Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday January 21, 2026 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
Brin Gibson (remote), Chan Lengsavath, Esq., Dr. Carryn Warren, Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan (remote), Melinda Kabar
Directors Absent
Ann Diggins
Guests Present
Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, Bridget Johnson-Peevy, CASLV Chief People Officer, Dr. Ercan Aydogdu, CASLV Executive Director & CEO, Dr. Mustafa Gunozu, CASLV Chief Academic and School Officer, Mark Gardberg, Esq. CASLV Legal Counsel, Monica Patel, DMS Representative (remote), Nick Sarishahin, CASLV Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Rachael Peckham, CASLV Academic Program Coordinator , Selim Tanyeri, CASLV Chief Student Services Officer
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
No public comments.
II. Consent Agenda
A.
October 29, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
B.
December 12, 2025 Finance & Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
C.
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
D.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (Information)
Information item, no action.
III. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Financial Update (Information)
Ms. Patel reviewed the financial statements through the end of December 2025. She reported that AB398 revenue designated for teacher and staff raises has been received. Local revenue is currently ahead of projections, while expenditures remain below budget, particularly in salaries and benefits, contributing to the current surplus.
Based on full-year budget expectations, overall revenues are on track. State and federal funding remain aligned with projections. Expenditures continue to track in accordance with the approved budget, resulting in a projected year-end surplus that reflects strong financial management.
Mr. Gibson requested that future financial updates include expenditures and revenues as a percentage of the total budget.
B.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan discussed CASLV's accomplishments and shared important updates regarding students and school clubs with the board.
Nellis AFB Campus Expansion
Dr. Ercan reported that the agreement with the General Contractor has been executed and the Notice to Proceed has been received from OLDCC. Construction has officially commenced. The groundbreaking ceremony has been rescheduled for April 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at 107 Stafford Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada. Board members are invited to attend. Dr. Ercan extended appreciation for Mr. Nick's hard work.
Communications
The latest issue of the quarterly Coral Academy Newsletter has been released and distributed to students, staff, parents, and community partners.
Academic Achievements
The Cadence campus middle school, a Title I school, earned a 5-Star rating through the Nevada School Performance Framework, the highest performance designation in the state. The recognition event was attended by Nevada State Senator Carrie A. Buck, Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero, and CASLV Board President Chan Lengsavath, Esq.
Additionally, all four Henderson campuses, Cadence, Sandy Ridge, Eastgate, and Windmill, were recognized as 5-Star Schools at the City of Henderson 5-Star Schools Recognition Luncheon hosted by Michelle Romero.
The Sandy Ridge 8th Grade team earned the Team Achievement Award in the Fall Noetic Math Contest by placing among the Top 10 teams nationwide, marking a repeat national-level recognition.
Student Activities and Achievements
Cadence VEX IQ Robotics teams EagleTec (20058C) and Lightning Eagles (20058D) achieved notable success. EagleTec earned both the Teamwork Champion and Robot Skills Champion titles, while Lightning Eagles secured Second Place in Teamwork. Both teams qualified for the Nevada State Championship and received invitations to the CREATE U.S. Open Tournament in Iowa.
Windmill VEX Robotics teams also performed strongly at the Faith Lutheran VEX IQ Mix & Match Tournament. Falcon Fury earned the Teamwork Champion and Create Award; Falcon Force placed second in Teamwork; and Fearless Falcons received the Sportsmanship Award. Finals placements included first place for Falcon Fury, second place for Falcon Force, and fifth place for Fearless Falcons.
Sandy Ridge seniors and Student Council members visited the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City, where they delivered handmade holiday cards, organized games, and engaged with residents as part of their ongoing partnership with American Legion Post 40.
Athletics
The Middle School Lady Falcons won the Green Valley Christian Academy Tournament Championship with a 16–8 victory over Faith Lutheran. Ava R. was named Tournament MVP, and Maykah P. and Emily I. were selected to the All-Tournament Team.
The Sandy Ridge campus hosted a Boys Varsity Basketball Alumni Game. The alumni team defeated the current varsity team 78–65. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen alumni engagement.
The Sandy Ridge varsity girls basketball team defeated Eldorado High School 59–20 in a non-conference game.
The Cadence Middle School Girls Basketball Team opened its season with a win against American Heritage School.
The Middle School Coral Blue Team earned second place overall in its first competition of the season, with several students earning top individual placements. The Elementary Bowling Team finished in the Top 3 overall in its first match, with Evan G. earning first place individually.
Campus Events
The Tamarus Campus hosted its Winter Festival with participation from students, staff, and parents. Sandy Ridge students and staff volunteered in support of the event.
Winter concerts were successfully held at the Eastgate, Cadence, and Centennial Hills campuses, with strong participation from students, staff, and families.
Community Engagement
Coral Academy is sponsoring the 2026 Block Kids Building Competition, which will be hosted at the Eastgate campus. The event is open to students in grades K–6 and will include vendors, games, and family activities.
Reno Visit
Dr. Ercan reported on a recent visit with the campus principals and some of the SLT team members to the Coral Academy Reno campuses, the SPCSA Reno Office, and the University of Nevada, Reno, where meetings were held with school leaders.
Next Meeting
The next Board meeting will be held on February 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Office.
IV. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
Lottery and Enrollment Workflow Software Agreement (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick explained that this request is to purchase a new enrollment and lottery management program due to limitations with the upgraded SchoolMint Enroll platform. While SchoolMint Enroll was recently enhanced, the upgraded system does not fully meet the operational needs or functional requirements of the organization. To ensure an efficient, compliant, and user-friendly enrolment process, we are seeking an alternative program, Avela, that better aligns with these requirements.
B.
End Point Antivirus Protection Software (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick explained this is a request for approval to implement a comprehensive Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) through a one year engagement that combines advanced device protection and email security into a unified defense layer.
In addition to strengthening technical security, this initiative supports CASLV’s overall risk management strategy. Demonstrated use of advanced endpoint protection is increasingly required to secure and maintain cyber insurance coverage at favorable terms and to meet evolving legal regulatory and industry compliance expectations. Approval of this solution reflects prudent due diligence.
C.
Health Insurance Rebate Payment (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peevy explained that under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medical Loss Ratio (MLR), we received a health insurance rebate. The rebate totals $50,263.75 and is related to approximately 304 eligible employees enrolled in the medical plan during the 2024–2025 school year.
Although ACA guidelines require that only the employee-paid portion of premiums be returned to employees, we propose to allocate the full rebate amount to eligible employees. The rebate will be distributed within the February payroll, with individual credits calculated proportionally based on each employee’s premium contributions.
D.
Chromebooks Purchases for Sandy Ridge Campus (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick presented this request for approval to proceed with the purchase of 100 new Chromebooks to replace aging devices currently in use at the Sandy Ridge campus. The existing Chromebooks have reached the end of their effective lifecycle and no longer reliably support instructional and operational needs.
As part of due diligence CASLV staff solicited and reviewed multiple competitive quotes from approved vendors for comparable Chromebook models. The total cost of the recommended purchase is $35,400.00 which is within budgeted technology replacement allocations and consistent with historical device refresh cycles. Approval of this item will ensure continued student and staff access to reliable instructional technology and support CASLV’s ongoing commitment to maintaining secure standardized and functional learning environments.
V. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
Concussion Policy Update (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim explained that the CASLV Concussion Policy was developed in response to NDE requirements and was first approved in January 2025. As the policy must be reviewed annually, we have taken the opportunity to clarify and revise certain sections based on feedback from our Principals and Health Manager, as well as insights gained during implementation. Mr. Selim reviewed the proposed updates in detail.
The board raised concerns regarding potential injuries that could occur after school hours.
B.
Tuition Reimbursement Policy Amendment (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peevy presented proposed revisions to the existing Tuition Reimbursement Policy, which include two substantive changes as well as minor cosmetic updates.
There was a lengthy discussion about the doctoral degree eligibility.
C.
Alternative School Calendar for Nellis and Sandy Ridge Campuses (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peckham reported that the Board has approved the 2026–2027 school year calendar. She shared that both the Nellis and Sandy Ridge campuses are requesting alternative calendar options.
The Nellis campus is requesting five data days, consistent with the schedule implemented over the past two years. The Sandy Ridge campus is requesting two additional half days to be used for senior presentations.
It was noted that, even with these requested adjustments, both campuses will continue to exceed the required instructional minutes.
VI. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
No public comments.
Mr. Tandogan left the meeting from 5:00 to 5:04 pm.