El Camino Real Charter High School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday November 19, 2020 at 4:30 PM
Location
VIRTUAL MEETING - Please see below.
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).
VIRTUAL BOARD MEETING
In accordance with Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-29-20, the meeting of the Board of Directors will take place via a virtual/teleconferencing environment.
To join the virtual Board meeting, please register through GoToWebinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4263277582332240141, webinar ID 587-949-299. You must register for the event (note you do not need to enter your legal name to participate). Once registered, you can attend the meeting through the online link, or by telephone (a call-in number and audio PIN will be provided after you register and prior to the meeting).
PUBLIC COMMENTS
If you would like to make a comment during the Public Comment section or during an agenda item, you may do so in two ways: (1) click the "Raise Hand" icon on the control panel; or (2) email your comment to comment@ecrchs.net and it will be read on the record. Please note: your name will be read on the record along with your comment; if you do not wish to have your name read, please indicate on your email.
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. Note that for those who elect to participate through the call-in number, you will not have the option of being unmuted during the meeting.
The Public Comments agenda item 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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
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 on the school's website (https://ecrchs.net - click the ECR Board tab).
VIRTUAL BOARD MEETING
In accordance with Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-29-20, the meeting of the Board of Directors will take place via a virtual/teleconferencing environment.
To join the virtual Board meeting, please register through GoToWebinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4263277582332240141, webinar ID 587-949-299. You must register for the event (note you do not need to enter your legal name to participate). Once registered, you can attend the meeting through the online link, or by telephone (a call-in number and audio PIN will be provided after you register and prior to the meeting).
PUBLIC COMMENTS
If you would like to make a comment during the Public Comment section or during an agenda item, you may do so in two ways: (1) click the "Raise Hand" icon on the control panel; or (2) email your comment to comment@ecrchs.net and it will be read on the record. Please note: your name will be read on the record along with your comment; if you do not wish to have your name read, please indicate on your email.
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. Note that for those who elect to participate through the call-in number, you will not have the option of being unmuted during the meeting.
The Public Comments agenda item 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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
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), Jeff Davis (remote), John Perez (remote), Kenneth Lee (remote), Linda Ibach (remote), Scott Silverstein (remote), Steven Kofahl (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Daniel Chang (remote), David Hussey (remote), Gregory Wood (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
Beatriz Chen called a meeting of the board of directors of El Camino Real Charter High School to order on Thursday Nov 19, 2020 at 4:32 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
Dr. Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D.
Public Comments
Meredith Adams, teacher, spoke regarding a student technology issue.
E.
Community Representative Candidate Statements
Dr. Davis shared the statements from each of the candidates, and went over their qualifications and experience.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas spoke in support of her candidacy.
Mr. Wright spoke in support of his candidacy.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas spoke in support of her candidacy.
Mr. Wright spoke in support of his candidacy.
F.
UTLA Update
Kyna Collins, UTLA Co-Chair, presented the UTLA update. The ECR-UTLA bargaining team have so far discussed proposals on six (6) articles. The next session is scheduled for early December.
Ms. Collins also voiced her support for having an educator and UTLA member as a Co-Trustee for the Retirement Benefits Trust, and support the selection of Anita Gruen.
Ms. Collins thanked the Board again for passing the Resolution Recognizing Black Lives Matter at ECRCHS, and noted that the Equity Advisory Committee had been meeting.
Ms. Collins noted there were still some concerns about switching to SISC from CharterLIFE, particularly as some of the costs may be increasing for its employees.
Finally, Ms. Collins thanked the parents and community members for all their support during distance learning, and noted that it has been extremely difficult and fatiguing for everyone involved.
Ms. Collins also voiced her support for having an educator and UTLA member as a Co-Trustee for the Retirement Benefits Trust, and support the selection of Anita Gruen.
Ms. Collins thanked the Board again for passing the Resolution Recognizing Black Lives Matter at ECRCHS, and noted that the Equity Advisory Committee had been meeting.
Ms. Collins noted there were still some concerns about switching to SISC from CharterLIFE, particularly as some of the costs may be increasing for its employees.
Finally, Ms. Collins thanked the parents and community members for all their support during distance learning, and noted that it has been extremely difficult and fatiguing for everyone involved.
G.
Executive Director Update
Mr. Hussey also thanked students, parents, and community members for their diligence and hard work during the distance learning.
A survey was sent out regarding distance learning and whether students would physically return to school if school was reopened in January. A total of 841 responses was received; 67% said they would send their students either fully in person or in a hybrid model. This is down from the summer survey, where 85% said they would send their students back to school. However, at this time there is no foreseeable timeline for reopening the campus, as LA County is still in the purple tier and the Governor recently announced a curfew and a possible lockdown. Other questions were asked in the survey, including: whether students had sufficient tech support; whether counselors supported the students' needs; and whether a response could be received in a timely manner.
Regarding the heating issue, the heating line repairs were started again.
The Equity Advisory Committee has met twice so far. They are focusing on how departments need to have a culturally diverse curriculum and how to measure that; and the need for a uniform curriculum for teachers with regards to equity and diversity. The Committee also discussed bringing back an anonymous survey, and having events, and more professional development for teachers, including regarding implicit bias.
Regarding the cost associated with changing the mascot, he has considered the cost associated with the change. This would include refurbishing the championship banners in the gym, and the mission statements in each class. Mr. Hussey stated that he would send the list of costs to the Board. He has also continued working with the Indian group, and they have discussed what the message of the mascot would be. There will be a second round of voting. At the beginning of the year, we will have the final vote on the mascot.
Mr. Hussey has been working with Mustang Marketing on the branding, including changing of the mascot and the school colors. The brand messaging and tag lines have been completed. The next step is to set up monthly marketing calls.
Finally, Mr. Hussey noted that he had to correct something said at the last Board meeting regarding the audit of the Shoup Property expenses. He stated that this audit was an audit of the agreed upon procedures requested by ECR, and that the audit was not requested by LAUSD, but was rather the decision of ECR to request the audit be conducted by an outside audit company.
Ms. Chen asked that, when calculating the cost of the new mascot, whether the cost of designing the new mascot was included. Mr. Hussey said that he was going to have students submit ideas for the mascot, and that the marketing company had also agreed to help with the design.
A survey was sent out regarding distance learning and whether students would physically return to school if school was reopened in January. A total of 841 responses was received; 67% said they would send their students either fully in person or in a hybrid model. This is down from the summer survey, where 85% said they would send their students back to school. However, at this time there is no foreseeable timeline for reopening the campus, as LA County is still in the purple tier and the Governor recently announced a curfew and a possible lockdown. Other questions were asked in the survey, including: whether students had sufficient tech support; whether counselors supported the students' needs; and whether a response could be received in a timely manner.
Regarding the heating issue, the heating line repairs were started again.
The Equity Advisory Committee has met twice so far. They are focusing on how departments need to have a culturally diverse curriculum and how to measure that; and the need for a uniform curriculum for teachers with regards to equity and diversity. The Committee also discussed bringing back an anonymous survey, and having events, and more professional development for teachers, including regarding implicit bias.
Regarding the cost associated with changing the mascot, he has considered the cost associated with the change. This would include refurbishing the championship banners in the gym, and the mission statements in each class. Mr. Hussey stated that he would send the list of costs to the Board. He has also continued working with the Indian group, and they have discussed what the message of the mascot would be. There will be a second round of voting. At the beginning of the year, we will have the final vote on the mascot.
Mr. Hussey has been working with Mustang Marketing on the branding, including changing of the mascot and the school colors. The brand messaging and tag lines have been completed. The next step is to set up monthly marketing calls.
Finally, Mr. Hussey noted that he had to correct something said at the last Board meeting regarding the audit of the Shoup Property expenses. He stated that this audit was an audit of the agreed upon procedures requested by ECR, and that the audit was not requested by LAUSD, but was rather the decision of ECR to request the audit be conducted by an outside audit company.
Ms. Chen asked that, when calculating the cost of the new mascot, whether the cost of designing the new mascot was included. Mr. Hussey said that he was going to have students submit ideas for the mascot, and that the marketing company had also agreed to help with the design.
H.
Chief Business Officer Update
Mr. Wood stated that we were still in discussions with LAUSD regarding the Maintenance and Operations charges, and that as a result of the discussions additional payments were made, and M&O has agreed to provide additional documentation on the remaining disputed charges.
Mr. Wood discussed the status of the year-end audit.
During the Finance Committee meeting this past Monday, it was discussed that ECR would be sending out an RFP for an investment management advisor.
Mr. Wood also noted that, under the new SISC plan, the co-pay for generic prescriptions at Costco would be at no cost to the employee, and the employee would not have to be a member to be able to enter to get a prescription filled.
Mr. Silverstein asked what the attendance was at the Main Campus and the Shoup Property.
Mr. Wood discussed the status of the year-end audit.
During the Finance Committee meeting this past Monday, it was discussed that ECR would be sending out an RFP for an investment management advisor.
Mr. Wood also noted that, under the new SISC plan, the co-pay for generic prescriptions at Costco would be at no cost to the employee, and the employee would not have to be a member to be able to enter to get a prescription filled.
Mr. Silverstein asked what the attendance was at the Main Campus and the Shoup Property.
I.
Committee Updates
The Finance Committee met this past Monday, and discussed the need for an RFP for an investment advisor. The Committee also voted to recommend approval of the check registers and the AMEX charges.
II. Consent
A.
Approve Minutes of October 22, 2020 Regular Board Meeting
Brian Archibald made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board Meeting on 10-22-20.
Jeff Davis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jeff Davis |
Aye
|
| Scott Silverstein |
Aye
|
| Brian Archibald |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Kenneth Lee |
Aye
|
| Beatriz Chen |
Aye
|
B.
Review and Vote on October 2020 Check Registers
Brian Archibald made a motion to approve the October 2020 Check Registers.
Jeff Davis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jeff Davis |
Aye
|
| Brian Archibald |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Scott Silverstein |
Aye
|
| Beatriz Chen |
Aye
|
| Kenneth Lee |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
C.
Review and Vote on October 2020 American Express Charges
Brian Archibald made a motion to approve the October 2020 American Express charges.
Jeff Davis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Beatriz Chen |
Aye
|
| Jeff Davis |
Aye
|
| Scott Silverstein |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Kenneth Lee |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Brian Archibald |
Aye
|
III. Financial
A.
October 2020 Financial Update
Mr. Wood discussed the October 2020 financial report. Based on all the information and data, the school is currently in a good position.
Mr. Silverstein thanked Mr. Wood and noted that one of the reasons why it appears the school is in a good position is because the reporting has been better.
Mr. Silverstein thanked Mr. Wood and noted that one of the reasons why it appears the school is in a good position is because the reporting has been better.
IV. School Business
A.
Discuss and Vote on Resolution Authorizing Participation in SISC
It was noted that changing to SISC would provide a cost savings, while keeping the plans and coverages the same. While some of the co-pays would change, the additional benefits SISC provides would be beneficial.
Steven Kofahl made a motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing Participation in SISC.
Kenneth Lee seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Brian Archibald |
No
|
| Scott Silverstein |
Abstain
|
| Kenneth Lee |
Aye
|
| Beatriz Chen |
Aye
|
| Jeff Davis |
Aye
|
B.
Discuss and Vote on Co-Trustees of the Lifetime Healthcare Benefits Trust
Mr. Wood discussed the requirement to name Co-Trustees, and recommended that David Hussey and teacher Anita Gruen (who has a background in accounting) be named the Co-Trustees.
Steven Kofahl made a motion to approve David Hussey and Anita Gruen as Co-Trustees of the Lifetime Healthcare Benefits Trust.
Jeff Davis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Beatriz Chen |
Aye
|
| Brian Archibald |
Aye
|
| Scott Silverstein |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Jeff Davis |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Kenneth Lee |
Aye
|
V. Governance
A.
Discuss Nominating Committee's Recommendation for the Community Representative Position
Dr. Davis noted that both candidates were outstanding and that either would be a great candidate to fill the position. After review and discussion, the Nominating Committee recommended Brad Wright for the Community Representative position.
B.
Vote to Install Community Representative Position
Brian Archibald made a motion to appoint Brad Wright as the Community Representative, with a term starting November 19, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Brian Archibald |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Abstain
|
| Scott Silverstein |
Aye
|
| Jeff Davis |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Beatriz Chen |
Aye
|
| Kenneth Lee |
Aye
|
VI. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Steven Kofahl made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Brian Archibald 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 5:51 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Daniel Chang