Explore Knowledge Academy

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

A meeting of the Explore Knowledge Academy Charter School Board of Trustees was held on Friday, December 14, 2007, 4:30 pm at 1711 Whitney Mesa Dr., Ste # 140, Henderson, NV 89014.

A. Call to Order: President Lauren Scheer called the meeting to order at 4:31 pm

B. Organization

1. Roll Call: A quorum was established with four board members present: Ben Childs,, Jill Nelson, Lauren Scheer, and Jay Rosen. Others in attendance: Joan Sando, Constance Ewing, Sue Stewart, Abbe Mattson, Deni LaBree, a student and her parents.

2. Adoption of Agenda: Ben moved and Jill seconded motion to go immediately into closed session for the expulsion hearing as the decision of the expulsion committee had been appealed to the full board. Vote: All "ayes", none opposed. Motion carried.

President Lauren adjourned the public meeting at 4:33pm.

Camille Wilson arrived at 4:40pm and joined the closed session.

President Lauren reconvened the public meeting at 5:45 pm. She asked for any action on the closed session. Ben Childs made a motion to deny the appeal that was heard tonight and reaffirm the recommendation of the expulsion committee from November 9^th, 2007. Camille seconded the motion. Vote: Ben Childs....aye, Dee Anna (by phone)....agree, Jill....aye, Camillle...aye, Lauren...abstain, Jay...abstain.

President Lauren asked for a motion on the board's recommendation from the Expulsion Appeal meeting that was held on November 30^th. Ben Childs moved for full expulsion of the student whose appeal was considered on November 30^th. Jill seconded the motion. Vote: Benjamin Childs...aye, Dee Anna Carey...aye, Jill Nelson...aye, Camille Wilson...aye, Lauren Scheer...abstain, Jay Rosen...abstain. Motion carries.

C. Reports

Administrators:

Strategic planning: The first day of strategic planning was spent developing questions to be answered and how to gather the data. The report was presented that showed the people involved and the procedures used. After discussion on our identity, our strengths, and our needs, we decided to focus on the four areas of Marketing, Leadership, Facilities, and Academic Rigor. Danette reported on the research the marketing team is doing,, Jay Rosen and Sue Stewart reported on the facilities team plans to survey staff on short and long term goals, and Joan reported on the plans for the academic rigor and leadership teams to study best practices. She stated that this committee is also looking at how to develop community partnerships and connections to supplement our academic program. Joan further explained a joint committee of parents, students, staff, and community members had met on December 10^th and compiled a list of strengths of EKA and recommendations. Meetings are also being held with all students in grades 5-12 who are interested in giving their input. Notes from all of these meetings will be sent to the Strategic Planning Committee for consideration. Jay pointed out that Julie Wignall and Ron Pipkins, former candidates for the board, are both involved on the Strategic Planning Team.

Charter School Renewal has been submitted by Nov. 15^th. Copies are available for review at the business office.

OSHA Consultation Visit: This is a requirement of our charter renewal. The visit has been done for Whitney Mesa and a report will be issued soon. The other two sites will be scheduled for the first part of January. We will need to develop an employee health program for compliance.

Charter School moratorium: Tom McCormick, from the Nevada Dept. of Education was asked many questions when he visited last Monday and he does not believe this will affect us. He explained it is a temporary solution to a problem of limited staff to oversee charter schools and was enacted because Washoe and Clark County School Boards voted not to approve any more charter schools. He said there are 13 applications that were already in the process and are still being considered by the State Board of Education.

Signing Bonus: Our application was approved by the state so we have requested funds for seven new teachers.

Positive Message:: Ms. Ewing read a letter from Street Teens thanking our school for their generosity for the donations of canned goods and sleeping bags.

Testing: Ms. Ewing described the standardized testing, NHSPEs and EKA's schedule. She said seminars are being held for students who need help in passing NHSPEs.

Funds for Consultants: Sue Stewart reported that Marlo's contract is done at the end of December and the funds that are left will be used for strategic planning as help is needed to do research, pay consultants, help pay for James Lewicki's services. This will be considered in future discussions on the budget.

Students: No reports

Advisors: Abbe Mattson

The secondary has taken on Street Teens as their charity and have had good discussions about homeless teens. She also reported on the Prom, the new part-time aides that are teaching languages and art, student produced newspaper that is online, and student leadership roles, for example, a student organized "College Week" that was very successful.

Board Members:

Jay Rosen: Opened a discussion on hiring full-time grant writer and obtaining other funds. Discussion brought up the need to consider current budget, researching grants, writing the grants, administration of the grants, combining this discussion with one on fund-development, and asking the Strategic Planning Committee to consider this topic. Jay recommended combining a position to get more office help and grant writing. Lauren asked for this topic to be on the agenda for the next meeting.

D. Public Comments on Agenda Items: None

E. Response to Public Comments: None

F. Old Business:

Clarification of relationship between EKA and PASTE: Joan presented a draft of an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that had been developed by the PASTE President and the administrative team. Jay moved for the board to approve the draft as presented. Jill seconded. Vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

Accreditation Process:

Joan explained the change from the CITA (Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. to NAAS (Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, as Nevada Dept. of Ed does not recognize CITA, only NAAS, so the administration had submitted an application to NAAS last Monday and canceled the application for CITA. After discussion on the two organizations and the costs of accreditation, Ben moved to approve the application for NAAS, Jill seconded, vote: all ayes, none opposed, motion carried.

G. New Business: None

J. Public Comments on Non-agenda items: None

K. Response to Public Comments: None

L. Announcements:

• Joan presented copies of the revised Technology Plan that had been sent to CCSD on December 14^th and pointed out the changes.

• Joan stated that the administration will start advertising for her position and presented copies of her job description and the procedures for hiring a new executive director.

• Next meeting is January 11, 2008

Meeting adjourned at 6:50pm.