Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday April 8, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Location
CASLV Centennial Hills Campus
7951 Deer Springs Way
Las Vegas, NV 89131
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
Chan Lengsavath, Esq., Dr. Carryn Warren (remote), Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan, Melinda Kabar (remote)
Directors Absent
Ann Diggins, Brin Gibson
Guests Present
Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, David Hall, Esq., CASLV Legal Counsel, Dr. Ercan, CASLV Executive Director and CEO, Ismail Kocabiyik, CASLV Windmill Campus Principal, Kayla Davis, CASLV Centennial Hills Campus Principal, Mark Gardberg, Esq. CASLV Legal Counsel, Nick Sarishahin, CASLV Chief Financial and Operations Officer
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
Melinda Kabar briefly left the meeting from 4:41 PM to 4:43 PM.
II. Consent Agenda
A.
March 10, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
III. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (Information)
Dr. Ercan reviewed the purchases and expensees in detail.
Information item, no action.
B.
Financial Update (Information)
As of March, the budget was projected to break even; however, the organization is currently operating with a surplus. To date, 69% of projected revenues have been received, while 64% of budgeted expenditures have been incurred. Most budget categories are expected to remain at or near projected levels, and any variances will continue to be closely monitored. All SPCSA financial performance standards are currently on target.
C.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan Aydogdu presented the Executive Director’s Progress Report and provided updates on organizational initiatives, student achievements, campus events, and upcoming activities across CASLV.
Organizational & Community Updates
- CASLV leadership and staff attended the CSAN State of the Sector event, where Governor Lombardo served as the keynote speaker.
- CASLV held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Nellis AFB Campus expansion project. The event was attended by Nellis AFB leaders, Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, representatives from Governor Lombardo's Office, members of the Nevada Legislature, Congressional representatives, local officials, and charter school partners. The expansion reflects continued growth and support for military families in Southern Nevada.
- The Nellis campus expansion will create capacity for approximately 700 additional students.
End-of-Year Celebration
- Planning updates were shared for the End-of-Year Celebration scheduled for May 8, 2026, at the M Resort.
- Sponsorship support totaled $72,250, with contributions from several community and business partners.
- Approximately 272 staff members and 81 spouses are expected to attend, with total attendance projected to exceed 400 guests.
Human Resources & Recruitment
- The HR team participated in the NFBLME Rising Leader Fellowship initiative, supporting leadership development opportunities for future Black and Latino male educational leaders.
- HR representatives also attended the 2026 Spring Job Fair at the Las Vegas Convention Center to support recruitment efforts.
Student & Campus Achievements
- The Nellis AFB Campus Pre-K program earned a 5-Star QRIS rating from the Nevada Department of Education in recognition of the quality of care and instruction provided to students.
- Sandy Ridge Campus high school students earned three Congressional Award Gold Medals and two Silver Medals for achievements in service, personal development, and perseverance.
- Eastgate Campus hosted “The Great American Challenge,” where fifth-grade students showcased academic projects and learning experiences. Mayor Michelle Romero attended the event.
- CASLV students earned multiple awards and recognitions at the Southern Nevada Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UNLV.
- CASLV Cadence robotics teams competed successfully at the 2026 VEX IQ CREATE U.S. Open Tournament. Mr. Jenner was recognized nationally as “Teacher of the Year” following another successful robotics season and a third consecutive Nevada State Championship.
- Sandy Ridge students Matthew I. and Jacob G. received recognition from the Las Vegas Review-Journal for their community service initiative supporting individuals in need in Downtown Las Vegas.
- Sandy Ridge Campus hosted the “I Can Be” Career Fair in partnership with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, providing students with exposure to various career pathways and industry professionals.
- Sandy Ridge students also participated in Pi Day activities focused on mathematics and probability concepts.
- Tamarus Campus hosted an SBAC Rally to encourage and motivate students prior to state testing.
Student Engagement & Enrichment
- Sandy Ridge students participated in a behind-the-scenes educational experience at Mandalay Bay and Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson ONE” production, learning about performing arts careers and production operations.
- Eastgate and Tamarus campuses hosted Robotics and STEM family engagement nights featuring hands-on learning activities, classroom showcases, and community participation.
Staff Wellness
- Through a Wellness Grant provided by UnitedHealthcare, massage chairs were purchased for all campuses to support employee wellness initiatives. Larger campuses, including Cadence and Nellis, each received two chairs.
Next Meeting
- The next meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Office.
IV. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
Selection of Copier Machine Lease Vendor (Excluding CASLV Cadence Campus) (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick explained that the current copier machine lease agreements for all campuses, excluding CASLV Cadence Campus, are approaching expiration. Our team including the campus principals conducted a review of operational needs, service levels, and pricing, and evaluated alternative vendors to ensure cost-effectiveness and improved service delivery. Based on this review, we are recommending entering into a new lease agreement with a different vendor that provides more competitive pricing and/or enhanced service terms. This transition will support continued operational efficiency across campuses while aligning with budgetary goals.
Approval of this item will authorize administration to execute a new copier machine lease agreement with the selected vendor for the applicable campuses
B.
Selection of General Contractor for Eastgate Campus Front Desk Renovation (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick reported that the team initiated a competitive solicitation process for the Eastgate Campus front desk renovation project following Board approval to work with an architect on redesigning the campus front entry. The remodel is intended to improve the safety and efficiency of the school, with a primary focus on relocating the main office closer to the main entrance.
After finalizing the design with the architect, the team began the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to secure a general contractor for the project. The RFP was publicly released on February 23, and a mandatory pre-bid meeting for prospective contractors was held on February 27. By the March 27 submission deadline, four bids had been received.
Mr. Nick stated that the submitted proposals were evaluated. The recommended general contractor was chosen based on qualifications, cost, and overall responsiveness to the project requirements. Approval of this item will authorize the team to enter into an agreement with the selected contractor for the Eastgate Campus front desk renovation project. Martin-Harris is able to complete the project within our timeline during the summer.
V. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
Executive Director & CEO Evaluation (For Possible Action)
This item was tabled for the next board meeting.
B.
2026-2027 School Year Board Meeting Calendar (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan presented the proposed Board meeting dates for the 2026–2027 school year. He noted that the schedule must be submitted to the SPCSA and explained that the dates can still be amended later if needed. Dr. Ercan clarified that the proposed dates are for regular Board meetings, while committee meeting schedules can be established separately.
C.
FY 2026-2027 Tentative Budget (For Possible Action)
The board reviewed the FY 2026–2027 Tentative Budget presented by Mr. Nick, which included an overview of the budget development timeline, enrollment projections, projected revenues and expenditures, and operational priorities for the upcoming school year.
Projected district-wide enrollment for FY 2026–2027 is 5,642 students, with a funding-adjusted enrollment of 5,545 students based on a 98% funding factor. Per pupil funding is projected at $9,486.
The proposed FY 2026–2027 budget totals approximately $63.9 million in both projected revenues and expenditures, resulting in a balanced budget. State funding represents the largest revenue source at approximately $57.2 million, or 90% of total revenues, including PCFP, ELL, At-Risk, Special Education, and Pre-K funding. Federal revenues are projected at approximately $4.7 million and include IDEA, Title I, NSLP, and Impact Aid funding. Local revenues total approximately $2 million and include interest income, student fees, fundraising, and donations.
Projected expenditures are primarily driven by salaries and benefits totaling approximately $44.7 million. Additional expenditures include purchased services of approximately $5.3 million, facility costs of approximately $8.1 million, and supplies and operational expenses totaling approximately $5.8 million.
The presentation concluded with board discussion and a question-and-answer session regarding the tentative budget and projected operational needs for FY 2026–2027.
D.
CASLV Local Literacy Plan for 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 School Years (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan presented the updated CASLV Local Literacy Plan for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years. The plan has been revised to align with the state’s updated format requirements and to support ongoing student literacy growth and achievement.
Ms. Kabar asked questions regarding how alignment is implemented across campuses. Dr. Ercan indicated that Dr. Gunozu will follow up with her to address those questions.
VI. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Ms. Miller, a first-grade teacher at CASLV Centennial Hills, shared that she would like to see an additional salary column for employees who have obtained credentials or education before earning a doctorate degree. She also expressed interest in expanding high school opportunities in the Centennial Hills area.
Mr. Lengsavath noted that these topics have been discussed previously and that the potential high school expansion for the Centennial Hills families, in particular, continues to be a significant topic of interest.