Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting
May 10, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
MBUSD Office, 325 S. Peck Avenue, Manhattan Beach

Present:

Directors (21/28): Edie Babbe, Vanessa Benya, Webster Burns, Brian Currey, Randy Dotemoto, Mike Dunitz, Michelle Erickson, Linda Figel, Craig Kline, Carolyn Leserman, Diane Levitt, Anne McLaughlin, Cindy McMahon, John Oshiro, Ellen Rosenberg, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte, Susan Warshaw, Gary Wayland, Rich Weiss, Tati Wennekamp, Pam Yarbrough

MBUSD Representatives: Gwen Gross, Steve McMahon

MBUSD Board of Trustees: Amy Howorth

Business Partnerships: Sherry Kramer

MBEF Staff: Debbie Bowen

Guests: Tammy Choy, Lan Shirazi

Presiding: Carolyn Leserman, President

Recording: Anne McLaughlin, Secretary

Handouts: Agenda, Minutes, Financial Report, Fundraising for MBUSD Programs status report

President’s Notes:
Ms. Carolyn Leserman announced that the June meeting would be moved forward one week and would take place on Tuesday, June 7, 2005.

Ms. Leserman and Mr. Thaler asked for volunteers for the Wine Auction and a sign-up sheet was distributed.

Ms. Leserman said that MBMS had requested that MBEF sponsor the school’s first Scholar Quiz at a cost of approximately $1200. The Executive Board voted to approve the sponsorship.

MBEF is raising money through the sale of “Manhattan Beach United” bracelets at $4 each. The Foundation’s initial order was 4,000 bracelets.

Ms. Leserman reported that Mr. Ben Benya is about to begin the Attitude Survey. Ms. Anne McLaughlin will contact PTA presidents to help solicit people to participate in the survey.

Mr. Burns announced that a strategic planning session would be held in July.

Minutes:
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the meeting of April 5, 2005 were unanimously approved as presented.

Financial Report:
Ms. Ida VanderPoorte presented financial statements for the ten months ended April 30, 2005. The Foundation under the direction of the Investment Committee opened accounts at Vanguard and will begin investing Endowment monies in accordance with the new Investment Policy.

Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Gwen Gross presented the “Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Task Force” report. She discussed various recommendations included in the report.

Mr. Gary Wayland stated the goals of the task force: (a) support a voluntary drug testing program consistent with current best practice and effective programs; (b) coordinate certain programs with the Manhattan Beach Police Department; and (c) forge community connections to support substance abuse prevention and education goals. Mr. Wayland moved that MBEF endorse the stated goals and offer its support by committing to the development of a funding proposal for certain MBUSD Board-approved task force programs. A discussion ensued wherein several board members expressed concern about creating expectations that MBEF would fund all of the costs of this program when these costs are largely unknown. Mr. Wayland estimated that as much as $30k might be required, and he amended the motion by inserting the word “reasonable” before “funding proposal.” Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board agreed to endorse the goals of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Task Force and to entertain a reasonable, shared funding proposal for certain MBUSD Board-approved task force programs. Ms. Ellen Rosenberg suggested that MBEF be listed as a sponsor on the task force’s literature.

Mr. Steve McMahon said that the May Revision of the Governor’s budget would be available in a week and would enable the District to better project its 2005-2006 fiscal year.

MBUSD Board of Trustee’s Report:
Ms. Amy Howorth announced a rally to be held on Wednesday, May 11, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Mira Costa Administration Building parking lot. The rally is designed to show support for education in California.
She said that the MBUSD Board of Trustees has expressed concern regarding food services at the schools and asked that changes be made. Ms. Howorth discussed the Board’s philosophy regarding the transfer of reserve money and the development of an asset management plan.

Business Education Partnership Report:
Ms. Sherry Kramer announced various community and business promotions to benefit MBEF. Ms. Kramer said that Mike Pitts is creating promotional information for the newspapers for MBEF.

Ms. Edie Babbe announced that the Grand View Gator Run is selling bracelets for $5 each to benefit MBEF.

Ms. Leserman said that all directors are invited to attend the MBUSD Elementary Honor Strings and Band Concert at 7:00 p.m. on May 13 at Pacific School and at MBMS at 7:00 p.m. on May 23, May 31, and June 6.

Wine Auction Report:
Mr. Jeff Thaler provided an update on the Wine Auction. He said that the pre-event dinner has a waiting list, and he expects the Wine Auction to sell out in a few weeks. Mr. John Oshiro suggested that Board members wear badges to the event.

Golf Tournament:
Mr. Randy Dotemoto provided an update on the golf tournament and distributed an information sheet on the opportunity drawing.

Annual Appeal Report:
Ms. Linda Figel discussed the Annual Appeal results, PTA donations, and other fundraising sources available to fund the 2005-2006 grants.

Proposed By-Laws Amendment:
Mr. Brian Currey reported that the By-Laws committee had met to review the By-Laws and incorporate recommendations of the Investment Committee and Nominating Committee. He stated that By-Laws amendment would be circulated via e-mail for review. Comments should be sent to Mr. Currey prior to the next MBEF meeting.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:46 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the District Office.