Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Board Minutes – August 6, 2002

Meeting Place: Carolyn Leserman’s home

Attendees:

Directors: Geoff Bremer, Webster Burns, Randy Dotemoto, Mike Dunitz, Craig Kline, Carolyn Leserman, Anne McLaughlin, LeRoy Nelson, Pat Parker, Judy Reece,
Greg Rosen, Freddi Segal-Gidan, Gary Wayland, Richard Wennekamp

MBUSD Representatives: Dr. Sheralyn Smith, Lynette Campbell, Teri Greene

MBEF Staff: Sherry Kramer, Susan Patterson

Guests: Wendy Carson, John Oshiro, Jeff Thaler, parents

Call to Order: 7:40 PM

1. President’s Notes: Carolyn Leserman introduced Wendy Carson, John Oshiro and Jeff Thaler. Carolyn proposed that we designate a grant in memory of Willie Saperstein. The board supported a one-time grant. Carolyn thanked board members for their comments on the survey. Distribution of the survey would occur during the membership drive.
   
   The MBMS instrumental music program was invited to perform at several sites in Washington DC. We have been asked by their support group to help with fundraising by handling donations from non-parents as directed donations. Treasurer Gary Wayland supports this proposal because the number of contributions will be small, time is short, and this is a one-time-only event. Our costs for any credit card charges would be deducted. John Oshiro brought CDs of the MBMS 2002 Spring Instrumental Concerts in appreciation of our support. These CDs are being sold for $10 as a fundraiser. Free CDs for 2002 Spring and Fall concerts will be offered to all $100 donors. The trip costs $970 per student. Over 30 parents signed up for the trip. Motion by Greg Rosen, seconded by Randy Dotemoto, to approve the proposal was unanimously approved.
    
2. Minutes: Motion by Webster Burns/Anne McLaughlin to approve the June 4 minutes was approved. Section 9 of the July 9 minutes were corrected to read “Sara Content grant”. Motion by Judy Reese/Mike Dunitz to approve July 9 minutes as corrected was approved.
    
3. Financial Report: Treasurer Gary Wayland presented final reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002: Statement of Revenues and Expenses and Outstanding Grants. There were only minor changes from the preliminary reports. Two special year-end reports were presented: Schedule of Investments and Wine Auction Financial Recap.
    
4. Business Education Partnership Report: Sherry Kramer mentioned that Susan Patterson needs our September meeting date for the facility use permit. Carolyn proposed that we follow our usual practice of meeting on the second Tuesday in September instead of the first Tuesday. Board members agreed to meet on September 10, 2002. Sherry reported good progress lining up sponsors for the golf tournament.
    
5. Assistant Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Sheralyn Smith reported that the SAT-9 test results are ready to be mailed to parents, although the State is not ready to post the statewide results. District results show steady improvement.
    
6. MBUSD Board of Trustee’s Report: Teri Greene reported that we still have no resolution of the budget uncertainty. Lynette Campbell distributed a Budget Reductions report summarizing the decisions made at last School Board meeting. Items 11-14 may be coming back to the School Board for reconsideration. Union contract negotiations are not scheduled yet. Attendance policy changes at the high school will be on the agenda for the next School Board meeting. The District has figured out how to save four of the six trees threatened by construction of the new District Office.
    
7. Fundraising Reports.
   1. Golf Tournament: Sherry Kramer reported that opportunity tickets will be offered for sale and there will be a sign-up sheet for volunteers at our September meeting.
       
   2. Membership: Richard Wennekamp announced that 10 of 13 school reps will be continuing from last year. Every school is covered. The kick off for the membership drive is planned for the end of October or early November.
       
   3. Wine Auction: Greg Rosen reported that he and Carlos Lopes are retiring as event co-chairs, but they are each staying involved as Co-Chairs Emeritus. The new event co-chairs are Randy Dotemoto and Jeff & Sheryl Thaler.
       
   4. New Event: Pat Parker reported that planning of Oktoberfest in 2003 is moving forward with George Mihlsten. Tracey Windes and Lisa Paulsen went to the MB Studios on Friday and met with the caterer and studio execs. The proposed new Grad Night event is still possible. MBEF would receive 10-15% of net proceeds.
       
8. Grants Committee Report: Anne McLaughlin reported that she and Webster Burns met with MBMS Principal Carolyn Seaton to review the terms of the grant approved last month.
    
9. Website. John Oshiro requested additional information on corporate sponsors, events, volunteer opportunities and frequently asked questions (FAQ) to post on our website, MBEF.org. He asked directors to check the contents that are there now. Approved minutes will be posted. No personal phone numbers or E-mail addresses will be posted without prior approval. John requested that we add the website address to MBEF stationery and all future MBEF publications.
    
10. Old Business/New Business: Craig Kline reported on a private foundation being formed, which has proposed to designate MBEF as one of three primary beneficiaries. Some concerns were expressed about the proposed terms and conditions, which could create conflicts with some of our own events for volunteer resources. Concern was also expressed that one of the beneficiaries may have religious affiliation.
    
    Freddi Segal-Gidan announced a 10/16 celebration for a retiring teacher at Pennekamp.
     
11. Meeting Adjourned to Closed Session: 8:42 PM.
     
12. Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 10, 2002, 7:30 PM @ Mira Costa High School,
    Adult Learning Center, Room 113.

Respectfully submitted by LeRoy Nelson on August 7, 2002
Approved on September 10, 2002