El Camino Real Charter High School

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday March 24, 2022 at 4:30 PM

Location

Virtual

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: 

 

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:

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1600445149161075727

Webinar ID: 112-037-387

 

 

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 public 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 while in virtual attendance; or (2) email your comment to comment@ecrchs.net and your comment will be read on the record.  

 

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING SENDING IN A WRITTEN COMMENT: 

 

For anyone who wishes to send in a written comment to be read during Public Comments, you are strongly encouraged to email your comment to the aforementioned email address at least one (1) hour prior to the Official Board Meeting start time (e.g., by no later than 3:30 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. Board Meeting start time).  Otherwise, there is no guarantee that your comment will be viewed and read during Public Comments.  If your written comment is received and is to be read on the record, your name and title/role will also be read on the record.  If you wish to not have your name read on the record, please indicate so in 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.  NOTE: These presentations, effective with the March 24th, 2022, Regular Board Meeting, are limited to two (2) 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

Alexandra Ramirez (remote), Brad Wright (remote), Danielle Malconian (remote), Linda Ibach (remote), Steven Kofahl (remote)

Directors Absent

Daniela Lopez-Vargas, Gregg Solkovits

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 Mar 24, 2022 at 4:33 PM.

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

C.

Pledge of Allegiance

Dr. Lowry led Board members, invited guests, and meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.

D.

Public Comments

Dr. Lowry read the following public comments received via email:

 

Parent Vanessa Cox - Is in favor of ending mask mandate with no more delay since the State, City, and the LAUSD have ended the indoor mask mandate.

 

Teacher Melissa Gregorio -  Expressed concern about lifting mask mandate, given that she has seen headlines regarding warnings of additional COVID-19 waves/surges.  Implored Board to follow LAUSD's lead and maintain weekly COVID-19 testing program until the end of the school year if the the Board lifts the indoor mask mandate.

 

Parent Lisa Doerr - Appealed to the Board to do the "right thing" and lift the mask mandate.

 

Parent Neta Markusfeld - Appealed to the Board to lift the indoor mask mandate to give students and parents the choice themselves of removing or wearing their masks and live a normal life without "ridiculous mandates." 

 

Parent Rachel Ramirez - Requests the Board to end the Mask Mandate at ECR to "allow our students to get back to a normal high school experience." Also asks that "teachers and staff be instructed to NOT make students feel like immoral people for unmasking.  Parent shared that her daughter had been made to feel uncomfortable when an alleged "very outspoken, pro-mask teacher had students raise their hands" so she could learn which students were planning to "take their masks off."  Parent noted that her daughter did not raise her hand because she was afraid of repercussions for "thinking differently than her teacher." 

 

Dean of Students Barbara Stanoff - Shared concerns about daily need to remind students to wear their face masks, noting that the past few days have been especially difficult.  Also shared concerns about coming to school daily with students who are not vaccinated, meet with parents who are not vaccinated, while the board refuses to have in-person meetings.

 

Meeting Attendees verbally shared the following public comments during the meeting: 

 

Student Aidan I. - Expressed desire that Board vote to end the mask mandate; noted that masks are no longer necessary; cited Ed. Code 66252 to note people's right to participate in school "free from discrimination and harassment." 

 

Parent C. Velasco - Expressed her desire for the Board vote to end the mask mandate; cited LAUSD Superintendent's explanation for ending LAUSD's mask mandate, and noted that the COVID vaccination did not prevent COVID.

 

E. Farley - Agree with previous speaker(s) to allow mask choice and asked board to end the mask mandate and COVID-19 vaccine mandate.  Noted concerns about discrimination and infringement against "medical freedom."  Noted "where there is risk, there must be choice."   

 

Elyana Nadres - spoke in favor of Board ending mask mandate, stating it "should be a choice" and that there is no reason why it should continue."

 

Michael Aronis - Stated his agreement with previous speakers, noting that COVID enhanced anxiety.

 

Student N. Velasco - Spoke against mask mandate.

 

Parent S. Cohen - Spoke against mask mandate, and expressed a desire that ECR align with State, County to unmask.  Cited a traumatic experience as a child with a game wherein children were afraid to participate while at the same time they were afraid not to participate/conform to the rules.  She drew that analogy to how kids might feel in response to the potential removal of the mask mandate.

 

Teacher Eleanor Green - Spoke in favor of continuing of mask mandate indoors.  Cited her views in that "choice is inadequate" in that individuals' choices impact other people.  Cited her view that "privileged" will benefit more favorably from ending the mask mandate than the "oppressed."  Urges weekly testing be continued. 

 

Student Leia Frederick - spoke in favor of continuing the mask mandate.  Omicron variant is present; now isn't the time to end the indoor mask mandate and kids aren't complaining about wearing masks.

 

Parent Holly Allen - spoke against the mask mandate, stating that she is "so against it."  Noted that people who still wish to wear a mask have the choice to continue to do so.

E.

AB 361 Vote on Virtual Board Meetings

Brad Wright made a motion to continue to convene Board Meetings in virtual format as outlined in AB 361.
Linda Ibach seconded the motion.

The motion passed 3-2 with 2 members being absent.

 

NOTE: 

 

This vote was a re-vote in response to Mr. Wright's desire to change his vote of "Abstain" that had been recorded during an original roll call vote.

 

Accordingly, Mr. Wright made a motion for the Board to cast votes again on the motion to continue to convene Board Meetings in virtual format as outlines in AB361.

 

Ms. Ibach seconded Mr. Wright's motion.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Danielle Malconian
No
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Steven Kofahl
No
Linda Ibach
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Brad Wright
Aye

F.

AFSCME Update

No AFSCME update was provided.

G.

UTLA Update

Kyna Collins provided the UTLA update, with highlights as follow:

 

* Welcomed Mr. Sokovits to the ECRA Board and praised his education/teaching background.

 

* UTLA has spoken with individual Board members in the hopes of building collaboration and communication.

 

* Ms. Collins and Mr. Monroy have been selected to serve as UTLA Chair and Co-chair for the 2022-2023 academic years.

 

* UTLA appreciates the benefits of virtual board meetings, but wants ECRA Board to meet in person to look at the faces of its stakeholders.  Thanked Mr. Kofahl and Mrs. Malconian for voting to return to in-person board meetings.  Noted that if teachers can turn on a camera in their classrooms, Board can do the same while meeting in person.  Noted that while Board members are volunteers, they chose to serve. 

 

* ECR UTLA Survey conducted Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, regarding input in anticipation of indoor mask mandate vote.  Roughly 42% not in favor of mask mandate; 33% in favor of mask mandate; 25% doesn't matter.

 

* Expressed support for Board Agenda Item 5.D., to support LBGTQ+ resolution to recognize the month of June as Pride Month.  Referenced annual Conference in October 28-30, and recognized contributions by H. Maury 9Safe Space Classrooms) and J. Wasser (Working with GSA student leadership) at the site level.

 

* UTLA will resume bargaining toward the end of May (2022) on teacher performance evaluations.

 

* Argued that UTLA should be engaged by ECRA with regard to capitalization projects "Ad Hoc" Committee meeting.  Stated that by now there should be a master plan in place and more broad sharing of information about projects from LAUSD, the committee, and ECR Business Office.  Wants to know plans, priorities, timetables, and to be able to provide input on these items.  Expressed pleasure with cash position, but concerned about PPP loan forgiveness funds being moved into an unrestricted account.  Wants UTLA to have a say in how funds are spent beyond monthly, public board meetings, which she claims are "not enough."  Stated UTLA needs fewer elusive updates and more direct engagement at the site level. 

 

* Cited a big concern with how ECRA intends to retain educators and education support professionals.   Stated educators are working harder than ever and cited a February 2022 NEA poll wherein 55% of educators polled for the survey indicated that they are thinking of leaving the profession earlier than they had planned.  Stated in August 2021, that number was 37%.   Stated there are growing concerns about keeping our educators.  Cited staff shortages across the country and noted that fewer people are entering the profession.  Asked rhetorically "What are we doing now to be proactive?"

Board President Wright thanked Ms. Collins for her report, congratulated her on her re-selection as UTLA chair, and informed her and others that the ECRA Board will determine when and how it will convene its monthly board meetings.  

 

He subsequently asked Dr. Lowry to revisit the AB 361 Vote so Mr. Wright could change his earlier vote from "abstain" to "Yes."

 

Dr. Lowry noted that to do so requires a Board Motion, which subsequently was provided.

 

For information on the official AB 361 Vote, please see information documented under Agenda Item 1. E..  

H.

Executive Director Update

Mr. Hussey provided his Executive Director Update, with highlights as follows:

 

* We had our School's Special Education District Validation Review (DVR), wherein the LAUSD reviews special education protocols and compliance issues.  Thanks to Mrs. Larew, Mr. Kingery, Mr. Wasser, our special ed. and general ed. teachers, and our staff for their work in preparing for the DVR and more importantly for their work on a day in and day out basis.

 

* Charter Schools Division (CSD) will be conducting their annual visit on April 4-5. 

 

* We are working on our WASC accreditation report.  Thanked all teachers and stakeholders who are working on the elements of the report and noted that our classified staff are involved, too.  Next week we will obtain input from our parent stakeholders and we will soon involve Board once we have our foundation. 

 

* I want to thank Mr. Wright for working with LAUSD for getting holes filled on our service road.  It had taken eight months and he was able to not only get the holes filled but get the area repaved.

 

* Thanked all stakeholders, noting that the school only had three (3) detected cases of COVID-19 during the past four (4) weeks. 

 

* We will be observing Cesar Chavez Day on Friday, April 1st.  

 

* Spring Break will be April 11th-15th.    

 

* Tonight at 6 p.m. is Transition to High School Night, wherein academic offerings,  extracurricular activities, athletics and more will be discussed with incoming parents, as well as with those who are thinking about enrolling their students at El Camino.

 

* We will be visiting Hale M.S. April 4-5 to begin programming those students.  Also going to James Jordan M.S., Chime Charter, and Woodland Hills Academy, where we will meet with those students one-on-one. 

 

* We have school tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:15 p.m. to show what El Camino can offer. 

 

* Drama performed the play 9-to-5 four nights to sold-out crowds and with "rave reviews."

 

* Student Council set up a "March Madness" tournament and we had a lot of spectators. The Final was yesterday in the Gym and generated 250 spectators after school, which was great, and our "Step," "K-Pop," and "hip-hop" student performers performed at half-time. 

 

* Our Annual Powder Puff football game welcomed over 1000 students and family members in attendance who saw a thrilling 28-21 overtime win for our juniors.  This effort shows that we are slowly getting back into the rhythm of things.  I want to thank all of our students and staff for their efforts. 

I.

Chief Business Officer Update

Mr. Wood provided his Chief Business Officer Update, with highlights as follows:

 

* Five (5) staff members attended the CA Charter Schools Association (CCSA) conference in Long Beach, which was over three (3) days, and wherein a number of beneficial things were discussed and heard.   

 

* Met with our current insurance provider, CharterSAFE, and looked at a number of other vendors out there, including food services providers, other charter members to hear their best practices.  

 

* There was a regional meeting wherein there was a discussion about LAUSD and their relations with Charters. 

 

* Met with representatives of CalPERS to learn about employees' opportunities related to CalPERS.

 

* Last week we held a mandatory tour of four (4) food services bidders for our food services program beginning next year, including Chartwells (incumbent provider), Sodexo, Fresh Start, and Huntington Culinary.  

 

* Next Steps in RFP process, including food tastings, and more information, to be forthcoming.

 

* Shared that he had presented the 22-23 budget calendar and budgeting process at the March 10th, 2022, Instructional Leadership Team Meeting.  Highlighted a bottoms-up and inclusive approach as relates to school budgeting, with emphasis on textbooks, instructional materials, and field trips-related department budgets.  Those members presented provided positive feedback on the process. 

J.

Committee Updates

No updates were provided by any of the following committees:

 

1. Capitalization Projects (Ad Hoc)

 

2. Executive Director Evaluation

 

3. Finance and Investment (Standing)

 

4. Technology

 

5. Travel

K.

Board Chair Report

Mr. Wright informed the public that he has been receiving letters from Mr. Monroy's students. He acknowledged Mr. Monroy's dedication, recognized his duties as co-chair of UTLA, and stated that Mr. Monroy is an incredible teacher. 

II. Consent

A.

Approve Minutes of February 24, 2022, Special Board Meeting

Danielle Malconian made a motion to approve the minutes from the Special Board Meeting of 02-24-2022. Special Board Meeting on 02-24-22.
Alexandra Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Brad Wright
Aye
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Linda Ibach
Aye
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye

B.

Approve Minutes of February 24, 2022, Regular Board Meeting

Steven Kofahl made a motion to approve the minutes from the Regular Board meeting of 02-24-2022. Regular Board meeting on 02-24-22.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.

Mr. noted that the Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of 02-24-2022 reflected an error with regard to his comment regarding Appendix Y. To clarify, he had stated that there is "no" Appendix Y, and that he wished to go on the record to request that the Handbook be condensed as it is 290 pages. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Linda Ibach
Aye
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent

C.

Approve Minutes of March 2, 2022, Special Board Meeting

Alexandra Ramirez made a motion to approve the minutes from the Special Board Meeting 03-02-2022 Special Board Meeting on 03-02-22.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Linda Ibach
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye

D.

Review and Vote on February 2022 Check Registers

Danielle Malconian made a motion to Approve the February 2022 Check Registers.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.

Mr. Wood, CBO, presented the February 2022 Check Registers prior to the Board vote. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Linda Ibach
Aye
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Brad Wright
Aye
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent

E.

Review and Vote on February 2022 Credit Card Charges

Danielle Malconian made a motion to approved the February 2022 Credit Card Charges.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.

Mr. Wood, CBO, presented the February 2022 Credit Card Charges prior to the Board vote. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Linda Ibach
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Steven Kofahl
Aye

III. Investment

A.

February 2022 Investment Update

Mr. Wood, CBO, presented the February 2022 investment update, with highlights as follow:

 

* Summary of investments from the OPEB and Gen. Fund investment accounts.

 

Re: OPEB:

 

* OPEB balance at end of February 2022 is $22,243,810.  Market conditions a bit tough.  We've incurred losses, but continue our monthly funding of $220,000 from the general fund account. OPEB opening balance of $21.2M.  We've made contributions of $1.76M and incurred losses of $766,547, which results in our balance of $22,243.810.  Total change of 4.7%. 

 

Re: Gen. Fund:

 

* Lost about $160,000 from last month, so the current balance is at $7,333,918.

IV. Financial

A.

February 2022 Financial Update

Mr. Wood, CBO, and Mr. John Arndt, of ICON School Management, provided the Feb. 2022 Financial Update, with highlights as follow:

 

*. Mr. Wood introduced Mr. Arndt who provided the following update:

 

* Balance Sheet slide: 

 Balance Sheet Slide: 

* Showing Total Assets of $36, 952,397, a 20.9% increase. 

* Cash at $21,932.612, increased due to one-time funds, PPP Loan, and 20-21 Deferral Payments 

* State overpaid with Deferrals and will reduce cash for 21-22 LCFF ($2M) 

*LT Debt decreased due to FMV adjustments to OPEB Accounts as well as PPP Loan being forgiven. 

* Restricted Net Assets position approximately $1.2M 

* Unrestricted Net Assets - investigating putting some of these funds into a designated account for capitalization improvement projects.  

 

Cash Analysis Slide: 

* Days of Cash on Hand = 188 (Recommended 90 minimum) Does not include OPEB Cash on Hand 

* Approximately $22M cash on hand 

* PPP account closed and balance transferred to gen. fund on March 1st, 2022. 

 

Profit & Loss (Summary) Slide:  

* you can see how the budgets are changing with the second interim Profit & Loss (YTD) Slide: * In-Person Instruction and Sports Activities will incur additional expenses with the re-opening of School 

* Additional CARES-related Expenses for 21-22 will also increase expenses 

* Employee Benefits decrease due to STRS Refund.

* FMV Loss reflects large downward adjustment.

* Expenses larger across all schools in CA due to in-person instruction on campus.

 

Profit & Loss (YTD) Slide:

 

* In-Person Instruction and Sports Activities will incur additional expenses with the re-opening of School

* Additional CARES-related Expenses for 21-22 will also increase expenses

* Employee Benefits decrease due to STRS Refund.

* Total Expenditures YTD $29M = up 18.36%, to be expected now that school is on campus/in session.

 

Budget Comparison (YTD) Slide:

 

* Total Revenues Used = 58.15%

* Certificated Salaries = 64.17% of expenses

* Lottery Amounts from $150 - Unrestricted/$49 - Restricted to $163 - Unrestricted/$65 - Restricted (More revenue)

* SEF Tax Rate went down from 1.23% to 0.50% (Savings)

* SPED Rates are projected to increase from the $689 - State / $267 - Federal (more revenue)

* Will adjust salaries and benefits due to Salary Negotiations for 2nd Interim

* Lower Enrollment/ADA from 21-22 Adopted Budget (approx. 94 ADA/$1.3M less, per Mr. Wood).

* PPP Money was classified to 20-21 Revenue instead of 21-22 Revenue

 

Department Budgets Slide: 

 

* About 90% spent at this time of year for textbooks; normal as most monies for these items are spent at the beginning of the year. 

* About 92% spent at this time of year for IMA

 

Other Matters Slide:

 

* 2021-2022 2nd Interim was filed with LAUSD by 3/15/22 Deadline.

* 2021-2022 CSD Financial Review underway.  Completed preliminary information on 3/4/22.  Review to take place during the week of April 4th.

 

Remaining pages of attachment provide all account details (profit and loss and balances for how ECR closed the month of February). 

B.

2021-2022 Second Interim Budget Report

Mr. Wood, CBO, presented the 2021-2022 Second Interim Budget Report, with highlights as follows:

 

* First two pages are more of an executive summary, while remaining pages of the presentation reflect the detailed version of the budget report.

 

* Profit and Loss Summary Slide:

* Includes January as the State wants to know how things look through the first seven (7) months.

* Reclassified PPP loan from 21-22 Federal Revenue to 20-21 Federal Revenue.

* 7 months into this fiscal year the normal range of percentages is within 59% (we're at 61.6%)

* Student supplies are generally purchased at the beginning of the year.

 

Projected Balance Sheet Slide:

* Investments from June 2021 were in transition between brokerage firms

* Year End Receivables are generally higher due to State Apportionment Funding Timelines

* Deferred Revenue is higher due to receipt of 20-21 LCFF funds at the end of June 2021 and again at August 2021 (Funds to be paid by end of the Fiscal Year).

 

The subsequent pages are detailed supporting pages for the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet slides (in 2nd interim format - CDE SACS format that ECR certifies and sends/shares with LAUSD, LACOE, and CDE). 

 

* Provided brief overview of the detailed version of the report that is provided to LAUSD. 

 

* Provided brief overview of Fed. and State Special Education Revenue and Expenses for ECRCHS.  Fed. revenues received must be fully spent or unspent portion will be returned.  

 

* Our expenditures show that ECRCHS is spending more than the State revenue amount provided (over $2.56M).  This is called "encroachment" and for the purposes of this report, we as an organization are eligible for grants/funding because we have spent in excess of the amount of money provided for our students with disabilities (SWDs). 

C.

Discussion and Vote to Continue with Schwab as ECR Actuary through 21-22 and 22-23 with option years 23-24 and 24-25.

Alexandra Ramirez made a motion to continue with Schwab as ECR Actuary through 21-22 and 22-23 with option years 23-24 and 24-25.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.

Mr. Wood presented the proposals for DFA and Schwab prior to the vote, in terms of costs, years, and options.  Schwab is current incumbent.

 

Ms. Ibach abstained as she had been having technical difficulties and had missed the bulk of the presentation. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Linda Ibach
Abstain
Gregg Solkovits
Absent

D.

Independent Audit/CSD Review Update

Mr. Wood, CBO, provided the Independent Audit and CSD Review Update, with highlights as follow:

 

Independent Audit:

 

* Christy White and Associates presented their audit report last month.

* This year is the last year of a three year contract.

* They are currently working on their interim audit and our tax return, which will be due May 15th, and we will present it to the board.

 

CSD Audit Review: 

 

* Another form of audit that takes place for our organization.

* CSD assigns a fiscal accountant who provided/es our school a list of 30 items and we upload/provide those items for the audit review (financial statements, contracts, other financial/compliance-related items).

* We provided these items on March 4th, 2022, and CSD will be coming out the week of April 4th, to conduct their audit.  The results will be presented to the Board.

E.

Average Daily Attendance (ADA) Update

Mr. Wood, CBO, provided the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) Update, with highlights as follow:

 

* Completed the 7th month of instruction

* Each month's enrollment is compared to that of the prior year.

* Report shows comparison of this year's vs. last year's ADA.

* Mr. Wood explained that ADA is the percentage of those who are showing up versus overall enrollment.

* ADA is lower this year (92.5%) due to the return to on-campus learning during the pandemic, compared with this time last year 20-21, as the report shows.

* Potential ADA reduction of $1.67M.

* Noted that at the end of next month, that overall ADA number/% will be the number at which we will be locked in for the year. 

V. School Business

A.

Discussion and Vote on ECR's School Accountability Report Card (SARC) for 2020-2021

Danielle Malconian made a motion to Approve ECR's School Accountability Report Card (SARC).
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.

Mr. Hussey presented the 20-21 SARC document prior to the vote, noting that this is an annual SARC and includes a variety of school based data metrics to show how ECRCHS is performing on a variety of metrics. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Linda Ibach
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent

B.

Discussion and Vote on Whether or not to End COVID-19 Indoor Mask Requirement

Alexandra Ramirez made a motion to End the COVID-19 Indoor Mask Mandate.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.

Mr. Hussey presented the Item, and it was noted, too, that public comments had been made.

 

After the vote, Mr. Hussey noted that there would be no persecution of any students or staff members who choose to unmask or remain masked while indoors.  We will respect everybody's choice.

 

Mr. Hussey noted that he will make an announcement tomorrow to inform the community of the results of the Board vote. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Steven Kofahl
Abstain
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Linda Ibach
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Danielle Malconian
Aye

C.

Discussion, Nominations, and Possible Vote on Adding Board Members to Various Standing and Ad Hoc Committees

Brad Wright made a motion to Close nominations for adding member(s) to the Finance and Investment Standing Committee.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.

PRIOR TO THE VOTE: 

Ms. Malconian nominated Mrs. Ramirez as a candidate to be added to the F & I Committee.

 

Mrs. Ramirez self-nominated.

 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Brad Wright made a motion to Close the nominations for adding member(s) to the Executive Director Evaluation Committee.
Linda Ibach seconded the motion.

PRIOR TO THE VOTE: 

 

Both Mr. Wright and Ms. Ibach had nominated Mrs. Ramirez to the Executive Director Evaluation Committee. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

Board discussed and noted that the Technology Committee is an ad hoc committee and that there was no need or desire to add any additional members to that committee.

Brad Wright made a motion to Close the nominations for adding member(s) to the Travel Committee.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.

Mr. Wright nominated Ms. Malconian. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Brad Wright made a motion to Close the nominations for adding member(s) to the Capitalization Projects (Ad Hoc) Committee.
Danielle Malconian seconded the motion.

PRIOR TO THE VOTE:

 

Mr. Wright stepped down as Chair of the this Committee.  

Mr. Wright then nominated Mrs. Ramirez.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Discussion and Possible Vote on Resolution to Recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Alexandra Ramirez made a motion to Approve resolution by which ECRCHS would recognize the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Brad Wright seconded the motion.

PRIOR TO THE VOTE:

 

Mr. Jon Wasser, ECR LGBTQ+ Liaison, introduced the overall item and resolution, providing context, and introduced student leaders, who discussed and asked the Board to vote for the resolution. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Linda Ibach
Aye
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye

E.

Discuss and Vote on Board Resolution to Opt Out of Insurance Policy with CharterSAFE

Brad Wright made a motion to adopt the board resolution wherein the ECRA Board May Choose to Opt Out from ECR's Insurance Policy with CharterSAFE effective July 1st, 2022.
Steven Kofahl seconded the motion.

Mr. Wood CBO, led this discussion item prior to the vote.  Resolution language was read and clarified. 

 

 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Gregg Solkovits
Absent
Steven Kofahl
Aye
Brad Wright
Aye
Daniela Lopez-Vargas
Absent
Danielle Malconian
Aye
Linda Ibach
Aye
Alexandra Ramirez
Aye

Mr. Wright noted that the Board was entering Closed Session at 7:12 p.m.

VI. Closed Session

A.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

Item discussed. 

B.

Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation

Item discussed. 

C.

Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation

Item discussed. 

D.

Conference with Labor Negotiators

Item discussed. 

E.

Conference with Labor Negotiators

Item discussed. 

VII. Reconvene to Open Session

A.

Report on Actions Taken in Closed Session, If Any

Mr. Wright noted that the Board reconvened in Open Session at 8:46 p.m.

 

Mr. Wright reported that no voting actions were taken during closed session. 

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Steven Kofahl made a motion to adjourn the 03-24-2022 Regular Board Meeting.
Alexandra Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Kurt Lowry