Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting
March 8, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
MBUSD Office, 325 S. Peck Avenue, Manhattan Beach

Present:

Directors (20/28): Edie Babbe, Vanessa Benya, Webster Burns, Brian Currey, Mike Dunitz, Michelle Erickson, Linda Figel, Nancy Hersman, Carolyn Leserman, Diane Levitt, Anne McLaughlin, Cindy McMahon, Greg Rosen, Ellen Rosenberg, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte, Gary Wayland, Rich Weiss, Tati Wennekamp, Pam Yarbrough

MBUSD Representatives: Gwen Gross, Steve McMahon

Business Partnerships: Sherry Kramer

MBEF Staff: Debbie Bowen

Guests: Tammy Choy, Irma Espinoza, Greg Geiser, Margo Thole

Presiding: Carolyn Leserman, President

Recording: Anne McLaughlin, Secretary

Handouts: Agenda, Minutes, Financial Report

Check Presentation:
Ms. Sherry Kramer introduced Ms. Irma Espinoza, Branch Manager for the Manhattan Beach branch of Commercial Capital Bank. Ms. Espinoza presented the Foundation with a check in the amount of $1,489.85. Ms. Espinoza explained that the donation was based upon the aggregate amount of funds at the bank belonging to account owners who have identified MBEF as the fundraising organization they would like to support. Ms. Kramer presented Ms. Espinoza with a Certificate of Appreciation from MBEF.

Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Gwen Gross announced the resignation of Dr. Scott Wilbur as principal of Mira Costa High School and said that the process of selecting a new principal was beginning.

Dr. Gross discussed a lawsuit related to a school fundraiser and said that the District has prepared and will distribute guidelines for future fundraisers at the schools.

Mr. Steve McMahon distributed a document entitled “MBUSD 2005-06 Potential Budget Reductions.” He said that the District hoped to find at least $1.9 million in savings. Mr. McMahon stated that the District is evaluating a special education model used by the Hesperia School District.

President’s Notes:
Ms. Carolyn Leserman announced that the Foundation’s April meeting is being moved forward due to spring break and will take place on April 5, 2005.

Ms. Leserman said that 80 tickets are available for the Comedy & Magic Club fundraiser on March 15, and she encouraged directors to help promote the event.

Ms. Leserman reported on a meeting with Ben Benya, who is conducting a market research project for MBEF. She said that a questionnaire is being developed and that interviews would take place in April and May 2005.

Ms. Leserman announced that Meadows Elementary School PTA had donated $30,000 to MBEF’s Annual Appeal, along with the proceeds of its Camp Expo and Ice Dogs fundraisers. She thanked the Meadows PTA for its generosity and support.

She stated that Mr. John Oshiro and Mr. Jeff Thaler met with the MBEF Executive Board to discuss their findings in upgrading MBEF’s database system. She said that none of the programs available for purchase is sufficient to meet MBEF’s needs and that a program will have to be created. Mr. Thaler has contacted vendors who may consider creating a program and selling it to MBEF for less than fair market value.

Minutes:
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the meeting of February 8, 2005 were unanimously approved as presented.

Financial Report:
Ms. Ida VanderPoorte presented financial statements for the eight months ended February 28, 2005.

Business Education Partnership Report:
Ms. Sherry Kramer said that Mr. Richard Lundquist, the developer of Plaza El Segundo, had reaffirmed his agreement to donate $1,000,000 to MBEF over a five-year period. The project is approximately three months behind schedule.

Wine Auction Report:
Mr. Jeff Thaler discussed the status of corporate sponsorships and solicitations and of donations for the live and silent auctions. He said he believes that he has secured a donor to provide laptops, printers, and a wireless network for use at the auction.

Nominating Committee:
Ms. Anne McLaughlin announced that the Nominating Committee met at the end of February and was evaluating the organization structure of the Foundation, along with the roles and responsibilities of its officers. She said that the committee planned to present a proposed organization structure and slate of officers at the April meeting.

Proposed By-Laws Amendment:
Mr. Webster Burns said that Ms. Nancy Hersman has evaluated the existing and proposed By-Laws and has raised questions and identified inconsistencies in certain defined terms. He said that he, Ms. Hersman, and Mr. Brian Currey would review these issues and subsequently make a make a recommendation to the Board regarding a By-Laws amendment.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:22 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 5, 2005, 7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 325 S. Peck Avenue