Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board Minutes – November 4, 2003
Mira Costa High School, Room 113

Present:

Directors (16/22): Webster Burns, Wendy Carson, Randy Dotemoto, Mike Dunitz, Jim Furlan, Craig Kline, Carolyn Leserman, Anne McLaughlin, John Oshiro, Pat Parker, Carol Rowe, Julian Ryder, Freddi Segal-Gidan, Kim Siehl, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte

MBUSD Trustee Representative: Lynette Campbell

MBUSD Representatives: Gwen Gross, Superintendent

MBEF Staff: Debbie Bowen, Sherry Kramer

Guests: Linda Figel, Matt Figel, Joe Franklin, Joanne Schnuckel

Presiding: Carolyn Leserman, President

Recording: Anne McLaughlin, Secretary

Handouts: Agenda, Minutes, Financial Report

President’s Notes:
Ms. Leserman announced that the Board had voted as follows at its closed session meeting on October 7, 2003:

1. To approve a 2% increase in consulting fees paid to the Administrative Directors, in lieu of the MBUSD COLA that was approved at the September 9, 2003 meeting, and
2. To give the title of Office Manager to Ms. Debbie Bowen

Ms. Leserman discussed director responsibilities, which include regular attendance at Board meetings and support of MBEF events through attendance and assistance with set up/clean-up. She inquired of Ms. VanderPoorte about the appointment of auditors and a discussion took place. Ms. Leserman noted that she had recently met with directors of the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation regarding a joint fundraising effort for Mira Costa High School.

Minutes:
The minutes of the meeting of October 7, 2003 were unanimously approved.

Financial Report:
Ms. Ida VanderPoorte presented financial statements and a grants report for the four months ended October 31, 2003.

Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Gwen Gross briefly discussed the District’s current fiscal situation. She reported on the audit of the District by School Services and on the status of the relocation of the District headquarters from its leased location on Rosecrans to the new building on Peck Avenue. She commented on the “No Child Left Behind” legislation and the District’s strong test results.

Business Education Partnership Report:
Ms. Sherry Kramer reported on various fundraising events and donations from the business community. Ms. Kramer said that she and Dr. Gross are planning the Super Circle event.

MBUSD Board of Trustee’s Report:
Ms. Lynette Campbell reported on recent efforts by the Board of Trustees to correct misinformation in the community regarding the school district.
Ms. Campbell stated that she is the District’s representative to the Southern California Regional Occupational Center, which provides vocational services and training for students. She encouraged community leaders to tour the center and learn about its work.

Fundraising Reports:

1. Oktoberfest: Ms. Pat Parker reported on the results of the Oktoberfest event.
2. Membership: Ms. Kim Siehl reported on MBEF’s Annual Appeal.

Grants Committee Report:
Mr. Webster Burns stated that the actual cost of the music assistant at Mira Costa High is expected to be $645 more than the grant. He stated that this amount would be transferred from the discretionary fund to the Music Assistant grant to cover the increase.

Old Business / New Business:
Ms. Kramer announced that a Monte Carlo night is being planned by the Manhattan Beach Country Club to benefit MBEF.
Ms. Leserman announced the resignation of Director Pat Parker from the MBEF Board. Ms. Leserman thanked Ms. Parker for her many years of service, including her years as President of the Foundation.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:15 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 2, 2003, 7:30 PM at Room 113, MCHS