Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board Minutes – October 07, 2003
Mira Costa High School, Room 113

Present:

Directors (14/22): Geoff Bremer, Webster Burns, Wendy Carson, Randy Dotemoto, Ruth Graf-Urasaki, Carolyn Leserman, Anne McLaughlin, John Oshiro, Pat Parker, Greg Rosen, Julian Ryder, Freddi Segal-Gidan, Jeff Thaler, Ida VanderPoorte

MBUSD Trustee Representative: Teri Greene
MBUSD Representatives: Gwen Gross, Superintendent
MBEF Staff: Debbie Bowen, Sherry Kramer, Susan Patterson
Guests: Linda Figel
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 September 9, 2003:

1. To approve Mr. Jim Furlan as a Director of the MBEF Board,

2. To accept the offer of Mr. Richard Frank, Editor of The Beach Reporter, to provide public relations support for MBEF,

3. To enlist the assistance of Ms. Debra Bronow in this year’s membership fundraising campaign, and

4. To increase the consulting fees paid to Ms. Wanda Kaminski and Ms. Susan Patterson by the current MBUSD COLA for teachers.

Ms. Leserman requested that Board members notify her when topics need to be included on the monthly agenda. She noted the need for an audit of the Foundation’s books and records and asked if anyone present knew of a firm that might provide this work pro bono. Ms. Leserman noted that over 900 families had contributed at the Super Circle level, due partly to the Vital Programs fundraising effort. A discussion took place regarding holding a Super Circle event, and Ms. Kramer, Dr. Gross, and Ms. Bowen agreed to serve as co-chairs.

Minutes:
The minutes of the meeting of September 9, 2003 were unanimously approved.

Financial Report:
Ms. Ida VanderPoorte presented financial reports for the three months ended September 30, 2003. Mr. Bremer reported on investment plans.

Administrative Office:
Ms. Bowen circulated a board roster and requested that directors provide updated information, if applicable.

Business Education Partnership Report:
Ms. Sherry Kramer reported on various events, including the “Hoops” fundraiser and the College Fair. She announced new donations from the business community. Ms. Kramer stated that the Business Advisory Council would meet on Thursday, October 23, at 8:00 a.m. at the District Office boardroom.

Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Gwen Gross gave a general summary of the current state of the District, shared her philosophy of teamwork, and reported on the status of construction projects. Dr. Gross stated that the soon-to-be-released API scores showed that MBUSD continues to be one of the top-performing districts in the state of California.

Fundraising Reports:

1. Oktoberfest: Ms. Pat Parker reported on the upcoming Oktoberfest event.

2. Membership: Ms. Ruth Graf-Urasaki reported on the membership campaign. A discussion took place regarding the name and timing for this year’s campaign and the issue of coordination with Vital Programs.

Grants Committee Report:
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously approved a $200 grant to support the College Fair, with such amount to be paid from the discretionary grant funds.

Old Business / New Business:
Mr. John Oshiro revisited the proposal that he had presented at last month’s meeting requesting that MBEF accept directed donations for the support of instrumental music. Upon discussion, the Board agreed to defer any action on the proposal.

Meeting Adjourned to Closed Session: 9:10 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 4, 2003, 7:30 PM at Room 113, MCHS