Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting
March 2, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
Mira Costa High School, Room 113

Present:

Directors (18/21): Geoff Bremer, Webster Burns, Wendy Carson, Randy Dotemoto, Mike Dunitz, Linda Figel, Jim Furlan, Chuck Kaminski, Craig Kline, Carolyn Leserman, Anne McLaughlin, John Oshiro, Julian Ryder, Freddi Segal-Gidan, Kim Siehl, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte, Gary Wayland

MBUSD Representative: Steve McMahon, Assistant Superintendent

MBEF Staff: Debbie Bowen

Guests: Brian Currey, Chris Currie, Linda Harper, Margo Thole, Susan Warshaw, Pam Yarbrough

Presiding: Carolyn Leserman, President

Recording: Anne McLaughlin, Secretary

Handouts: Agenda, Minutes, Financial Report

President’s Notes:
Ms. Leserman announced the resignation of Director Stephanie Beverly from the MBEF Board and expressed her appreciation for Ms. Beverly’s years of service.

Ms. Leserman informed the Board of a meeting between PTA presidents and MBEF representatives, wherein the PTA presidents expressed their support for having a PTA representative from each school serve on the MBEF Board. These representatives will be selected by each site and will be individuals who serve on the Executive Board of their respective PTAs. Ms. Leserman announced that, at this same meeting, a subcommittee had been formed to [study] joint fundraising.

She said that, due to Spring Break, the next regular meeting of the MBEF Board would take place on Tuesday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m.

Ms. Leserman said that MBEF had attempted to schedule a joint fundraising event with the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation; however, this would not be possible because their ByLaws prohibited them from directing funds to MBEF.

Ms. Leserman recognized Mr. Julian Ryder for his weekly ads supporting MBEF and the schools in The Beach Reporter.

Wells Fargo has donated $5,000 for the Wine Auction, and Ms. Leserman announced other business support and promotions to benefit MBEF.

The Wine Auction theme is “Hollywood”, and Ms. Leserman said that directors should be available to welcome guests to the event. Mr. Bremer suggested that Board members wear nametags.

Superintendent Gwen Gross has contacted Mr. Jack O’Connell, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, and asked that he be the guest speaker at MBEF’s Super Circle event. A discussion took place regarding potential dates and locations for the event.

Annual Appeal:
Ms. Kim Siehl stated that the Annual Appeal had raised $531,130 to date. She said that the positive results were attributable to a “larger ask” which was tailored to the individual dollar amount last year and began at the $150 level. Mr. Dotemoto said that the emphasis would now be on increasing overall participation.

Minutes:
The minutes of the meeting of February 3, 2004 were unanimously approved as distributed.

Financial Report:
Ms. Ida VanderPoorte presented financial statements and a grants report for the eight months ended February 29, 2004.

Ms. VanderPoorte proposed the creation of an investment committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board adopted a resolution to establish an Investment Advisory Committee to advise the Chief Investment Officer of MBEF. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to appoint the following directors to the Investment Advisory Committee: Randy Dotemoto, Mike Dunitz, Anne McLaughlin, Greg Rosen, Ida VanderPoorte, and Gary Wayland.

Mr. Bremer reviewed the Foundation’s investment holdings.

Ms. VanderPoorte announced that her review of the books and records for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, had indicated that Wine Auction revenues were less than originally reported due to changes in classifications between accounts.

Ms. VanderPoorte stated that she intends to retain a firm to audit the Foundation’s books and records for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report:
Mr. McMahon distributed a schedule of local funding sources and uses for the 2004/2005 school year. He stated that additional monies exist to fund 80% of a second Career and College Counselor at MCHS. Mr. McMahon discussed issues related to choral music, instructional assistants, and other positions and responded to questions about the timing of lay-off notices.

Mr. McMahon stated that School Services of California would give its report to the MBUSD Board of Trustees on Wednesday, March 3.

Mr. McMahon discussed potential property sales.

Vice President’s Report:
Mr. Webster Burns asked for volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee, and Ms. Segal-Gidan and Mr. Craig Kline agreed to serve. Ms. Leserman said that other directors who have an interest should contact Mr. Burns.

Mr. Burns said that there was a need to ensure that all directors are serving on a committee and to ensure that someone has responsibility for all of the ongoing activities of the Foundation.

Golf Tournament:
Mr. Dotemoto announced that the tournament would take place on Monday, August 23, at Palos Verdes Country Club and that First Coastal Bank had agreed to be a sponsor at the $2500 level.

Wine Auction:
Mr. Jeff Thaler reported that the Wine Auction Committee has begun selling corporate tables and that the silent auction committee has begun soliciting donations.

Directed Donation Oversight Committee:
Mr. John Oshiro distributed a draft of the Directed Fundraising Policy. It was determined that Mr. Michael Lindsey, who is an attorney with expertise in drafting these types of documents, would be asked to review the policy and make recommendations. Mr. Lindsey’s services are being donated.

Mr. Craig Kline who has insurance expertise also offered to review the documents.

Old Business / New Business:
Ms. Wendy Carson suggested that the Foundation consider changing its meeting date to the second Tuesday of each month. Ms. Leserman stated that this would require a ByLaws change, but should be considered for the next fiscal year.

Ms. Freddi Segal-Gidan suggested that Ms. Leserman convey the Foundation’s support for the Career and College Counselor position at the next Board of Trustees’ meeting and recommend that excess monies be applied to that position.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:47 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 13, 2004, 7:30 PM at the MCHS Guidance Conference Room