Board and audience did the pledge of allegiance. 

1. Susan Mochirfratemi - Requested the board to recognize all of her years of experience being a teacher. 

2. Robyn Lyon - Requested the board to consider that the stipend for Doctorate with teachers can be the same as the stipend for administrators. She said that she already requested it from UTLA but she also want to mention it to the board. 

Dr. Clark, Administrative Director, led the discussion on the LCAP Update 23-24 Goals and Actions

The document includes pages where each goal is reflected upon, detailing how it was carried out, any material differences in budgeted expenditure, and explanations of the outcomes and necessary changes:
Goal 1: Dr. Clark reviewed and reflected on the first goal: ensuring students demonstrate academic growth in ELA, Math, and Science. She noted that this goal remained unchanged from the previous.

She reported that all goals were implemented with fidelity, with no substantive differences in planned actions and actual implementation, although minor adjustments were noted. The actions taken led to improvements in ELA, Math, and Science. The data indicates that while the majority of efforts were successful, there is a need to focus more on specific subgroups, such as students with disabilities, the unduplicated population, African American, and Latino & Hispanic students. Most actions were effective, and the school will continue using research-based methods to further improve in these areas.

Goal 2: Dr. Clark reviewed Goal 2 which aimed to provide all students with a high-quality education through equitable access to standards-based instruction, innovative strategies and programs, and rigorous learning. She noted that this goal was analyzed to see how effectively it was carried out.

There were 11 actions associated with this goal, all of which were implemented with fidelity, with no substantial differences between the planned actions and their actual implementation. The analysis showed that the specific actions taken were necessary for making progress. Dr. Clark noted that they are working towards rebranding their study skills classes to focus more on research-based strategies, including SEL.

Goal 3: Dr. Clark reviewed Goal 3, which had been merged with Goal 2. This goal focused on ensuring all students graduate college and career ready and aimed to increase the graduation rates for unduplicated students, students with disabilities, Latinx students, and African American students.

There were nine actions associated with this goal, all of which were implemented with fidelity. In terms of effectiveness, significant strides were made towards achieving this goal. One notable achievement was the increase in pathways from three to four, providing more potential areas of interest for students to explore. Dr. Clark informed the board that, based on what was learned from this goal, there is a recommendation to revamp the summer bridge program in the near future.

Goal 4: The goal aimed to provide a safe, inclusive, and culturally competent learning environment through targeted efforts supporting students of color, students experiencing opportunity gaps, and LGBTQ+ students.

This goal was implemented as planned and with fidelity. Regarding effectiveness, the actions taken were effective, and progress is ongoing. It was determined that professional development (PD) needs to be more targeted and needs-based. Some teachers indicated that previous PDs weren’t what was needed. Consequently, the focus will shift to addressing areas highlighted by the charter division or the WASC report, etc., to ensure PDs are more relevant and beneficial.

Goal 5: This goal aimed to ensure that all parents in the school community have increased, authentic, and safe opportunities to provide input through regular and effective two-way communication.

The analysis showed that this goal was implemented with fidelity and as planned. The actions taken were deemed effective, with a focus on enhancing transparency in school communication. Parents indicated improvements in communication, especially with the upgraded school website. Although some information is still occasionally hard to find, the overall feedback has been positive. The marketing coordinator will continue to explore ways to expand the school’s presence in the community and further improve communication.

Goal 6: This goal focused on providing specific support and optimal equipment to address the social-emotional, mental health, and physical needs of all students. This goal was combined with another, as mentioned previously.

The analysis indicated that this goal was implemented effectively, with no substantial differences in the planned actions. The wellness center at El Camino was highlighted as a significant success, receiving positive feedback from parents, teachers, and students. It has become an essential part of the school's culture. However, issues remain with suspension, attendance, and dropout rates, which increased last year. Addressing these areas is ongoing, and there is a plan in place to target these issues. The tech office has been diligently working on developing a system to track attendance and related data to support these efforts.

Mr. Wright asked about maintenance, specifically mentioning the recurring cost of floor and equipment issues. He suggested that investing in better equipment for daily floor care could save money in the long run by reducing the need for professional refinishing annually. 

Mr. Hussey clarified that such expenses wouldn't fall under LCAP, as LCAP funds are more instructionally based, whereas Mr. Wright's suggestion pertains to facilities.

Mr. Wright then inquired about the status of golf carts that were supposed to be acquired last year, asking if this was part of the LCAP. Dr. Clark responded that it was not. Ms. Ilyas added that while ensuring good and safe facilities is a requirement, items like golf carts and sports floor repairs wouldn't be addressed directly in the LCAP.

Mr. Wright pressed on, highlighting safety concerns, such as slippery floors causing injuries or faulty golf cart brakes causing accidents. Ms. Ilyas acknowledged these safety issues but reiterated that they wouldn't be directly addressed in the LCAP. Instead, such repairs and equipment maintenance would be part of the overall budget, as detailed in the budget overview for parents, which includes necessary expenses not covered by the LCAP.

Goal 7: Dr. Clark reviewed Goal 7, which was added later in the 2022-2023 school year and implemented as planned with fidelity.

Dr. Clark provided highlights, noting that the document is available in the Google drive and is not yet up for a vote. 

She highlighted two successes: Math and English performance, both marked in the green on the California dashboard. However, she identified weaknesses in college and career readiness, which, despite being above the state average (48.6% compared to 43.9%), is still considered low. 

Additionally, the suspension rate has increased by 1.1% from the previous year. Dr. Clark clarified that the school is not recognized as a California Distinguished School due to high suspension and dropout rates, despite strong test scores. The four factors considered for this designation are Math, English, suspension, and dropout rates.

Mr. Wright questioned why other schools with dropouts, like Birmingham and Granada in LAUSD, receive the distinction while El Camino does not?

Dr. Clark clarified that it is based on the rates being higher than the state average, and noted that the suspension and dropout rates had increased, which disqualified them. Mr. Wright expressed frustration, pointing out that maintaining discipline and ensuring a safe environment for students leads to negative repercussions from the state system.

Dr. Clark agreed, noting the punitive aspect of the situation. 

Mr. Solkovits added that in smaller schools, even a few suspensions or dropouts can disproportionately impact the rates, criticizing the system for not accounting for the unique challenges of small schools and calling for an explanation to parents and a reevaluation of the criteria for the California Distinguished School designation.

Goal 1: It aims to provide all students with a high-quality education, equitable access to standards-based instruction, innovative strategies and programs, and rigorous learning, specifically in LEA math and science. Dr. Clark highlighted the actions being taken to achieve this goal, which include:

• Addressing areas of need directly and providing tailored support to students requiring additional assistance for academic growth.
• Offering targeted intervention for the EL (English Learner) population.
• Sending teachers to professional development opportunities.
• Building a culture of data-driven instruction and reflection.
• Focusing on instructional equity.
• Ensuring all educational partners have access to updated technology and data.
• Maintaining a fully credentialed teaching staff and ensuring proper assignments.
• Staffing a full administrative team to support all educators.

Goal 2: Dr. Clark outlined Goal 2, which focuses on ensuring that all students graduate college and career ready, with an emphasis on increasing the graduation rates for students with disabilities, Latinx, English learners, African American students, needy youth and homeless youth. The actions being taken to achieve this goal include:

• Continuing to develop and expand CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathways.
• Providing opportunities for students to explore and expand their career pathways.
• Supporting A-G and AP test pass rates.
• Offering ongoing professional development for counselors and staff.
• Maintaining a counselor-to-student ratio of under 1:400 to ensure proper services.
• Contracting and utilizing college and career readiness programs.
• Continuing to offer summer school and credit recovery options for all students.
• Exploring the expansion of online schooling options, even during the regular school year, following the trend of many schools.

Goal 3: Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring that all parents and guardians in the school community have authentic and safe opportunities to provide input through regular, effective two-way communication for shared decision-making. The action steps for this goal include:

• Maintaining strong collaboration with parents.
• Ensuring easy access to attendance updates, addressing concerns raised by both parents and teachers.
• Increasing communication between homes and schools.
• Continuing funding for the marketing coordinator role.
• Remodeling an office space to serve as a family working center.

Mr. Wright raised the need for better press relations, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Board to focus on oversight rather than dealing with public relations issues. Dr. Clark acknowledged that this issue was highlighted in surveys and reported by teachers, indicating a need for improvement in this area.

Goal 4: Dr. Clark outlined Goal 4, which is to provide a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment that meets the social, emotional, mental health, and physical needs of all students through multi-tiered systems of support, targeted efforts for vulnerable student populations, and sufficient resources.

Dr. Clark concluded by summarizing that the LCAP is extensive and detailed. She invited questions now or within the next 48 hours, or by Monday, to ensure it can be finalized and approved at the next meeting.

Mr. Wood interjected to explain that one of the required documents, apart from the goal section, includes pie charts as part of the LCFF budget overview for parents. This overview provides stakeholders and the public with a clear picture of the school’s funding sources. He highlighted that LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula) constitutes the largest part of the funding at 78%. Within the LCFF, the school receives a smaller portion: 33% for free and reduced meals, and an additional 5%, amounting to $2.3 million, for needy youth.

Mr. Wright asked Dr. Clark for clarification regarding the school nurse. Dr. Clark responded that they will provide a full-time school nurse, an athletic trainer, and an LVN. 

Mr. Wright then inquired about the equipment for the athletic trainer, noting the absence of an ice machine, which is crucial for treating injuries sustained during athletic events. He emphasized the importance of having proper equipment and asked Dr. Clark to add an ice machine to the list of needs. Dr. Clark agreed to do so.

Mr. Wright also mentioned the issue of trash cans being an eyesore and causing unpleasant odors near the gym, suggesting they be moved closer to the fence to avoid obstructing walkways and also away from the classrooms to avoid causing infestation problems. Dr. Clark agreed to find a better location for the trash cans.

A Board member pointed out a possible typo in Goal 1's measuring and reporting results for the year 24-25, where the percentage for socioeconomically disadvantaged students meeting or exceeding the ELA aspect was shown as decreasing, instead of increasing as intended.

Mr. Wright then addressed Mr. Kofahl's concern about trash collection, suggesting that increasing the frequency of trash pickups could reduce mess and rodent problems, noting that he initially thought the school was paying for trash, and was considering budget adjustments accordingly. He also suggested more frequent collections to solve the excess trash problem.

Went to close session at 6:19PM