback.
• Data team will continue providing assessment data to guide instruction.
• Maintain one-to-one student device program.
• Increase use of research-based instructional practices.
• Continue schoolwide internal assessments (MAP and other benchmark testing).

New Literacy Initiative

• Launch an embedded literacy program across every subject.
• Every teacher will integrate reading and literacy strategies into classroom instruction.
• Supports California's emphasis on literacy across all content areas.

Goal 2 – College & Career Readiness

• Continue building on strong Graduation Rate and College & Career Indicator performance.
• Expand Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including:
  • Culinary Arts.
  • Woodworking.
  • Media.
  • Video Game Design.
• Continue:
  • Academic planning.
  • College and career counseling.
  • College entrance testing support.
  • Dual enrollment opportunities.
  • Bridge Program.
  • Credit recovery.
  • Freshman transition.
  • College tours.
  • Family support services.

Summer Boot Camp

• Launch first Reading and Math Summer Boot Camp.
• Approximately 60 students enrolled (59 confirmed).
• Focused on incoming:
  • 9th graders.
  • 10th graders.
• Program emphasizes skill remediation rather than earning academic credit.

Goal 3 – Family Engagement

• Parent survey results showed improvement in:
  • Administrator accessibility.
  • Teacher-parent communication.
  • Administrator-parent communication.
  • Overall school responsiveness.
• Teachers also reported stronger relationships with school leadership.

Areas Parents Want Improved

• Increase marketing and communication about school programs and activities.
• Provide additional support for using Canvas.
• Continue strong support for Aeries, which received positive feedback.

Board Discussion

• Recommendation to notify the Marketing Department immediately when improvements are implemented so specific changes and outcomes can be measured more effectively.

Goal 4 – Safe & Supportive School Environment

• Outstanding school climate results.
• Zero student suspensions during the school year.
• Continue investments in:
  • Mental health therapists.
  • Wellness Center.
  • Peer counselors.
  • Campus security.
  • Safety teams.
  • School nurse.
  • Athletic trainers.
  • PBIS.
  • Transportation program.
  • Alternative education.
  • Freshman transition program.

Celebrating School Successes

• Strong graduation rates.
• Excellent College & Career Readiness results.
• Positive school climate.
• Improved parent, teacher, and student survey results.
• Zero suspensions.
• Continued academic growth across multiple subject areas.

Priority Areas for Continued Improvement

• Strengthen intervention programs.
• Improve mathematics achievement.
• Increase English Learner progress and reclassification.
• Expand designated professional development.
• Continue targeted supports for:
  • Students with disabilities.
  • English learners.
  • Foster youth.
  • Students experiencing homelessness.
  • African American students.
  • Latino students.

Student Growth Data Highlights (Fall to Spring MAP Assessments)

Mathematics

• Grade 9: 64% → 65%.
• Grade 10: 71% → 74%.
• Grade 11: 40% → 42%.
• Grade 12: 78% → 68% (decline).

Reading

• Grade 9: 60% → 65%.
• Grade 10: 64% → 72%.
• Grade 12: 67% → 74%.
• Reading scores showed consistent improvement overall.

Science

• Significant improvement noted on the California Dashboard.
• Science Department recognized for strong student growth and achievement.

Board Comments

• Board members praised the strong results and overall progress.
• Confirmed that summer program enrollment met expectations without requiring additional funding.
• Noted that 2026–2027 is the final year of the current three-year LCAP cycle.
• A new three-year LCAP will be developed and presented to the Board next year.

This was previously reviewed by the finance committee and was approved earlier in the meeting as part of the consent agenda.

This was previously reviewed by the finance committee and was approved earlier in the meeting as part of the consent agenda.

Funding Categories

• Projects are divided into two funding categories:
  • El Camino-funded projects (school-controlled funds).
  • LAUSD-funded projects (Measure RR20 and Measure Q bond funds).

El Camino-Funded Projects – Total: Approximately $970,000

• Marquee Project & Corner Monument – $380,000
  • New campus marquee and monument signage.
• Landscaping Project (Faculty Parking Lot) – $10,000
  • Ongoing landscaping improvements near the faculty parking lot.
• Stadium Bleachers – Phase 1 of 3 – $200,000
  • Multi-year project with one phase completed each fiscal year.
• Stadium Scoreboard – $250,000
  • Installation of a new stadium scoreboard.
• Cafeteria Remodeling – $130,000
  • Funded through Kit Funding to improve cafeteria facilities.

LAUSD-Funded Projects – Total: Approximately $13.6 Million

• Gym Bleachers & Restroom ADA Compliance – $2,098,415
  • Includes ADA restroom upgrades, new gym bleachers, PA system, and fire alarm improvements.
  • Funded through Measure RR20.
• Pipeline Project & HVAC System Upgrade – $11,500,647
  • Major campus infrastructure and HVAC modernization project.
  • Funded through Measure Q.

Overall Capital Improvement Plan

• Total value of all active and planned projects: Approximately $14.57 million.
• LAUSD bond-funded projects do not impact El Camino's General Fund, while El Camino-funded projects are supported through operating and designated school funds.

Key Discussion Points

• Projects are designed to improve:
  • Campus appearance and signage.
  • Student facilities and athletics.
  • ADA accessibility and compliance.
  • Campus infrastructure and HVAC systems.
  • Cafeteria and outdoor learning environment.
• Several projects will be completed in phases and extend through 2027, with warranties and ongoing maintenance plans included for major installations.

Budget Overview

• Total proposed technology software budget: $357,157.48.
• The proposal maintains the same software licenses currently used across the school.
• Most license costs increased only slightly due to:
  • Higher hosting fees.
  • General technology cost increases.

Key Budget Highlights

• Largest increase: Turnitin.
  • Adds new AI-related writing tools for English and History classes.
  • Helps teachers:
    • Monitor students' writing process.
    • Detect potential AI-assisted writing.
    • View detailed writing activity reports.
• No major new software purchases were proposed.
• Existing software suite will continue to support classroom instruction, administration, and technology operations.

Software Usage

• Technology department reviewed utilization reports for all software licenses.
• All licenses are currently being used by teachers or staff.
• Plans to increase usage of:
  • Gimkit.
  • Edpuzzle.
• These programs are schoolwide licenses and can be used across all subject areas.

Budget Breakdown

• Instructional Software: $171,926.75.
• Administrative Software: $103,858.07.
• Technology Software: $81,372.66.
• Grand Total: $357,157.48.

Board Discussion

• Board members asked about software utilization and overall budget total.
• Administration confirmed:
  • Licenses are actively being used.
  • Focus will be on increasing adoption of schoolwide instructional tools.
  • Total proposed budget is $357,157.48.

Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS)

• The application is required each year to allow the school to receive state and federal categorical funding.
• The Board was asked to approve the required certifications and assurances confirming the school will comply with all applicable state and federal program requirements.

Key Funding Programs Included

• Title I, Part A – Supports students with the greatest academic needs.
• Title II, Part A – Supports teacher and staff professional development.
• Title IV, Part A – Supports student well-being, school safety, and enrichment programs.
• Title III English Learner Funding – Not requested.
• Title III Immigrant Funding – Not requested.

Required Certifications

• Approved annual Certification of Assurances for compliance with all program requirements.
• Certified compliance with Protected Prayer requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
• Certified the LCAP Federal Addendum, confirming the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) supports federal funding requirements.
• Requested approval to continue using the Substitute System for Time Accounting, with no known deficiencies reported.
• The application indicates that Board approval and District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) review were pending.

 Annual Requirement: The Declaration of Need is an annual form required by the California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
• Purpose: Allows the school to request emergency, internship, or limited assignment permits
when needed.
 

2026–2027 Estimate:
• Anticipates requesting one General Education Limited Assignment Permit (GLAP).
• The permit is for Physical Education (PE).
• Reason for the Permit:
• Enables one teacher to teach PE while completing the required PE credential.
• No Additional Requests:
• Only one limited assignment permit is expected for the upcoming school year.

This will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting and will not be approved today.

CalSTRS Certification (Form 0765) – Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Amendments

• Board reviewed required legal updates needed before submitting the CalSTRS Certification (Form 0765).
• These amendments are required by CalSTRS to ensure the corporation's governing documents comply with current dissolution and asset distribution requirements.
• No changes are required to the school's charter petition. Only the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws need to be updated.

Items Presented for Board Approval

• Approve the Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.
  • Updates the dissolution clause so that, if the corporation dissolves, any remaining assets must be distributed only to:
    • Another qualifying public school, or
    • The State of California or an eligible California governmental entity, as required by CalSTRS and IRS rules.
• Adopt the revised Article V, Section 1 of the Bylaws.
  • Revises the "Dedication of Assets" section to match the same CalSTRS-required language for dissolution and asset distribution.
• Authorize an officer to execute and submit CalSTRS Certification (Form 0765).
  • After Board approval, the signed amendment will be filed with the California Secretary of State.
  • The authorized officer will then submit the completed CalSTRS Certification to CalSTRS.

Summary

• These are compliance-related legal amendments required by CalSTRS.
• The changes do not affect school operations, governance, educational programs, or the charter itself.
• The amendments simply ensure the corporation's governing documents meet current state and federal requirements for asset distribution upon dissolution.

Hate Speech Policy

• Mrs. Herrera explained that the proposed policy is already being practiced at the school, but the goal is to formally document it in the Parent-Student Handbook.

Policy Overview

• The policy consists of three pages:
  • Page 1: Defines hate speech and provides examples, including hateful language, symbols, false stereotypes, threats, harassment, and bullying directed at groups of people.
  • Page 2: Encourages students to be "upstanders" by:
    • Interrupting inappropriate behavior.
    • Explaining why hate speech is harmful.
    • Asking respectful questions.
    • Reporting concerns to trusted adults.
    • Promoting respect and inclusion beyond the school campus.
  • Page 3: Outlines the school's progressive discipline process for hate speech incidents.

Progressive Discipline Process

• First Incident
  • Faculty or staff addresses the behavior with the student or refers the student to the Dean.
  • Parents/guardians are notified.
  • School policy is reviewed with the student.
  • Notification is informational rather than punitive.
• Second Incident
  • Student signs a behavior contract.
  • Dean notifies parents/guardians.
  • Alternative-to-suspension interventions are implemented.
• Third Incident – Restorative Practices
  • Restorative justice conference determines appropriate consequences.
  • Possible restorative actions include:
    • Acknowledging harm caused.
    • Community service.
    • Educational visits (e.g., Museum of Tolerance or California African American Museum).
    • Educational activities, films, or research.
    • Written reflection.
    • Individual or group therapy sessions with the school PSW.
  • The focus is education, accountability, and repairing harm.
• Fourth Incident
  • School suspension may be considered.
  • Parent conference with administration.
  • Student may be placed on a No-Go List restricting participation in certain school activities.
• Fifth Incident
  • Administrative review of the student's placement at El Camino.
  • Possible recommendation for expulsion.
• Egregious incidents may bypass the normal progression and be addressed immediately based on the severity of the offense.

Additional Discussion

• Mrs. Herrera emphasized that teachers are encouraged to address incidents directly and continue building positive relationships with students before referring matters to the Dean whenever appropriate.
• Staff training through the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) efforts will continue to help teachers feel comfortable having these conversations.
• Board members clarified that the policy will appear in the Parent-Student Handbook.
• A question was raised regarding potential museum visits as part of restorative practices. Mrs. Herrera explained that such activities would be determined on a case-by-case basis during the restorative process and could be covered by the school when appropriate, including utilizing free admission days if available.

Summary

• The proposed policy formalizes existing school practices, provides clear expectations for students and families, emphasizes education and restorative approaches before punitive measures, and establishes a consistent disciplinary framework for addressing hate speech at El Camino Real Charter High School.

Graduation Requirements

• Math requirement increases from 20 credits to 30 credits beginning with the Class of 2029.
• Students must be enrolled in a math class during their junior (11th grade) year.
• Goal is to improve student math achievement and provide continuous math instruction.
• Change is based on school data showing math scores have not improved as much as desired.
• Helps discourage students from completing math requirements only through online or summer school without classroom instruction.
• Administration plans to bring a future proposal limiting the number of online courses students may take.

New State Graduation Requirements

• Ethnic Studies (5 credits)
  • Required beginning with the Class of 2030.
  • Meets both state and El Camino graduation requirements.
• Personal Finance (5 credits)
  • Required beginning with the Class of 2031.
• Elective credit requirements will gradually decrease to accommodate the new required courses:
  • Class of 2027–2028: 75 elective credits.
  • Class of 2029: 65 elective credits.
  • Class of 2030: 60 elective credits.
  • Class of 2031 and beyond: 55 elective credits.

Attendance Policy Updates

• New attendance policy emphasizes that regular attendance is essential for academic success.
• Designed to:
  • Reduce chronic absenteeism.
  • Support students and families.
  • Provide clear and consistent attendance expectations.
  • Meet California legal requirements.

Attendance Accountability Process

• Students receive increasing levels of support as absences accumulate:
  • 3 absences: Attendance office contacts family.
  • 6 absences: Teacher contacts student/family.
  • 9 absences: Student meets with the School Attendance Review Team (SART).
  • 12 absences: Dean intervention.
  • 18 absences: Referral to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) and possible withdrawal from the course.
• Families receive attendance/truancy notices throughout the process.

School Attendance Review Team (SART)

• Includes administrators, counselors, deans, teachers, and school therapists.
• Responsibilities include:
  • Monitoring attendance.
  • Identifying barriers to attendance.
  • Meeting with students and families.
  • Connecting families with school and community supports.
  • Tracking student progress after interventions.

Student Support Programs

• Short-Term Independent Study
  • Available for temporary absences (less than 15 days), such as illness or hospitalization.
  • Allows students to complete work without being counted absent for funding purposes.
• Attendance Recovery (AR) Program
  • Voluntary program allowing students to recover up to 10 excused full-day absences.
  • Every 4 hours of participation equals one day of attendance recovery.
  • Offered through tutoring and teacher-led instructional sessions.

18-Day Withdrawal / No Credit Rule

• Applies per class, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused.
• After 18 absences in one class:
  • Student is withdrawn from that course.
  • Receives No Credit (NC) instead of an F.
  • Cannot return to the class during that semester.
  • Must recover credit through summer school, adult school, or a future semester.
• Absences counted include:
  • Excused absences.
  • Unexcused absences.
  • Excessive tardies.
  • Early departures that result in missing significant class time.
• Students removed from a class may be placed into:
  • Study Skills.
  • ECR Flex Program.
  • Independent Study (when appropriate).

SARB Referral

• Reserved for students with habitual truancy after all school interventions have been exhausted.
• Referral requires documentation of:
  • Attendance history.
  • Truancy notices.
  • Parent contacts.
  • Intervention efforts.
  • SART meetings and attendance improvement plans.

Additional Discussion

• Board members asked about students absent for school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
• Administration clarified these absences should be cleared by teachers or coaches and should not count against attendance.
• Staff acknowledged the need to better train teachers and coaches to clear these absences promptly to avoid unnecessary parent notifications.

Summary

• Increase math instruction by requiring three years (30 credits) of math, including junior year enrollment.
• Add Ethnic Studies and Personal Finance graduation requirements to align with state mandates.
• Adopt a comprehensive attendance accountability system focused on early intervention, student support, and improved attendance, while maintaining a structured process for chronic absenteeism.

Went into closed session at 7:07 p.m.

Reconvene to open session at 7:22 p.m.

Mr. Wright reported that there were no actions taken during the closed session and therefore nothing to report.

Board reviewed a resolution regarding executive compensation for the Chief Business Officer
(CBO).
Compensation was compared with similar positions at:
• Granada Hills Charter
• Birmingham Community Charter High School
• Fenton Charter Public Schools
• Palisades Charter High School
• The comparison was used to ensure the proposed compensation is competitive and appropriate.
• The Board also reviewed the previously approved salary schedule for the CBO position.
• Based on the approved salary table, the CBO would be placed at Step 3.
Board Member made a motion to approve Resolution Regarding Executive Compensation for
Chief Business Officer

Board considered approval of the Employment Agreement for the Chief Business Officer (CBO).
Reviewed the CBO's salary, compensation, and fringe benefits package.
Compensation Summary:

• Annual Salary: $225,105.06
• Health Benefits: Same benefits provided to all ECR employees.
• Bonuses: Awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
• Life Insurance: Provided under the standard employee benefits package.
• Stipends / Allowances:
• $50 monthly mobile phone reimbursement.
• Differentials:
• $5,000 per mastery (as applicable under the compensation agreement).