Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting
January 6, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
Mira Costa High School, Room 113

Present:

Directors (15/22): Geoff Bremer, Wendy Carson, Mike Dunitz, Linda Figel, Craig Kline, Carolyn Leserman, Anne McLaughlin, John Oshiro, Greg Rosen, Carol Rowe, Julian Ryder, Kim Siehl, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte, Gary Wayland

MBUSD Trustee Representative: Lynette Campbell

MBUSD Representatives: Gwen Gross, Superintendent

MBEF Staff: Debbie Bowen, Sherry Kramer

Guests: Brian Currey, Michael Emmetti, Jeff Goodrich

Presiding: Carolyn Leserman, President

Recording: Anne McLaughlin, Secretary

Handouts: Agenda, Minutes, Financial Report

Recognition:
Ms. Sherry Kramer introduced Mr. Jeff Goodrich and Mr. Michael Emmetti, parents who organized a soccer tournament to benefit MBEF. Mr. Goodrich reported that the November 23, 2003 fundraiser raised approximately $18,000 and will become an annual event.

President’s Notes:
Ms. Leserman announced that the Board had elected Ms. Linda Figel as a Board member at its closed session meeting on December 9, 2003. She asked all Board members to serve as examples to the community by making a contribution to the MBEF Annual Appeal.

She reported that MBUSD has concluded that the K-3 class size reduction program will not encroach upon MBUSD’s general funds during the 2003-2004 school year. As a result, the $275,000 Vital Programs grant to support class size reduction will not be needed. Reporting from the District Advisory Committee meeting, Ms. Leserman said that there would not be a Vital Programs Fundraising drive this year.

Minutes:
The minutes of the meeting of December 2, 2003 and December 9, 2003 were unanimously approved as distributed.

Financial Report:
Ms. Ida VanderPoorte presented financial statements and a grants report for the six months ended December 31, 2003. She discussed a possible auditor for the Foundation and stated that the cost of an audit by this firm would be approximately $8500.

Business Education Partnership Report:
Ms. Sherry Kramer stated that she had received a $2,000 check from Hawthorne Savings for the MCHS Scholar Breakfast. She announced that L.A. Food Show would be donating 15% of total sales every Monday in January to MBEF.

Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Gross discussed the budgeting process that is currently taking place within the District and its timeline. Dr. Gross expressed support for MBEF and PTAs and said that she does not support a Vital Programs effort, due in part to the confusion caused by a third fundraising entity.

MBUSD Board of Trustees Report:
Ms. Lynette Campbell discussed school district finances.

Office Manager’s Report:
Ms. Debbie Bowen provided the addresses and phone numbers for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation office, which was relocated as a result of the District office move:

325 S. Peck Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
P.O. Box 1110, Manhattan Beach, CA 90267-1110
(310) 303-3342 phone
(310) 303-3828 fax

Fundraising Reports:

1. Annual Appeal: Ms. Kim Siehl provided data on the fundraising results to date. She noted that results were strong, in light of the campaign’s delayed start. Mr. Thaler suggested that the Foundation help make the community aware that no Vital Programs fundraising would take place this year and that all fundraising would be through MBEF and PTAs.
2. Golf Tournament: Mr. Ryder announced that the tournament would take place on August 23, 2003 at the Palos Verdes Country Club.
3. Wine Auction: Mr. Thaler said that planning was going well and that Ms. Stacie Reeve and Ms. Jeannie Oshiro had agreed to co-chair the Silent auction.

Old Business / New Business:
Ms. Leserman asked Mr. Oshiro about the directed Donations Oversight Committee, and he announced a meeting would be scheduled during this month.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:50 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 3, 2004, 7:30 PM at Room 113, MCHS