Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (CASLV) Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Location
CASLV Central Office
8985 S. Eastern Ave. #375
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Posting of Agenda: This agenda has been posted at the following locations:
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (“CASLV”) Central Office, CASLV website at www.caslv.org, and Nevada Public Notice website at http://notice.nv.gov.
Format / Procedures / Rules: This is a notice of a public meeting held pursuant to NRS Chapter 241. Members of the public are invited to be present.
Certain items may be removed from open/public consideration if permitted or required by Nevada law. The Board may also (i) take agenda items out of order; (ii) combine two or more items for consideration; (iii) separate one item into multiple items; (iv) table an agenda item to a future meeting; and/or (v) remove an agenda item.
Reasonable efforts will be made to assist and accommodate persons with physical disabilities desiring to attend the meeting. Please contact Ms. Shepard at ashepard@coralacademylv.org at least 48 hours before the time of the meeting, if possible, so that reasonable arrangements may conveniently be made.
Please also contact Ms. Shepard if you would like a copy of the agenda and any public reference materials relating to agenda items. Those materials will also be available at the meeting location. Those materials would provide you with greater context and clarity as to the matters under discussion.
By law, no one may willfully disrupt the meeting to the extent that its orderly conduct becomes impractical.
All items are action or possible action items if denoted as such.
Directors Present
Ann Diggins, Arlene Hayman (remote), Brin Gibson (remote), Chan Lengsavath, Esq., Dr. Carryn Warren, Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Amber Nhan, CASLV Academic Program Coordinator, Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, Dr. Ercan Aydogdu, CASLV Executieve Director and CEO, Dr. Mustafa Gunozu, CASLV Chief Academic Officer, Ismail Kocabiyik, CASLV Windmill Principal, Mia Nelson, CASLV Nellis Principal, Tiffany Bailey, CASLV Eastgate Principal
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
There was a break from 6:53 pm - 7:03 pm.
Ms. Hayman left the meeting from 5:52 pm - 5:54 pm.
Mr. Tandogan left the meeting at 7:54 pm.
II. Consent Agenda-Facility Finance Committee
A.
Merit-Based Policy Addendum (For Possible Action)
B.
Summer Deep Cleaning (For Possible Action)
C.
Network Video Recorder (NVR) Camera System Software Upgrade (For Possible Action)
This item was pulled out of the consent agenda. Mr. Selim answered questions from the board and explained that the bids are competitive.
D.
Raptor Emergency Management System (For Possible Action)
E.
Fire Alarm and System Upgrade (RFP) for CASLV Windmill (For Possible Action)
F.
Technology Fee and One to One Technology Policy (For Possible Action)
G.
Centennial Hills Campus Office Creation in room 101 (For possible action)
H.
Tamarus Campus Secondary Front Entry Wall (For possible action)
I.
Centennial Hills Campus Front Parking Lot Gates Automation (For possible action)
J.
Delta Management Solutions Agreement Amendment (For Possible Action)
III. Consent Agenda-Academic Committee
A.
2025-2026 School Year Local Literacy Plan (For Possible Action)
B.
Curriculum Orders (For Possible Action)
C.
High School Course Catalogue (For Possible Action)
D.
Consulting Services for Secondary ELA (For Possible Action)
IV. Consent Agenda-Regular
A.
April 16, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
B.
May 13, 2025 Finance & Facilities Committee Meeting (For Possible Action)
C.
May 19, 2025 Academic Committee Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
D.
Crossing Guard Services (For Possible Action)
E.
Furniture Purchase for Cadence Campus (For Possible Action)
F.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (Information)
G.
Sandy Ridge Chromebook Purchase (For Possible Action)
V. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Financial Update (Information)
Debbie Howard, DMS Representative, presented the financial update. She indicated CASLV is right on track as far as revenues and expenses. There are 130 days of cash on hand. Ms. Howard reviewed the balance sheet in detail. Some revenues have come in a bit early.
B.
Financial Framework Ratings for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year (Information)
Mr. Nick presented the framework results, noting that CASLV is meeting all standards. Dr. Ercan emphasized that the highest possible rating is "Meets Standards," and commented that if an "Exceeds Standards" category existed, CASLV would have qualified for it. Mr. Gardberg added that the SPCSA standards are rigorous, making this achievement very impressive.
C.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan discussed CASLV's accomplishments and shared important updates regarding students and school clubs with the board.
- Enrollment/Application & Lottery Results: Dr. Ercan reviewed current enrollment numbers, application data, and lottery outcomes.
- Organizational Realignment: The CASLV - Central Office Organizational Chart was presented. Dr. Ercan explained that a realignment within the senior leadership team has been implemented to enhance efficiency, improve alignment, and strengthen overall effectiveness as CASLV continues to grow and serve students with excellence.
- Best Public High Schools in the Las Vegas Metro Area: CASLV Sandy Ridge campus was ranked #6. The top five schools are magnet programs, making the Sandy Ridge campus the only public charter school among them, admitting students through a lottery system.
- 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: Out of 650+ teams from over 60 countries, students Vidyuth N., Mihika N., and Om P. earned the prestigious Judges Award, recognizing excellence in engineering, creativity, teamwork, and professionalism.
- Future Medical Leaders, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: 9th-grade student Tao M. has been selected to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders this June at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
- NCAA Gymnastics Champion, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: Sandy Ridge alumna and current LSU freshman Kailin C. won the vault title at the 2025 NCAA Championships with an outstanding score of 9.975.
- MOEMS® 2025 Achievements: Competing among 4,061 teams and 90,000+ participants from across the globe, the CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus 8th-grade math team earned a MOEMS® Honor Roll plaque for placing in the top 10% of all Division M schools.
- 2025 Regional Swim Championships, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: Jordan C.: Two-time state champion (100 Breast & 200 IM, 2023–2024), top scorer for two years. Felix S.: Relay standout and 3rd place in 100 Fly. Jia M.: Key backstroke swimmer in state-final Medley Relays. Caleb W.: Three-time state finalist in 100 Back & 500 Free. Donia A.: Sprinter in 50 Free and vital relay contributor.
- Swimmers Advance to State Championships, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: Jordan C.: Named Girls High Point Scorer; earned 2 Gold Medals at Regionals 3A. Felix S.: Won 1 Gold Medal in Regionals 3A. Boys Team: Placed 2nd overall in Regional Finals. Girls Team: Placed 3rd overall; won Gold in 400 Free Relay.
- 2025 NIAA Track & Field Regional Championships, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: Teegan L. (Sophomore): Finished 2nd in the 800m and 1600m at the 3A South Girls Regional; advancing to the 2025 State Championships on May 16–17.
- Middle School National AQT Championship Tournament, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: The team won 4 of 8 preliminary matches, with four close matches decided by the final question and two buzzer-beater wins.
- MS Basketball Team, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: The girls’ team captured their 4th consecutive championship, remaining undefeated for four straight years.
- Soccer Celebration, CASLV Cadence Campus: The Eagles closed their season with a spirited final game and the exciting opportunity to walk onto the field with the Colorado Team during the National Anthem.
- Track & Field Success at NCSAA Championships, CASLV Cadence Campus: Nathan P.: Won 3 medals in the 100m, 200m, and 400m. Jancarlo M.: Earned 3rd in 400m and ranked top 7 in other events. Gabby B. & Alex W.: Strong performances in sprints and shot put. 5th/6th Grade Boys Team (Nathan, Jancarlo, Alex, Julian N.): Placed 2nd out of 60 schools.
- Vegas PBS KIDS Writers Contest, CASLV Nellis AFB Campus: 3rd-grader Camden H. was named a winner. Fun fact: His brother Noah won last year—talent runs in the family!
- 2025 End-of-Year Teacher Appreciation Celebration: Dr. Ercan shared photos from the event honoring staff.
- College Spirit Day, CASLV Sandy Ridge Campus: Seniors proudly showcased their college destinations in front of an enthusiastic crowd of underclassmen.
- Robotics Night, CASLV Tamarus Campus: The fundraiser event was a great success, helping support the Soaring Falcons Robotics Team’s journey to the VEX Robotics World Championship in Texas this May.
- 2025 Spring Volleyball Championship Victory, CASLV Centennial Hills Campus: The Middle School Boys' Volleyball Team won the NCSAA Championship.
- 4th Annual Henderson Reads Book Festival: Coral Academy hosted a booth, engaging with guests and sharing information about its schools and curriculum.
- Fun Run, CASLV Eastgate Campus: Dr. Ercan shared an image from the successful 2025 Eastgate Fun Run.
The next meeting will be held on August 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Location to be determined.
VI. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
Windmill and Sandy Ridge Campuses Front Entry Remodeling Project GMP (For possible action)
Mr. Selim indicated that the CMAR took time to receive quotes and reviewed the breakdown of the costs while answering questions from the board.
B.
Tamarus Shade Structure (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim explained that we are seeking approval to install a shade structure on the Tamarus campus playground to provide protection from the sun and rain during recess and PE. The structure will support student health, safety, and continued access to outdoor activities in varying weather.
C.
Eastgate Second Floor Lobby Space (For Possible Action)
This is to create two small room office spaces for small group instruction (intervention, special education, etc) and other services as needed. Currently, Eastgate has a 2nd floor lobby space that has been underutilized and can be adjusted to support the campus' needs.
D.
Purchase Sale Agreement of Eastgate Campus (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan reviewed the timeline, noting that the bond closing is scheduled for the end of October. Mr. Nick will present all financial documents to the board. Mr. Gardberg provided an overview of the Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA).
E.
Kitchen Design for Nellis Campus Construction (For possible Action)
Mr. Selim indicated this is part of the Nellis expansion project, a specialty kitchen designer is needed, as this service was planned to be outsourced and not included in the original contract with the architects. The kitchen designer will produce an equipment list, drawings of the floor plan with equipment placement, plumbing drawings, electrical drawings, and mechanical drawings. A specialist is needed because kitchens require different levels of electricity that affect the entire campus.
Mr. Lengsavath recused himself from the discussion and vote, given his personal and professional relationship with one of the bidding entities.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ann Diggins |
Aye
|
| Arlene Hayman |
Aye
|
| Brin Gibson |
Aye
|
| Elizabeth Kazelskis |
Aye
|
| Dr. Carryn Warren |
Aye
|
| Chan Lengsavath, Esq. |
Abstain
|
| Feyzi Tandogan |
Aye
|
VII. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
Organizational Performance Framework Self-Certification Form (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan explained that this is an annual requirement from the SPCSA.
B.
Section 504 Policy (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu presented the 504 policy and explained the purpose, adding that this provides formal guidance on implementing the 504 program.
C.
Amendment of Employee Handbook (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peevy presented the employee handbook amendment based on the feedback from the campuses.
D.
Amendment of Student Handbook (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented the student handbook changes in detail while answering questions from the board.
E.
Update Wellness Policy (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim explained that he checked with the Department of Agriculture, and we must adopt their version, including the statement that recess cannot be removed as discipline.
F.
Amendment of Volunteer Policy (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented the amendment and indicated the update is based on feedback from our Workers' Comp. Insurance provider.
G.
Amendment of Lottery Policy (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented the amendment of the lottery policy in detail while answering questions from the board.
H.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Policy (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim and Mr. Gardberg explained that a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) policy was drafted based on the feedback from our Workers’ Comp. Insurance provider.
I.
Meal Pricing for families (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim indicated, based on the increases on the vendor side and Nevada Department of Agriculture’s feedback, CASLV is planning to increase the paid meal prices for the 25-26 school year.
J.
Executive Director & CEO's Contract Renewal (For Possible Action)
Mr. Gardberg noted that Dr. Ercan's current contract runs through the end of July. The board considered offering Dr. Ercan a larger salary increase; however, Dr. Ercan expressed that it is too early to determine what teachers will receive, and the situation remains uncertain pending legislative action later this month. He explained that he would prefer to receive the same increase as his staff (3%). The board offered a performance pay bonus, but he again respectfully declined it at this time.
The board agreed, albeit reluctantly, and discussed the possibility of revisiting the matter in the fall. There was also consideration of offering Dr. Ercan a longer-term contract, rather than renewing it on a one-year basis.
K.
Annual Elections (For Possible Action)
The Board conducted elections for both board positions and officer roles. Ms. Hayman announced her decision to step down from the Board but offered to continue serving until a replacement is appointed. Mr. Gardberg noted that the Bylaws do not require any formal nomination protocol, so after discussion amongst the Board, the Directors nominated Mr. Lengsavath for the position of Board President, and all board members were unanimously re-elected. Officer positions were filled as follows: Mr. Lengsavath as President, Ms. Diggins as Vice President, Mr. Gibson as Treasurer, and Ms. Kazelskis as Secretary. The Board also discussed the need to recruit a new member to fill the vacancy left by Ms. Hayman’s departure.
L.
Budget Hearing Notice (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick announced that the tentative budget approved at the last meeting is now final. He met with the principals to gather their input and obtain their sign-off. This finalized budget must be submitted to the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) by June 8, 2025. Mr. Nick discussed key aspects of the budget, including the projected number of students, total income, and total expenses, and confirmed that the budget is balanced.
Notably, 70% of the budget is allocated for salaries (which is above national and state charter averages), while only 13% is designated for facilities (which is below such averages).
VIII. Closed (Non-Meeting) Sessions
A.
Closed (Non-Meeting) Sessions
The closed session was held from 8:07 pm - 8:25 pm.
IX. Potential Action(s) (For Possible Action)
A.
Potential Action(s) (For Possible Action)
No action taken.
X. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
There were no public comments.