MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

A regular meeting of the Explore Knowledge Academy Charter School Board of Trustees was held on Friday, April 11th, 2008 at 1711 Whitney Mesa Dr., Ste # 140, Henderson, NV 89014.

Mini-Retreat: Joan presented information on Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members and Recruiting Board Members as published by NWRL (Northwest Regional Lab) in Charter Starters.

A. Call to Order: President Lauren Scheer called the meeting to order at 4:50 pm and led the flag salute and moment of silence.

B. Organization

1. Roll Call: A quorum was established with four board members present: Ben Childs, Lauren Scheer, Camille Wilson and Jay Rosen. Absent members: Ben Day, Jill Nelson, and Dee Anna Carey. Others in attendance: Joan Sando, Constance Ewing, Sue Stewart, Danette Green, Clark Price, Abbe Mattson, and Chase Foley.

2. Adoption of Agenda: Joan asked to have Sandhill lease added to the New Business agenda so action could be taken at the May meeting. Jay made a motion to accept the agenda as presented with the change Joan requested. Ben Childs seconded the motion. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

3. Approval of Minutes from March 14, 2008 meeting: Camille moved and Ben Childs seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Vote: All ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

C. Reports

Administrators:

Danette Green presented a graphic representation showing the enrollment figures for next year. 81% of current students have indicated they will be returning in the fall and we have 98 new registrations. Our goal is 572 so we have 135 openings. Tomorrow is our Saturday Orientation so we anticipate more new students.

Connie reported on the results of the 8^th grade writing proficiencies, the 7^th grade ITBS, the 10^th grade ITED, and the NHSPE for grades 10-12. She also reported on vision screening for 7^th and 10^th grades, end of year events for graduating seniors, and recruiting teachers.

Joan reported on: a) visitors from Japan May 15-16, b) School Choice Fair on May 10^th at the Orleans Conference Center, c) the Charter School Conference on May 2^nd in Carson City, d) Letter from CCSD approving our charter renewal, and e) computer availability report and plans to replace servers. Ben, Jay, and Lauren indicated interest in attending the May 2^nd event in Carson City. Sue Stewart will work with them on travel arrangements.

Advisors:

Abbe Mattson reported that progress reports were completed this week and Teacher Grade Books are being finalized for the internal audit with Danette.

PASTE

Joan reported that the PASTE Board and the Advisors are busy collaborating on plans for the Annual Family Festival and Project Presentations on May 9^th at Sandhill. A copy of a thank-you letter to a donor for $400 of seed money to use for the festival was shared.

Joan also stated that PASTE has agreed to reorganize and apply to join the Nevada PTA. A meeting has been scheduled with the Nevada Regional Director and the by-laws have been drafted.

Board Members:

Lauren Scheer: Lauren reported about a program at Bennington College that has field work terms, in which the students work for free (credit) for two months. Our school could apply to the college to participate in this opportunity by providing descriptions of jobs available. She feels it is a good match, because the college uses project-based learning.

Jay Rosen: Jay invited everyone to attend a fund-raiser for teachers ($200 each) at Mt. Springs Saloon on May 4^th. He is the auctioneer and would like to see EKA teachers participate. He also asked for an update on the open jobs.

Ben Childs: He repeated his interest in attending the Conference on May 2^nd.

Camille: She is getting interest in advertising from Ethel M's, Nissan, and others. Ethel M's funds specific programs for a specific allotment, i.e., a leadership program or event. She asked for everyone to provide her with contacts in the business world for the magazine.

D. Public Comments on Agenda Items: None

E. Response to Public Comments: None

F. Old Business:

1. Budget 2009

Jay made a motion to approve the budget as presented from the Finance Committee. Camille seconded the motion. There was a brief discussion about staggered daily schedules, but that would not change the budget as proposed. Vote: All ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

2. Calendar for 2009: Since it had been approved in February and there were no changes, no action was taken.

3. Strategic Plan: Joan presented the strategic plan as created by the Strategic Planning Team, noting that it changes our mission statement and values and provides a goal and action plan. Jay made a motion to approve the plan, Camille seconded the motion. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

4. Charter Renewal Addendum: Joan presented a draft of a policy to implement NRS 388.205 on developing 4-year plans for all ninth graders, including the guidance of a licensed counselor. Ben moved to approve the policy as presented, Jay seconded the motion. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

G. New Business

1. Approval of Returning Advisors:

Jay made a motion to approve the list of advisors presented by Joan. Camille seconded. After much discussion, Jay withdrew his motion and made a motion to authorize the director of the school to employ people who are qualified according to the charter agreement and within the budget and signed by the Executive Director on behalf of the board. After further discussion, Jay withdrew this motion and Lauren made a motion to approve the list of returning teachers recommended by Joan for employment for the 2008-2009 school year who have met all qualifications according to the EKA Charter agreement with CCSD and all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. Jay seconded the motion. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

The board requested that, in the future, all lists of names for employment recommendations have verbiage to the affect that all of them meet the qualifications of the charter agreement and Nevada statutes and regulations, plus EKA policies.

2. Approval of Agreement with Paypros: Danette presented a draft of an agreement and explained the term "leased employees". Jay moved to approve the agreement, Camille seconded the motion. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

H. Closed Session:

I. Action on Closed Session:

J. Public Comments on Non-agenda items:

K. Response to Public Comments:

L. Announcements: Next meeting is May 16^th, a change from the published calendar due to

the Family Festival on May 9^th.

Meeting adjourned at 7:31 pm.