El Camino Real Charter High School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday November 18, 2021 at 5:00 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:
Webinar ID: 144-715-331
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 prior to the board meeting and it will be read on the record.
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 prior to the board meeting and it will be read on the record.
Please note: Please make every effort to submit any written comment at least one (1) hour prior the start of the board meeting. Your name will be read on the record along with your comment. If you do not wish to have your name read, please indicate so on your email.
In order to conduct an orderly meeting, all members of the public will be placed on mute during the Board meeting, except when making a public comment. Please also note that those who elect to participate in the meeting through the call-in number will not have the option of being unmuted to speak during the public comments portion of 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.
In order to conduct an orderly meeting, all members of the public will be placed on mute during the Board meeting, except when making a public comment. Please also note that those who elect to participate in the meeting through the call-in number will not have the option of being unmuted to speak during the public comments portion of 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 arrived after the meeting opened
John Perez
Directors who left before the meeting adjourned
Brad Wright, John Perez
Guests Present
Alexandra Ramirez (remote), 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 Nov 18, 2021 at 5:01 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
John Perez arrived.
NOTE: At the time of Roll Call, Ms. Alexandra Ramirez had been an invited guest as she was a finalist for the then vacant Community Representative Board position.
Immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance, Item I. had been moved up on the Board Agenda to be addressed.
Accordingly, Ms. Ramirez's recommended selection by the selection committee had been voted on and approved by the full board, and she thus assumed her position as a voting member of the ECRA Board immediately after the vote and just prior to Public Comments. See below.
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
Executive Director Hussey led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D.
Public Comments
Parent Alpa Patel - Spoke in favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Student Aram D. - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Claudia V. - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Jang Kim - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Jason Wang - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Leeron Ozeri - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Teacher Lisa Huffaker - Spoke in favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate and for a fair teacher contract.
Parent Margo Cocea - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Neta Markusfeld - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Patrick Eck - Spoke in Support of Teacher pay increase.
Parent Piruz Pirumyan - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate (Read Letter to Teachers from Holocaust Survivor)
Parent Rose Garcia - Spoke in support of teacher pay increase.
Student Ryan Kassarian - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Sara Cohen - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate ("Just continue what you're doing.")
Stacey Moseley - Spoke in favor of teacher pay increase and in favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Teri Landy - Spoke in favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Vanessa Cox - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Teacher Yasmine Pomeroy - Spoke in favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parent Tony Baraz - Supportive of teachers. For COVID Vaccine Mandate. Spoke in favor of teacher pay increase.
Student Kfeer - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate. Stated has had COVID twice. People should have choice.
Student Josh Rice - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate. I don't want my freedoms taken away.
Parent Harry Incs - Spoke against vaccination. Get rid of masks, too.
Parent Holly Allen - Healthcare industry worker. Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate. Parents should decide, not the government. This is not FDA approved.
Parent Christopher Stone - Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate. Cited adverse events in response to getting the vaccine.
Parent Frederick Babikyan - I'm vaccinated but the stress this is causing my kids is unbelievable. Spoke against COVID Vaccine Mandate. His family is considering moving out of State.
Alpa Patel - Pfizer vaccine is rebranded and has full FDA approval.
Dr. Lowry read the following emailed/received comments:
Teacher Glenn Short Statement - In favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate for students. Cited LA Times Article.
Parent Shlomit Ber - Opposed to LAUSD COVID Vaccine Mandate. Vote NO on vaccine mandate.
Parent R. Karpman - Opposed to COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Parents R. and H. Noradoukian - Opposed to COVID Vaccine Mandate.
Teacher Susan Niven - In Favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate. Supports parents' choices. Cited administrative and staff inconsistency in implementing COVID protocols.
Teacher Melissa Gregorio - In favor of COVID Vaccine Mandate and teacher pay increase. Cited numerous instances of anxiety and uncertainty.
Teacher Barbara Stanoff - In favor of teacher pay increase. We want pay that represents our worth.
Teacher Stacey Meltzer - In favor of teacher pay increase. Believes individuals should not have to pay composite rate for PPO.
Danielle Malconian made a motion to Limit the amount of time for each Public Comment from three (3) minutes to two (2) minutes to allow more people to speak.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
Newly installed Community Representative Board Member Alexandra Ramirez also cast an "Aye" vote on this matter.
The motion passed 6-0 with one (Perez) absent.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
E.
AB 361 Vote on Virtual Board Meetings
Daniela Lopez-Vargas made a motion to continue to convened Board Meetings in a virtual format as outlined in AB 361.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.
Newly installed Community Representative Board Member Alexandra Ramirez also cast an "Aye" vote on this matter.
This motion passed 7-0.
Note: Board Member Perez had joined the meeting by this time to cast his vote.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
F.
UTLA Update
UTLA Co-Chair Mr. Monroy provided the UTLA update:
1. We stand in solidarity with Birmingham Charter HS Teachers who have authorized a strike vote.
2. Educators don't feel valued.
3. We are working without a contract.
4. We have mobilized a "Red for Ed." week.
5. We are hopeful for a contract agreement. We continue Nov. 30th.
6. We thank our parents for supporting us.
7. To conclude: we're tired, taxed, drained.
G.
Executive Director Update
ECR Executive Director Mr. Hussey provided his Executive Director update:
1. Band Championship @ Downey HS
2. Football in Div. 2 Sem-Final @ ECR Friday at 4:15 p.m.
3. Cross Country Championship at LA Pierce College tomorrow.
4. Drama Teams have placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention recently.
5. Black Student Union (BSU) organized a food drive to support Canoga Park familes/organization.
6. Thanksgiving message - this time last year we were told to stay home. Have a nice Thanksgiving.
H.
Chief Business Officer Update
Mr. Wood provided his CBO Update:
1. Reviewed October 2021 Investment Update:
* OPEB Account up 7.5% for end of OCT.
* Over $30 Million in combined Investment Accounts.
2. Reviewed October 2021 Cafeteria Update:
* We are benefitting from increased breakfast and lunch participation.
* We served over 31,000 meals during October, 2021.
* Reinvesting some profits in supplies and some capital items.
3. Reviewed October 2021 Enrollment & ADA Update:
* We have had 56 days of instruction.
* We are funded on our ADA; enrollment down 100 students from last year.
* ADA% at approx. 93.9%; historical above 96%
* Through month 3 down $996,000 in LCFF funding reductions.
* 1st Interim Report will take current budget and update projections based on through OCT.
* December 15th audit report deadline is extended to January 31st, 2022.
I.
Vote to Install Community Representative Position
Steven Kofahl made a motion to Vote to install Ms. Alexandra Ramirez as the ECRA Board's Community Representative Member and afford her all rights, privileges, and responsibilities effective immediately, if the motion passes.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
This item had been listed on the Agenda as Item I., but was moved up on the Agenda by Board Chair Wright immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance and for the purpose of seating the new Community Representative Board Member position prior to Public Comments.
NOTE: At the time of Roll Call, Ms. Alexandra Ramirez had been an invited guest as she was a finalist for the then vacant Community Representative Board position. A short time later, Ms. Ramirez's recommended selection by the selection committee had been voted on and approved by the full board, and she thus assumed her position as a voting member of the ECRA Board immediately after the vote.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
J.
Committee Updates
Capitalization Projects Committee:
Mr. Wright shared that Ms. Malconian and he are looking forward to beautification of the ECR campus.
Finance and Investment Committee:
Mrs. Malconian shared that the committee did not have a meeting planned in November due to the short time between November and December meetings. She noted, too, that she had reviewed our Financial documents and invited staff to reach out if needed.
Community Representative Selection Committee:
As noted earlier in Item I., Ms. Alexandra Ramirez had been recommended for selection by the committee and approved by the full board to assume the position of Community Representative on the ECRA Board immediately after the vote.
K.
Board Chair Report
Mr. Wright invited board members to share.
Mr. Wright noted that he's visited many classrooms and shared his support for teachers and asked that parents do their job to ensure that their kids wear their masks at school and demonstrate respect for teachers. Asked that we all take care of each other. Also, commented on noting that the teachers have families and we all need to show appreciation to our teachers who are taking care of our kids.
II. Financial
A.
Approve Minutes of October 28, 2021 Regular Board Meeting
Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the minutes from October 28, 2021 Regular Board Meeting. Regular Board Meeting on 10-28-21.
Daniela Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
Mr. Wright noted that this item is normally considered a Consent Item and was listed under the Financial Section for this meeting.
Mrs. Ramirez, who had not been a board member during the October 28, Regular Board Meeting, voted to abstain.
The motion passed 5 ayes, 0 nays, with 2 abstentions.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Abstain
|
B.
Review and Vote on October 2021 Check Registers
Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the October 2021 Check Registers.
Daniela Lopez-Vargas seconded the motion.
Mr. Wood reviewed the October 2021 Check Registers.
Mrs. Ramirez cast her "Aye" vote, too.
The motion passed 7-0.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
C.
Review and Vote on October 2021 Credit Card Charges
Linda Ibach made a motion to approve the October 2021 Credit Card Charges.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
Mr. Wood reviewed the October 2021 Credit Card Charges.
Mrs. Ramirez cast her "Aye" vote, too.
The motion passed 7-0.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
D.
October 2021 Financial Update
Mr. Wood, CBO, provided the October 2021 Financial Update. Mr. John Arndt of Icon School Management was not able to be present at the meeting.
Balance Sheet - as of October. Received PPP loan forgiveness. Cash overstated by approximately 2 million due to overpayment of deferrals. CA State will reclaim those. Net OPEB Liability of 10 million dollars. Unrestricted monies approximately 17 million for capital needs, deferred maintenance for funding future capital projects.
Cash Flow - Bank Accounts - OPEB (20,713,000); slight reduction of cash in October.
Profit and Loss - Board adopted budget; four months; expenses, and balances.
Profit and Loss YTD - four months this year compared with fourth months last year. Front end purchases of books and supplies.
Budget Comparison (YTD) - Actual = four months of operations (33% of operations); Adopted; % Used. Books and supplies need to be in place to start the year.
Department Budgets (4000s) - spending by departments; textbooks and materials;
Other Matters - Audited Financials extended to January 2022.
III. School Business
A.
Possible Employee Request for Board to Hear Statement of Charges that Cause Exists Supporting Dismissal/Termination from Employment
Mr. Hussey reported that this agenda item is no longer viable and will not be addressed.
B.
Discuss and Vote on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations for all Students
Steven Kofahl made a motion to Vote to make mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines for all ECRCHS Students.
John Perez seconded the motion.
Mr. Wright noted that the Board has heard from many stakeholders and community members, including during the October 28, 2022, Board meeting, leading up to this afternoon's meeting, and earlier during public comments.
He noted that it is time now for the Board to discuss, deliberate, and vote on this important matter of whether or not to make mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines for all ECRCHS students.
Mr. Wright invited discussion, which ensued as follows:
Mr. Perez stated that ECRCHS should follow the LAUSD policy as have Hale Charter MS and Birmingham Charter HS. He noted that teenagers are driving up the rate of COVID-19 infection in Great Britain, and cited a source that indicated that there have been 1,695,000 cases in the past three weeks and 22,500 deaths. He noted that COVID-19 is the 8th leading cause of death now amongst 5-11 year olds.
Mr. Kofahl - Asked if the LAUSD is giving any guidance in regards to this policy mandate, to which Mr. Wright replied, "no."
Mr. Perez noted in partial response to Mr. Kofahl's question that if a charter school co-located with a regular LAUSD school, the LAUSD COVID-19 Vaccine Policy would be mandatory for all students, including charter school students, on a co-located property. The policy does not currently apply to us as ECR is not a co-located chater school. Hale and Birmingham, he said, are not co-located, either, yet adopted the mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine policy for all of their students.
Ms. Ibach noted her disappointment with the students not following the mask mandate and expects people to "step up" enforcement. Stated that she is concerned about the fact that no discussion has been had about an alternative education program for students who don't vaccinate if the board were to pass a COVID vaccine mandate.
Mrs. Malconian noted her agreement with Ms. Ibach. Hopes people choose to vaccinate, but is troubled by the idea of a mandate.
Mrs. Ramirez stated her agreement with Ms. Ibach. She is not anti-vaccine, stated her understanding of Mr. Perez's sentiments. Is not sure it is up to the board to decide, but up to parents to decide regarding the risks.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas expressed her thanks to those stakeholders who've expressed their views via email and during public comments. She stated that it is board's responsibility to ensure the safety of our students, their teachers, and families.
Ms. Malconian noted the impact of the students' voices and encouraged students to participate and share their voices during board meetings.
Mr. Wright noted that he is pro-vaccine, personally, but noted that he is on the board for leadership not politics, and must listen to the many voices of all.
Mrs. Ramirez cast her "No" vote. The Motion failed to pass by a vote of 3 Ayes and 4 Nays.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Linda Ibach |
No
|
| Danielle Malconian |
No
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Brad Wright |
No
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
| John Perez |
Aye
|
C.
Discuss and Vote on Proposed Revision(s) to UnHoused/Homeless Student Policy
Mr. Hussey noted that this item will be discussed and voted on at the December Regular Board meeting as the policy is under legal review and a proposed update is expected.
No action take on this item during this meeting.
D.
Discuss and Vote on Waiver to Permit Non-PE Credentialed Teachers to Serve as Interscholastic Athletics Coaches
Danielle Malconian made a motion to vote to approved a waiver to permit Non-PE Credentialed Teachers to serve as Interscholastic Athletics Coaches.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
Mr. Hussey explained that the State requires a waiver be on file/approved for any non-PE Credentialed teacher who the School wants to hire to coach an interscholastic athletics team. A copy of the form was provided/viewed. Mr. Hussey noted that if a waiver is not approved, only PE Credentialed teachers can coach, thus impacting sports programs.
Ms. Lopez-Vargas asked if this is like a Local Assignment Option, and
Mr. Hussey replied that it is like that, and noted that ECR wants the best coaches who are not necessarily credentialed.
Ms. Ramirez cast an "aye" vote in favor.
The motion carried 6 ayes to 0 nays and with one member (Perez) absent.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| John Perez |
Absent
|
| Brad Wright |
Aye
|
| Daniela Lopez-Vargas |
Aye
|
| Danielle Malconian |
Aye
|
| Linda Ibach |
Aye
|
| Steven Kofahl |
Aye
|
E.
Discuss the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant
Ms. Clark provided an overview of the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant, nothing that it is a federally funded grant to support teachers, administrator, and/or staff training.
She previewed allowable uses and noted that the item will not be voted on tonight but will be previewed in greater detail at a follow up Board meeting (Regular and/or Special) and will be voted on by no later than December 28, 2021.
Mrs. Malconian asked if funds could be used to pay for pupil free day(s). The answer is not at this time.
Mrs. Malconian asked if funds could be used to pay for Teacher subs. during teacher retreat days. The answer is yes.
Ms. Clark noted that more information will be forthcoming.
Upon conclusion of the Discussion of the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant, Mr. Wright noted that the Board would move to the next items on the Agenda which will occur in Closed Session.
NOTE: Mr. Perez had been expected to recuse himself from the Closed Session, but had already left the virtual Board Meeting at the conclusion of the COVID Vaccine Vote.
IV. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Labor Negotiators
John Perez left.
Mr. Wright announced that the Board was going into Closed Session at 7:49 p.m.
B.
Public Employee(s): Discipline/Dismissal/Release
This item no longer needed to be addressed by the Board as the matter had been addressed prior to and outside of the board meeting.
C.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Brad Wright left.
Mr. Hussey recused himself from one of the items.
Mr. Wright recused himself from one of the items.
V. Reconvene to Open Session
A.
Report on Actions Taken in Closed Session, If Any
The Board reconvened in Open Session at 8:43 p.m.
Board Member Ibach reported the following action item(s) from Closed Session:
The Board voted unanimously to authorize legal counsel Young, Minney & Corr to retain the services of an independent third-party investigator to investigate two complaints.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Steven Kofahl made a motion to adjourn.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.
NOTE: Mr. Perez absent.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:44 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kurt Lowry