MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

A meeting of the Explore Knowledge Academy Charter School Board of Trustees was held on Saturday, September 29^th, 2007, 1:00 pm at 1711 Whitney Mesa Dr., Ste # 140, Henderson, NV 89014.

A. Call to Order: President Ben Day called the meeting to order at 1:12 pm and led the flag salute and silent meditation. Ben reminded everyone that we would be following the protocols and procedures discussed at the morning retreat so we could have a more efficient meeting. Each person must be recognized by the chairperson before speaking so they can be identified on the audio tape.

B. Organization

1. Roll Call: A quorum was established with four of seven board members present: Ben Day, Camille Wilson, Dee Ann Carey, and Jay Rosen. Jill Nelson was absent and Lauren Scheer arrived at 3:37pm. Members Ben Day, Camille Wilson, Jay Rosen, and Lauren Scheer had also attended the morning retreat. Others in attendance: Joan Sando, Danette Green, Constance Ewing, Clark Price, Sue Stewart, Abbe Mattson, Patrick Quinn, James Lewicki, Mary Reuttin, Ron Pipkin, Ben Childs, Julie Wignall, Kristin Timmons, and other community members.

2. Adoption of Agenda: Jay moved to amend the agenda to include "strategic planning"

under New Business, Dee Anna seconded the motion. Vote: All members voted "aye", none opposed. Motion carried.

3. Approval of revised minutes from meeting on August 6^th, 2007. Jay moved, Camille

seconded a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Vote: All Board Members voted

"aye", none opposed. Motion carried.

C. Reports/Presentations

1. Administration

• New Board Binders: Joan explained the contents of the new board binders, including by-laws, Nevada Charter School laws, organizational chart, calendars, CCSD Compliance Review, accreditation procedures, and reports. She also had made copies of the Nevada Open Meeting Manual for each member.

• Teacher Evaluation Procedures: Constance Ewing described the revised evaluation procedures, which includes a calandar of observations and due dates. She also reported that she had attended CCSD workshops on testing security and other topics.

• Preparation for School Year: Clark Price reported that the staff was more prepared than ever before, thanks to the EdVisions Institute in which the staff had collaborated on developing a "30 Day Plan".

2. Students: none in attendance

3. Advisors: Abbe Mattson reported on the results of the "30 Day" plan for secondary students, and the following staff committiees: FUN Committee's first activity of celebrating the success of the first 30 days, the CAPACITY BUILDING Committee's work on building trust and friendship, and the COMMUNICATION Committee's work on scheduling meetings and other means of communications. She also reported on P.E. Fridays, field trips, Project Foundry, NWEA assessments and Student Council.

4. P.A.S.T.E.

Kristin Timmons reported that they had a meeting to seat the new board members and the board will decide on the positions themselves. She explained the problems PASTE had with US Bank and said the outside audit would be done in October. They have a VP in charge of communications who will be working on a schoolwide email list.

5. Board Members

Dee Anna commented that communications could be strengthened, she sees no reason advisors can't call parents since they have a whole day without students.

Jay said that parents are really appreciating the fantastic job Mr. Price is doing at elementary.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS on agenda items:

James Lewicki stated that EdVisions thanks Explore Knowledge for hosting a phenomenal West Coast Institute. He said the response from all of the other schools he is working with has been great.

E. Response to Public Comments:

F. Old Business

1. Clarification of role between PASTE and EKA

Jay made a motion that PASTE is a completely separate organization with no legal connection to EKA and no accountability or responsibility to the board of EKA. Camille seconded the motion. Vote: Aye: Jay, Abstain: Camille, Dee Anna.

After discussion about whether PASTE qualifies as a 501 3© and whether PASTE would exist if EKA did not, what measures are in place for independence or co-dependence, Ben asked PASTE to bring a proposal to the board on how they would like to be accountable to the board. Camille made a motion that PASTE present their identity to EKA at the next meeting. Dee Anna seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes: Camille and Dee Anna, Opposed: Jay.

G. New Business

1. Jay moved that we go out of order and interview the board candidates. Dee Anna seconded. Vote: all, none opposed, motion carried.

Note: This motion was not necessary as the agenda states that "Items may be called out of order.

Ben asked the three candidates in the audience to take seats in front and explained that they would all be asked the same questions. The candidates were Mary Reuttin, Ron Pipkin, and Ben Childs. Julie Wignall arrived after the others had introduced themselves and joined the interviews. Lauren Scheer arrived during the interviews at 3:37pm After hearing from all four candidates, Jay moved to offer the open position to Mary. There was no second. Motion died.

Camille moved to table the decision and form a subcommittee to study how to use all of the candidates as leaders, using their talents for EKA's benefit. Dee Anna seconded the motion. After discussion, Ben called for the vote. Vote: all ayes, none opposed. James Lewicki suggested including Community Council members on the subcommittee.

2. Fiscal Year 2007 Financial Report

Sue Stewart presented the 2006-2007 financial report and explained that it is not finalized as she is currently working with the external auditors on it.

3. 2008 Adjusted Budget

Sue Stewart presented an adjusted budget based on our Count Day enrollment and our hold-harmless DSA amount. After discussion, Ben suggested postponing the approval of the adjusted budget until the next meeting so members could study it and ask questions. Dee Anna moved, Lauren seconded the motion. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion passed.

4. Reorganization of Board

President

Lauren nominated Ben to continue as President. No second.

Dee Anna nominated Camille for President, Lauren seconded. Camille declined. Dee Anna rescinded her motion and nominated Lauren, Jay seconded. Lauren asked for a commitment from the other members to keep well informed. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion passed. Lauren is the President.

Vice President

Dee Anna nominated Camille, Camille seconded. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

Finance Representative

Lauren nominated Jay, Jay seconded. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

Joan asked all members to submit professional resumes and said they will be asked to sign new affidavits at the next meeting, after we review the new statement from the Board of Education. This had been on the agenda for the retreat, but we had run out of time. It needs to be done within 5 days of seating the new member.

5. Adoption of annual board calendar

After discussion, Jay moved to schedule meetings on the second Friday of each month at 4:30pm. Lauren seconded. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

6. Strategic Planning

Jay asked that we all think about a plan for strategic planning, after a great discussion about it this morning at the retreat, and put it on Old Business for the next meeting.

H. CLOSED SESSION None

I. ACTION ON CLOSED SESSION None

J. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Ms. Ewing stated that we have discipline issues that will require an expulsion committee.

K. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: Lauren appointed Jay, Camille, and Ben.

L. AGENDA PLANNING: adjusted budget, new board member appointment, strategic planning, charter renewal

Ben adjourned the meeting at 4:10pm

Next Meeting: Friday, October 12, 4:30pm