Explore Knowledge Academy

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, January 11^th 2008 at 1711 Whitney Mesa Dr., Ste # 140, Henderson, NV 89014.

A. Call to Order: President Lauren Scheer called the meeting to order at 4:41 pm and led the flag salute and moment of silence.

B. Organization

1. Roll Call: A quorum was established with five board members present: Ben Childs, Ben Day, Jill Nelson, Lauren Scheer, and Jay Rosen. Absent: Dee Anna Carey and Camille Wilson. Others in attendance: Joan Sando, Constance Ewing, Sue Stewart, Danette Green, Clark Price, Deni LaBree, Leanne Hall, Dalia Ruiz, Karyl Davis, Patrick Quinn, Calvert Webster, Tawnee Brilla, Glenda Matson, Rosemary Carr, and James Lewicki.

2. Adoption of Agenda: Ben Day moved and Jay seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Vote: All "ayes", none opposed. Motion carried.

3. Approval of Minutes from December 14^th, 2007 meeting: Jay moved, Ben Childs seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Vote: All ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

C. Reports

President Lauren provided an overview of parliamentary procedures and asked members to follow them so our meetings could be more efficient and business-like. She requested that everyone state your name before speaking unless you are in the middle of a discussion with someone, so your name will be recorded and minutes will be easier to compose from the tape. She distributed information and referred to other materials that administrators have on hand.

Administrators: Joan introduced the staff members who were present. Lauren invited them to talk about their classes

Advisors:

Rosemary Carr shared a special experience about reading Martin Luther King's speech to her first and second graders, Tawnee stated that she is new and so thankful to be a part of EKA, and Glenda Matson told about how the 3^rd-4^th grade classes serves the community through projects, such as letters to soldiers and other "giving of ourselves" projects.

Board Members:

Ben Childs: Expressed his opinion to focus on the grant writer position.

D. Public Comments on Agenda Items: None

E. Response to Public Comments: None

F. Old Business:

1. Board Secretary: Lauren read the job description from the by-laws.

Jay nominated Ben Day. Ben Childs seconded. Ben Day accepted. Vote: All ayes, none opposed. Motion carried.

2. Parliamentary Procedures Resolution: Ben Childs made a motion that the board will follow Parliamentary Procedures. Jay seconded the motion. In discussion, Lauren stated that she still wanted a resolution and will try to have it by the next meeting. Jay amended the motion to add the words "and Robert's Rules of Order at the discretion of the President". Ben agreed with the amendment. Vote: All ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

G. New Business:

1. Shall EKA hire a grant writer?

Jay made a motion to instruct the administration to hire a grant writer. Ben Childs seconded. Discussion: Jay summarized the research he had done on the Internet on costs, procedures, etc. Jay suggested we take the funds from money designated for tech, books, etc. because the grants could pay for those items plus more.

Susan stated that we can't use the funds designated for technology, textbooks, etc., or we would have to repay that money to the state.

Discussion continued on where to find the money in the budget, including anticipated budget reductions mandated by the state.

Jay: amended the motion to hire a grant writer for the next school year.

After more discussion, Jay withdrew motion and made a new motion.

Jay moved that we ask Joan Sando to come back to next meeting with a job description of someone who raises funds, writes grants, does marketing, and community involvement and creative ways to fund the position. Ben Childs seconded.

Discussion on whether EKA can borrow money.

Lauren called for the question: Vote: all ayes, none opposed. Motion carried.

2. Review of board policies:

Joan suggested we may want to review policies this year since we are applying for charter renewal, starting the accreditation process, and doing strategic planning. What procedures would be most productive?

Discussion on who best to do this, administration, board, or committee and when.

Lauren requested that the administration compile a list of policies and resolutions with samples and bring to next meeting.

3. Projected Budget Reductions

Joan: reported on the January 7^th Nevada Superintendents meeting and stated that she and Susan would be attending a mandated meeting with Nevada Dept. of Education officials on January 15^th to get updated information. This item is listed under new business as we may need to make a decision at the next meeting.

Discussion on the state of the state of Nevada.

4. Political Action Committee:

Lauren gave the floor to Jay who presented information on the half million dollars that Agassi Charter School received from the federal government. Jay had sent a letter to our NV representatives and Senator Reid had called back, providing information on petitioning for funds. He will send his administrative assistant to meet with Jay later in January.

Jay suggested our board contact other charter schools to see if there is interest in forming a political action committee so we would have a voice at both the state and federal levels.

Discussion on foundations, donating funds, whether people can donate to the school and get a tax write-off, the value of a foundation.

Lauren directed Jay to do research and report at the next board meeting.

J. Public Comments on Non-agenda items: None

K. Response to Public Comments: None

L. Announcements: Strategic Planning is tomorrow, 9-3. Jay asked for someone to take his place. No one else is available.

Next Meeting: February 8^th, 2008.

Meeting adjourned at 5:47