Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday October 29, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Location
1051 Sandy Ridge Pkwy.
Henderson, NV 89052
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, Chan Lengsavath, Dr. Carryn Warren (remote), Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan
Directors Absent
Brin Gibson
Guests Present
Adem Akgedik, CASLV Sandy Ridge Principal, Amber Nhan, Academic Program Coordinator, Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, Ariel Bongard, Elementary Dean of Students, Asma Hallman, Behavior/Cultural Support Specialist, Dr. Ercan Aydogdu, CASLV Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Mustafa Gunozu, Chief Academic Officer, Emrullah Eraslan, CASLV Cadence Prinipcal, Jessica Paquin, CASLV School Safety, Security, and Student Success Coordinator, Monica Patel, DMS Representative (remote), Nick Sarisahin, CASLV Chief Financial Officer, Samanthan Sokolowski, CASLV Eastgate Assistant Principals, Selim Tanyeri, Chief Operations Officer, TIffany Baily, CASLV Eastgate Principal
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
Mr. Chan Lengsavath arrived at 4:53 pm.
A break was held from 6:10 pm - 6:15 pm.
Mr. Tandogan left the meeting at 7:20 pm.
II. Consent Agenda
A.
September 25, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
B.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (For Possible Action)
III. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Quarterly Discipline Report (Information)
CASLV School Safety, Security, and Student Success Coordinator, Ms. Paquin presented the quarterly discipline in detail while answering questions from the board. One positive finding in the data was that each ethnic or racial group’s suspension rate, as a percentage of all students in that specific group, was almost exactly identical to the percentage of every other group—meaning that in 2023/2024, no ethnic or racial group was disproportionately suspended. Ms. Paquin nevertheless outlined various improvements which CASLV is undertaking to its disciplinary procedures and plans, in a constant effort to improve. The board thanked Ms. Paquin for the detailed data and mentioned they appreciated the format.
B.
Eastgate Campus Update (Information)
Eastgate Campus principal, Ms. Bailey provided an update on the Eastgate campus, covering key information about the number of classes and sections as well as the student demographics. The campus received a 4-star rating for the previous school year's Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF), falling just short of 5 stars. During the 2023-24 school year, Eastgate focused on addressing areas identified in the 2022-23 NSPF, specifically reducing chronic absenteeism and improving English language proficiency. For the 2024-25 school year, the campus goal is to achieve a 5-star rating by continuing to decrease chronic absenteeism, closing opportunity gaps for students, and delivering targeted, data-driven Tier 1 instruction.
Ms. Bailey also provided a comprehensive overview of student support and enrichment initiatives. Eastgate secured a grant from Franklin Covey to support the implementation of the Leader In Me program, which is based on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. She outlined the 3-year plan for the Leader In Me program.
Additionally, Ms. Bailey shared updates on recent facility improvements, including images showcasing the updates. She highlighted recent celebrations, including fundraising achievements and awards for students and staff.
C.
Financial Update (Information)
Monica Patel from DMS provided a financial update for the period ending September 30, 2024. She reported that 26% of the total budgeted revenues have been received, and 21% of expenditures have been incurred, aligning with expectations for the first quarter of the fiscal year. Mr. Nick affirmed that the budget is on track and effectively managed as planned.
D.
Philanthropic Initiatives (Information)
The board received an update regarding philanthropic initiatives.
E.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan discussed CASLV's accomplishments and important information regarding students and school clubs at various CASLV campuses with the board.
- Organizational Performance Framework Rating: CASLV received a 98%, a Meets Standards rating from its authorizer, the State Public Charter School Authority.
- End-of-Year Teacher Appreciation Event Update: The venue is secured for a minimum of 300 attendees but can go up to 600. A total of around $35,000 in sponsorships has been secured, and we will continue to work on securing more.
- Nellis Expansion Project Update: The U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) officially approved the project. Their office recently ran a press release about it. OLDCC staff will have a site kick-off visit on October 31st, 2024. CASLV finalized the negotiations with the first pick of the architect. Upon today’s approval, Knit Studios will start the design work.
- PSMI Grant Timeline Update: Negotiations with Knit Studios began after the last board meeting. The PSMI grant was awarded on October 3rd. The grant kickoff meeting will take place on October 31st.
- Future Possible Optional Architecture Fees: The estimated cost is $95,000. A third-party company estimates costs to ensure material pricing is accurate and will help stay on budget. Food Service Consultant is $30,000 to design a kitchen to improve service efficiency & meet NSLP needs. Fixtures, Furniture & Equipment (FF&E) Option to $75,000 to create a furniture package for the interior design of the campus. Fire Life Safety is $5,000. If the state fire marshall requests anything ‘extra’.
- Girls Varsity Golf Team, Sandy Ridge Campus: They finished 4th in the State and placed 3rd in 3A at NIAA!
- 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, Sandy Ridge: Four of our students are named
as Commended. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are
being recognized for their exceptional academic progress. - The Nevada Independent Interview, Sandy Ridge: “Meet the state
charter school board’s first student member. The Sandy Ridge high school senior hopes to
bridge the gap between the board and the 62,000 students it serves”. - Mathleague.org Elementary and Middle School Qualifying Contest: 17 students have qualified to advance to the State Competition scheduled for April 2025. Team Achievements: The Centennial Hills team received the Sweepstakes Award in Division 5. One of the Windmill teams received the Sweepstakes Award in Division 6. One of the Sandy Ridge teams earned the Overall School Sweepstakes Award.
- JV Girls Volleyball Team, Sandy Ridge Campus: The JV team is the Dragons
EOS Tournament Silver Bracket Champions! - Haas Automation Breaks Ground on Highly Anticipated Henderson Manufacturing Facility! CASLV participated in Ground Breaking Ceremony As North America’s largest
manufacturer of CNC machine tools, Haas Automation’s new facility will help meet the
growing demand for precision tools in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical,
and more. - Kindergarten Lottery: Starting this year the kindergarten lottery will be separated from other grade levels and will be conducted on November 1, 2024. Each campus had Open Houses in September/October for prospective KG parents. This year, we received 1100+ for the Kindergarten Lottery.
- Dr. Ercan shared images from the Open House at Centennial Hills Campus.
- Girl Powered STEM Workshop at Windmill Campus: Our students had the
opportunity to explore VEX IQ Robotics, Drones, and Coding art activities. - STEAM project, The Rubber Band Car Challenge, at Sandy Ridge: A big thank you
to the engineers from UNLV for visiting our school and sharing insights into their daily
work. - Dr. Ercan shared images from the Harvest Festival at the Centennial Hills Campus.
- Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Central Office at 4:30 pm
IV. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
General Contractor for Cadence Robotics Lab Expansion (For Possible Action)
After receiving an in-depth overview of this item, the board asked to table this and have the finance and facilities committee decide further discuss, and vote on this item.
B.
Nellis AFB Campus PSMI - Architect Selection and Fees (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan explained that the fee for architectural services was negotiated between CASLV Central Office and Knit Architect Studios for the design and project management of the Nellis AFB Campus expansion and renovation. He reviewed the details of the negotiations, noting that the fee was reduced to $2,537,000. It was also mentioned that the entire project is grant-funded. While some optional fees are not included, CASLV may present these to the board for consideration if needed at a later date.
C.
Student Accident Insurance Renewal (For Possible Action)
This is an annual renewal of our existing student accident insurance policy.
D.
Special Education Support Staff (SESS) Provider Payment(s) for the Services which are Outside of the Scope of the Existing Contract (For Possible Action)
This is a payment for a unique, time-sensitive service required which is not included in the agreement.
E.
Henderson Chamber of Commerce Membership and Sponsorship (For Possible Action)
This is an annual renewal of our membership and sponsorship.
V. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
Approval of the Annual Audit to comply with NAC 387.775 (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick indicated the audit is complete. There were no audit findings, no deficiencies, and CASLV is still defined as a low-risk, auditee. Ms. Diggins said, excellent again, and asked a few questions regarding CASLV investments.
B.
2025-2026 School Year Academic Calendar (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan presented the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, providing a thorough explanation of the rationale behind the scheduled breaks and professional development days. Various scenarios were considered, and CASLV school principals, in collaboration with their assistant principals and extended school leaders, reviewed the options before finalizing the proposed calendar. There were no significant changes to the previous calendar. Ms. Kazelskis identified a minor typo on the calendar, which will be corrected.
C.
Board Policy and Procedures Manual, Code of Ethics (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan stated that this is a requirement from the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA). There are no new changes; all the content in this manual was previously included in the existing by-laws and articles of corperation, which were approved by the board. Mr. Gardberg confirmed that he is familiar with this requirement and will consolidate CASLV's policies into a single document.
D.
Field Trip Package Update (For Possible Action)
This was tabled to the next board meeting.
E.
Uniform Policy Update (For Possible Action)
This was tabled to the next board meeting.
VI. Closed Session-Privileged & Confidential
A.
Expulsion of Student(s) (Information, Discussion)
The expulsion hearing was from 6:19 pm to 8:27 pm.
VII. Potential Action(s) (For Possible Action)
A.
Expulsion Recommendation(s) for Student(s) (re: item VI. A)
VIII. Closed Session-Privileged & Confidential
A.
Attorney/Client Conference
This was tabled to the next board meeting.
IX. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
There were no public comments.