Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday April 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Location
CASLV Centennial Hills Campus
7951 Deer Springs Way
Las Vegas, NV 89131
Posting of Agenda: This agenda has been posted at the following locations:
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (“CASLV”) Centennial Hills 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, Chan Lengsavath, Dr. Carryn Warren (remote), Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan
Directors Absent
Brin Gibson
Guests Present
Adem Akegik, CASLV Sandy Ridge Principal, Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, Dr. Ercan Aydogdu, Dr. Mustafa Gunozu, CASLV Chief Acadmic Officer, Ismail Kocabiyik, CASLV Windmill Principal, Ismail Marul, CASLV Sandy Ridge Math Coach, Jessica Paquin, CASLV School Safety, Security and Student Success Coordinator, Julene Ballard, CASLV Centennial Hills Assistant Principal, Kayla Davis, CASLV Centennial Hills Principal, Mark Gardberg, CASLV Legal Counsel, Nick Sarisahin, Selim Tanyeri, CASVL Chief Operations Officer
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
A break was held from 7:04 pm - 7:23 pm.
II. Proclamation, Commendations and Presentation
A.
Recognition of Sandy Ridge Math Competitions Coach and Students (Information)
Dr. Ercan and Ann Diggins presented Mr. Marul with the Competitive Math Achievement Award. In addition, the following students were recognized with Certificates of Excellence in honor of their hard work and dedication to academic excellence.
Dhruv S.
Vidyuth N.
Leeoz N.
Joseph D.
Om P.
Edward J.
Steven B.
Mihika N.
Drake L.
Lentaro T.
III. Consent Agenda
A.
March 5, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
B.
Leader in Me Program for Cadence (For Possible Action)
C.
AP Exam Fees (For Possible Action)
D.
SchoolMint (Enrollment and Lottery Software) Renewal (For Possible Action)
E.
Centennial Hills Exterior Painting of Building (For Possible Action)
F.
Amendment to the Cadence Additional Classroom Construction (For Possible Action)
This item was removed from the consent agenda. Dr. Ercan responded to additional questions about the project and noted that he had received pre-approval from Mr. Lengsavath and Mr. Gibson to complete the project on time before school starts.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Brin Gibson |
Absent
|
| Feyzi Tandogan |
Aye
|
| Ann Diggins |
Abstain
|
| Arlene Hayman |
Aye
|
| Elizabeth Kazelskis |
Aye
|
| Dr. Carryn Warren |
No
|
G.
Nellis Furniture Purchase (For Possible Action)
H.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (For Possible Action)
IV. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Financial Update (Information)
Ms. Patel, the DMS representative, presented the actuals through March 2025 and reviewed a snapshot of the budget versus actuals to date. CASLV is expected to end the year with 123 days of unrestricted cash on hand. Ms. Patel reviewed the budget versus actuals by category and the year-to-date expenditures, as well as the balance sheet.
No action, information only.
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. Among other things, suspensions were down from Q2 to Q3. The SPCSA is changing the reporting categories so future statistics will be subject to a different data set. To one Board member’s point, Staff will investigate and continue monitoring the per capita suspension rate among different racial/ethnic groups, to see if there are trends across Quarters.
No action, information only.
C.
2030 Statewide Plan for the Improvement of Pupils (Information)
Dr. Ercan and Dr. Gunozu noted that this plan was submitted by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) in accordance with Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 385.111. State Public Charter School Authority Executive Director Melissa Mackedon forwarded the plan to all charter school board presidents, requesting that it be shared with their full boards. The plan outlines a long-term vision and strategic goals aimed at improving educational outcomes for all Nevada students.
No action, information only.
D.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan discussed CASLV's accomplishments and important information regarding students and school clubs with the board.
- Dr. Ercan presented the enrollment, application, and waitlist results for the next school year.
- A recognition letter of Sandy Ridge students by a community member was presented for their incredible kindness and responsibility. The parents of the following students were also informed Saed R., Justice S., and Tanner I.
- Dr. Ercan provided an update regarding the Tamarus campus shade structure.
- The end-of-year celebration updates were presented with details regarding the number of attendees and sponsorship amounts secured and received.
- National Charter Network visit to CASLV: Democracy Prep Public School board members and their administration team visited the Nellis AFB & Centennial Hills campuses.
- International Delegation Visit to CASLV: Thailand Education Department delegation visited the Sandy Ridge campus.
- 2025 Vegas Inc. 40 Under 40 Honorees: Sandy Ridge campus assistant principal, Mr. Khurmet, was selected as one of the 2025 Vegas Inc. 40 Under 40 honorees.
- 2025 ACT Results: Dr. Ercan presented the Sandy Ridge campus ACT results, which were an increase from last year.
- Sandy Ridge campus students honored by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce (HCC): Following CASLV's Annual Career Fair at the Sandy Ridge campus in February, students from all grade levels were invited to reflect on their experiences by writing essays. Among the impressive submissions, one essay from each grade level stood out. Each student received a one-time scholarship and a certificate of recognition from HCC.
- Archery team, Cadence campus: The middle school team placed 2nd in the state competition with an outstanding score of 3026! The elementary school team also brought their A-game, securing 3rd place with an impressive score of 2582!
- Eagle soccer teams, Cadence campus: elementary and middle school boys soccer teams each took home a big win. middle school Girls played SLAM Academy: 3-0 middle school boys played Pinecrest Academy Cadence: 2-1.
- UNC math contest highlights, Sandy Ridge campus: even in this high school-level contest, the 8th graders tackled tough proof questions like pros. Leeoz N: one of only two 8th graders to score a 9 (only high schoolers scored a perfect 10)! His proof skills earned him 1st place among 8th graders and 8th overall! Joseph D. & Vidyuth: secured 3rd and 4th place among 8th graders! Om, Dhruv & Lentaro: outperformed more than 50% of the top students nationwide!
- MathCounts state competition results, Sandy Ridge campus: Sandy Ridge team: 2nd place in the state! 5 of the top 8 students from Southern Nevada were from Sandy Ridge – the most in our school’s history!
- MATHCOUNTS Coach of Nevada, Sandy Ridge campus: For the second consecutive year, our Sandy Ridge MATHCOUNTS coach, Ismail Marul, has been selected as the official MATHCOUNTS Nevada coach to represent the Nevada team at the nationals in May!
- Math Kangaroo at Sandy Ridge campus: This year, over 70 of our students participated, showcasing their creative problem-solving abilities. Results will be available on May 1st, 2025.
- Sandy Ridge campus hosted the Mathleague.org State Championship: Our Mathletes (12) qualified for the National Championship in Houston, TX, on April 12!
- Mustang Math Tournament, Sandy Ridge: Sandy Ridge campus hosted the Mustang Math Tournament in Nevada! Our students brought home medals and top honors!
- First robotics competition at UNLV, Sandy Ridge campus: Our students didn’t just compete, they learned, grew, and connected with fellow robotics enthusiasts from across the region, embracing the opportunity to collaborate and innovate.
- Nevada Science Olympiad competition, Sandy Ridge: our 6-member middle school team soared to victory, earning: 5 gold medals, 3 silver Medals, 4 bronze medals. They finished 3rd in the entire state of Nevada!
- Drone tournament, Windmill & Sandy Ridge campuses: Windmill campus hosted a drone tournament at Sandy Ridge campus.
- National Drone Tournament, Windmill: Team 77733A earned the prestigious Judges Award among the best of the best! The tournament took place in Northern California.
- Beal Bank Southern Nevada Regional Science Fair, Tamarus campus: kindergarten category: 2nd Place – Mrs. DeJonge’s class for their project, "Protection from Glitter Germs" 2nd grade team projects: 2nd Place – Grant M., Logan W., and Austin C. (Mrs. Carsten’s class) for their project, "Greasiest Chips of All Time"
- Beal Bank Southern Nevada Regional Science Fair, Cadence campus: Eagles took home 3rd place in the Life Science division at the Beal Bank Southern Nevada Regional Science & Engineering Fair.
- Speech & Debate STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, Sandy Ridge campus: Coral Academy placed 3rd in the LARGE SCHOOLS category, a division for schools with 1,000+ students!
- Purple Up Day at Nellis AFB campus: We celebrated our military-connected students with a special Purple Up Assembly. Col. Jason J. Glynn joined as the guest speaker.
- Literacy Night, Tamarus campus: Students and parents had an amazing time enjoying games, crafts, and fun activities that celebrated the joy of reading.
- Nevada Reading Week, Cadence campus: This special week was all about igniting a lifelong love for reading through interactive and engaging literacy activities.
- Academic night, Centennial Hills campus: Families had the chance to: meet our amazing teachers, explore innovative classroom projects, and experience the academic excellence that makes our school stand out!
- Sport court was refinished, Tamarus campus: This incredible upgrade was made possible thanks to the FUN RUN funds!
- Next Meeting: The next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:30 pm at the Central Office.
V. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
Purchase of Eastgate Campus (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan presented the letter of intent to the board for review and approval.
B.
Selection of the Contractor for CMAR Phase I/Project for the front office remodel of Windmill and Sandy Ridge (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan explained that this item is for the approval of the construction firm selected to remodel the front offices at the Windmill and Sandy Ridge campuses, with work scheduled for this summer. He noted that the design plans were approved last year.
C.
i-Amendment and renewal of Revolution Food Agreement for Tamarus, Centennial Hills, Eastgate, and Cadence campuses (For Possible Action). ii-Approval of SLA food Agreement for Nellis, Sandy Ridge,and Windmill campuses (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented the lunch vendor agreements for the 2025–2026 school year for board approval, noting that the agreement with Revolution Foods requires annual renewal. He explained that the Sandy Ridge, Nellis, and Windmill campuses will transition to a new vendor, SLA Management, while the remaining campuses will continue with Revolution Foods. Mr. Selim also addressed various questions from the board regarding food quality and pricing.
D.
Purchase of New Kitchen Equipment for Nellis, Sandy Ridge, and Windmill (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented this item for approval of equipment and associated connection costs related to kitchen upgrades, required due to the hiring of SLA Management as the new lunch provider for the 2025–2026 school year at the Nellis, Sandy Ridge, and Windmill campuses.
E.
Curriculum Purchases (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu provided a detailed overview of the curriculum purchases for the 2025–2026 school year, noting that some of the costs will be covered by grants.
VI. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
2025-2026 School Year Board Meeting Calendar (For Possible Action)
Ms. Shepard presented the 2025-2026 school year board meeting calendar.
B.
Sandy Ridge Technology Fee and 1-to-1 Technology Policy (For Possible Action)
This item was tabled to the May board meeting.
C.
Special Education (SPED) Corrective Action Plan at the Cadence Campus (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu reported that the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA) conducted an audit of the Cadence campus and identified a few discrepancies. In response, the school submitted an action plan, which was approved by the SPCSA. Dr. Gunozu noted that 80% of the action items have already been completed. As outlined in the action plan, the remaining tasks include correcting certain files and conducting staff trainings, which are scheduled for June 6.
Information only, no action taken.
D.
Update Wellness Policy (For Possible Action)
This item was tabled for the May board meeting.
VII. Closed Session-Privileged & Confidential
A.
Potential Action(s) (For Possible Action)
The closed session was held from 7:23 pm - 8:12 pm. No action taken.
VIII. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
No public comments.
Ms. Ruiz expressed concerns about her child attending the Cadence campus, citing issues related to their education and behavior.
Ms. Diggins explained that since the matter is not on the meeting agenda, no action can be taken at this time. She will follow up with the campus administration and provide a response to Ms. Ruiz outside of the meeting.