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

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.

No AFSCME update was provided.

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..  

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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). 

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). 

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.

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. 

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.

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

Item discussed. 

Item discussed. 

Item discussed. 

Item discussed. 

Item discussed. 

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.