El Camino Real Charter High School
Minutes
Special Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday September 29, 2021 at 4:30 PM
Location
VIRTUAL BOARD MEETING - Please see below
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
For 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/1170409654993060880, webinar ID 947-144-947. 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). You do not need to provide your name when you register.
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 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/1170409654993060880, webinar ID 947-144-947. 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). You do not need to provide your name when you register.
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), Linda Ibach (remote), Steven Kofahl (remote)
Directors Absent
John Perez
Guests Present
David Hussey (remote), Gregory Wood (remote), Kurt Lowry (remote)
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 Wednesday Sep 29, 2021 at 4:30 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
Executive Director Hussey lead the Meeting members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
D.
Public Comments
Dr. Lowry reported out that the only public comment or request he had received had been an email from Board member Perez that Dr. Lowry in which Board member Perez informed Dr. Lowry that Board member Perez would be unable to attend the September 29th special Board meeting and that he would like to make a motion to convene a regular board meeting.
Upon Dr. Lowry's communicating Board member Perez's comment and request, Board Chair Wright acknowledged Mr. Perez's comment and request and noted that he (Board Chair Wright) would make contact with Board member Perez to obtain specific information ahead of ECRA's Regular October Board Meeting.
Upon Dr. Lowry's communicating Board member Perez's comment and request, Board Chair Wright acknowledged Mr. Perez's comment and request and noted that he (Board Chair Wright) would make contact with Board member Perez to obtain specific information ahead of ECRA's Regular October Board Meeting.
II. School Business
A.
Discussion Regarding Board Openings
Dr. Lowry explained:
The Board previously had nine (9) Board Members. It is currently at (6) members. It is always wise to have an odd number of Board members. Based on provisions in the ECRA Bylaws, the Board may consider reducing the number of Board Members to (7). This would be accomplished by filling one open Community Representative position, which bring the total number of members up to seven (7).
For this community representative position, it is recommended to accept applications through October 30th. The Board's Nominating Committee will vet the candidates and make a recommendation regarding their recommended candidate to the full Board on or before November 11th. The Board will then vote on the position at the regular Board meeting on Novemeber 18th.
These timelines meet all requirements in the ECRA Bylaws.
The Board previously had nine (9) Board Members. It is currently at (6) members. It is always wise to have an odd number of Board members. Based on provisions in the ECRA Bylaws, the Board may consider reducing the number of Board Members to (7). This would be accomplished by filling one open Community Representative position, which bring the total number of members up to seven (7).
For this community representative position, it is recommended to accept applications through October 30th. The Board's Nominating Committee will vet the candidates and make a recommendation regarding their recommended candidate to the full Board on or before November 11th. The Board will then vote on the position at the regular Board meeting on Novemeber 18th.
These timelines meet all requirements in the ECRA Bylaws.
Brad Wright made a motion to establish a nominating committee to fill this (Community Representative) position and to establish that the Nominating Committee should include two (2) Board members.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
Board Member/Chair Wright noted that an application window period would be made available to the Community for approximately thirty (30) days.
Dr. Lowry facilitated a Roll Call Vote which ensued as follows:
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Dr. Lowry facilitated a Roll Call Vote which ensued as follows:
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
Brad Wright made a motion to nominate Board Member Ibach to the Nominating Committee.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
Brad Wright made a motion to nominate himself as a member of the Nominating Committee.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
B.
Discuss and Vote on Board Vice-Chair
Board Member/Chair Wright stated that the ECRA Board needs to fill the vacant position of Board Vice Chair and asked if anyone would like to self-nominate or nominate another Board Member for the position.
Brad Wright made a motion to nominate Board Member Ibach to the position of Board Vice Chair.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
Board Member/Chair Wright noted that if Board Member Ibach is nominated and elected, there would need to be nominations for Board Secretary to replace her (Mbr. Ibach).
Brad Wright made a motion to nominate Board Member Malconian for the position of Board Secretary.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
C.
Discuss Filling Committee Openings
Board Member/Chair Wright noted that the Board needs to fill open committee positions and that given the Board's current number of six (6) Board members, each committee needs to be limited to two (2) members.
Additionally, Board Member/Chair Wright noted that at the Special Board meeting last week the Board had updated the Finance and Investment Committee such that Danielle Malconian is the new Chair and Daniela Lopez-Vargas is the other Committee member.
Dr. Lowry was asked to review the other committee openings and needs, which he did, as follows:
"The Travel Committee is now just Mr. Kofahl, so we need another committee member and we also need for one of them to be the committee chair. This committee does have some time sensitive business and does need to be filled."
Additionally, Board Member/Chair Wright noted that at the Special Board meeting last week the Board had updated the Finance and Investment Committee such that Danielle Malconian is the new Chair and Daniela Lopez-Vargas is the other Committee member.
Dr. Lowry was asked to review the other committee openings and needs, which he did, as follows:
"The Travel Committee is now just Mr. Kofahl, so we need another committee member and we also need for one of them to be the committee chair. This committee does have some time sensitive business and does need to be filled."
Brad Wright made a motion to self-nominate as a member of the Travel Committee.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
Brad Wright made a motion to nominate Board Member Kofahl as Chair of Travel Committee.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
Dr. Lowry continued:
The Technology Committee is now (comprised of) just Ms. Lopez-Vargas. It either needs another member and a committee Chair or else it needs to be discontinued at this time.
The Technology Committee is now (comprised of) just Ms. Lopez-Vargas. It either needs another member and a committee Chair or else it needs to be discontinued at this time.
Brad Wright made a motion to discontinue the Technology Committee at this time.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
Dr. Lowry continued:
The Capitalization Projects Committee is now just Mr. Wright and Ms. Malconian, and needs a Chair.
The Capitalization Projects Committee is now just Mr. Wright and Ms. Malconian, and needs a Chair.
Brad Wright made a motion to self-nominate for the position of Chair of the Capitalization Projects Committee.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
Board Member/Chair Wright noted that the Board still needed to discuss and vote on whether the Board wants to reduce the number of Board Members to seven (7) from its previous number of nine (9).
Executive Director Hussey confirmed the need to vote on this item as it had not been officially voted on during the School Business section of the Agenda.
Board Member Kofahl asked what was the reason that the Board had been increased to nine (9) members.
Executive Director Hussey explained that when Charter revocation had been considered some years ago, LAUSD had added an additional member and a community representative position, thus bringing the total up from seven (7) to nine (9) voting members at the time and to present date.
Executive Director Hussey confirmed the need to vote on this item as it had not been officially voted on during the School Business section of the Agenda.
Board Member Kofahl asked what was the reason that the Board had been increased to nine (9) members.
Executive Director Hussey explained that when Charter revocation had been considered some years ago, LAUSD had added an additional member and a community representative position, thus bringing the total up from seven (7) to nine (9) voting members at the time and to present date.
Brad Wright made a motion to reduce the number of Board Members from nine (9) to seven (7).
Linda Ibach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
III. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Steven Kofahl made a motion to Adjourn the meeting.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
Ayes and Nays not recorded in favor of a Roll Call vote.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
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 4:53 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kurt Lowry