Ms. Diggins joined the meeting at 4:40 PM. 

Ms. Kabar joined the meeting at 4:45 PM. 

Mr. Gibson temporarily left the meeting from 6:20 PM to 6:22 PM and departed the meeting at 6:39 PM.

There were no public comments. 

Ms. Torres-Fossett provided a comprehensive overview of CSAN, highlighting its core functions in educating legislators, facilitating education, and providing professional development. She noted that CSAN is actively preparing for the 2027 legislative session and strongly encouraged board members to participate in its initiatives.

Ms. Paquin presented the discipline update, beginning with an overview of last year's data compared to the previous year. She highlighted that Cadence campus saw improvements through restorative and preventative strategies, and Nellis performed exceptionally well against nearby CCSD and charter benchmarks. Eastgate campus experienced an increase in incidents due to repeat offenders. Ms. Paquin recommended utilizing IEPs and prioritizing In-School Suspensions (ISS) over Out-of-School Suspensions (OSS), supported by a newly hired Behavioral Interventionist. Expulsion totals included incidents involving controlled substances (primarily cannabis vapes), threats, and non-firearm weapons. The strategic action plan focuses on establishing campus-level Threat Assessment Committees for early intervention, delivering staff-wide Crisis Prevention and de-escalation training during Professional Development days, and formalizing a streamlined suspension appeals process.

Information item only; no action.

Dr. Ercan reviewed the purchases and expenses in detail. 

Information item only; no action.

Dr. Gunozu presented an update on school star ratings, highlighting strong K–12 performance network-wide, with overall scores remaining well above nearby charter benchmarks. The network achieved five 5-star, five 4-star, and two 3-star ratings, led by middle school performance, where 3 out of 4 schools earned 5 stars. Cadence High School qualified for 5 stars (with Cadence Middle School just 1 point away), and Nellis showed marked progress. 

Eastgate Elementary dropped from a 5-star to a 3-star rating due to compounding administrative and staffing challenges, including teacher loss and emergency administrative leave, as well as lower test scores and growth gaps among its English Language Learner (ELL) population. To drive improvement, the strategic action plan focuses on replicating high-performing campus practices, expanding targeted interventions for ELL and struggling students, reducing absenteeism, and supporting top-performing schools.

Dr. Ercan provided additional context on surrounding school performance, noting Cadence Middle School fell just 1% short of achieving a 5-star rating. He shared that a neighboring charter school received a 2-star rating for both its elementary and middle school programs, and the adjacent CCSD school is rated at 1 or 2 stars. Dr. Ercan emphasized that these 4-star ratings represent a major accomplishment for the Cadence campus given its Title I designation. 

Regarding the Nellis area, Nellis Elementary School earned a 3-star rating, and Nellis Middle School achieved a 5-star rating, outperforming surrounding options where neighboring charter schools hold 2- or 3-star ratings, and neighboring CCSD schools are rated at 1 or 2 stars. 

Information item only; no action.

Ms. Patel presented the monthly financial report for the period ending August 31, 2026. CASLV reported total revenues of approximately $9.96 million (15% of the annual budget) and total expenditures of $8.32 million (13% of the annual budget), resulting in a year-to-date surplus of approximately $1.64 million. The report highlighted CASLV's strong financial position, with approximately $30.5 million in total cash and 144 days of unrestricted cash on hand. These financial indicators demonstrate the organization's continued financial stability.

Information item only: no action. 

Dr. Ercan presented the Executive Director’s Progress Report and provided updates on organizational initiatives, student achievements, campus events, and upcoming activities across CASLV:

1. Academic Performance & Accountability

Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) Ratings (2025–2026 SY):

5-Star Campuses (41.67% of network): Centennial Hills Middle School, Nellis AFB Middle School (up from 4 stars), Sandy Ridge High School, Tamarus Elementary School, and Windmill Middle School.

4-Star Campuses (41.67% of network): Cadence Elementary (up from 3 stars), Cadence Middle (down from 5 stars), Centennial Elementary (down from 5 stars), Sandy Ridge Middle (down from 5 stars), and Windmill Elementary (up from 3 stars).

3-Star Campuses (16.67% of network): Eastgate Elementary (down from 5 stars) and Nellis AFB Elementary (up from 2 stars).

AP Capstone Diploma Success:

18 students at Sandy Ridge High School earned the AP Capstone Diploma based on 2026 AP Exam results following completion of AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP exams with scores of 3 or higher.

Literacy Recognition:

Eastgate Elementary was named a Bright Spots Top School by The 74 for strong third-grade literacy outcomes.

2. Operational & Strategic Updates

Nellis AFB Campus Expansion Project:

Construction continues on the Nellis AFB campus extension to add new classrooms and learning spaces. The project is supported by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) grant program.

Executive Outreach & Engagement:

Hosted John Fisher, owner of the Las Vegas A's, and his guests, founders of KIPP Charter Schools, for a tour and visit at the Cadence campus.

Hosted Victoria Seaman (Regional Director, Intergovernmental & External Affairs, Region 8 HHS) at Sandy Ridge to discuss the Harvest to Hallways local agriculture initiative.

3. Campus Community Events & Student Activities

Back to School Events: Hosted across Centennial Hills, Eastgate, Nellis AFB, Sandy Ridge, and Tamarus campuses. Sandy Ridge featured a combined Falcon Round-Up with over 40 participating student clubs.

September 11 Commemorations:

Nellis AFB 8th-grade students attended the official 25th Anniversary 9/11 Ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base.

Nellis team member and 9/11 first responder Mr. Ernest Jackson was featured on KTNV 13 Action News and in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Eastgate campus conducted a school-wide 9/11 Remembrance Week.

Student & Community Engagement:

Centennial Hills: Hosted the Minions-themed Fun Run.

Windmill: Held its annual Fun Run on September 3, 2026, and celebrated International Dot Day in Art.

Tamarus: Hosted Movie Night Under the Stars and a Tamarus Golf Fundraiser.

Nellis AFB: 6th-grade students engaged with air traffic controllers for an interactive career day.

Eastgate: Conducted hands-on STEM Growth Mindset activities (LEGO birdhouse prototypes for grades 2–5; aerodynamics for K–1).

Staff Development: Conducted system-wide Professional Development Day for the 2026–2027 school year. Through professional learning and teamwork, our educators worked to strengthen the learning experiences we provide for our students.

4. Next Scheduled Meeting

Date & Time: October 28, 2026, at 4:30 PM

Location: Central Office

Mr. Selim presented a proposed Direct Placement Agreement with Protouch Staffing to support CASLV’s recruitment of qualified candidates for specialized, high-demand educational roles. Under the agreement, Protouch Staffing will recruit and vet professionals on an as-needed basis. Financial obligations are strictly contingency-based, with a placement fee—equivalent to 20% of the candidate's initial annual base salary due 30 days following a successful hire’s start date. Exceptions apply for candidates already under active CASLV review. The agreement includes a 30-day written cancellation clause for either party and a one-time replacement guarantee if a candidate departs within their first 30 days.

Dr. Ercan presented the annual renewal for the Henderson Chamber of Commerce membership and Gold Sponsorship, noting that rates remain unchanged from last year with no price increase. He explained that because he serves on the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Board, he brought the item forward for formal Board approval, although the expense falls within his executive approval limit.

Mr. Nick presented an update on Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas’s insurance renewal for the 2026–2027 policy year. He explained that the previous insurance carrier declined to renew coverage due to claims history, requiring the school to explore alternative insurance providers. Working with Brown & Brown, CASLV secured proposals for property, general liability, business auto, and sexual abuse and misconduct liability coverage. The total proposed annual premium is $337,909.63. Mr. Nick noted that insurance costs have increased significantly, particularly for general liability, due to market conditions and the school’s claims history. He also explained that several insurance companies declined to provide coverage. The proposed policies are effective October 1, 2026, through October 1, 2027, and are intended to maintain appropriate insurance protection for CASLV campuses and operations.

An update was provided regarding a potential real estate acquisition to support CASLV’s future growth and expansion. Following an extensive site search, a promising property has been identified, and a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been secured. Staff discussed preliminary site development considerations, potential construction challenges, and long-term enrollment projections. Staff will continue evaluating the opportunity and may present a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) for Board consideration at a future meeting.

Dr. Ercan presented an update on the 20th anniversary celebration. Following a network-wide staff contest, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and principals shortlisted slogan entries to four, which were then put to a vote among staff and families. Dr. Ercan reported that "20 Years. Growing Minds. Shaping Futures." emerged as the winning slogan from the staff and family vote, and the Board cast its final vote to formally adopt it as the official 20th anniversary slogan.

The Board reviewed and confirmed leadership assignments for its standing committees. The Facilities/Finance Committee will be led by Chair Brin Gibson and Vice Chair Ahment Dulgar, with Chan Lengsavath serving as a member. The Academic Committee will be led by Chair Dr. Carryn Warren and Vice Chair Melinda Kabar, alongside member Feyzi Tandogan. Additionally, Dr. Carryn Warren was designated to serve as Secretary for the upcoming Board meeting, and the Board will formally vote on this appointment at that meeting.

Dr. Ercan presented an update on charter enrollment compliance and updated procedural requirements from the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA), which replaces biannual cycles with a mandatory Board-approved Notice of Intent submitted at least 45 days prior to filing a formal application. He highlighted the long-standing, high demand for a campus serving Centennial Hills and the west side of the valley. While searching for suitable land and facilities has proven difficult due to skyrocketing costs, CASLV was recently presented with an exceptional expansion opportunity similar to the Cadence campus expansion. To avoid missing this opportunity, the team is moving forward with the project. Dr. Ercan noted that Board members may review the presented materials and submit recommendations while the final application is being prepared. 

Additionally, Dr. Ercan addressed capacity at the Windmill campus, which currently exceeds its authorized enrollment. To maintain full compliance, CASLV is requesting a minor enrollment expansion of 16 students. Although schools are permitted a 10% variance without formal notification, this marks CASLV’s first official request for an enrollment increase. 

Dr. Ercan will submit the Notice of Intent today, with the formal application following on November 9 for SPCSA review at its December meeting.

Ms. Diggins led a discussion regarding technology integration and screen time in Elementary School (ES) grades. While CASLV remains at the cutting edge of educational technology, she noted emerging research indicating that excessive screen exposure in early childhood can hinder handwriting development and social connections. In response to questions from Dr. Carryn Warren regarding current mandates, it was noted that while some hard-copy books are used, certain digital platforms are currently required starting from Pre-K up. To evaluate current practices, Ms. Diggins recommended polling elementary teachers, while Dr. Ercan agreed to consult with campus Principals and the CASO. The item was tasked to the Academic Committee for further review; no board motion was needed.

During public comment, Cadence campus parent Elijah Redmond shared feedback regarding administrative communication, leadership visibility, and campus culture. He encouraged greater recognition for student achievements in extracurriculars like athletics and robotics, and questioned the implementation of the "Lunch with the Principal" incentive. Additionally, he advocated for maintaining strong academic standards and fostering a supportive, communicative environment for staff and families.