El Camino Real Charter High School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday September 23, 2021 at 4:30 PM
Location
VIRTUAL ONLINE BOARD 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/3393651852967280653, webinar ID 404-536-771. 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 David Hussey, in person, by email at comment@ecrchs.net, or by calling (818) 595-7500.
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/3393651852967280653, webinar ID 404-536-771. 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 David Hussey, in person, by email at comment@ecrchs.net, or by calling (818) 595-7500.
Directors Present
Brad Wright (remote), Daniela Lopez-Vargas (remote), Danielle Malconian (remote), John Perez (remote), Linda Ibach (remote), Steven Kofahl (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Directors who left before the meeting adjourned
John Perez
Guests Present
Daniel Chang, David Hussey (remote), Emilie Larew (remote), Gregory Wood (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
Mr. Wright advised that Brian Archibald had resigned from the Board.
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Hussey led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D.
Public Comments
Yasmine Pomeroy, teacher, spoke regarding the ECRA-UTLA bargaining.
Beth Corbett, teacher, spoke regarding the ECRA-UTLA bargaining.
Ms. Larew read a statement from Amy Carter regarding the ECRA-UTLA bargaining.
Ms. Larew read two anonymous statements regarding the mandated vaccine for students.
E.
UTLA Update
Kyna Collins, UTLA Chair, expressed appreciation for the outgoing Board members. She also provided an update regarding the ECRA-UTLA bargaining.
F.
Executive Director Update
Mr. Hussey stated that ECR had been visited by the Department of Public Health (DPH), which reviewed ECR's contract tracing methods. DPH were impressed by ECR's system and were also impressed by ECR students for following proper guidelines. Mr. Hussey thanked Nurse Peggy Valentine, admins Ms. Larew and Ms. Endres, and members of Tech Department for their work in setting up the systems.
Mr. Hussey noted that Mr. Alba and CTE teachers were working on securing CTE funds for upgrades to equipment and the facilities; more information will be provided at a future Board meeting.
ECR is working with LA County Public Health to host another vaccination event at the school, which will take place on September 29th from 7:30 am to 9:30 am. At this time, ECR is not required to enforce vaccination for all students, so it will stay with that policy for now.
Mr. Hussey thanked the HR department and staff for 100% compliance with required training modules.
Mr. Hussey thanked Board members for their work in helping to grow the school.
Mr. Hussey noted that Mr. Alba and CTE teachers were working on securing CTE funds for upgrades to equipment and the facilities; more information will be provided at a future Board meeting.
ECR is working with LA County Public Health to host another vaccination event at the school, which will take place on September 29th from 7:30 am to 9:30 am. At this time, ECR is not required to enforce vaccination for all students, so it will stay with that policy for now.
Mr. Hussey thanked the HR department and staff for 100% compliance with required training modules.
Mr. Hussey thanked Board members for their work in helping to grow the school.
G.
Chief Business Officer Update
Mr. Wood reviewed enrollment and average daily attendance (ADA), which relate to school funding. He stated that our enrollment is slightly lower than projected. He noted that, as compared to last year: special education enrollment is down slightly; alternative education enrollment has more than doubled; and Independent Study is slightly down.
He reviewed the Meal Participation report showing the number of meals served each day.
As to the PPP loan, ECR submitted its request for forgiveness; the lender has 60 days to respond; and then the SBA has 3 months to make the ultimate decision as to how much (if any) of the $3.8 million loan will be forgiven.
He reviewed the Meal Participation report showing the number of meals served each day.
As to the PPP loan, ECR submitted its request for forgiveness; the lender has 60 days to respond; and then the SBA has 3 months to make the ultimate decision as to how much (if any) of the $3.8 million loan will be forgiven.
H.
Committee Updates
Ms. Malconian provided an update on Finance and Investment Committee meeting this week; the Committee is recommending approval of the August 2021 check registers and the August 2021 credit card statements. Mr. Wood noted that the Beacon Pointe advisor was present during the Committee meeting and the materials he went over is available for review. Ms. Malconian stated that questions had been raised as to ECR's cash reserves; she noted that money is earmarked for very specific purposes, and going forward Mr. Wood and the Committee will provide information as to the use of the cash.
II. Consent
A.
Approve Minutes of August 26, 2021 Annual Meeting and Regular Board Meeting
The consent agenda was approved.
Brad Wright made a motion to approve the minutes from Annual Meeting and Regular Board Meeting on 08-26-21.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
B.
Review and Vote on August 2021 Check Registers
Brad Wright made a motion to approve the August 2021 check registers.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
C.
Review and Vote on August 2021 Credit Card Charges
Brad Wright made a motion to approve the August 2021 credit card charges.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
III. Financial
A.
August 2021 Financial Update
Mr. Wood reviewed the August 2021 financial update prepared by ICON.
On the Balance Sheet, it was noted that the State had overpaid the deferral amount, which will result in reduced revenue of $2M for 2021-22.
On the Profit & loss (Summary) page, Mr. Wood stated that there is a negative net income number because ECR receives lower LCFF revenue in July and August (5% per month), and the remaining 90% of the revenue is received over the next 10 months.
Mr. Wood went over the Department Budgets report, and noted that this is the first year ECR is creating a budget by department.
Ms. Malconian stated that the Finance Committee is working on the Investment Policy Statement (IPS), and if anyone had any input regarding the investments or the IPS, they should contact her.
Mr. Wright asked why enrollment numbers are down. Mr. Hussey replied that we are about 20 students less as compared to last year (which was all virtual). However, the enrollment numbers are down because: the numbers do not include international students; some families did not want their children to be tested every week; and some families have moved out of the area.
IV. School Business
A.
Discuss and Vote on Mandatory COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Policy
Mr. Hussey shared information regarding LAUSD's Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for employees working at an LAUSD-owned school site. Because we lease the ECR campus from LAUSD, this Policy applies to us. The Policy has a deadline of October 15, 2021. Ms. Lopez-Vargas asked if the ECR Board needed to formally adopt the policy if we are required to follow it anyway. Mr. Hussey stated that he feels it's important that the Board adopt the policy to show LAUSD that ECR has adopted the policy. Mr. Wright asked how teachers feel about the mandate; Mr. Hussey replied that there is a wide range of responses, from those who are in favor to those who believe it is a violation of their rights, with many being somewhere in between. Ms. Lopez-Vargas asked if we knew how many of the staff have already been vaccinated; Dr. Lowry noted that we are still working with staff members who have not yet provided evidence of vaccination, though he did not have the numbers readily available.
Danielle Malconian made a motion to adopt the LAUSD Mandatory COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Policy.
Daniela Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
No
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
B.
Discuss ESSER Funding
Mr. Hussey provided an overview of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III funding plan. We've reached out to the parent groups to get their feedback, and School Site Council has also been working on this. The funds must be spent within three years, by end of school year 2024.
The Board went into closed session at 5:37 p.m.
V. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated Litigation
Closed session occurred.
John Perez left.
B.
Public Employee Discipline / Dismissal / Release
Closed session occurred.
C.
Conference with Labor Negotiators
Closed session occurred.
VI. Reconvene to Open Session
A.
Report on Actions Taken in Closed Session, If Any
The Board reconvened to open session at 6:57 p.m.
There was nothing to report from the Closed Session.
VII. Governance
A.
Discuss and Vote on Finance and Investment Committee
Mr. Silverstein's resignation from the Finance and Investment Committee shortly after the August Board meeting left a vacancy for chair of the Committee. Ms. Malconian volunteered to serve as chair.
Linda Ibach made a motion to appoint Danielle Malconian as the chair of the Finance and Investment Committee.
Daniela Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Steven Kofahl made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:02 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emilie Larew