El Camino Real Charter High School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday October 28, 2021 at 4:30 PM
Location
Virtual Board Meeting
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
The meeting of the Board of Directors will take place via a virtual/teleconferencing environment based on the following:
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
The meeting of the Board of Directors will take place via a virtual/teleconferencing environment based on the following:
1. California Assembly Bill 361, signed into law on September 16, 2021;
2. Governor Newsom's State of Emergency Declaration issued on March 4, 2020; and
3. County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health's recommendation that social distancing be maintained in schools.
To join the virtual Board meeting, please register through GoToWebinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3094351594549213710
Webinar ID 778-696-715. 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.
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), Steven Kofahl (remote)
Directors Absent
Linda Ibach
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 Thursday Oct 28, 2021 at 4:31 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
Board Member Perez arrived shortly after Initial Roll Call to make 5 Board Members present.
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
Board Member Malconian led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D.
Public Comments
Brian Archibald - Former Boardmember - Spoke in favor of a teacher raise, citing challenges teachers have endured and asks Board to honor words of '21 ECRCHS Charter Renewal App.
Amy Carter - Teacher. Spoke in favor of a teacher raise, citing high costs of childcare, rent in the area, and increased medical co-pays. Beth Corbett - Teacher. Spoke in favor of a teacher raise, citing low teacher morale at ECRCHS. Bruce Newborn - Teacher at Hale MS and former ECR Parent. Spoke in favor of a teacher raise and fair contract. Cited relatively short time for LAUSD and UTLA to come to terms. Carlos Monroy - Teacher. Spoke in favor of teacher raise and fair contract. Cited Birmingham CHS is represented by the same law firm as is ECRCHS and is also at “impasse." Claudia V. - Parent. Spoke against mandated vaccines and asked for ECRA board to allow parents to decide. Reasons: 1. Still in clinical trial; 2. kids have high survival rate; 3. Vaccination does not prevent infection or transmission. Ms. Rice - Parent - Spoke against mandated vaccines. Healthy boys had high hospitalization rates due to heart inflammation due to COVID-19 vaccine. Claudia V. - Parent. Continued her comments. Pharmaceutical companies have received immunity. Asks who will take responsibility when children have side effects from vaccine? Eleanor Green - Teacher. Spoke in favor of teacher raise. Cites Cost of living and salary prevent her from buying a house and having children. H. Maury - Teacher. Spoke in favor of teacher raise. Cites mental health and stress concerns. Cited unfair teacher evaluation process, healthcare, and PPO. Says she doesn’t feel safe. Ms. Markusfeld - Parent. Spoke against COVID vaccine for children. Asks ECRA Board not to punish the children. COVID-19 risk is low for children. Kids should not be guinea pigs. Patricia Estrin - Teacher. Spoke in favor of a teacher pay raise. Cites dearth of teachers in LA due to cost of living. If teachers are not paid what they are worth, LA will not be able to find qualified teachers. Healthcare is a big factor. People are paying too much for PPO. Patrick Eck - Parent. Spoke in favor of a teacher pay raise. Teachers are heroes. The tension is sad. Teachers should strike, ideally, until the federal government pays teachers more. Peruz Pirumyan - Parent. Spoke against vaccine mandate. Cited immune system strength in most children and it is not right to mandate the vaccine. Reports from medical staff indicate that COVID is just another form of pneumonia. Ms. Ramirez - Parent. Spoke against vaccine mandate. What is the goal of a mandate and do the data support the mandate. Cited data that indicate that children are not at high risk of contracting covid. Cited risk of myocarditis to otherwise health children. Ms. Karpman - Parent. Spoke against vaccine mandate. FDA has not followed science. Cited Doctor who argued that only immune compromised should get the vaccine, but don’t play God by imposing an illegal vaccine. Board members will have blood on their hands if they mandate this vaccine. Sam Spencer - Teacher. Spoke in favor of teacher raise. Cited own and family health concerns. Change in healthcare benefits have placed an additional burden on me and other teachers. Also spoke against ECRA’s proposed teacher evaluation system. Shuli Levav - Parent. Spoke against the COVID vaccine for children. Online learning was hard, so it is good to be back at school. It’s working. I don’t think our kids should be made to get the vaccine. It should be a choice. Test every week as we’ve been doing for the past three months. Stacy Moseley - Parent. Spoke in favor of vaccine mandates. Trust the science that has worked. Kids can get the vaccine as have been proven. Let’s be smart about this. Listen to the science. Susan Niven - Teacher. Spoke against teacher evaluation. As a special education teacher, I feel that there is an imbalance between who is heard and who is not heard. I don’t completely trust what is in there for teacher evaluations. We teachers need to be respected and I don’t feel safe.
Vanessa Cox - Parent. I am against COVID vaccine mandates. Parents don’t feel safe speaking out against the vaccine mandate. My son was so happy to be able to play sports last year. He might lose that this year if he is made to go home due to not being vaccinated. The students who spread COVID were vaccinated. Yasmine Pomeroy - Teacher. Spoke in favor of teacher pay raise due to cost of living and rent increases. Teachers cannot afford to live here. Meanwhile, the ECRA Board approved an increase in pay for executive director. We are also paying more for healthcare. Cited her own physical problems due to a car accident and burden on healthcare. Provide us a fair contract and what about teachers’ health?
B. Ozeri - Parent. I am opposed to the COVID vaccine. We have to remember that this is our children’s bodies. The media has oversimplified the complex subject. These children are not at-risk. Technical difficulties… 1st Mr. Wright motioned to add an additional 30 minutes to the Public Comments. 2nd By Ms. Malconian; Roll Call Vote: Ibach - N/A; Lopez Vargas - Yes; Kofahl - Yes; Malconian - Yes; Perez - Yes; Wright - Yes; The motion passes to add 30 more minutes to Public Comments - 5-0. Tom Farley - Father. 1990 Alum. Served in USMC to protect freedoms. I 100% support the parents right to choose. Our freedoms do not end where others’ feelings of safety begin. Claudia V. - Parent. I have an athlete who would be devastated if she is not able to play and be at school, which is something that she loves, just because of this vaccine mandate. Dr.. Lowry now reads comments: Janelle Bailey - As a parent is is my legal right to speak on behalf of my children. I am a nurse. CDC notes that children have high immunity. ELCO has low transmission rates. I am requesting to not mandate any child and to allow medical and religious exemptions. Anonymous - Parent. Strong concerns against required COVID vaccines. Other vaccines have been in place for many years with testing. COVID has been in place for 12-18 months. Flu shot is temporary and is not mandatory. Long-term effects and myocarditis are concerns. Current wearing of masks and people who have vaccinated are helping. Nagui P - Parent. Data report cited adverse reactions to vaccine (Pfizer), which are shocking and all in association with COVID vaccine. Science Direct article questioned the need for the vaccines in children. Trials short. Don’t address long-term effects. Asked Board to reject the vaccine mandate. Will withdraw students from this school. Anonymous - Parent. Strongly against COVID 19 vaccine mandate for children. Short term. Children and parents must be allowed to choose. Current masks and testing are in place. Albert Vazquez - Teacher. Spoke in favor of Teacher raise. I trust union and admin. Turnover and performance evaluations. Cited experiences at Locke HS. Teacher burnout is high. A rushed evaluation system is detrimental to us all. I am worried about losing colleagues. Anonymous - The teacher evaluation process has worked well, however if the new system is implemented, we don’t know if it is fair and teacher need to know what they are going to be evaluated on. Cost of living increases and we are losing ability to pay bills. Cited shortage of substitutes and lack of respect. Anonymous - The tension is rising and it is harder to focus on teaching. Off schedule bonuses are not raises. Please also respect privacy and confidentiality. Mr. Wood allegedly has not been forthcoming with healthcare switch and PPP loan finances. Jordan Beraz - Former Student. Teachers have been disrespected by administration and board. Educators do much for students and deserve to be treated with respect. Provide them with a fair contract. Anonymous - Asked what is status of the PPP loan? There is money to improve teacher’s compensation package. Vita Roth - My family depends on my salary and benefits. Low teacher morale, support, and high costs are impacting us. We are losing teachers. ECRA doesn’t understand this reality. I am extremely concerned about the new teacher evaluation process. Anonymous - ROTC allegations of hazing; punishment of all students for the infractions of one or more. Cited specific instances of alleged dehumanizing. Mr. Hussey - This is the first I’m hearing of this so I will take care of this tomorrow. Tony Beraz - Parent - Shocked to hear of the tension between the teachers and students. Teachers are not being valued, but they have the most important job at the school. Without the teachers we would not have anyone to administer. They are worth more than they are being paid. Brad Wright - We have another board meeting in November. I invite you to comment then if you have more to say. At this time we need to move on with the rest of our agenda. Thank you.
E.
AB 361 Vote on Virtual Board Meetings
Danielle Malconian made a motion to vote to continue having Board Meetings virtually as outlined in Assembly Bill 361.
Daniela Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
F.
UTLA Update
ECRCHS Teacher Kyna Collins, UTLA Co-Chapter Chair, provided the following update:
Negotiations have come to a halt. Educators working without a contract for almost four months.
We have major outstanding articles, including compensation, benefits, and evaluations, and with it staff morale is suffering. You heard it tonight. You've read it in emails. Despite efforts to make it sound like UTLA has flatly refused a contract, our educators remain united. So let me be clear: the scare tactics by administration will not work. We've communicated with our members and we have a 92% approval for our bargaining team to meet ECRA at impasse. There are inconsistencies regarding funds available for capital projects, so which is it? Challenges Mr. Hussey's claim that UTLA did not want to negotiate during the Summer. We met on June 16 and 21. We are interested in hearing the financial update tonight, cited School Services COLA projections for the next three years. Notes PPP Loan amount is $3.8-plus million and where did this PPP money go? Is it being used for capital projects? 609,748 for capital projects. We see 92+% increase in textbooks and an increase in federal funds. We keep getting mixed messages. We need to respect our teachers. Implementing an evaluation system this year with high stakes is not appropriate. We're still in a pandemic and especially when our administration has not been trained. On the last day of bargaining, I was handed a stack of papers with over 600 pages in it. We're supposed to agree to that? Turnover is a problem. Just this year, we have over twenty new educators. Why is that? We support the Metro Fare and we hope the Board approves it. Regarding the Employee Handbook, we hope Section 4F includes a process for employee input. As teachers, we employee a two-way communication. It is our working conditions. Our employer should do the same. We thank our teacher representatives, Ms. Ibach, and Mr. Kofahl. We know you hear us loud and clear. Again, we have a 92% approval from our members for our bargaining team to go to impasse. I want to conclude today by thanking the UTLA bargaining team for their tireless efforts because we all volunteer our time.
G.
Executive Director Update
I would like to thank our Student Council for their amazing homecoming week. Students here have done a fabulous job. Student Council members have done a great job with Spirit Week, football game festivities, and we had over 1000 students attend the homecoming dance, where they had to get tested three days before. The positive energy and pride has transferred over into the daily workings of the school amongst our students.
The Girls volleyball won their volleyball playoff game and the student body support helped with the win over rival Taft HS.
In other school business, the lottery for the 22-23 school begins November 1st and goes to January 14th, with selection being held on January 20th. This year we had a wait list and we are beginning to call off of that wait list and students can begin at the beginning of the next semester for a smoother transition.
One parent mentioned COVID testing. We have processed over 16000 tests since the last board meeting and we have about 3-4 about cases per week. Nurse Peggy does a fabulous job of contact tracing and our custodial staff does a great job of cleaning on a daily basis.
Some Facilities Update: Waiting on final installation on piping to have a temporary heating system reading. I had a phone call with FSD on the various projects and requested blueprints for our campus to help facilitate capital projects.
As many people mentioned negotiations: I support our staff and all they do to support our students. I am confident we will reach an agreement.
Next, and finally, some community outreach and collaboration: Stated we've been working with community stakeholders and officer holders to create an acceptable solution to the unhouse and homeless solution on Valley Circle. We've experienced many accidents and have placed no U-turn signs to prioritize safety, another effort by the people mentioned.
Finally, we got the City to come out to do the tree trimming done on Valley Circle. Board Member Wright, Officer Miranda, and City Council Member Bob Blumenfield were able to get this done. We will work tirelessly with all of these members to keep the area around El Camino Safe and clearn, as well as the campus itself.
H.
Chief Business Officer Update
Mr. Wood reviewed Cafeteria Financial Summary - Students are provided a free breakfast and lunch every day. Will start a reinvestment program. Our numbers continue to go up and I am hopeful in our ability to increase profitability. Our numbers are at 1179 students who qualify for free and reduced price and it impacts our supplemental funding.
We opened up our faculty cafeteria and the staff cafeteria opened this past Monday. Looking forward to this continuing to provide food.
Paycheck Protection Program - We applied for forgiveness and the loan amount of $3.8+ million will show up as federal revenue in October and forward. We were supporting salaries during the 26 week period. The is the PPP Status.
Enrollment and ADA - Large majority of funding is based on ADA. Our enrollment is down. Our ADA, students who show up, is up above 95%. Based on first two months of attendance, we will seek out additional enrollment. We'll continue to monitor loss of 77 students and budget impact and projections. Money projected to go down as of now.
Monthly Report Investment Account - Typo on end of sept. balance; 30, 141, 555., not 301 million. Month of September, market had downturns which resulted in balance going down with about a 700K rebound.
Finance Committee Review by Beacon Pointe - They will continue to provide a range of tracking of our investment policy and updates. Beacon Pointe just started one account in July and August. 1st Quarter for ELCO and end of calendar year we will have a full report in February and the strategies used by our investment advisor.
Mr. Kofahl asked what does IPS stand for.
Mr. Wood Investment Policy Statement. They fill in what is the range and where we are within the policy range and subject to range, a rebalancing of funds might occur.
I.
Committee Updates
Ms. Malconian provided an update from the Finance and Investment Committee -
We met and discussed everything that Mr. Wood just discussed. We also planned our committee dates. We will not meet again until January, due to early board meetings. We will also have our investment policy statement updated at the next committee meeting and posted.
J.
Board Chair Report
Board President Wright stated: The next item on the Agenda is a new item, if any board member would like to say anything or make a recommendation or commendation. Go ahead if you'd like to say anything positive.
Mr. Wright noted that he saw incredible work by one of the ECR Teacher, Ms. Gregorio, whose kids were engaged in science experiments. I wanted to shout out to our teachers in Alt. Ed. and what you've gone through.
Ms. Malconian thanked all of those who spoke during public comments and noted that the board wants to continue to hear from you and cares about their views and reminds all that board members have accessible emails and an open door policy. Noted the Board takes seriously its responsibility to serve all.
II. Consent
A.
Approve Minutes of September 8, 2021 Special Board Meeting
Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board Meeting - Board Training on 09-08-21.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
B.
Approve Minutes of September 21, 2021 Special Board Meeting
Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board Meeting on 09-21-21.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Minutes of September 23, 2021 Regular Board Meeting
Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board Meeting on 09-23-21.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Minutes of September 29, 2021 Special Board Meeting
D. Lopez Vargas - Re-word Section 1D Public Comment first sentence for clarification.
Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board Meeting on 09-29-21.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
E.
Approve Minutes of October 6, 2021 Special Board Meeting
Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board Meeting on 10-06-21.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
F.
Review and Vote on September 2021 Check Registers
Danielle Malconian made a motion to Vote to accept 2021 Check Registers.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
G.
Review and Vote on September 2021 Credit Card Charges
Danielle Malconian made a motion to Danielle Malconian made a motion to Vote to accept 2021 Credit Card Charges.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
III. Financial
A.
September 2021 Financial Update
Mr. Wood Reviewed the September 2021 Financial Update, including:
Balance Sheet, net assets, $17 million a desire to identify some of these amounts for a designated reserve deferred maintenance, capital projects, save for rainy day for capital projects.
Cash Flow and Cash analysis showing our cash balanced and where they are projected to be.
Profit and Loss Summary; Left column is adopted budget. When people see capital outlay represents depreciation in the financial world based on the assets and the length of time of those assets.
Year to Date Income: 3.6 million at this time.
We are now entering months of thorough review of our finances and reproject and review an updated budget projection during December Board meeting.
Profit Loss - Larger line items. Books and Supplies 92% increase occurred at the beginning of the year.
Budget Comparison - September vs. adopted budget columns. 209% increase in fed. revenue that includes the PPP forgiveness.
We're about 25% through the year budgetarily. We're within the threshold of our spending with the exception of textbooks and supplies. and that amount should be frontloaded at the beginning of the year.
Department Budgets slide: First year effort to itemize department spending. We will involved teachers in a more thorough process, as this is a step in the right direction during our first year of this.
Mr. Kofahl asked about the math department and if there is an IOU against the math department for next year.
Mr. Wood replied in the negative. Enrollment patterns and needing of textbooks in certain areas explains why math spent more based on their needs.
Ms. Malconian added that this item had been discussed during the Finance and Investment Committee and Mr. Hussey had shared the needs of the math department for textbooks.
Mr. Hussey added that the purpose of this department accounting is to see where the money is being spent or where it is going to be spent. We had to purchase math analysis books that were more than what was budgeted. We can show all of the stakeholders where all of the money is being spent.
Other matters slide - We will be reporting 1st interim budget at December Board Meeting. December 15 is the date we expected to finalize our audit report.
Remaining slides Mr. Wood reviewed slides that contain all accounts and balances.
IV. School Business
A.
Discuss and Vote on LCAP Updates Requested by CSD
Danielle Malconian made a motion to update the LCAP as requested by CSD.
Daniela Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
Mr. Hussey stated that CSD wanted to see some items listed, data points, input into the LCAP. The major LCAP remains unchanged from when it had been previously discussed and approved.
Ms. Clark provided an update on the LCAP, specifically, to submit the highlighted areas that have been adjusted, including Goals language, measuring and reporting results. The LCAP is a living document that will undergo additional adjustments.
Goal 1 is all - related to SBAC. Students will demonstrate academic growth in ELA, Math, and Science. All student achievement.
Under each goal are action steps, then expenditures to support each.
Goal 2 - formerly goal 1; added language to the existing goal; reviewed measurable outcomes, maintain credentialed teachers. Reviewed funding associated with it and descriptions.
Goal 3 - Freshman academic classes rather than elective based schedules.
Goal 4 - No changes there.
Goal 5 - added an action step for unduplicated students' parents on campus and strategies for getting parents more involved in their students' education.
Action steps are also added in this section. Reviewed suspension, chronic absenteeism, etc. Highlighted descriptions related to restorative justice.
Goal 6 - We included the FIT report and we want to maintain our high rating.
The highlights on action 3; we changed language based on wellness center goings on and we changed some dollar amounts.
Otherwise, Mr. Wood balanced the expenditure plan based on these changes.
Mr. Kofahl, asked on what page we were on in the packet.
Dr. Lowry noted page 212 of 439.
Ms. Malconian made a motion to update the LCAP as requested by CSD.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
B.
Discuss and Vote on ESSER III Funding
Daniela Lopez-Vargas made a motion to Vote on ESSER III Funding.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
Ms. Clark provided an update on the ESSER III Plan, including:
September 30, 2024, is the deadline by which we need to spend the funds.
These are COVID relief funds. We have to update ESSER every six months. The plan is a living document and we can always make changes along the way. We have some minor changes, including learning loss, enrichments, after-school programs, technology, etc.
The total amount of funding we received is $2,025,712.00.
It's broken down into three categories:
1. Strategies for continuous and safe in-person learning.
action steps
2. Addressing Lost Instructional Time
action steps
3. Use of any remaining funds.
action steps; parents asked us for funds and as long as spending plan is clearly defined within the scope. We're going to give each of three parent groups $25K in each of the next three years. Money can be carried over.
Mr. Wright asked if the money provided can be carried over to the next year or used in the final year three, and Ms. Clark stated "yes."
Mr. Wright asked what happens if the money or part of it is not spent, and Mr. Hussey stated, "We lose it."
Mr. Wright asked if we can be used for teacher bonuses, and Ms. Clark noted that "No, the money cannot be used for gifts and bonuses, but it can be used to purchase a position."
Mr. Hussey added: This is to hopefully combat COVID learning loss and we hope that the money is used each year.
Mr. Wright asked if we had money somewhere for teacher raises, and Dr. Lowry noted that the funds are categorical and Ms. Clark continued that there are very specific things on which these funds can be spent. Positions are okay, but these funds are not for teacher bonuses.
Ms. Malconian asked about reallocation. Mr. Wood noted that if something was needed, some of these to funds can be reallocated.
Ms. Malconian suggested that parents' efforts might result in reallocation.
Ms. Clark noted that ECR will hold the funds and the spending will be tracked through purchase orders, so we will be able to track the money.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas asked if the plans need to be updated every six months and asked if that would require a vote or just an update. Ms. Clark replied that it is not required to have a board vote but it is good practice to update the board.
Ms. Lopez asked for a clarification on the way the money appears to be allocated. For example, $75,000/3 yrs. could be misinterpreted as the parent group will receive $75,000 during each year for three years. Ms. Clark noted the change. Mr. Hussey asked to clarify and correct the language.
Ms. Malconian asked that the 225,000 for three years be written to clarify that that amount is the total amount over the three year period for all parent groups and that amount isn't provided each year over three years.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
C.
Discuss and Vote on Metro Fareless System Initiative
Danielle Malconian made a motion to vote to increase participation in the Metro Fareless System Initiative for 2 years at a total cost of $22K.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
Mr. Hussey introduced the Metro Fareless System Initiative and introduced Ms. Bero to introduce the Initiative.
Ms. Bero provided an overview of the MFIS document and noted that it increases access to free transportation for our students with a significantly reduced budget.
New two-year pilot program. Do plan to expand if successful. Cover the cost of tap cards for all services. Cost is $3 per student and equals free transportation through 2023 academic year.
New program cost is $22K for all students per year. We will save over $30K per year with this system if we do this.
Mr. Wright noted that he took a ride on the metro and he believes it is a great asset.
Mr. Wright asked for a motion to vote on the this.
Ms. Malconian motioned. Mr. Kofahl seconded.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
D.
Possible Employee(s) Request(s) for Board to Hear Statement of Charges that Cause Exists Supporting Dismissal/Termination from Employment
Mr. Wright asked if this is an open or closed session item.
Dr. Lowry noted that no request to have charges heard during Open Session had been received by any affected employee(s), thus making the item an item for closed session only.
Mr. Wright asked how were employees notified. Dr. Lowry noted that employee(s) notified via email and certified mail.
The item will be discussed and voted on during closed session.
E.
Discuss LAUSD's Mandated Vaccinations for Students
Mr. Wright deferred to Dr. Lowry to discuss our adherence to the LAUSD's Vaccine policy for students and employees/vendors.
Dr. Lowry showed the website briefly.
Ms. Malconian asked Dr. Lowry if we are following the Staff mandated vaccine policy because we are on LAUSD property and if the student vaccine recommendation is a different issue.
Dr. Lowry replied "yes," and Mr. Hussey added that student vaccines were not included in the LAUSD policy that had been approved.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas asked if the LAUSD is requiring vaccinations for students aged 12 and older even though Pfizer is still under emergency use authorization for 12 to 15?
According to Mr. Hussey, the students have to be vaccinated by January, 2022, or the first day of the second semester.
Mr. Wright noted he wanted to discuss emergency use versus approval. How do you define emergency.
Mr. Hussey replied that it is whatever the CDC defines as an emergency.
Mr. Perez noted that the CDC has given final approval to Pfizer and will give to Moderna in the coming weeks. All students are going to have to be vaccinated.
Ms. Malconian stated that it is her opinion that we wait for a mandate before we require vaccinations for the students.
Mr. Perez stated that he doesn't believe that someone has right to infect another person with a fatal disease and we would be shirking our responsibility if we don't protect our students and staff. CDC notes that COVID is the 8th highest leading cause of death for children ages 5-11. Cited Statistics and an LA Times Article wherein roughly 14% of US population has contracted COVID and roughly 1.6% of those infected have died. We made a decision at the last board meeting to protect our staff and to not protect our high school students would be incredulous to me.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas asked if we have any data on how many of our students are vaccinated. Mr. Hussey replied that we don't at this time. Over 1000 students have submitted their vaccine record, without soliciting this information.
Mr. Wright noted that 33 students in Valencia/Santa Clarita and asked Mr. Perez if he had knowledge regarding this. Mr. Perez noted that no vaccine is 100% safe. Cited the Salk Vaccine (Polio) in the 1950s as an example.
Ms. Malconian and Mr. Wright stated that they agree with Mr. Perez regarding the vaccines.
Ms. Malconian asked Mr. Hussey if he's heard from student voices and Mr. Hussey replied that he said he had heard from a few students who were leery of the vaccine.
Mr. Wright noted that our students need a voice in this. What I'm going to propose at some point is to survey the students.
Mr. Perez noted that we don't ask the opinion of the students about smallpox, measles, rubella, others. We don't ask firefighters. Why are we drawing a line for this vaccine? This is a political issue. I feel like putting a sign on my house. You don't have a right infect someone else.
Ms. Malconian noted that she thinks it is okay to ask our students how they feel about the vaccine, unless Gov. Newsom makes the decision for us.
Mr. Perez noted that there is more generational living in my community and students can bring home this disease to other family members. At some point, he said, the adults need to make the decision, even if we ask the students how they feel.
Ms. Malconian noted that Ms. Clark had corroborated Mr. Hussey's comments about any students who've discussed their views are mostly those few who fear the vaccine.
Mr. Wright noted that Mr. Perez's point about kids infecting generational homes as a good point.
Mr. Perez asked when we are going to vote on this matter. Mr. Wright noted that this is for the Board to decide and asked Mr. Hussey for input. Mr. Hussey, noted that this is new and tough decision.
Mr. Wright noted that maybe we make this decision in January.
Mr. Perez noted that Birmingham has already passed a student vaccine mandate.
Mr. Wright asked if someone would like to make a motion to place a vote on the student vaccine policy.
Mr. Perez made a motion to place student COVID vaccines on the November Board meeting agenda.
Mr. Wright seconded the motion.
Mr. Hussey noted that no motion is needed at this time for this and that the item can placed on the Nov. Board Agenda.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas asked why the item was placed as a voting item on tonight's agenda. Mr. Hussey replied that it was probably a mistake as it was a discussion item. Parents and board needed time and parents and students had time.
Mr. Wright stated that he expected a full board meeting at the next meeting to discuss and vote.
F.
Discuss and Vote on Revised ECR Employee Handbook for 2021-2022
Steven Kofahl made a motion to Vote to approve revisions to the ECR Employee Handbook for 2021-2022.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
Mr. Hussey introduced Dr. Lowry who reviewed minor updates in green.
Dr. Lowry scrolled through and reviewed all changes to the Employee Handbook regarding language related to sex stereotypes, and FMLA/CFRA leaves of absence, etc.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
G.
Discuss and Vote on Revised ECR Parent/Student Handbook for 2021-2022.
Mr. Hussey noted that we're going to have to continue this item to the next board meeting, unfortunately.
H.
Discuss and Vote on Revised School Safety Plan for 2021-2022.
Steven Kofahl made a motion to Vote to approve the Revised School Safety Plan for 2021-2022.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
Mr. Hussey reviewed the Comprehensive Safety Plan. COVID language is mostly what has been updated and extended thanks to Ms. Malconian for catching that Mr. Chang's name was listed on page 31 and will be changed to Dr. Lowry's name.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Absent
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
Mr. Wright noted that the Board is going into closed session at 8:13 p.m.
Mr. Perez recused himself from the Closed Session.
V. Reconvene to Open Session
A.
Report on Actions Taken in Closed Session, If Any
Reconvened in Open Session at 9:45 p.m.
Board Member Perez, who had recused himself from the Closed Session, did not return when the Board reconvened in Open Session at 9:45 p.m.
Brad Wright reported out that the Board discussed and voted 4-0 to terminate one certificated employee for cause effective November 1st, 2021.
Nothing else voted on or reported out.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Steven Kofahl made a motion to vote to adjourn meeting.
Daniela Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
9:48 p.m. meeting was adjourned by a 4-0 vote.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:48 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kurt Lowry