GREATER CRENSHAW EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

       REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

August 23, 2010

6:00 p.m. –  7:30 p.m.

Crenshaw High School Library

5010 11^th Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90043

Conference Call-In Number: (616) 347-8400, Participant Code: 968377

 

 

 AGENDA

Welcome……………………………………………………………………………….Blair Taylor (5 minutes)

• Administrative Update………………………………………………………….…Blair Taylor (5 minutes)

 

Action Item: Approval of Minutes

• Principal’s Report:  State of the School.………………………….…….……..Carrie Allen (20 minutes)

 

• Interim ED’s Report…………………………………………………………..Dr. Rudy Crew (10 minutes)

 

• Parent Center/Faculty Lounge Revamp………………………Dr. King and Renita Smith   (5 minutes)

 

• GCEP Newsletter……………………………..…………………….…………. Arturo Frazier (5 minutes)

 

• Ad Hoc Committee Reports………..………………………………………..…………..….…. (20 minutes)

            - Ad Hoc Committee on ED Search

                        Action Item;  Approval of New Executive Director

            - Ad Hoc Committee on Board Expansion

                        Action Item: Election of New Directors to the GCEP Board

Public Comment……………………………………………………………………………………………………. (10 minutes)

Any member of the public may sign in to address the Board on any topic within the jurisdiction of the Board.  Individual presentations shall be limited to 3 minutes.  The Board is legally prohibited from taking any action on presentations until a subsequent meeting.

 

Acknowledgments and Closing Remarks (5 minutes)……………………………………Mr. Blair Taylor

-  Next Meeting Date

Requests for disability-related modification or accommodation needed to participate in the meeting should be made to Arturo Frazier at (323) 299-9660 x 280 by Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GREATER CRENSHAW EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP, INC.

JULY 19, 2010

 

The Board of Directors of The Greater Crenshaw Educational Partnership held a Regular Meeting on Monday, July 19, 2010 at Crenshaw High School, 5010 11^th Avenue Los Angeles, California.

The following directors, constituting a quorum of the Board of Directors, were present:

• Blair Taylor, President
• Dean Karen Gallagher, Vice President
• Dr. Rudy Crew (via phone)

Also present were the following staff and advisors of the Members of the Organization and invited speakers:

• Carrie Harris Allen, Principal of Crenshaw High School
• Renita Smith, Los Angeles Urban League
• Arturo Frazier, Los Angeles Urban League

 

Welcome & Opening Remarks

The meeting was called to order at 7:45pm by Mr. Blair Taylor, GCEP Board President.   Mr. Blair Taylor opened the meeting with commendations to Principal Carrie Allen and Crenshaw High regarding the excellent news on the school’s positive report on their WASC Report. 

 

Approval of Minutes

The Vice-President of the Board, Dr. Karen Gallagher, made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 28, 2010 Board meeting.  It was properly seconded by Dr. Rudy Crew and unanimously approved that the June 28, 2010 Minutes are approved.

 

The GCEP Board President, Mr. Blair Taylor addressed all action items requiring a Board vote first due to the risk of losing the telephonic quorum due to technical difficulties.

Promise Neighborhoods

Renita Smith provided a brief overall synopsis of the Promise Neighborhood Grant process, which requires Board approval of GCEP’s participation in the South Los Angeles Promise Neighborhood application.  Mrs. Smith explained that GCEP has signed a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade (lead agency) and a coalition of South Los Angeles Community organizations who are committed to developing a place-based neighborhood change plan over the next year.  All organizations involved are very credible community-based organizations.  This proposal is only an attempt to secure the planning grant, for which close to 1500 organizations nation-wide are competing.  Mr. Taylor stated that because of the time constraint for the grant submission deadline and the delay of the release of the Request for Proposal (RFP), the GCEP board was not available at meet with a full quorum to vote on this item.  Therefore, he signed the MOU as Board President subject to GCEP Board approval. 

Dr. Crew moved that the Board approve GCEP participation in the preliminary MOU Resolved that GCEP participate in the Memorandum of Understanding with the South Los Angeles Promise Neighborhood Initiative, per the terms of the preliminary Memorandum of Understanding submitted as part of the application process.

The motion was properly seconded by Dr. Karen Gallagher and unanimously approved. 

 

Ad Hoc Committee Reports

There was a brief discussion on whether or not the GCEP Board should pay for the Volunteer Screening Process fees in that some of the prospective members are faced with financial hardship.  The amount per volunteer is $56.  Discussion centered on whether fees should be paid for all prospective members or only for those for whom it was a hardship.  Participants agreed upon the importance of removing barriers to Board membership

Dr. Gallagher made the following motion:

Resolved that’ GCEP will pay for the LAUSD Volunteer Screening Process fees for prospective board members.  The motion was properly seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously approved.

After all Action Items were completed, Mr. Taylor returned to the original order of the GCEP Board Meeting Agenda.

 

Principal’s Report

Principal Carrie Allen reported that Crenshaw High School did receive full accreditation for two years with a one day visit in 2012 to review their action plan progress.  If the action plan is well-received, then the accreditation could be extended to the year 2018.  Principal Allen continued by stating the school has to incorporate the WASC Team’s recommendations into its action plan and submit a revised action plan for the school within the next 30 days.

Principal Allen informed the GCEP board that today was the beginning of the installation and repair process of their new and existing surveillance cameras around the school.  There will be 11 new cameras and repairs made on all of the others, for a total of 64 cameras that will provide surveillance of the entire campus.  The project was initiated three years ago and Principal Allen became engaged in this project in November of 2009.  In that the LAUSD will be cutting school funding for security, this will be a major asset for the school.

A positive report from the Fiber Optics installation team was given to Principal Allen informing her of the network switch which will take place next week.  This project has been in the works for the past 5 years and is coming to completion.  This project will enable CHS to have a wireless access network throughout the entire campus.

Principal Allen also reported on the progress of summer school and the support from the SIG (School Improvement Grant) Grant which helped to retain several teachers whose positions were eliminated.  There has been support from LAUSD to fund the student teachers and peer tutors.  The teachers and tutors are providing tremendous support to the teachers and lowering the student teacher ratio.   There are currently 1425 students enrolled in summer school.  Of the 1425 students enrolled, 125 students are incoming 9^th grade students enrolled in transition programs that are Math and English Language Arts (ELA) programs being funded by the SIG grant that was awarded in the spring of 2009, informally known as the “old SIG Grant.”  The New SIG Grant just came in the spring of 2010 with the restriction that it be spent by the end of summer.

Principal Carrie Allen explained that of the LAUSD SIG Grant which is $200 million, the portion allotted for Crenshaw High School is $6 million over 3 years.  In September 2010, Principal Allen will be notified about the 2010-2011 SIG Grant. 

Principal Allen concluded her report by informing the GCEP Board of the YMCA’s interest in partnering with Crenshaw High School.  GCEP, The YMCA and Principal Allen have been exploring some of the benefits of having that entity on campus.  Some of the benefits include a YMCA facility, a Student Health Center that addresses both physical and mental health needs for students, and an aquatics program.

President Blair Taylor added that he has been in dialogue with Larry Rosen, President and CEO of the YMCA on the significant benefits that the project would provide to both the school and the community.  GCEP would be responsible for contributing $5 million via fund raising efforts.  Mr. Taylor mentioned a plethora of local athletic organizations that would have an interest in contributing resources for a project of this sort.  The project overall cost is estimated at $15-18 million and has the potential to positively impact the school and surrounding community.   There is a center of this type in Universal City.

There was a question from the audience regarding Credit Recovery and whether it is based on student “seat-time” or testing proficiency on the subject matter.  Seat time is the number of hours a student spends under instruction in a classroom.  Principal Allen responded that Credit Recovery is based on both seat-time and a voluntary testing component.  However, in order to receive credits students must complete 60 hours.  Students are only allowed 3 absences throughout the entire summer school session.

Mrs. Allen further explained that there have been studies conducted by the staff on the Credit Recovery process to ensure that proper attention is given to the students in that program.  Students are taken to both the Math and English Labs. Data is analyzed by the Math and Literacy Coaches to ensure that progress is being made.  Principal Allen also mentioned that Spot Tests are given to gauge student progress throughout the program.

Dr. Rudy Crew raised a question regarding the high percentage of students on the guidance counselors’ list and how they are assessed and placed in summer school versus being placed on the double block schedule.  Principal Allen responded that the Far Below Basic and Below Basic students are currently on both and would have an opportunity to receive the needed attention based on the block schedule that is currently being put in place.

A concern was brought forth from the audience regarding the perceived lack of collaboration on Crenshaw High School’s Campus between GCEP, Crenshaw High School faculty, and the LAUSD in relation to the SIG Grant.  It was further stated that all parties should plan as if the school is going to receive the grant.  A preliminary calendar should be drafted so that all stakeholders are aware of and involved in the grant process.  There are members of the school faculty that are not aware of a “Single School Plan” in place for this grant that reflects their interests.

President Blair Taylor agreed that it is a great recommendation to use the coming months to build consensus around the needs of the school and reengage the stakeholders around a Single School Plan for the SIG Grant.

Public School Choice 2.0

President Blair Taylor began by giving a brief explanation of where GCEP stands with respect to the two feeder schools (Audubon Middle & Horace Mann Middle) involved in the Public School Choice process, with respect to the Letter of Intent (LOI) for Public School Choice.  Mr. Taylor stated that the Letter of Intent form has been submitted and he has contacted both principals and had in-depth conversations regarding GCEP’s role and its   support for the vision for both schools.  The primary objectives of this project are 1) to be supportive of a clear vision that centers on academic excellence for the feeder schools and 2) build a stronger and more cohesive integration between both feeder schools with CHS.

Mr. Taylor went on further to state that both principals were in agreement on the needed collaboration amongst the schools.  He concluded by emphasizing that GCEP has no interest in taking control over the schools and no interest in taking part in a Request for Proposal (RFP) if there will be resistance from the parents, faculty and principals who are not in favor of the partnership.  The timeline for this process is two months.  GCEP has expressed an interest to work with the schools, whether formally or informally. 

Several suggestions were given by Ms. Cathy Garcia such as meeting with School Site Council and other school representatives such as Joel Jordan and U.T.L.A. in order to counter the perception of GCEP attempting to take over the school.  Mr. Taylor welcomed the suggestions but stated that he did not want to move ahead of the school principals.

Review of GCEP Operation Budget

Renita Smith gave a brief synopsis of the GCEP Operating Budget.  The overall budget amount is $1.1 million, with forty percent of the overall budget allocated for personnel and staffing, including a new Executive Director.  Sixty percent of the budget represents the direct support GCEP provides to the school via a variety of in-kind contributions, grants, and other funding. Program funding can also be provided by GCEP Partners such as Junior Achievement via the Tom & Ethel Bradley Foundation, various schools within USC, the LA Urban League Neighborhoods@Work initiative, and many other entities. Document 1 shows Year 1 funding provided by Starbucks. (Attachment)

Renita Smith further explained that the green shaded items on the attachment are covered in the proposed budget. However, the items that are yellow shaded require further discussion by the GCEP Board, as they are currently unfunded.

President Blair Taylor requested for the prioritization and positioning (by quarter) of these yellow shaded items from Principal Carrie Allen to further assist the needed discussion.

Discussion from meeting attendees focused on various components of the budget.  For example, a faculty member observed that the budget included an allocation for a student assessment software program, but LAUSD has invested in building a District student assessment tool and suggested that the relative benefits of the various tools be considered as the budget is developed.  Principal Allen will be discussing and analyzing the proposed budget in discussions with her Instructional Leadership Team and stakeholders, in preparation for the next meeting.

Renita Smith concluded her report by stating that the GCEP Board plans to approve the budget at the August 23, 2010 GCEP Board Meeting.

GCEP Newsletter

Renita Smith reported on the GCEP newsletter.  Its purpose is to keep the stakeholders and community inspired and informed about the great things happening at Crenshaw High School and the surrounding academic community.  GCEP has not had a formal vehicle to carry its message and this will serve as one of many new ways to communicate our message. The newsletter was positively received by stakeholders in attendance.

A suggestion from the audience was given encouraging GCEP to use “Constant Contact,” an email marketing software program, to help gather information and data on the articles on which our readers focus most.  This feedback will help to structure and tailor the communication.

President Blair Taylor suggested that a profile on Sylvia Rousseau be added to the newsletter highlighting all of her accomplishments as the first GCEP Executive Director.  He also emphasized that this document is open for teachers to report on special programs, awards and events that showcase the achievements of our students.

The newsletter will be published quarterly and eventually in Spanish.

The meeting continued with discussion regarding a request for Mr. Blair Taylor to address the LAUSD School Board and provide them with an update on the progress of GCEP and Crenshaw High School.  The LAUSD has not been aware of the tremendous progress made at the school and the lack of awareness could be detrimental for the school.

Renita Smith informed the GCEP Board that on August 4, 2010, Executive Director Interviews will be held for the GCEP Board, School Stakeholders, and the community at Crenshaw High School.  Fliers, phone calls, emails have been issued to encourage all to participate in this process.

Public Comments

A member of the audience commented on the importance of budgeting for evaluation to assess programs’ effectiveness in improving student achievement.

Renita Smith stated that 5-8% of the budget of the programs that are on campus through GCEP must be reserved for program evaluation.  The budget will be revised to include 5-8% of the overall GCEP budget be set aside for evaluation, as well.

The meeting was formally adjourned by President Blair Taylor at 9:16 p.m.

1.         Full GCEP Board Interview- Each candidate will meet individually with the full GCEP Board of Directors for 1 hour each. (In that this portion of the ED interview process is regarding private personnel matters, it will not be open to the public) and is in no way a violation of the Brown Act. 

The proposed timeline for this stage is as follows:

 12-12:30 p.m – The Board of Directors gather

12:30-1:30 p.m. – Interview with first candidate

1:30-1:45 p.m. –  Break

1:45-2:45 p.m. – Interview with second candidate

2:45-3:00 p.m. –  Board of Directors debrief

2.         Stakeholder Groups Interview -  Members of school stakeholder groups will be invited to participate and ask the candidates questions.  (School Site Council, Crenshaw Cougar Coalition, etc…..) – (THIS FORUM IS FOR STAKEHOLDER GROUPS ONLY) – CHS Library

 3:00-4:00 p.m.  -  Interview with first candidate

4:00-4:15 p.m.  –  Break

4:15-5:15 p.m. –  Interview with second candidate

3.         Community Town Hall Meeting -  Members of the community will be invited to participate and ask the candidates questions.  The proposed timeline for this stage is as follows:

 5:30-6:30 p.m. - First Candidate

6:30-7:30 p.m. - Second Candidate

GREATER CRENSHAW EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

July 19, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Crenshaw High School Library

5010 11^th Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90043

Conference Call-In Number: (616) 347-8400, Participant Code: 968377

 

 

 AGENDA

 

Welcome……………………………………………………………………………….Blair Taylor (5 minutes)

 • Administrative Update…………………………………………………………….…Blair Taylor (10 minutes)

Action Item: Approval of Minutes

• Principal’s Report……………………………………………………….……………..Carrie Allen (15 minutes)

• Interim ED’s Report………………………………………………………………..Dr. Rudy Crew (10 minutes)

• Review of GCEP Operating Budget………………………Blair Taylor and Renita Smith (10 minutes)

 

• Public School Choice 2.0……………………………………………………………Blair Taylor (10 minutes)

• YMCA on CHS Campus………………………………………Blair Taylor and Carrie Allen (5 minutes)

 

• GCEP Participation in South L.A. Promise Neighborhood Grant…………………………………………

      Blair Taylor and Renita Smith (10 minutes)

Action Item: Approval of Participation in Promise Neighborhood Application

• GCEP Newsletter………………………………………Renita Smith and Arturo Frazier (10 minutes)

 

• Ad Hoc Committee Reports………..………………………………………………………..….…. (20 minutes)

            - Ad Hoc Committee on ED Search – Update

            - Ad Hoc Committee on Board Expansion

                        Action Item: Approval of GCEP Payment of Volunteer Screening Process Related Fees

• Public Comment…………………………………………………………………………………………….. (10 minutes)

Any member of the public may sign in to address the Board on any topic within the jurisdiction of the Board.  Individual presentations shall be limited to 3 minutes.  The Board is legally prohibited from taking any action on presentations until a subsequent meeting.

 

Acknowledgments and Closing Remarks (5 minutes)……………………………………Mr. Blair Taylor

-  Next Meeting Date: 

Requests for disability-related modification or accommodation needed to participate in the meeting should be made to Arturo Frazier at (323) 299-9660 x 280 by Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GREATER CRENSHAW EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP, INC.

JUNE 28, 2010

 

The Board of Directors of The Greater Crenshaw Educational Partnership held a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 28, 2010 at Crenshaw High School, 5010 11^th Avenue Los Angeles, California.

The following directors, constituting a quorum of the Board of Directors, were present:

• Blair Taylor, President (via phone)
• Dean Karen Gallagher, Vice President
• Dr. Lewis King, Secretary/Treasurer

 

Also present were the following staff and advisors of the Members of the Organization and invited speakers:

• Carrie Harris Allen, Principal of Crenshaw High School
• Pamela Bakewell, Los Angeles Urban League
• Renita Smith, Los Angeles Urban League
• Arturo Frazier, Los Angeles Urban League

 

Welcome & Opening Remarks

The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm by Dean Karen Gallagher, GCEP Board Vice President.

Dr. Karen Gallagher opened the meeting with commendations regarding the recent graduation ceremony.  She also informed the Board that July 1^st is the opening date for graduation reservations at Galen Center; she welcomes Crenshaw to hold their ceremony at that location for the upcoming school year.

Approval of Minutes

The Vice President of the Board, Dr. Karen Gallagher, made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 17, 2010 Board meeting.  It was properly seconded by Dr. Lewis King and unanimously approved.

 

Legal Update

The Legal Update Action Item was postponed to the next board meeting.

Principal’s Report

Principal Carrie Allen opened her report by commenting on the recent graduation ceremony at the Galen Center.  She noted that the school was excited to have the venue and that it accommodated the audience very well. 

Principal Allen also mentioned her recent conversation with the WASC office; she noted that they meet on June 30 and will know about the school’s standing (with regards to accreditation) afterwards.

Principal Allen also noted budgetary concerns with regards to staffing for the 2010-2011 academic school year.  Crenshaw expects a decreased number in funding due to the fact that there was a decreased number in the enrollment projection.  Due to this, the school is looking at cuts that are going to affect the socio-psycho support mechanisms as well as the administration.  She also noted that the school 1) had been assigned two principals who were subject to layoffs and 2) was trying to convert Assistant Principals to maintain the second Assistant Principal (to give a team of four which is appropriate for the number of students that we have).  Principal Allen’s main concern was that the school can make it through a normal day and the numbers will support the necessary changes.

There was a need for clarification with regards to the enrollment for the following year and how those numbers were calculated.  Principal Allen clarified that projections are done on the lowest month of the year (tactic used to balance budget).

Principal Allen requested that the Board assist in helping to maintain two key positions within the school: Dropout Prevention coordinator and Psychologist.  She is looking forward to sitting down with the partners for proposals for support and in building or expanding budget to include some of the things that need to be considering in the long run. 

Principal Allen noted that she has been wrestling with the faculty vote to go with a different bell schedule (eight period schedule) using the two by eight schedule; with this schedule, students would have four classes a day.  This creates common conference periods as well as student elective options. 

There was some discussion regarding communication, dialogue and debate with the grant that the school is pursuing (SIG grant).  The SIG (School Improvement Grant) is classified under the restart model and the school site council formally voted to go forward with the grant.  At a recent faculty meeting, it was decided that should the school receive the grant, there would be discussion of the terms and provisions of the grant and whether they are acceptable at a later date. 

Mr. Taylor asked for clarification regarding the teachers’ objections to the SIG grant. Concerns expressed by a faculty attendee were as follows:

• Grant requires that staff follow grant template/guidelines in implementation
• Staff will be subject to participating in the professional development that was specific to the grant. 
• The terms of the grant relating to incentive pay
• School site versus district process and how the grant would be implemented.  
• LAUSD definition of restart model (not the same as transformation model);
• A significant amount of the grant money would be taken to open a new office at LAUSD office called the SIG turnaround office.
• Teachers would be randomly selected and placed in a pilot program in which they would be subject to random evaluations.
• Teacher evaluation results would be based on student test scores
• There was no opportunity for faculty and parents to meet regarding this matter

 

Dr. King stated that we should consider the objections of the faculty who are not in agreement with some of the defining factors of this grant.

Principal Allen expressed her concern that teachers had formed opinions based upon faulty or incomplete information. 

President Blair Taylor expressed that it would be detrimental to the school to pass on a major funding opportunity, considering the current fiscal situation for schools.  Dr. Gallagher noted that there needs to be a more clear process for how the school decides to apply for grants and pass on them.  She also noted that grants often come at the last moment, and have to be responded to quickly.

Allen made a final point of clarification that she asked the district to come in and speak to her staff about the grant.  Representatives from the local district office came during the last week of school to discuss the SIG grant in question.

Executive Director’s Report

Due to the absence of Dr. Rudy Crew, there was no Executive Director’s report.  It has been postponed until the next meeting.

Public School Choice 2.0

Ms. Renita Smith discussed the second round of public school choice with LAUSD and there are schools in the Crenshaw area that are on the block for bidding: Mann and Audubon.  The recommendation from the President is that GCEP should submit the letter of interest as an initial interest plan for the schools and to assert continuity in the feeder patterns.  This letter is due on Wednesday, June 30, 2010.  In order to move forward in the process, organizations must submit letter of interest. 

There were some comments from the audience that GCEP should perhaps to not submit a letter of interest because at this time.

Board members addressed these concerns by discussing the fact that many organizations applying to operate schools lack the fundraising capacity, strategy, and results of GCEP.  President Taylor emphasized that GCEP has no intention of operating a school without a parent and stakeholder vote approving GCEP.

President Blair Taylor motioned that the letter be submitted and Gallagher properly seconded.  Dr. King discussed and insisted on language that says provision that the LOI (Letter of Interest) states that it is not a takeover and it is intended as collaboration.  Blair stated that the language of the LOI have standard language.  King urged that there be some form of communication between GCEP and the other schools to inform them of GCEP’s intentions prior to submitting the LOI.  The motion passed unanimously.

Promise Neighborhood Grant

Ms. Renita Smith presented the information regarding a two-stage federal grant Promise Neighborhoods for which a $500,000 planning grant opportunity has arisen.  This grant would present a funding opportunity for GCEP.

Some members of the audience admonished the board to be selective in seeking funding, since some funding has restrictions/requirements. 

Mrs. Smith noted that the Coalition consists of Community Coalition, St. John’s Wellness, and The Brotherhood Crusade.  Dr. King commented that signing the MOU was another instance that causes GCEP to appear as if they are not sincere in their struggle to bridge the divide between GCEP and the faculty.  GCEP needs to consider seriously the consistent voice of faculty and parents.

Dr. Gallagher moved to table the agenda item.  The Board should wait until they have the full documentation to review.  The item was tabled.

 

Executive Director Search Update

Dr. Gallagher reported that there are still three active people in the running and the Ad Hoc Committee is trying to go through the orientation process before school starts.  The school site council is prepared to look at the three resumes.  The committee decided that they need to modify the Executive Director Search process so that all candidates are able to have access to the same information about the position.

There was an action item to approve the timetable for the search.  However, the audience expressed concern with the fact that there is no member of the school site council who is on the Ad Hoc Committee.  There was also concern about the timeline and its creation, but it was assured that the timeline was created in collaboration over a year ago.  The Board decided that a third member would be added and the process would continue to advance until there was a third member on the Ad Hoc Committee and they represented the School Site Council. 

Dr. Gallagher moved to approve the timeline and Taylor seconded the motion.  It was passed unanimously.

Board Expansion Update

Renita Smith reported on the continued efforts made with the board expansion process.  She continued by stating that there are 4 parent candidates that have almost completed the entire process including the LAUSD Volunteer Screening Process. The names of the candidates will not be revealed until the entire vetting process has been completed.  The intention is to have several candidates ready to be confirmed for the board expansion by the next GCEP Board Meeting.  There are two other candidates in the same process; one is a university partner and the other from a corporate foundation.  The original criteria for board expansion called for parent representation, members with educational expertise, and members with financial giving capacity.  This current pool of candidates meets the criteria specified for the GCEP Board Expansion process. 

 

Public Comment

Dale Simmons spoke about the STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Mathematics) project at Crenshaw.  He has been engaged with Crenshaw through the robotics program.  Mr. Simmons implemented programs with NASA assistance and received support of UCLA, USC.  He has the support of Aerospace Corporation in which they have extended funds to schools in our community.  The plan was to create a stem or small learning community that came to fruition.  He expressed concerned that the sole African American high school in Los Angeles has decided to dissolve its STEM SLC and asked GCEP for support in reversing that decision.  He feels that Crenshaw needs to maintain its focus on the development of math and sciences.  It was  clarified that the goal was to have STEM to go school-wide and embed the strand in all of academies and the Head of STEM is working with lead teachers to get this implemented in all SLCs.  Principal Allen agreed to meet with Simmons to discuss the matter further so that all of the sponsors of the program could be well informed.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:34pm.  It was properly moved and seconded.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO GET THE FULL DESCRITION ON THE PROMISE NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT:

SOUTH LA PROMISE GRANT PROPOSAL FINAL

GCEP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH

TIMELINE

JUNE-AUGUST 2010

GCEP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH – PROPOSED DRAFT

TIMELINE

JUNE-AUGUST 2010

1.         The GCEP Executive Director Search Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee of the School Site Council work together to narrow the pool of candidates – June 30

 2.       The GCEP Executive Director Search Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee of the School Site Council meets in person with each of the confirmed pool of candidates.  – Friday, July 9, 2010

3.        Candidates participate in informational interviews with Carrie Allen, Rudy Crew, and Sylvia Rousseau.   – By July 9

4.        The GCEP Executive Director Search Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee of the School Site Council meets in person with each of the confirmed pool of candidates.-  By July 16   

 5.         Based on the in-person interviews, the GCEP Executive Director Search Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee of the School Site Council decides which candidates to invite in for a full-day in-person interview. -  July 16

 6.         Finalists complete a full day of interviews in which each candidate meets with the full GCEP Board of Directors, the Ad Hoc Committee of the School Site Council and any other identified stakeholder groups, Finalists participate in an open meeting with the school and stakeholder groups (preferably on the same day.)   By August 5

7.         Following the full day of interviews, the School Site Council and all stakeholder groups submit one composite summary of the candidate interviews and their unified rating of the candidates.  By – August  5

 8.         The GCEP Board  makes the selection of the candidate and announces to the School, all stakeholder groups and to the public.    – GCEP Board Meeting August 23rd

Executive Director Team: Karen Gallagher, Dr. Lewis King and the School Site Council Ad Hoc Committee (Monica Garcia, Rhonda Adway, and SSC Representative to be selected by June 30, 2010

**All dates above are subject to change due to scheduling constraints.***

GREATER CRENSHAW EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 28, 2010 

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

Crenshaw High School Library

5010 11^th Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90043 

Welcome……………………………………………………………………………………(5 minutes)

 • Administrative Update………………………………………………………………(10 minutes)

-    Action Item: Approval of Minutes

 Other Admin:

   –  Audit update

   –  Legal Update

   -  Action Item: Approval of New Standing Committees (Compensation,

      Appropriations, Legal)

 • Principal’s Report…………………………………………………..(15 minutes)

 • Interim ED’s Report……………………………………………….(10 minutes)

 • Public School Choice 2.0……………………………………….(15 minutes)

-    Action Item: Approval of GCEP Participation in Process (Submission of Letter of Interest in Audubon and Mann Middle Schools)

 • GCEP Participation in South LA Promise Neighborhood Grant………………(10 minutes)

 • Ad Hoc Committee Reports…………………………………………………………….(20 minutes)

   -  ED Search Action Item: Approval of ED Search Timeline

   -  Board Expansion

   -  Action Item: Approval of Board Candidates

 • Public Comment……………………………………………………(10 minutes)

 • Adjournment and Acknowledgments…………………………………………………(10 minutes)

MINUTES OF THE

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 OF THE

GREATER CRENSHAW EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP, INC.

May 17, 2010

The  Board  of  Directors  of  The  Greater  Crenshaw  Educational  Partnership  held  a  Regular Meeting  on  May  17,  2010  at  Crenshaw  High  School,  5010  11^th  Ave  Los  Angeles,  California.

The  following  directors,  constituting  a  quorum  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  were  present:

Blair H. Taylor, President

Dean Karen Gallagher, Vice President

Dr. Lewis King, Secretary/Treasurer

Dr. Rudy Crew, Interim Executive Director

Also  present  were  the  following  staff  and  advisors  of  the  Members  of  the  Organization  and  invited  speakers:

Pamela Bakewell                                 Los Angeles Urban League

Renita Smith                                        Los Angeles Urban League

Arturo Frazier                                      Los Angeles Urban League

Carrie Harris Allen                              Principal, Crenshaw High School

Ruth Holzman                                     Reed Smith .Inc

Welcome & Opening Remarks

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mr.  Blair Taylor, GCEP Board President.

 

Approval of Minutes

The Vice  President  of  the Board,  Dr. Karen  Gallagher,  made  a  motion  to  approve  the  minutes  from  the  January  25,  2010 and  the  March  22,  2010  Board  meetings.  It was properly seconded by Dr.  Lewis King and unanimously approved. 

 

Legal Update

The Legal Update was given by Ruth Holzman.  Ms. Holzman recommended an adoption of the following policies deemed to be the best practices for non-profit organizations:

1. All Directors review and approve Form 990’s   
2. Formally adopt a conflict of interest policy based on a questionnaire to be completed by each Director.
3. Formally adopt a Whistle blower policy that ensures that no retaliatory action can be taken if someone “ blows the whistle”.
4. Formally adopt a document retention and destruction policy.  Document retention and destruction should be ongoing.
5. Formally adopt a compensation policy.

 

Ms. Holzman made several additional recommendations to the Board:
A Compensation committee is needed to approve the permanent Executive Director’s salary.  The Permanent Director’s salary is currently paid by USC but will be paid by GCEP.  We will need an Appropriations committee to help develop such a request.  Ms. Holzman  recommended  that  a  Corporate  Governance  Committee  be  formed  that would direct  Counsel  to  draft  documents  for  legal  review.

Mr. Taylor asked for discussion:

Ms. Holzman  further  explained  that  these  committees  would  be  standing ,  as  opposed  to  Ad  Hoc  Committees.  Only  board  members  are  allowed  to  serve  on  standing  committees.  This  will  be  an  Action  Item  at  the  June  28,  2010  GCEP  Board  meeting.

 Audit Update

Dr. Gallagher presented an update on the GCEP audit, reporting that   USC  has  agreed  to  cover  the  cost  of  the  audit,  however  we  must  submit  to  the university policy due  to  the  university  spending  freeze.  This report will also be a public document.  Upon completion of exploratory discussions about the nature and volume of GCEP transactions, Grant Thornton, the auditor proposed by USC, had recommended that the Los Angeles Urban League’s auditor conduct the audit, since the Los Angeles Urban League serves as fiscal agent for GCEP.  Ms. The issue was discussed, with consensus reached that thes would be the best course of action.

 

Principal’s Report

Mrs. Carrie  Allen,  Crenshaw  High  School  Principal,  reported  that  today  was  a  positive  first  day  for  the  California  State  Testing  at  Crenshaw.  The  awareness  of  the  importance  of  this  test  has  significantly  increased  due  to  teachers  embedding  sample  release  questions into the daily coursework. 

Principal Allen also reported on the positive exit report of the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Accreditation Team.  The visiting team report from WASC was positive.  She expects a term announcement the first week of June.  The goal is a full three-year accreditation term.  This  would  be  an  exceptional  outcome,  in  light  of  the  lack  of  baseline  test  data  and  the  current  level  of  test  scores. 

Mrs. Allen briefly spoke regarding the federal School Improvement Grant (SIG).  She  reported  that  the  delayed  SIG  grant  would grant  $500,000  to  QUIA  schools.  The money awarded needs to be spent by August 2010.  It  has  been  spent  on  the  Credit  Recovery  Program/Enrichment  Courses   for  the  summer.  The  program  will  offer  at  least  40  classes  with  peer  tutors  and  student  teachers  from  Math  in  America  and  will  decrease  the  teacher/student  ratio  from  30:1  to  10:1.  The  grant  funding  will  also  be  spent  on  a  2-day  professional  development  workshop  in  conjunction  with  the  USC  School  of  Education  at  the  end  of  the  school  year,  based  upon  teacher  training  needs.  The  workshop  will  be  project – and  experiential -based  learning  linked  to  the  Small  Learning  Communities.

 Principal  Allen  also  reported  on  a  New  SIG  grant  opportunity,  “ The  Restart  Model “,  for  which  Crenshaw  High  Schools  qualifies  due  to  the  partnership with GCEP.  The grant is for $2 million/ 3 years.  The  grant  offers  teacher  incentives  and  is  built  around  professional  development.

Mr. Taylor stated that this was a great opportunity.  He posed further questions regarding grant expectations and ramp-up time.

Dr.  Lewis King praised Principal Carrie Allen for her leadership.  Dr.  King  inquired whether the   Small  Learning  Communities  (SLC’s)  have  forums  that  allow  these  learning  opportunities  to  permeate  the  entire  system  (i.e.  Case-managing for every student based on assessment).  Dr.  King  also  inquired  about  ability  to  systematically  accommodate  student  needs  on  an  ongoing  basis. 

Principal Allen responded affirmatively to Dr. King’s question.  She  stated  that  her  staff  members,  especially  the  SLC  Leads,  were  very  capable  of  handling  such  tasks.  She does expect to broaden the leadership base.  Principal  Allen  also  ensured  the  board  that  CHS  has  the  data  and  will  continue  to  address  infrastructure/technology/system  issues.

Executive Director’s Report

Dr.  Rudy  Crew  began  his  report  by  certifying  that  the  Crenshaw High School  budget  does  address  the  objectives  of  the  Strategic  Plan.  He then proceeded to present an overview of strengths and opportunity areas in the Crenshaw High School budget.  Dr. Crew stated that the discretionary fund has been reduced.  He summarized the three critical areas that need attention: Literacy and Skill Recovery, Teacher Preparedness and Proficiency, and Math.  

Dr. Crew urged GCEP to implement in-depth training for administrative staff.  Principal Allen needs additional support to compensate for the entire administrative team’s learning curve.  From a facilities standpoint, the facility (school) itself is clean.  However, the security system has still not been installed, although it is in process.  Dr. Crew further discussed the new budget and implementation of the GCEP Strategic Plan.  In order for this to happen we would need a stronger budget.  Overall, the budget is solid and sound, but could benefit from additional strength in specific areas.

Dr. Crew summarized his report by expressing a need for greater overall teacher support and applied learning.  Today’s student learning styles requires the students to touch, taste and feel versus learning through the antiquated “stand and deliver” mode of instruction.  Student needs require that instructors be more artistic rather than mechanic.  Dr. Lewis King requested that a transcript of Dr. Crew’s comments be used to fine-tune and refine the budget.

                Mr. Blair Taylor asked when we will have final enrollment numbers, as they will impact the budget.  Carrie Allen responded that enrollment was anticipated to be down by 300 students.  She further explained that this is due to 10-12^th graders who leave to attend charter and private schools.  Principal explained another item with significant financial impact:  If 80-85% of the students who qualify for free lunch, all students eat free.  If free lunch registration forms are returned, then the stigma of students  needing free lunch priveleges will be eliminated.  Forms will be  included in pre-registration packets.  Mr. Blair Taylor moved a motion to approve the Budget:

Resolved:  The Crenshaw High School budget be approved.  Dr. King approved the motion and Dr. Gallagher properly seconded. 

A question was raised regarding the timing results on the Test Scores.  The results will be given in late July/early August.

 

Ad Hoc Committee Updates  

Ad Hoc Committee on Executive Director Search

Karen Gallagher stated that the Ad Hoc Committee was looking at a pool of 2-3 candidates for the Executive Director position.   She continued by saying that we need a replacement by this summer.   After reviewing the policy for the Executive Director search, she concluded that the process needs no modifications.  However, we will need a timeline.  All of the applicants for this position have relevant and solid experience.

Mr. Blair Taylor asked if there would be a period during which GCEP would not have an Executive Director.  Dr. Gallagher stated that Dr. Crew will not leave GCEP until the Director seat has been filled.  Principal Carrie Allen asked will the stakeholder have a say in the process.  It was stated that the GCEP Board will have the final say in the appointment.  Principal Allen suggested that the School Site Council should have an opportunity for involvement.  Dr. Lewis King added that there should be an open forum and process for Executive Director selection. 

Ad Hoc Committee on Board Expansion

Renita Smith gave an explanation of the strategic efforts for GCEP Board Expansion.  Mrs. Smith introduced Arturo Frazier, who reported on the following efforts made to generate parent board candidates: Mr. Frazier attended meetings with the School Site Council, CEAC, Principal’s Committee on Parent Outreach (Ms. Stevenson) and the Parent Center.  Multiple phone-blasts were conducted through the Principal’s Robo-Call system to every household of the students enrolled at Crenshaw High.   She stated that another meeting for June is needed in order to continue to advance the Boar Expansion effort.   Mrs. Smith emphasized the need for a corporate member for the GCEP Board be considered to find resources for the partnership. 

Principal Carrie Allen suggested that we go back to the Crenshaw Cougar Coalition and extend another invitation.  Mr. Taylor asked if the Crenshaw Cougar Coalition is still interested in being a part of GCEP.  Dr. King recommended that we should send a formal letter to all persons in the Crenshaw Cougar Coalition to participate.  GCEP also needs additional voting members in order to accomplish important committee work of the Board.

                Principal Carrie Allen suggested that we get the student leadership involved with non-voting membership to ensure interaction between students and GCEP.  Mr. Taylor emphasized the importance of moving forward aggressively with our efforts in seating new board members.

 It was also reported that Honda has appointed someone for the Board Expansion.  Dr. King stated that a formal letter of invitation should be sent to all who have expressed interest.   Mr. Taylor stated that we would open a slate of non-voting members including a ASB Member, Corporate Member and Parent Member.  Principal Carrie Allen recommended that a School Site Council member be considered for non-voting.

Fundraising Update

Mr. Taylor reported that the Los Angeles Urban League (“the League”) introduced a new partner, Starbucks, to Crenshaw High School.  While visiting the League, Mr. Taylor invited Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks to visit Crenshaw High School, as part of the discussions of future funding and partnering opportunities.  The League eventually received a grant of $750,000 for Neighborhoods@Work, a portion of which would be granted to GCEP to assist in the Executive Director search and provide staff support.  Mr. Taylor praised Dr. Crew’s leadership and ability to serve as Interim Executive Director while managing a full teaching load at USC.  He emphasized the importance of putting an Executive Director in place for full time service.

Due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, Mr. Blair Taylor departed at approximately 8:38 p.m.

School Site Council Report

Dr. Ramsey addressed the GCEP Board.  In his remarks, he stated that the School Site Council has been working with Principal Carrie Allen in preparation for the SIG $2 million grant.  He reported that the Media Academy did a great job with the Census Public Service Announcement contest.  He also stated that the School Site Council remains interested in the GCEP Strategic Plan. 
The School Site Council requested help from GCEP with awards for student scholarships on June 7^th.  Dr. Ramsey also invited the board to have a discussion on a family spirit GCEP Day in an effort to celebrate and build camaraderie.   He reported that SSC is working on a new bell system to give more time for study and tutoring.  Dr. Ramsey issued a challenge to the GCEP Board suggesting that we restore emphasis on the arts for our students.

The commencement exercises for Crenshaw High School will take place on June 24, 2010

The June meeting fo rthe GCEP Board of Directors was rescheduled due to Board member scheduling conflicts.  It will possibly be held on June 28, 2010. 

Public Comment

There were no public comments offered. 

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.  It was properly moved and seconded.