Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Minutes

Board of Directors – Regular Meeting
October 11, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
MBUSD Office, 325 S. Peck Avenue, Manhattan Beach

Present:

Directors (25/30): Edie Babbe, Vanessa Benya, Geoff Bremer, Webster Burns, Wendy Carson, Brian Currey, Randy Dotemoto, Mike Dunitz, Michelle Erickson, Linda Figel, Nancy Hersman, Craig Kline, Carolyn Lesserman, Diane Levitt, Sherri Lietzow, Anne McLaughlin, Cindy McMahon, John Oshiro, LeeAnne Richter, Ellen Rosenberg, Lan Shirazi, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte, Jean VanZanten, Susan Warshaw, Gary Wayland, Rich Weiss, Tati Wennekamp, Laurel Wright, Pam Yarbrough

MBUSD Rep: Steve McMahon

Board of Trustees: Amy Howorth

Business Partnerships: Sherry Kramer

MBEF staff: Debbie Bowen

Guests: Claire Clurmen, Mike Gleason, Erika White, Talia Resin, Sheldon Zaslansky, Donnelle Weaver, and Debra Lauzon.

Presiding: Webster Burns, President

Recording: Brian Currey, Secretary

Handouts: Agenda, Minutes, Financial Report, and grant request from Mira Costa Choir

Recognition of Wine Garden Volunteers:
Jeff Thaler thanked and recognized all of the volunteers who had worked at the wine garden at the Hometown Fair. In particular, Mr. Thaler thanked Matt Peck, Heather Stevens and Tom Franco for their efforts co-chairing the event.

Welcome of Guests:
Webster Burns welcomed our guests to the meeting.

Recognition of Former Directors:
Mr. Burns recognized the outstanding contributions and long years of service of three former directors: Chuck Kaminski, Julian Ryder, and Greg Rosen. He presented clocks to Mr. Rider and Dr. Rosen as reminders of the years spent with MBEF. Mr. Kaminski, who was traveling and unable to attend the meeting, received his clock at a later date.

Grant Request for Mira Costa Choir Program:
Anne McLaughlin explained that the Mira Costa High School Choir had requested financial assistance from MBEF for the Choir's trip to Carnegie Hall. The group is scheduled to perform part 1 of Handel's Messiah on April 9, 2006. Upon motion duly made and seconded, MBEF will contribute $8,000 to help defer the group's expenses.

Report of Closed Session:
Mr. Burns reported that during the closed session meeting of September 13, 2005, the Board had elected Sheri Lietzow and Lan Shirazi as Class Two Directors of MBEF, with terms expiring in June 2007. Mr. Burns welcomed them to the Board.

Ratification of Minutes:
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the meeting of September 13, 2005 were approved as presented.

Annual Appeal Report:
Ellen Rosenberg reported on the progress to date of the annual appeal. Ms. Rosenberg reported that the annual appeal had received over $700,000 to date. She outlined future plans, and reiterated her request to directors to send in their donations and to lead by example.

Mayor's Golf Tournament:
Sherry Kramer reported that the Mayor's Golf Tournament had been a success. Proceeds benefit MBEF.

Business Partnership Reports:
Ms. Kramer reported on upcoming events. She also discussed the Downtown Business Association's upcoming fundraiser for MBEF. Finally, she noted that after 8 years on the job, she has tendered her resignation effective November 30, 2005. The Board extended its thanks to Ms. Kramer for her remarkable service.

Strategic Planning Follow-Up:
Mr. Burns noted that various directors have been engaged in follow-up to the strategic planning session. Ms. Lietzow discussed progress made on the Endowment. Ms. McLaughlin reported that the Vision Committee had formed three subcommittees. Susan Warshaw will head a subcommittee dealing with the elementary schools. LeeAnne Richter will lead the MBMS subcommittee, and Brian Currey heads the Mira Costa subcommittee. Pam Yarbrough gave a progress report on communications. She also discussed School Notes and the possibility of MBEF sending out information using email messages. She invited directors to send her their thoughts via email. Finally, Ms. Levitt reported on the formation of an ad hoc technology task force consisting of the following members: Chet Pipkin (Belkin), Tim Hart (Mattel), Jeff Litrell (Microsoft), Mark Maruyama (Prosum, the District's technology contractor and Meadows dad), John Oshiro (MBEF director and technowizard), Dayle Eisenhauer (MCHS parent and tech savvy), Tammy Choy (ditto for MBMS and PK), Tami Brothers (former Microsoft, MBMS/PK), Carolyn Seaton (MBUSD), and Steve McMahon (MBUSD).

Superintendent's Report:
Steve McMahon presented the superintendent's report on behalf of Dr. Gross, who was unable to attend. Among other things, he discussed that the school board is currently meeting regarding teacher contract negotiations and Dr. Gross's evaluation, the district's outstanding test scores, and implementation of the Excel program at Pennekamp, Grand View and Meadows.

Financial Report:
Ida Vandeporte presented the written financial report.

Advertising/Donation Policy:
Mr. Burns asked for volunteers to serve on a committee with Mike Dunitz to consider MBEF's policy concerning the use of the Foundation's name in advertising and business promotional activities. Edie Babbe agreed to help. Additional volunteers should contact Mr. Dunitz.

MBEF Board of Trustees Report:
No report was given.

New Business/Old Business:
Christine Moen, who is a resident of the Westchester/Playa del Rey area, told the Board that residents in that area had recently formed their own education foundation, and thanked MBEF for its assistance.

Meeting Adjourned:
Approximately 9:00 p.m.

Next Meeting:
Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the District Office.

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