El Camino Real Charter High School
Minutes
Special Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday April 9, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Location
By Teleconference - please see below.
SPECIAL 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 in the school's website (https://ecrchs.net - click the ECR Board tab).
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND CITIZENS
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:
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. These presentations are limited to three (3) minutes and total time allotted to 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 have 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 that agenda item on your “Request to Speak” form and you will be given an opportunity to speak for up to three (3) minutes before the item, 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 have 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 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.
Consent Agenda: All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered by the Board to be routine and will 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.
PARTICIPATING TELEPHONICALLY
To participate in the Board meeting telephonically, please call (872) 240-3212, access code 757-607-141. Please note that, in order to conduct an orderly meeting, all members of the public will be placed on mute during the Board meeting, except during public comments. If you would like to speak on a specific agenda item, please advise the Board during the public comments section. Note that members of the public attending a meeting conducted via teleconference do not need to give their name when entering the conference call.
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 Daniel Chang, in person, by email at d.chang@ecrchs.net, or by calling (818) 595-7537.
For board meeting materials, please go to the school's main office, or call (818) 595-7500. Some board meeting materials are also posted in the school's website (https://ecrchs.net - click the ECR Board tab).
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND CITIZENS
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:
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. These presentations are limited to three (3) minutes and total time allotted to 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 have 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 that agenda item on your “Request to Speak” form and you will be given an opportunity to speak for up to three (3) minutes before the item, 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 have 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 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.
Consent Agenda: All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered by the Board to be routine and will 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.
PARTICIPATING TELEPHONICALLY
To participate in the Board meeting telephonically, please call (872) 240-3212, access code 757-607-141. Please note that, in order to conduct an orderly meeting, all members of the public will be placed on mute during the Board meeting, except during public comments. If you would like to speak on a specific agenda item, please advise the Board during the public comments section. Note that members of the public attending a meeting conducted via teleconference do not need to give their name when entering the conference call.
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 Daniel Chang, in person, by email at d.chang@ecrchs.net, or by calling (818) 595-7537.
Directors Present
Beatriz Chen (remote), Brian Archibald (remote), Darin Ryburn (remote), Gregory Basile (remote), John Perez (remote), Kenneth Lee (remote), Scott Silverstein (remote), Steven Kofahl (remote)
Directors Absent
Jeff Davis
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
John Perez, Kenneth Lee
Guests Present
Daniel Chang (remote), David Hussey (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
Scott Silverstein called a meeting of the board of directors of El Camino Real Charter High School to order on Thursday Apr 9, 2020 at 3:11 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
D.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Kenneth Lee arrived.
II. School Business
A.
Discuss Finances
David Hussey reported that there were no unusual or outstanding expenditures during the school closure time. Mr. Hussey reported that we received $57,000 in COVID-19 LEA response funding for specified purposes, which can only be used on personal protective equipment, cleaning materials, and other materials for students. We will code the expenditures related to this fund and will be making the appropriate purchases. We have reduced expenses in the sense that we are spending less on matters such as electricity and substitute teachers. We have been able to purchase everything needed except for hand sanitizer, which is on back order. We did a deep cleanse of the campus with the idea that we would be opening again on May 4th, but it does not appear that will be happening.
Mr. Archibald has asked for an update on our investments and how the economy has impacted our investments; Mr. Hussey advised that he will get that information, as he has yet to get a call back from our investment representative.
Mr. Lee asked about graduation and college applications. Mr. Hussey stated that college applications are already done. And he is working with administration on alternatives to graduation, including a virtual graduation or pushing graduation back. We are communicating with seniors and parents as well.
Mr. Silverstein asked as to the mental health assistance being offered. Mr. Hussey noted that we still have our Psychiatric Social Worker available three days a week, and our counselors as well.
Mr. Ryburn asked about the concerns regarding the use of Zoom; Mr. Hussey noted that we have advised teachers not to use Zoom because of privacy issues and we will be blocking use of Zoom on all ECR accounts. Ms. Chen asked if the school had an account, which should have additional privacy and screening options; Mr. Hussey stated we do not at this time, but that he would look into this. For now, staff will be advised not to use their personal Zoom account.
Mr. Silverstein asked how remote learning was going. Mr. Hussey stated that it has been going well, we have about 80%+ of students that log on to our distance learning platform on a daily basis.
Mr. Archibald has asked for an update on our investments and how the economy has impacted our investments; Mr. Hussey advised that he will get that information, as he has yet to get a call back from our investment representative.
Mr. Lee asked about graduation and college applications. Mr. Hussey stated that college applications are already done. And he is working with administration on alternatives to graduation, including a virtual graduation or pushing graduation back. We are communicating with seniors and parents as well.
Mr. Silverstein asked as to the mental health assistance being offered. Mr. Hussey noted that we still have our Psychiatric Social Worker available three days a week, and our counselors as well.
Mr. Ryburn asked about the concerns regarding the use of Zoom; Mr. Hussey noted that we have advised teachers not to use Zoom because of privacy issues and we will be blocking use of Zoom on all ECR accounts. Ms. Chen asked if the school had an account, which should have additional privacy and screening options; Mr. Hussey stated we do not at this time, but that he would look into this. For now, staff will be advised not to use their personal Zoom account.
Mr. Silverstein asked how remote learning was going. Mr. Hussey stated that it has been going well, we have about 80%+ of students that log on to our distance learning platform on a daily basis.
John Perez arrived.
B.
Discuss Harassing/Threatening Emails to Board Member(s)
Mr. Archibald read a statement regarding his fiduciary duty and responsibilities as a Board member, and that he has been working to ensure that the school is fiscally responsible so that ECR can continue to offer a world-class education to students. He also spoke regarding the accusations and threats made against him, but stated that they would not stop him from fulfilling his duties and obligations as a fiduciary. He wanted this statement made on the record in case any of the threats made are acted upon.
Mr. Silverstein asked if administration was aware of any other threats made. Mr. Hussey advised that he was not aware of any threats to other Board members, but noted that he and the administrators have received threatening emails in the past of varying degrees from disgruntled individuals.
Mr. Silverstein asked if administration was aware of any other threats made. Mr. Hussey advised that he was not aware of any threats to other Board members, but noted that he and the administrators have received threatening emails in the past of varying degrees from disgruntled individuals.
III. Closed Session
A.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Closed session took place.
B.
Public Employee Discipline / Dismissal / Release
Closed session took place.
IV. Reconvene to Open Session
A.
Report on Actions Taken in Closed Session, If Any
There were no actions to report.
V. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Beatriz Chen made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Gregory Basile seconded the motion.
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 4:39 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Daniel Chang