Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday January 15, 2025 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
Ann Diggins, Arlene Hayman (remote), Chan Lengsavath, Dr. Carryn Warren, Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan
Directors Absent
Brin Gibson
Guests Present
Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, Bridget Johnson-Peevy, CASLV Chief People Officer, Dr. Ercan Aydogdu, CASLV Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Gunozu, CASLV Chief Academic Officer, Jennifer Cosby, CASLV Nellis Assistant Principal, Jessica Paquin, CASLV School Safety, Security and Student Success Coordinator, Mark Gardberg, CASLV Legal Counsel, Mia Nelson, CASLV Nellis Principal, Monica Patel, DMS Representative, Nick Sarisahin, CASLV Cheif Finance Officer, Selim Tanyeri, CASLV Chief Operating Officer
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
II. Consent Agenda
A.
October 29, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
B.
December 3, 2024 Finance & Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
C.
Amendment of Wildflower and Senya Agreements (For Possible Action)
D.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (For Possible Action)
III. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Update on Nellis Campus Academic Progress (Information)
Ms. Nelson and Ms. Cosby presented an update on the Nellis data from the Winter MAP testing results, comparing it to the 2023-2024 school year results. They also highlighted current challenges and outlined the strategies they are implementing to address them. Additionally, they shared a mid-year action plan with the board, detailing Tier 1 and 2 instructional supports. The presentation included a review of the challenges specific to the Nellis AFB campus, along with potential solutions.
B.
Quarterly Discipline Report (Information)
CASLV School Safety, Security, and Student Success Coordinator, Ms. Paquin presented the quarterly discipline report in detail while answering questions from the board.
C.
Financial Update (Information)
Ms. Patel, the DMS Representative, presented the actuals through December 2024. Revenues align with expectations, and the Profit & Loss statement reflects the actual figures. Mr. Nick stated that all SPCSA financial performance framework standards are being met and noted that a more detailed update will be provided at the next meeting if the final report is received. Ms. Diggins mentioned that she received a preliminary report of the SPCSA financial performance framework.
D.
Eastgate Campus Facility Update (Information)
Dr. Ercan presented the board with an update outlining three potential plans for the facility. He also reviewed the market analysis, including compatible sales, and provided an update on the two-party declaration with the neighbor regarding the CC&R amendment, campus parking lot, wall to separate the lots, and gate.
E.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan discussed CASLV's accomplishments and important information regarding students and school clubs with the board.
- January School Board Recognition Month: Dr. Ercan expressed heartfelt thanks for the wonderful work the board does for our students, staff, and families across all CASLV campuses.
- Charter Renewal - 8 Years: We are excited to share the SPCSA Board has approved an 8-year renewal term for Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas. This renewal is a significant milestone for Coral, especially considering the previous renewals in 2013 and 2019 were for just 6 years. The new term will extend through June 2033.
- Diverse Charter Schools Coalition Membership: We are excited to join the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition (DCSC) as its newest member school. We are proud to join a network of 100+ members, serving over 108,000 students, dedicated to creating excellent, intentionally diverse schools for all children.
- The US News & World Report's 2025 Best Elementary & Middle Schools Rankings: Best Elementary School Rankings:
Tamarus Campus is the #2 Best Elementary Charter School in Nevada
Centennial Campus is the #7 Best Elementary Charter School in Nevada
Eastgate Campus is the #13 Best Elementary Charter School in Nevada
Best Middle School Rankings:
Eastgate Campus is the #2 Best Middle Charter School in Nevada
Windmill Campus is the #3 Best Middle Charter School in Nevada
Centennial Campus is the #7 Best Middle Charter School in Nevada
Sandy Ridge Campus is the #10 Best Middle Charter School in Nevada
- Best of Las Vegas Voting Results: Congratulations! CASLV achieved silver in all four categories: Best Charter School, Best High School, Best Middle School, and Best Elementary School in Las Vegas.
- Class of 2024 4-Year Graduation Rates, Sandy Ridge: We are proud to have surpassed the graduation rate goal. Special thanks to our students, staff, and community for having a 99.2% Graduation Rate for the Class of 2024!
- Sponsorship Donations for the Teacher & Staff Appreciation Celebration: The total confirmed amount is $44,250. We have already received $14,000.
- AP Honor Roll Platinum Recognition Sandy Ridge: Sandy Ridge Campus earns the 2024 AP Honor Roll Platinum Recognition and AP Access Award.
- Sandy Ridge Quiz-Bowl Team: Our Sandy Ridge high school's "A" quiz-bowl team won each of its four matches, finishing the regular season with a record of 8-4-1, good enough for 6th place in the league.
- Lincoln-Douglas Debate Award: Sandy Ridge student Daniel O. took first place in the Lincoln-Douglas debate at the Wildcat Novice event held at Las Vegas High School.
- VEX IQ Robotics Teams: Windmill VEX IQ Robotics Teams participated in their first Rapid Relay event. Falcon Force took first place at the event. Falcon Fury and Fearless Falcon placed 21st and 25th respectively.
- Designing the Future: Mr. Hambleton from Windmill was selected as one of four to receive a grant from Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc. for his Designing the Future: STEM Education with 3D Printing project. This award includes $2,500 in funding to enhance STEM and math education through innovative 3D design and printing activities.
- VEX Q Robotics Teams: Cadence has competed in multiple robotics tournaments this season. The team consistently finished in the top 10, competing alongside both elementary and middle school teams. Eagles IQ was awarded the Teamwork Champion, Robot Skills Champion, and Judges Awards at the Greenspun NEWBIES Invitational. Their performance at this tournament also earned them an invitation to the CREATE U.S. Open Tournament in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in March 2025.
- The Sandy Ridge Campus VEX ROBOTICS team achieved outstanding success at the R.O. Gibson Leadership Academy VEX Robotics V5 Qualifier. Our team earned not one but two prestigious awards: the Tournament Champions Award and the Excellence Award.
- Berkeley Math Tournament: Sandy Ridge 8th-grade students, led by Coach Ismail, traveled to the University of California, Berkeley, to compete in the Berkeley Math Tournament (BMT). Several of our mathletes received well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performances! Mihika N. – Distinguished Honorable Mention (In-person at Berkeley), Vidyuth N. – Honorable Mention (In-person at Berkeley), Om P. – Honorable Mention (In-person at Berkeley) and Leeoz N. – Honorable Mention (Online Test).
- Noetic Learning Math Contest: Our Sandy Ridge 8th-grade team received the prestigious “Grade 8 Team Achievement Award,” ranking as the second top team in the United States.
- "My Hope for You" Sandy Ridge: Hope Squad members at Sandy Ridge have been nominated, selected, and are already making a difference! With their new t-shirts and bright spirits, they’re spreading hope, connection, and strength throughout our hallways. "My Hope for You" cards feature uplifting messages designed to support students who may be feeling down. These vibrant cards remind everyone that they’re not alone and that hope is always within reach.
- Raiders, Nellis AFB: The Las Vegas Raiders joined Nellis Air Force Base to help spread holiday cheer! The Las Vegas Raiders dedicated their support to military personnel and their loved ones at NAFB by providing 500 trees and winter essentials to the community. This special event brought families together ahead of the holiday season. Service Members and their families, along with special guests of Coral Academy Nellis Campus, had the opportunity to pick out a tree of their choice, select winter essentials, enjoy hot chocolate, decorate cookies, and engage in festive activities.
- International Peace Poster Contest: Sandy Ridge student Mathew M. has been chosen as a winner to be recognized in the International Peace Poster Contest.
- CMLP Camp at Big Bear Lake: Over Veterans weekend, our CMLP group embarked on a fall trip to Big Bear Lake, California. Sandy Ridge campus students had the chance to bond and enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking scenic trails, exploring local wildlife, playing team games, painting, and more.
- Mayor's Honor Roll: Our Eastgate teacher, Kanesha Rodgers, and parent, Zarna Mai, were recognized on the Mayor's Honor Roll.
- Dr. Ercan shared images from multiple campuses' winter festivals and concerts.
- Toy Giveaway: A generous Tamarus parent who works at Nellis AFB Campus received a very large toy donation and sponsored a TOY GIVEAWAY at Tamarus. Every student received a brand-new toy!
- Winterfest Parade: Our Eastgate Campus Band, Choir, Cheer Team, and Student Council proudly represented CASLV at the City of Henderson's Winterfest Parade!
- Next Meeting: The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Centennials Hills campus at 4:30 pm.
IV. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
Contracting with a civil engineer to work with the architect for the Nellis AFB expansion through the OLDCC PSMI Grant (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan explained that the Finance and Facilities Committee had pre-approved this initiative. Mr. Selim emphasized the urgency of starting the Nellis AFB expansion project, with the first steps being to secure an architect and a civil engineering firm. After reviewing several quotes, they selected L.R. Nelson Consulting Engineers due to its competitive bid. Ms. Diggins and Mr. Lengsavath provided input via email. Dr. Ercan also mentioned that Mr. Gardberg had reviewed the agreement.
B.
Specialized Assessment & Consulting Agreement (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu indicated this is another staff provider that we would like to get under contract for Special Education Services. Seeking board approval pending Mr. Gardberg's review and approval.
C.
Cadence Additional Classroom (For Possible Action)
The board raised several questions, expressing concern over the high per-square-foot cost and asking why a larger project wasn’t being considered. Dr. Ercan explained that $70K had already been spent on architectural fees, which would be forfeited if the project scope expanded. Additionally, he noted that a larger build would significantly delay the completion date. It was also discussed that this plan would allow for the enrollment of more students.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Feyzi Tandogan |
Aye
|
| Brin Gibson |
Absent
|
| Arlene Hayman |
Aye
|
| Dr. Carryn Warren |
No
|
| Chan Lengsavath |
Aye
|
| Ann Diggins |
No
|
| Elizabeth Kazelskis |
Aye
|
D.
NCSAA (Nevada Charter Schools Athletics Association) Payments for Participating Campuses (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan said this is a small invoice and within his authority, but he is on their board, so he wants to bring it for approval.
V. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
Incentive Policy for Improving the Academic Performance Nellis AFB Campus – 2024-2025 School Year (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu presented the allocation of funds from the Charter School Growth Fund grant, which is divided into three portions: 1) Hiring teacher aides to support teachers in third through fifth grades, 2) Supporting Saturday school and tutoring programs, and 3) Distributing incentive payments to all teachers serving third through fifth grades.
B.
Field Trip Package Update (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim informed the board that Mr. Gardberg had prepared a waiver/indemnity, which will be included in the package along with medical information. Ms. Hayman expressed her support, noting that it would be helpful for teachers.
C.
Uniform Policy Update (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim informed the board the campus principals do not want this changed to allow skorts for middle school. No action taken.
D.
Concussion Policy (For Possible Action)
Mr. Tanyeri explained the need for the policy and reviewed the draft policy with the board as it is a requirement. Chan indicated a typo on page four to be updated. Mr. Gardberg has reviewed the policy.
E.
Internal Job Hiring Policy (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peevy mentioned that we are working to implement a standardized job hiring procedure across all campuses, including the central office. She explained the process and outlined the job posting procedures, as well as the qualifications required. Mr. Gardberg has reviewed the policy. Ms. Diggins commented that the policy looks great.
F.
Expulsion/Suspension Policy (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim and Ms. Paquin presented the updates made to the expulsion/suspension policy. They indicated the updates are a requirement from the SPCSA.
G.
Take action on the tabled disciplinary decision re. Student X from October 29th, 2024 Board Meeting (For Possible Action)
VI. Closed Session-Privileged & Confidential
A.
Closed Session
Closed session 6:14 pm - 6:47 pm. No action taken.
VII. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
M. Wu shared insights about her research in robotics. She mentioned that her son recently joined the Cadence campus robotics team, and his team performed exceptionally well. She expressed her excitement upon hearing about the future plans at the Cadence campus.
Mr. Lengsavath joined the meeting at 4:38 pm. Mr. Tandogan left the meeting at 7:36 pm. There was a break from 6:09 pm - 6:14 pm.