Ms. Morrison led the Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Sukhbir Dillon expressed deep concerns regarding his experiences at ECR. He admitted feeling fearful about openly discussing these experiences, acknowledging that this fear had led to his complicity in numerous destructive d

He confessed to resigning from a beloved job due to this fear and only revealing the truth under oath. 

Mr. Dillon encouraged others who may be experiencing similar feelings of apprehension to come forward and share their stories. He highlighted the exhaustion felt by many staff members following the release of anonymous letters detailing various issues within the institution.

Mr. Dillon pointed out that certain decisions made by administration and greenlit by the ECR school board had resulted in harm to students, citing a specific instance involving a promotion that led to adverse consequences. He acknowledged that while there had been some positive outcomes, such as the departure of the administrator in question, there was still a prevailing sense of inaction among staff members, which he deemed costly. 

He warned against relying solely on parents to instigate change and emphasized the need for staff members to actively address issues within the institution. Finally, Mr. Dylan expressed concern that the charter experiment at ECR may be deemed a failure due to the administration and school board's decisions, which he viewed as a disservice to the students and staff.

Mandy Rogers disclosed that within the past 48 hours, she has successfully reached out to media outlets, securing agreements from two stations to interview individuals willing to speak out about the troubling occurrences at ECR. 

She emphasized that numerous teachers and staff members are now stepping forward to share their experiences, echoing the sentiments expressed by Mr. Dillon. Ms. Rogers directed a pointed message to Mr. Wright, cautioning him against assuming the confidence of the staff, asserting that he does not possess it. 

She highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that individuals were willing to risk their jobs, livelihoods, and even imprisonment for perjury by providing truthful information. Rogers urged the board, particularly Mr. Wright, to acknowledge the significance of these revelations. 

She further raised concerns about conflicts of interest within the board, pointing out that the chair's eligibility for the position is questionable and highlighting familial connections that could present conflicts of interest. 

Rogers concluded by suggesting that if any member of the board or administration had a financial stake in the field restoration company, the football field would have been repaired by now, insinuating a lack of action on critical issues. She offered the opportunity for those interested in speaking to the media to contact her.

Mr. Carlos Monroy, the UTLA chapter chair, along with bargaining team member Daniel, announced the presence of a petition during the assembly. He kept his remarks brief, stating his intention to distribute copies of the petition for everyone's review. He encouraged attendees to examine it at their convenience.

Mr. Ronald Flaherty expressed his dissatisfaction with receiving what he deemed an unprofessional email in his school inbox. He noted the abundance of accusations within the email and stressed his commitment to supporting the leadership of ECR, drawing on his extensive experience in teaching and the military. 

Despite the accusations made in the email, Mr. Flaherty emphasized the importance of facts over mere allegations. He believed that airing grievances should occur in forums like the current one, where both sides can be heard. Mr. Ron conveyed his respect for the board and the support he has received from them and his colleagues, highlighting the positive experiences he has had at ECR. 

He underscored the principles of leadership, chain of command, respect, and communication that he teaches to his students, expressing his disappointment in what he perceived as unprofessional communication. Finally, he requested to be excluded from similar emails in the future, asserting his preference for keeping such information out of his school inbox.

Ms. Susan Niven, a former teacher at the school for 12 years, expressed her disappointment in retiring due to what she perceived as administration making it impossible for her to continue. She recounted being targeted for about five years and contrasted her recent experience subbing at a different high school, where she found the administration to be supportive and the atmosphere positive. She expressed shock at El Camino's perceived decline over the past few years.

Mr. George Borgardt, who teaches various subjects and coaches softball at El Camino, spoke about his love for the school and his belief in its potential for improvement. He highlighted two interconnected areas needing attention: communication and school spirit/morale. 

He noted the lack of participation in school events, low morale among students and staff, and a decline in school spirit, as evidenced by empty bleachers at games. He emphasized the importance of clear communication channels to dispel misinformation and improve transparency. By ensuring all stakeholders are regularly updated with accurate information, Mr. George believes El Camino can become a more inclusive and welcoming environment, attracting both current and prospective students.

Ms. Sue Schuster highlighted her recent participation in a professional development session focused on the challenges faced by educators, particularly regarding job satisfaction and burnout. She cited statistics indicating a high turnover rate among new educators and widespread dissatisfaction leading to burnout. Drawing a distinction between burnout and demoralization, she explained demoralization as a sense of not being valued or supported, particularly when teachers are blamed for systemic issues beyond their control.

Ms. Schuster pointed out perceived discrepancies in resource allocation, such as approving a CAO position with a significant salary while struggling to address teachers' requests for fair compensation. She questioned the priorities of the board in light of these decisions.

Ms. Beth Corbett, a retired employee with 20 years of service, expressed gratitude for the approval of dental retirement benefits, which she learned about from Mr. Hussey. She noted the lack of communication from the board despite her efforts to inquire about the status of the benefits.

Ms. Beth raised concerns about the fate of retirees who had been paying for these benefits and questioned whether they would receive retroactive compensation. She indicated her intention to contact the head of HR for clarification on this matter. Despite the challenges, Ms. Beth remained hopeful that all retirees would receive the support they need.

Mr. Jacob Friedberg , the woodshop teacher at ECR, offered insights into the recent allegations against board chair Brad Wright by a parent and student. Before addressing these allegations, Mr. Jacob shared his personal history with El Camino, having grown up in the neighborhood and attended the school himself, which provided him with a firsthand perspective on the challenges the institution has faced over the past two decades. Despite these challenges, including demographic changes, economic downturns, leadership changes, and the recent pandemic, Mr. Jacob emphasized the progress the school has made. He praised the leadership of Mr. Wright, citing improvements in facilities, security, transportation, cafeteria quality, and the expansion of elective and extracurricular opportunities. In his own classroom, he noted budget improvements and the replacement of outdated equipment, leading to enhanced student morale and participation. While acknowledging ongoing disagreements and the painful process of growth, Mr. Jacob affirmed his belief in the positive impact of Mr. Wright's leadership on the school.

David Hussey gave the updates highlighting the following:

Field Update: Mr. Hussey first addressed the progress of the field construction, stating that LAUSD has a plan to complete the field by mid-April, with drainage system installation currently underway and turf installation expected to begin soon.

National Assessment: He expressed gratitude to the 12th-grade teachers and counselor, Mr. Lee, for facilitating the successful administration of the national assessment for educational progress, with 90% of students taking the test on the first day, impressing officials.

Open House: Mr. Hussey announced the upcoming spring break, during which counselors will begin programming for current and incoming students. He also mentioned a new approach the counseling office is taking, and that there are plans to have an open house, inviting future students to attend, where there will be workshops, food trucks, club and athletic presentations, student-led tours, and performances on April 16th from 6-8 pm.

AcaDeca Competitions: Additionally, he wished the AcaDeca team luck at the state competition. 

He also thanked Ms. Hudson, Ms. Brennan, and Mr. Rodriguez for their work on the play Chicago, which received praise after six performances.

Mediations: Lastly, Mr. Hussey shared that mediation regarding negotiation issues is scheduled for April 17th, expressing hope for resolution after ten meetings where agreement was reached on many matters but some differences remained.

Gregory Wood presented the update:

CCSA conference: Mr. Wood attended the annual CCSA conference, where he gathered valuable information on vendors and participated in various informational sessions covering topics such as employment and food service. He noted a significant increase in attendance compared to previous years.

Chatter Annual Review: In late February, the charter school division conducted their annual review, focusing on instructional, operational, and fiscal matters. Follow-up questions forwarded to them, and Mr. Wood anticipates the issuance of a scorecard for the school's performance in these areas.

Audits & Tax Returns: Audits have been completed, and tax returns will be presented for review and approval at the April board meeting. Mr. Wood also mentioned that operations will continue as usual during the upcoming spring break week, with tasks such as vendor management and payroll processing being attended to.

Mr. Wright expressed appreciation for the administration's efforts to address concerns regarding anti-Semitism on campus, highlighting ongoing meetings with various organizations. He commended the school's commitment to fostering a hate-free environment for all students and suggested collaborating with the interfaith council to further promote inclusivity. The speaker also thanked Senator Henry Stern for his involvement in the matter.

Mr. Wright, thanked everyone for attending and emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in fostering growth. He urged attendees to focus on ways to improve the school. He also reassured the audience that El Camino's charter status is secure, citing positive feedback from the charter school division and LAUSD. 

Mr. Wright encouraged individuals to communicate their needs via email, emphasizing the dedication of the volunteer board members to the school's success.

Mr. Wright provided updates on various Capitalization projects at the school:

Renovations: The media center renovation is complete, and it will soon be accessible to students and staff, serving as a central learning hub.

Safety & Security: CCTV cameras have been added across both campuses, totaling 80 on the main campus and 23 on the other campus, to enhance safety measures.

Works & Projects: Efforts are underway to replace the digital marquee at the main entrance and upgrade the stadium bleachers and scoreboard.

21st Century Initiative: A major upgrade is in progress for the school's Wi-Fi systems to improve network coverage indoors and outdoors, aligning with the goal of creating a technology-integrated learning environment.

PA Clock System & Door Access: Upgrades are being made to the PA clock, bell, and door access and control systems to enhance communication and security.

Mr. Guinto added that they are still exploring options for future upgrades and will publish an RFP once a suitable product that can be scaled up in the future is identified. 

Mr. Wright emphasized that these updates reflect the school's commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that projects align with the school's mission to provide a safe, secure, and technologically advanced learning environment for students.

Mr. Wood, CBO, presented the February, 2024, ECRCHS Investment Update.

OPEB Account: The OPEB account had a balance of $29.09 million at the end of February, compared to $25.3 million at the start of the school year. 

Payments totaling $255,000 have been made for retiree premiums, with monthly contributions of $220,000 amounting to $1.76 million year-to-date. 

Investments have yielded gains of $2.2 million, representing an almost 9% increase. The total account balance has risen to almost 15%, reaching $29.7 million as of March 21st. Mr. Wood anticipates the OPEB account to be fully funded by June 2024, given the favorable market conditions.

General Funds: The school has five different investment portfolios totaling $7.4 million, comprising T-bills, annuities, and other investment accounts. These investments are less speculative and more conservative than the OPEB account but are still performing well.

Mr. Wood, CBO, and Ms. Ilyas, Director, Accounting and Finance, presented the February, 2024, Financial Update. 

Ms. Ilyas 

Attendance (ADA): Enrollment as of February 2024 was reported at 3,112 students, translating to an ADA of 2,864.8 students. There was a drop of about 300 students compared to February of the previous year, which also affected the ADA.

Mr. Wood added that a major loss in attendance occurred on May 5th due to climate conditions, resulting in the loss of 814 students. They are requesting an exception from the CDE to reclaim this lost enrollment, which will supplement funding for the year.

Cafeteria Update: The cafeteria program served a high number of meals in February due to more days in the month. Revenues for February were $200,000, while expenses amounted to $153,500, resulting in a net gain of $46,000 for the month.

Mr. Kofahl expressed concern about a highlighted -33% number, questioning whether it was an expected decline or a surprise, as it seemed significant.

Mr. Wood responded that the decline was expected due to lower enrollment, as mentioned in the ADA update. He acknowledged the need to double-check the specific percentage decline and assured that they would provide further clarification.

Mr. Solkovits also explained that despite the decline, the cafeteria program is still profitable, with funds that can only be used for cafeteria-related expenses and cannot impact the general fund. He highlighted the gains made in both the month of February and year-to-date, emphasizing that these funds are earmarked only for specific cafeteria improvements.

Mr. Wright reinforced this point, emphasizing that the cafeteria funds are allocated according to the school's bylaws and cannot be reallocated for other purposes.

Mr. Wood emphasized the significant benefits the school has received from state legislation in recent years, allowing all students to eat breakfast and lunch for free. He noted that while this has been advantageous, there is uncertainty about whether this funding will continue in the future. 

Drawing from his experience working with other charter schools, Mr. Wood explained that there have been years where students had to pay for meals and where the cafeteria fund ran negative, requiring support from the general fund. He highlighted the importance of building up the cafeteria fund to safeguard against potential changes in funding models, ensuring that any deficits can be covered internally without relying on the general fund. 

Prior to the vote, Greg Wood, CBO, presented the 2023-2024 Second Interim Report.

Ms. Ilyas 

Purpose & Assumptions section: Ms. Ilyas emphasized that the purpose of the second interim report was to offer stakeholders and the state a snapshot of ECRCH's financial condition at a specific point in time, akin to a 2nd quarter report in the private industry.

She mentioned that projections were based on state funding, with the state dictating the funds available for the report. One of the key assumptions they used was the enrollment figure of 3,145 students and an ADA (Average Daily Attendance) of 2,956, as of the P1 reporting period, as provided by the governor's legislative office.

Revenue & Expenditure: Ms. Ilyas provided a summary of the budget reporting process, comparing projections made during the first interim period with actual figures as of January 31, and forecasting year-end totals based on the information available in January. She noted that they projected revenues of $55,400,000 and expenditures of $50,485,000, resulting in a net balance of $4,914,000.

On the revenue side, she highlighted the various sources contributing to the total revenue figure, with the majority coming from LCFF State Aid Sources, driven by attendance.

Ms. Ilyas pointed out the changes observed when comparing the second interim report to the first interim report. Specifically, she noted a decline of $898,000 on the LCFF side and a decline of $432,000 on the Federal side. Conversely, there was an increase in funding at the State and Local levels. 

When questioned by Mr. Kofahl  about the difference between the first and second interim reports, Ms. Ilyas clarified, stating that the first interim report served as the equivalent of a first quarter report, reflecting the period from July through October, with data reported in December. At that point, projections were made based on attendance and other factors to estimate revenue. Then, by the second interim report, which had a January 31st cutoff date, a new projection was made considering revenue receipt patterns and spending patterns up to that point.

Mr. Wood added to this, mentioning that during the first interim, the budget was updated from the initial adopted budget of $41 million LCFF in June. Due to a decline in ADA, they projected $39 million for LCFF based on the information available in December. He emphasized the importance of updating stakeholders on declines in enrollment and funding as they become known over time.

In response to Mr. Kofahl's question about whether the decline in funding was unusually large for that time of year, Ms. Ilyas explained that LCFF funding is directly tied to attendance and enrollment. Therefore, if there are fewer students attending school, they would receive less money due to the decrease in the number of students. 

Ms. Ilyas proceeded to delve into the details of the revenue categories that either saw an increase or decline. She highlighted that on the Federal side, the significant decline was attributed to cafeteria revenue, which was also the case for the State side. On the Local side, revenue was generated from the E-Rate Rebate and net investments.

Mr. Solkovits chimed in, emphasizing the importance of understanding the organization's fiscal health beyond just revenue, particularly noting that despite the decline in cafeteria revenue, there was still a surplus in the cafeteria fund, indicating profitability in that area.

Mr. Wood added to this by explaining that while investments were reported at $1.7 million, most of the gains were restricted, primarily due to the OPEB account, which is a trust. He stressed that these gains couldn't be accessed for general funding but were contributing to fully funding the OPEB account, which needed to be considered when assessing spending limits or revenue sources.

Continuing, Ms. Ilyas shifted the focus to the expense side, displaying the various categories constituting their expenses and their percentage breakdowns. She pointed out that the majority of expenses were attributed to salaries and benefits.

Mr. Wood highlighted an additional category, "Other Outgo," which encompassed the 1% fee paid to LAUSD. This fee was based on their revenue and was permissible for LAUSD to charge them.

Ms. Ilyas proceeded to present a comparison of changes in expenditure projections, highlighting adjustments made between the first and second interim periods based on updated information. She explained a decrease in classified salaries, attributing it to contracted instructional aides who would be accounted for elsewhere in the reports. Additionally, adjustments were made to categories such as textbooks and services.

In response to concerns raised by Mr. Kofahl and Mr. Solkovits regarding restricted ending balances, Ms. Ilyas clarified how the ending net position of $44 million was broken down. She emphasized the need to consider investments in capital assets and various restricted funds, such as grants and the OPEB contribution. As a result, the unrestricted net position was revealed to be $27,745,312.

Mr. Wood supplemented this by expressing the business office's recommendation to designate some of these unrestricted funds for addressing capital needs. He suggested initiating discussions with auditors and stakeholders to allocate these funds towards projects deemed necessary by the school. This process would involve designating funds as "restricted" and determining appropriate capital expenditures based on the school's master plans and financial statements.

Overall, their aim was to ensure that the significant amount of unrestricted funds didn't appear idle, but rather were earmarked for specific purposes aligned with the school's objectives and financial planning.

Mr. Kofahl inquired whether the negative $44 million and positive $27 million balances were typical for this time of the year. Mr. Wood clarified that having a negative fund balance was not a negative thing but rather a representation of equity, similar to the concept of equity in typical balance sheets. He explained that having a significant equity position, as indicated by the $44 million, was positive. Additionally, out of the $44 million, $27 million was unrestricted equity, indicating a healthy financial position.

Moving on, Mr. Wood presented the actual document submitted to the state, showcasing the breakdown of revenues and expenditures. He explained that they would be seeking approval for this submission and mentioned two other items they needed to submit to LAUSD and the CDE.

Regarding special education revenue, Mr. Wood highlighted the $700,000 federal special ed revenue and the $3.1 million state special ed revenue. He emphasized the importance of using general fund support to supplement special ed funding, given the inadequacy of state funding for special education.

Mr. Solkovits acknowledged the nationwide issue of special education funding shortfall, emphasizing that it's not uncommon for districts to face such challenges. He praised the efforts of the district in meeting the needs of special ed students despite federal funding deficiencies.

Mr. Wood concluded with a high-level prediction of projected cash on hand and assets, indicating $53.5 million in assets, $9.3 million in liabilities, and the previously mentioned $44 million fund balance submitted to the CDE and LAUSD.

Mr. Wood, presented the 2024-2025 Budget Planning Process and Calendar.

Mr. Wood informed the board that the budget calendar had been approved by the finance investment committee in February and was now being presented for board approval.

He emphasized that their budget planning was structured around this calendar, which included various time frames for gathering information and reporting. Mr. Wood mentioned that discussions regarding the calendar took place within the finance investment committee, and notifications had been sent to teachers, administration, and department chairs. 

He clarified that pending full approval by the board, this calendar would guide their budgeting process, culminating in the submission of the budget to the board for adoption for the 2024-2025 fiscal year by June 27.

Prior to the vote, Mr. Hussey, Executive Director, presented the resolution to opt out of insurance policy with CharterSAFE

Mr. Hussey mentioned the annual notice to opt out of the insurance policy, which provides the opportunity for the school to explore alternative insurance options with board approval. He highlighted that this practice ensures they have the best insurance coverage to protect the school.

Mr. Wood added to this, explaining that during the charter conference, they met with CharterSAFE and historically have utilized a broker to secure competitive insurance pricing. He emphasized the importance of sending notice to CharterSAFE to indicate their intent to explore other options and negotiate for the best pricing. He recommended adopting the resolution to provide leverage in negotiations.

In response to Mr. Kofahl's question about whether they had ever not chosen CharterSAFE, Mr. Wright confirmed that they had indeed explored other insurance companies and options, and that they didn't automatically choose CharterSAFE each year. He also indicated that they consistently review their options rather than solely relying on CharterSAFE.

Top of Form

Prior to the vote, Mr. Hussey presented to approve LAUSD Police Services to provide One (1) School Police Officer for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

Mr. Hussey addressed the annual fee for service request from LAUSD, which covers the school police officer stationed on campus. He noted a slight increase this year, amounting to $183,936, which includes the officer's salary, equipment, and vehicle. 

Mr. Wood inquired about the reason behind the 28% and Mr. Hussey and Mr. Wood responded by stating that the increase was attributed to raises and increased benefits provided by LAUSD.

Mr. Wood further explained that although there is one police officer present on-site year-round, the school also has access to the entire LAUSD School Police Department if needed for emergencies or incidents.

Mr. Wright expressed concerns about the increased cost despite receiving less hours. He highlighted instances where the officer's presence was needed during mornings for traffic control but was unavailable. He questioned whether the school had explored alternatives such as the sheriff's department or LAPD and suggested having specific hours for the officer's duty.

In response, Mr. Wood mentioned the possibility of requesting specific hours for the officer's duty from LAUSD and Mr. Wright requested that such arrangements be put in writing to ensure accountability.

Mr. Wright proposed postponing the decision until the next meeting to allow for further discussion and consideration of these issues.

Mr. Hussey requested the Board to submit in advance any questions they might have for LAUSD before the meeting with LAUSD.

Prior to the vote, Mr. Hussey, Executive Director presented the VAPA Positions Salary Table and VAPA Program

Mr. Hussey discussed the allocation of funds from Prop 28, emphasizing that they are designated for salaries and cannot be used for other purposes such as increasing teacher salaries or school improvements. He clarified that the funds are specifically intended for hiring positions that directly support students, particularly in areas like the VAPA program. He mentioned that after reaching out to AFSCME, the union was amenable to adding these positions to their roster.

Responding to Mr. Solkovits' query about the ongoing nature of Prop 28 funding, Mr. Hussey confirmed that it was currently ongoing and voter-approved. However, Mr. Solkovits raised a concern about what would happen if the fund were to disappear and whether the school would still be obligated to fund these positions. In response, Mr. Hussey stated that the school would need to assess whether they could reallocate funds from other areas of the general fund to sustain the positions.

Mr. Solkovits suggested creating a side letter that would outline that the positions are contingent on the availability of earmarked funds. This would ensure fiscal responsibility and provide clarity regarding the sustainability of the positions if the funding were to cease.

Mr. Hussey provided information about the yearbook vendor selection process, noting that the yearbook class had reached out to vendors including Jostens. He presented the preliminary budget from Jostens, which indicated a total expense of $95,000, compared to Walzworth's estimated expense of $116,000. 

Highlighting the $21,000 difference, he emphasized that choosing Jostens would allow for potential savings that could be passed on to students for a lower yearbook price. Additionally, the students and the sponsor expressed satisfaction with Jostens' offerings and anticipated receiving more support from them.

Mr. Kofahl inquired about the quality of Jostens’ products from other schools, seeking background information. Mr. Hussey responded that the yearbook class had examined samples, asked questions, and were satisfied with the quality and support offered by Jostens. He underscored that the decision to recommend Jostens came from the students themselves, rather than the administration.

Mr. Hussey then suggested making a motion to support the selection of Jostens as the yearbook vendor, as it appeared there were no reasons not to support the students' choice.

Prior to the Vote, Mr. Hussey, presented the GetMoreMath quote

Mr. Hussey discussed the proposal brought forth by the math department regarding the implementation of the GetMoreMath program. The department observed an increase in test scores on the SBAC and overall improvement in math comprehension through a pilot of the program. 

They aim to expand its use to all math classes. The math department commits to certifying 75% of their teachers in the program, with administration also getting certified, and securing a 5% discount. 

The program focuses on SBAC-style questions, aligning with the testing format encountered by students in the 11th grade. Rather than waiting until 11th grade, the program will commence in 9th and 10th grades. 

Additionally, the program provides valuable data to strategically identify areas where students need additional support. Mr. Hussey emphasized the importance of supporting the math department's initiative to enhance math scores. 

Due to the three-year contract with a cost exceeding $50,000.

Prior to the vote, Mr. Guinto, Director of Technology, will be presenting the Bid award for the Roofing Project. 

Mr. Guinto raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the school's main building roof, showcasing photos depicting bulges, weakness, and holes. He informed the board that the issue had been brought to the attention of the capitalization committee, leading to the publication of a RFP to repair the roofing. 

Two proposals were received and presented to the finance committee, with the winning proposal totaling $247,820. He then presented a top view of the school, highlighting the areas where the roofing repair would occur: Anderson Hall (blue), cafeteria (red), student store (yellow), and hallway extension (green). While the quotes were separated for budgeting purposes, it was emphasized that it was essentially one roofing project repair.

Mr. Hussey added to this mentioning the cafeteria funds and explaining that the separation of quotes was requested by Mr. Wood to facilitate the allocation of funds specifically for the cafeteria repair.

Mr. Solkovits inquired about potential penalties in the proposed contract if the contractor failed to complete the work within the agreed-upon timeframe, citing concerns about potential delays typical of contractors. He was concerned about the project from running into the next semester.

Mr. Guinto explained that the project timeline had to be adjusted due to the need for LAUSD's investigation into potential asbestos presence in the area. While the investigation had been conducted, awaiting the report would delay the project for a couple of weeks. Consequently, the project would likely be moved to the summer. He noted that the vendor estimated a seven-day completion time and agreed to ensure timely completion, with the possibility of adding a penalty clause if necessary.

Mr. Wood sought clarification, stating that even if the board approved the contract, the project couldn't proceed until LAUSD confirmed the absence of asbestos. He questioned whether this understanding was correct.

Mr. Guinto clarified that the project's timeline depended on LAUSD's confirmation regarding the presence of asbestos, which could be received within the next week or two. He mentioned that the vendor was capable of handling asbestos abatement if necessary, and the quote already included provisions for asbestos abatement. 

He explained that they wanted to secure the budget earmarked for the project to be prepared for any eventuality, such as rain in the coming weeks. In the event of a positive asbestos finding, they would obtain a quote from the vendor and compare it with LAUSD's assessment.

In response to Mr. Kofahl's suggestion about the vendor conducting the asbestos inspection, Mr. Guinto explained that even if they did, they would still need to comply with LAUSD's protocols since it was their building. However, they aimed to be prepared for any outcome to facilitate a smoother project process.

Mr. Solkovits inquired about contingency plans for potential water damage discovered when the roofing area is opened up for repair. Mr. Guinto explained that the vendor is willing to repair up to a certain percentage of damaged wood underneath the roofing. If the damage is less than 15 to 20%, they will replace it without additional cost. However, if it exceeds that threshold, it would require a change order, potentially leading to further delays.

Mr. Solkovits suggested including this provision in the scope of work to ensure clarity and agreement on the terms. Mr. Guinto affirmed that this could be arranged.

Entered Closed Session at 7:07PM

Reconvene to Open Session at 8:14PM

There being nothing to report from the closed session, the board moved on to the next item on the agenda.