Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas

Minutes

Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday March 9, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Location

10 Cadence Crest Ave, Henderson, NV 89011 

Posting of Agenda: This agenda has been posted at the following locations: 

Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (“CASLV”) Cadence Campus, 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, Dr. Carryn Warren (remote), Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

Ana Martinez Shrophire, Charter School Growth Fund (remote), Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, Anthony Vu, CASLV Director of Operations, Bridget Peevy, CASLV HR Director, Emrullah Eraslan, CASLV Cadence Campus Principal, Ercan Aydogdu, Jessica Paquin, CASLV Cadence Campus Dean of Students, Mark Gardberg, CASLV Legal Counsel, Nick Sarisahin, Omer Arikan, CASLV Director of Information Systems, Prabhu Reddy, Charter School Growth Fund (remote), Selim Tanyeri, CASLV Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Zusie Robles, DMS (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

Ann Diggins called a meeting of the board of directors of Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas to order on Thursday Mar 9, 2023 at 4:40 PM.

B.

Public Comment

Mr. Gibson arrived at 5:28 pm and departed at 6:15 p.m. 

Public Comment: 

 

There was an anonymous public comment about not being able to sell hot lunches for fundraising at CASLV Sandy Ridge. Mr. Ercan informed the board that per the Department of Agriculture, CASLV cannot allow selling lunches (hot or cold) from any vendor so as not to compete with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Ms. Diggins recommended that campus administration communicates with the parents, get more information, and come back to the next meeting to explain how things were resolved. 

II. Consent Agenda

A.

Approval of the January 12, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)

Elizabeth Kazelskis made a motion to approve the minutes from Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Board Meeting on 01-12-23.
Chan Lengsavath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (Information)

C.

Lunch Equipment for CASLV Cadence, Eastgate, Windmill, Centennial Hills and Nellis Campuses (For Possible Action)

Elizabeth Kazelskis made a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Chan Lengsavath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

III. Information/Discussion Items

A.

SPCSA Site Evaluation Report for CASLV Cadence Campus (Information)

This item was tabled to the next board meeting. 

B.

Charter School Growth Fund Application (Information)

Mr. Nick explained that CASLV applied for the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) before winter break and currently CASLV is going through the due diligence process. 

 

Ana Martinez Shropshire and Prabhu Reddy with the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) presented about their organization. The CSGF was founded 20 years ago to support the expansion of high-quality charter schools in the nation. They have invested in over 1,200 schools in 34 states. They collect funds from philanthropists and provide funding to charter schools. They focus on sustainability and results. They also offer academic, financial, and governance support. Ms. Shropshire gave an overview of CASLV data. She said overall students consistently outperform standard/traditional students and all charter students in Nevada, based on SBAC and NWEA (MAP) testing. It was also discussed that CASLV is outperforming CSGF's existing portfolio, and they are incredibly excited to work with CASLV. 

 

Mr. Ercan said this is an excellent opportunity for CASLV. CSGF has great networks in its portfolio and they have already started to make introductions for CASLV to meet with them. The process up to now was discussed and the plan moving forward. Once the investments are approved, they will support CASLV Nellis High School and CASLV Cadence projects for potential growth. 

 

 

C.

Financial Update (Information)

Ms. Zusie Robles presented the financials and indicated CASLV meets standards on all items. There are 189 days of cash on hand with a surplus of $61K as of now. As of February 28, 2023, 68.5% of the budget is expended, and 68.7% of revenues have been received. Ms. Robles reviewed the balance sheet in detail and noted it is impressive.

 

 

 

 

D.

Quarterly Discipline Report (Information)

Mr. Vu presented the SWIS data report and suspension spreadsheet in detail to the board. Mr. Vu discussed recent incidents at a few campuses and explained the outcomes. It was discussed that perhaps campuses should plan antismoking education for students about marijuana vaping. Ms. Diggins asked if there are enough resources and asked if there is a program that can help. Mr. Vu said there is a program that he will reach out to and ask if there is any support they can provide. Dr. Warren asked about smoke detectors and Mr. Ercan indicated there are vape detectors that he is looking into. 

 

E.

Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)

Mr. Ercan discussed CASLV's accomplishments and important information regarding students and school clubs with the board. 

 

  • Application numbers for the 2023-2024 school year lottery were reviewed. 
  • FRL Numbers were reviewed, and Mr. Ercan explained the percentages have increased especially at Cadence which increased to 53%.  
  • Assemblywoman Erica Mosca visited Nellis AFB Campus.
  • Two Job Fairs were held for the next school year, one at the Cadence Campus on February 13th and one at Centennial Campus, on March 4th. There will be another one held at Sandy Ridge on April 4, 2023.  
  • The Cadence carline is smooth and faster with the help of Henderson Silver Knights' Lucky mascot, Mr. Ercan shared an image of the mascot at the Cadence campus.  
  • Images were shared of the 100th day of the school year at Tamarus Campus, Centennial Hills Campus, and Cadence Campus.  
  • CASLV Cadence Campus received the sportsmanship award and placed 7th at the VEX VRC Championship.   
  • Nevada Science Bowl, Sandy Ridge - 24 teams from 18 different schools including private and magnet high schools participated in this competition. CASLV and CAS-Reno are the only 2 charters and non-selecting public schools from Nevada. 
  • CASLV Sandy Ridge got 7th place out of 24 teams at the 2023 Nevada Science Bowl Regional Event.  
  • Scholastic Arts Competition - Sandy Ridge student, Grace K. has been selected as a finalist. 
  • Battle for Vegas (Robotics), sponsored by TESLA, Centennial Hills finished 29th overall out of 180 teams. 
  • Battle for Vegas VRC 3-Day Signature Event, Sandy Ridge managed to get 2 teams through to the finals rounds. 
  • CASLV Cadence parent helped the robotics team and was recognized by The City of Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero and the council with the Mayor's Honor Roll.  
  • The Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association (NIAA) 3A Bowling Nevada State Finals, Sandy Ridge placed 1st.  
  • VEX IQ State Championship - Tamarus Falcon Bots got 4th place in teamwork and 9th place in skills. They also won the sportsmanship award and qualified for the World Championship. 
  • VEX VRC State Championship - Sandy Ridges Pigeon Party team competed in the VRC state championship. They earned the tournament finalist award and ranked 3rd in the skills category. 
  • VEX IQ World Skills Challenges, Cadence Campus got 11th place out of 20 teams, and the robotics coach, Mr. Shiver was honored as the VEX teacher of the year.  
  • Southern Nevada Mathcounts Chapter Competition - Sandy Ridge Team
    received 4th place, Centennial Hills Team got 6th place and, Windmill Team got 7th place among over 20 teams in the valley. 
  • NIAA Highest team GPA, Sandy Ridge - Huge Congratulations to the
    Men's Bowling team! They have been awarded first place for having the highest team
    GPA. They are this year's State Academic Team champions in Men's Bowling for 3A.
  • NIAA Highest team GPA, Sandy Ridge - Huge Congratulations to the
    Men's Basketball team! They have been awarded first place for having the highest
    team GPA. They are this year's State Academic Team champions in Men's Basketball
    for 3A.
  • Diamond Coach Awards, National Speech & Debate Association, Sandy Ridge - Ms. Sloan received this award. Diamond coach awards reflect excellence and longevity in the
    activity. Each point represents dedicated coaching and hours of practice, revision, and
    growth for students.
  • MILLION GIRL MOONSHOT - Phoenix T., Siena K.A. Caitlin F. B. were chosen to be the
    Nevada representatives for the National Program MILLION GIRL MOONSHOT with a goal to get one million girls into STEM programs. 3 of the 5 students from NV were chosen from CASLV.
  • Family Academic Night at Centennial Hills Campus was a success. Mr. Ercan shared images from the event. 
  • Reading Week Adventures at Centennial Hills - Military Families Liaison Program
    Manager Kristina Aubert and NV Supreme Court Justice Doug Herndon read books to our Kinder to 4th-grade students. 
  • Reading Week Adventures at Nellis AFB - Mr. Ercan, Executive Director & CEO read books to 4th-grade students at Nellis AFB Campus as well as Mr. Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, and Michael Skibicki also read books to 4th-grade students at Nellis AFB Campus.
  • Reading Week Adventures at Centennials Hills - Mrs. Amanda Sandoval from the
    Governor's Office read books to our students. Senator Scott Hammond read a book to
    our students at Centennial Hills via Zoom.
  • Reading Week Adventures at Windmill - Alec Ingold, NFL Player read his book
    to our students at Windmill and Sandy Ridge.
  • Reading Week Adventures at Cadence - Michelle Romero, Mayor of the City
    of Henderson, and even a Great Grandma came to read to Mrs. Herman's Kindergarten
    Class at Cadence.
  • Reading Week Adventures at Tamarus - Amy Henderson, Administrative
    Secretary at the Department of Youth Development read a book to our students at
    Tamarus. Brian McCormack, Director of Broadcasting and Communications at Henderson Silver Knights read a book to our students at Tamarus.
  • STEM Night at Eastgate was a success, Mr. Ercan shared images from the event. 
  • Mr. Ercan shared images of the literacy night at Tamarus which had a great turnout. 
  • Mr. Ercan discussed a recent development regarding carbon dioxide levels. A teacher has been monitoring this and the campus took necessary action with the AC company. There was not enough circulation, additional action was taken. No illnesses have been reported and parents were notified. 
  • Next meetings: An expulsion hearing will be held tomorrow at 4 pm at the central office and the next regular meeting was scheduled for May 20th but it may be rescheduled to June.  

IV. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements

A.

Sandy Ridge Campus Kitchen Renovation (For Possible Action)

Mr. Vu explained this came about when the kitchen staff made a note that there is no barrier to prevent students from going into the kitchen and students were going in and taking apples, milk, etc. The kitchen staff would like more privacy. A door will be created with a service window. Mr. Vu indicated Desert Valley Contracting is the lowest and they have experience working with CASLV. Ms. Kazelskis asked if a permit is needed. Mr. Nick added the board can conditionally approve this and Mr. Vu will see if a permit is required. 

Chan Lengsavath made a motion to conditionally approve the Desert Valley Contracting quote to complete the Sandy Ridge Campus Kitchen Renovation for $25,740.30.
Ann Diggins seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Nellis Campus Portables Agreement (For Possible Action)

Mr. Vu explained that this item was tabled from the last board meeting due to the high cost. An RFP was sent and staff reached out to multiple vendors. Mobile Modular was close to $100K cheaper and staff recommends them. The overall bid cost is $250,220.  

Chan Lengsavath made a motion to approve the Mobile Modular quote for $255,228.17 for 60 months which includes the monthly and one-time fees.
Feyzi Tandogan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Curriculum Orders (For Possible Action)

Mr. Selim presented the curriculum orders and indicated middle school is up for renewal for math, social studies, and ELA. There is also grades 6th-9th Spanish curriculum. Along with two installments that were approved last year for Reveal and Wonders which are K-5, there is no new agreement, these are installment payments. Quotes for each campus were provided based on the numbers they received which include all digital and print. Mr. Nick added that this is the maximum amount since the Spanish curriculum is still being discussed with CASLV Nellis. 

Chan Lengsavath made a motion to approve the curriculum as listed on the supporting document not to exceed the amounts listed.
Ann Diggins seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Health Insurance Renewal (For Possible Action)

Ms. Peevy presented the health insurance renewal. CASLV's insurance broker solicited multiple quotes in addition to the current provider Health Plan of Nevada (HPN). HPN's premiums are rising by 4.8%. Ms. Peevy explained the existing provider has offered a much better rate. Overall a 6% increase. Staff recommends the same provider so employees are not inconvenienced with new doctors, new paperwork, etc. The life insurance provider proposal offers greater coverage with the benefit of two times the base annual salary with a $200,000 maximum that will start on July 1, 2023. Until July 1, 2023, we will continue with the current benefit of $50,000. Health insurance will start on April 1, 2023. 

Chan Lengsavath made a motion to approve the quote for the health insurance to start on April 1, 2023, and the increased life insurance plan to start on July 1, 2023.
Elizabeth Kazelskis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

Special Education Support Staff, LLC Agreement (For Possible Action)

Mr. Nick indicated staff would like to add a fourth provider to CASLV's pool of providers, for optionality. Four providers are needed to serve all of the needs. It is difficult to find one provider for all services. This company serves other charters as well. The goal is ultimately to handle in-house. All providers are licensed/background-checked and check-in/out of campuses. Mr. Gardberg has reviewed this agreement and made the necessary revisions. 

 

Ms. Diggins asked if the Special Education (SPED) Director is keeping up and if they need additional resources as she is concerned with multiple providers and consistency for students. It was discussed that a SPED report be provided at the next board meeting. 

Arlene Hayman made a motion to accept the special education support staff agreement to become a vendor for our school.
Chan Lengsavath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

F.

Kelly Services Agreement Amendment (For Possible Action)

Ms. Peevy is requesting to amend the Kelly Services agreement to add SPED teachers to what they provide. It was discussed that it is good to have two options. 

Elizabeth Kazelskis made a motion to approve the Kelly Services addendum to the contract.
Feyzi Tandogan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance

A.

Grievance Policy (For Possible Action)

Mr. Vu presented the grievance policy and indicated staff would like to funnel parental complaints in a certain way. Mr. Ercan explained we had this policy in the past but it needed updating. The board requested multiple edits to the document. Ms. Diggins asked for a report on how this is working at the June board meeting. 

Chan Lengsavath made a motion to approve the grievance policy with the understanding there will be a flow chart or something to simplify it as well as include campus-specific information.
Elizabeth Kazelskis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Additional Step adding in the maxed-out Salary Schedules Steps

Ms. Peevy informed the board this request is to add a new salary step at all campuses, for most senior teachers that are about to max out. This is to increase one additional step. Mr. Gardberg added it is good that we are loading more money into teacher salaries, to serve the public policy goals of the board. Mr. Garberg also indicated the agenda did not specify (For Possible Action) so he recommended the board approve now but also bring this back to the next meeting to be in full compliance with the open meeting law. 

Arlene Hayman made a motion to approve a nonbinding agreement to accept the additional salary steps for all campuses including Nellis AFB for the 2023-2024 school year.
Dr. Carryn Warren seconded the motion.

Ms. Diggins abstained from voting on this item. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ann Diggins
Abstain
Brin Gibson
Absent
Chan Lengsavath
Aye
Arlene Hayman
Aye
Elizabeth Kazelskis
Aye
Feyzi Tandogan
Aye
Dr. Carryn Warren
Aye

C.

2023-2024 School Year Board Meeting Calendar (For Possible Action)

Ms. Shepard presented the regular board meeting dates as well as the subcommittee dates for the 2023-2024 school year and indicated this is for planning purposes. We can make changes if needed. Mr. Ercan explained we have decided to add more meeting dates since we are growing and adding more agenda items to each meeting. 

Ann Diggins made a motion to approve the proposed board meeting calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.
Feyzi Tandogan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

FY 2023-2024 Tentative Budget (For Possible Action)

Mr. Nick presented the tentative budget and reviewed the budget timeline and details of the tentative budget while answering various questions from the board. 

 

Feyzi Tandogan made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 tentative budget.
Elizabeth Kazelskis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. Closed Session

A.

Expulsion of Student A (Information, Discussion)

This item was tabled. 

B.

Expulsion of Student B (Information, Discussion)

This item was tabled. 

VII. Potential Action(s) (For Possible Action)

A.

Expulsion Recommendation for Student A (re: item VI A) (For Possible Action)

This item was tabled. 

B.

Expulsion Recommendation for Student B (re: item VI B) (For Possible Action)

This item was tabled. 

VIII. Public Comments (Information)

A.

Public Comments (Information)

There were no public comments. 

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:46 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant
Chan Lengsavath made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ann Diggins seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.