Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday March 5, 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, Chan Lengsavath (remote), 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 & CEO, Dr. Gunozu, CASLV Chief Academic Officer, Mark Gardberg, CASLV Legal Counsel, Mia Nelson, CASLV Nellis Principal, Nick Sarisahin, CASLV Chief Financial Officer, Selim Tanyeri, CASLV Chief Operating Officer, TIffany Baily, CASLV Eastgate Principal
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
II. Consent Agenda
A.
January 15, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
B.
February 11, 2025 Finance & Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
C.
Health Insurance Renewal (For Possible Action)
D.
Amendment to the HVAC Maintenance Vendor, Emcor's Agreement (For Possible Action)
E.
Windmill and Sandy Ridge Campuses' Shade Structures (For Possible Action)
Dr. Warren requested that the need for a shade structure at Tamarus for Physical Education be officially recorded. Dr. Ercan informed the board that while we are addressing this, there is a challenge with available space.
F.
Amendment to the Cadence Additional Classroom Construction (For Possible Action)
G.
Chromebook Purchase for Sandy Ridge (For Possible Action)
H.
Senior Trip Expenses (For Possible Action)
I.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (For Possible Action)
III. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Eastgate Campus Facility Update (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan updated the board, stating that the purchase price is nearly finalized. Mr. Gardberg also reported that the relationship with the neighbor is close to being resolved and is expected to yield a positive outcome. Ms. Bailey shared that recent interactions with the neighbor have been positive, noting that the new neighbor, the Porsche facility, has been a great addition to the community.
No vote was taken; this was for informational purposes only.
B.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan discussed CASLV's accomplishments and important information regarding students and school clubs with the board.
- Recognition for Mystery Parent Program: In January 2025, SPCSA staff conducted calls for the Mystery Parent program, where an SPCSA staff member posed as a parent of a child with a disability attempting to enroll in school. During this process, our Tamarus Campus was identified as providing superior customer service and support to the individual conducting the call. The SPCSA appreciated our Tamarus Campus Staff’s commitment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and acknowledged their dedication to providing high-quality customer service and support to community members and families.
- Enrollment & Lottery Results: Dr. Ercan reviewed the details for each campus, including applications received, open seats, offers made, etc.
- National Regional Science Bowl: The Sandy Ridge Campus team placed 3rd out of 24 teams at the Nevada Regional Science Bowl. The first two teams were from a special school that chooses its students by their academic levels nationwide.
- Mathcounts Southern NV Chapter Competition: The competing team from Sandy Ridge took 1st place, and the Windmill team secured 5th place in Southern Nevada. They brought the traditional visiting trophy to the Sandy Ridge Campus for the second time.
- AMC 10A & 10B Math Competitions - Sandy Ridge Campus Winner Leeoz N., Certificates of Achievement: Vidyuth N., Mihika, Om, Leeoz N., Dhruv S. Certificates of Distinction: Leeoz N. AIME Qualifiers: Vidyuth N., Leeoz N.
- End-of-Year Celebration Updates: Staff who indicated they will attend: 245, Staff who indicated they would like to bring a guest: 76, VIP and Sponsor tables: 60, Total attendees: 381 Total sponsorship amount secured: $44,750. Total sponsorship received as of today: $43,000
- Career Fair (I Can Be) at Sandy Ridge with Henderson Chamber of Commerce (HCC): The Career Fair was a huge success, bringing together professionals from various fields, including law enforcement, technology, healthcare, and more. Students explored diverse career paths, engaged with experts, and showcased their professionalism. The City of Henderson's Mayor Michelle Romero also joined and informed students about the Government.
- Sandy Ridge and Windmill Campuses received the City of Henderson 5 Star School Recognition.
- Mathleague Contest, Sandy Ridge, Windmill, and Eastgate Campuses: Sandy Ridge Team took 1st place in the Sweepstakes. Windmill took 1st place in the Division 6 Sweepstakes. Eastgate took 2nd place in the Division 6 Sweepstakes.
- Falcons Dominate Nevada DECA: 12 Sandy Ridge Campus students dominated at the Nevada DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC)! This year marked our best
performance in school history! - Cadence Bowling Team Winner at NCSAA: The Cadence Campus Elementary Team
Got 2nd Place. Evan G.: 1st place (Boys Elementary). Jaxen C.: 4th place
(Boys Middle School), Gracen C.: 5th place (Girls Middle School), Declan V. S.: 4th place
(Boys Elementary), Jaedelynne B.: 4th place (Girls Elementary). - NAQT, "Player of the Week" Sandy Ridge Campus: NAQT’s Middle School “Player of
the Week” is Dhruv S.! - Middle School Quiz Bowl Team Sandy Ridge Campus qualified for the National
Championship Tournament in Chicago. They got 3rd Place. - VEX Robotics Teams, Windmill Campus: Falcon Force 7833A won the Design Award, and Fearless Falcons 7833C won the Innovate Award at the Nevada State Tournament.
- Robotics Teams Tamarus Campus: The Peer Award, nominated and given by fellow students The Excellence Award for Elementary—the highest honor, which automatically qualifies them for state championship! 2nd Place in the Teamwork Challenge.
- Robotics Team Sandy Ridge Campus: Sandy Ridge’s All-Girls Sophomore Robotics Team,
Pigeon Party, crushed it with an undefeated 6-0 record in qualification matches at the Arbor View VRC Robotics Competition! - Robotics Team, Centennial Hills Campus: 3-5 Competitive Robotics
Team A made history by earning the school's first-ever Teamwork Award with a 2nd place. They also took home the Judges' Award! - Robotics Team, Centennial Hills Campus: Team C won the Design Award, Team A ranked 9th in Nevada at the Mike O’Callaghan Rapid Relay Tournament 2.
- Robotics Teams Tamarus Campus: They got 1st and 2nd place in the Teamwork Challenge at O’Callaghan Middle School.
- VEX Robotics Teams, Cadence Campus: Team B won the Excellence Award for the 2nd time already this year! Team 10058B won the Judges award! High School team 10058A
Kingsnakes placed 4th out of 43 teams in the Skills Competition. - VEX Robotics Team Sandy Ridge Campus took home the prestigious Design Award
and earned the title of Tournament Finalists! - Drone Teams competed in Avondale, AZ, Windmill Campus: Team A earned the All Around Tournament Champion Award, the highest honor of the event, which also secured their
invitation to the Regional Tournament! Team B received the Judges Award in recognition of their outstanding performance! - Drone Teams competed in Mesquite, NV, Windmill: Team B - Flying Falcons: All-Around
Tournament Champion Team A - Fierce Falcons: 2nd Place Skills Award. - Basketball Team Cadence Campus: Girls Elementary Basketball Team has
remained undefeated so far this school year. We look forward to watching them dominate in the upcoming playoffs. - Speech & Debate Tournament at Arizona State University, Sandy Ridge Campus: Daniel O. took 1st place in Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate!! Ty T. – Top 14 Semifinalist in Extemp Speech, Cevan L. – Top 14 Semifinalist in Impromptu Speech, Alex H. – Top 48 Semifinalist in Congressional Debate.
- Speech & Debate Tournament at Arizona State University: Sandy Ridge Campus student Ty T. got 7th place in the Domestic division at the James Logan Martin Luther King Jr. Speech & Debate Tournament in California.
- Del Sol Winter Archery Tournament 2025, Cadence Campus: Cadence Archery
Team took home 1st place! - Career Week at Centennial Hills Campus: General Armstrong from the National Guard was one of the Guests at the 2025 career week.
- ACT Bootcamp Experience, Sandy Ridge Campus: We hired Tutors Across America Team for ACT Bootcamp!
- Science Fair at Sandy Ridge Campus: Dr. Ercan shared an image of the science fair.
- "The Great American Challenge“ at Cadence Campus: Special Guests: Mayor Michelle Romero, The Honorable Judge Joseph Sciscento, United States Marine, SSgt. Gamar Rosado Sanchez were the guest speakers.
- Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Centennial Hills Campus at 4:30 pm.
IV. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
RFP for the Nellis Construction CMAR Phase I/Project (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented the detailed timeline and reviewed the seven proposals received, explaining the evaluation process based on public criteria. The results of the evaluation were as follows:
1. CORE Construction
2. Martin Harris Construction
3. Sletten Construction
The recommendation is CORE Construction. If an agreement on the fee cannot be reached, we will proceed to the next option.
Ms. Diggins inquired whether any disruption to funding was expected. Mr. Selim responded that there is no disruption anticipated at this time, and construction on the site will begin soon. Dr. Ercan clarified that today’s approval is for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). The final decision on the General Contractor will return to the Board for additional approval.
B.
Charter Renewal Contract (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan informed the Board that we have received a draft and have requested some factual corrections, as well as legal revisions. As of today, we have not received a response.
No vote was taken; this was for informational purposes only.
C.
CSAN Membership Payments (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan explained that this falls within his approval limits; however, as the CSAN Board President, he is presenting it to the board for approval. The board then discussed the presentation made by the CSAN Executive Director at a previous meeting.
D.
Low Voltage Design for Nellis AFB Campus Expansion Project (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim explained that the low voltage design will include drawings for telecommunications, data, security access control, and audio-visual systems. The vendor will be responsible for designing the low voltage systems for both the existing facility and the new construction. Only one bid was received due to a shortage of companies capable of providing these services. The bid, in the amount of $79,000, was submitted by HPA Consulting Engineers, who also serve as the low voltage designer for CCSD’s projects. Given their extensive experience, staff recommends moving forward with this bid. Dr. Ercan clarified that the cost will be covered by a grant and clarified the components of the project.
V. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
FY 2025-2026 Tentative Budget (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick presented the tentative budget, reviewed the budget timeline and key details, and addressed various questions from the board. The tentative staffing expense (i.e., salaries and benefits) is expected to exceed $44 million, including an average of 3% year-on-year step increase. In total, it comprises approximately 71% of the budget, which is a significantly higher percentage than state and national charter school averages. The board also raised several questions regarding uncertainties surrounding federal and state funding.
B.
Access to Menstrual Products Policy (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented the policy to the Board, noting that it was requested by the State Public Charter Authority (SPCSA). Ms. Kazelskis explained how menstrual products are distributed at CASLV Sandy Ridge. Mr. Gardberg mentioned that both he and Dr. Gunozu had revised the policy.
C.
Amendment of the 2025-2026 School Year Academic Calendar for Nellis Campus (For Possible Action)
Ms. Nelson presented the amendment to the 2025-2026 School Year Academic Calendar for the Nellis Campus. She noted that the board had previously approved a similar alternative calendar for data days for the 2024-2025 school year at Nellis, and they are requesting approval for this again. Ms. Nelson reviewed the details of the proposed 2025-2026 calendar with the Board, explaining that it is based on minutes of instruction rather than days in school. The proposed data days are aligned with the Nellis AFB family days.
She justified the continuation of the data days by emphasizing their role in improving instruction, providing teachers more time for planning targeted interventions and support, and fostering a professional community focused on collaboration and growth. The data-driven approach has positively impacted the campus culture. Initially, there was a challenge in teaching staff how to analyze and use data effectively, and implementing the data days was a significant effort for the lead staff. However, after completing four data days, the staff has grown to appreciate the dedicated time for planning.
Ms. Nelson also explained that the evidence of positive impact shows that continuing data days over time will help sustain the culture of data-driven decision-making within the staff. Ms. Hayman agreed, stating that the long-term results will be worthwhile. Ms. Diggins also agreed, appreciating the innovative approach and the data collected to demonstrate its effectiveness.
VI. Closed Session-Privileged & Confidential
A.
Closed Session- Privileged & Confidential
The closed session was held from 5:54 p.m. to 6:21 p.m.
VII. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Kate Willingham, a teacher at CASLV Cadence, shared her positive experience working at Coral Academy. She requested that the board review the pay scale, noting that CASLV’s compensation is not competitive with CCSD. Ms. Diggins responded that CASLV’s pay was initially on par, but the disparity increased as CCSD received additional funding that charter schools, including CASLV, were excluded from receiving.