Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board Minutes – July 8, 2003

Meeting Place: Mira Costa High School, Room 113

Attendees:

Directors (13/21): Geoff Bremer, Webster Burns, Randy Dotemoto, Mike Dunitz, Craig Kline, Carolyn Leserman, Anne McLaughlin, John Oshiro, Pat Parker, Julian Ryder, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte, Gary Wayland

MBUSD Trustee Representative: Lynette Campbell

MBUSD Representatives: Janey Perle, Director of Curriculum

MBEF Staff: Sherry Kramer, Susan Patterson

Guests: None

Handouts: Agenda, Minutes, Financial Report, MBEF Board of Directors list

Call to Order: 7:35 p.m. by President Carolyn Leserman

President’s Notes:
President Carolyn Leserman inquired about the availability of board members for an August meeting, and upon discussion, it was determined that the August meeting should be cancelled.

Ms. Leserman noted that the end-of-year board event would take place at the home of Ms. Pat Parker on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m. All board members and their spouses are invited to attend.

Ms. Leserman discussed issues related to the growth of the Foundation and noted the need for a database that would be accessible to several people. A committee was formed to study the needs and to identify the best software. The following committee members were appointed: Jeff Thaler, John Oshiro, Gary Wayland, Susan Patterson, Wanda Kaminski, and Ida VanderPoorte.

Minutes:
Ms. Leserman requested that Board members review the minutes. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Jeff Thaler, seconded by Mr. Randy Dotemoto, and approved by voice vote.

Financial Report:
Mr. Gary Wayland presented a preliminary financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. He noted the extraordinary results of the Wine Auction and said that it had netted approximately $305,000. He described the substantial increase in revenue and noted a reduction in expenses.

Mr. Wayland noted that approximately $1.7 million was raised through Vital Programs and stated that the increase in bank charges resulted primarily from this fundraising. Mr. Wayland reiterated the need to look for new ways of doing business in light of the growth of the Foundation. Mr. Wayland reviewed the status of grants at June 30 and discussed unspent balances.

Ms. Leserman stated that Mr. Wayland was this year’s recipient of the Youth Services Award given by the Manhattan Beach City Council. Ms. Leserman thanked Mr. Wayland for his many years of service as Treasurer of the Foundation and as a board member.

Administrative Director’s Report:
Ms. Susan Patterson reported that Vital Programs “thank you” letters will be sent this month and that volunteers are needed on Wednesday, July 16, at 1:00 p.m., in room 113 of MCHS, to assist in preparing the mailings.

Business Education Partnership Report:
Ms. Sherry Kramer noted that The Beach Reporter has run regular ads related to the Foundation and its events free of charge. Ms. Kramer said that 23rd Street Jewelry would hold its Grand Opening on July 24 with proceeds to benefit MBEF.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report:
Ms. Janey Perle noted that Dr. Sheralyn Smith is no longer at the District and is now Superintendent of Claremont School District. Ms. Perle said that Superintendent Jerry Davis was hospitalized, but a full recovery is expected. She also noted that Ms. Janet Schwabe, MBUSD’s Director of Human Resources, would be out of the office for 6 to 8 weeks on approved leave.

Ms. Perle said that the budget situation continues to be very difficult. She noted a possible loss of staff development days and concerns over textbook funding. Ms. Perle reported that approximately 40 new teachers are being hired for next year.

Fundraising Reports:

1. Golf Tournament: Mr. Randy Dotemoto reported that planning is going well and said that Ms. Kramer has been working diligently to obtain sponsors. He noted that most spots were filled, even though invitations had not yet been sent. Ms. Stephanie Beverly will be coordinating volunteers for the event.
    
2. Wine Auction: Mr. Jeff Thaler recognized the large number of volunteers that helped to make the event a success. He noted that prices for the event would be raised next year. Mr. Thaler stated that the Advisory Board would hold its first meeting this month to begin planning next year’s event.
    
3. Oktoberfest: Ms. Pat Parker reported that Madison Marquette had agreed to be a major sponsor and that another large sponsor is being pursued, along with several smaller ones. She said that the event would take place on October 11, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight at the Atrium.
    
4. Membership: No report.

Grants Committee Report:
Mr. Webb Burns distributed a schedule showing the grants for 2003-2004. Mr. Burns presented a motion to transfer the remaining balances of the 2002-2003 grants to the 2003-2004 grants budget. The motion was seconded by Mr. Wayland and approved by voice vote.

Mr. Burns proposed that the Board grant $8,300 for an Instrumental Music Assistant at Mira Costa High School. Ms. Parker inquired about other outstanding requests that might be considered for the remaining funds and a discussion ensued. A motion to approve the $8,300 grant was made by Mr. Burns, seconded by Ms. Parker, and approved by voice vote.

MBUSD Board of Trustee’s Report:
Ms. Lynette Campbell said the District was seeking to hire an Assistant Superintendent.

Ms. Campbell noted the significant reduction in personnel at the District office due to resignations and health issues. She noted that delays in response time may occur and requested the patience of those dealing with the District office.

Old Business / New Business:
Ms. Kramer stated that the South Bay Youth Project would be holding a family event at Aviation High School on October 25.

Mr. Oshiro said that he had compact discs of the MBMS spring concert available.

Meeting Adjourned to Closed Session: 8:25 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 9, 2003, 7:30 PM at Room 113, MCHS

Respectfully submitted by Anne McLaughlin on July 8, 2003.