• LJES PTO Meeting Called to Order at 7:35 am
• Meeting adjourned at 8:16 am
Executive Board Members Present: Sarah Topol, Cher Jabbari, Christal Duimstra, Virginia Price, Stacey Gubernator, Kaitlin Barr, Liz Copperman, Dorothy Tse, Rebecca Jacob, Dr. Stephanie Hasselbrink, Erin Sullivan
Absent: Dana Hourani, Carolina Tiller, Amani Bernstein, Georgina Gaerin, Megan Roeske
Approvals:
February 2025 Financials approved at 7:57 am. Stacey motioned first, Kaitlin seconded – all in favor.
February 2025 Meeting Minutes approved at 7:57 am. Christal motioned first, Stacey
seconded – all in favor.
Co-President’s Report: Dana Hourani and Sarah Topol
Talent Show - Huge shoutout to our phenomenal chairs, Kaitlin Barr and Sara
Carpenter, for putting on the best Talent Show yet! Everything went so smoothly—the
new sound system was fantastic, and it was clear that parents enjoyed the event.
A motion was set forward to end movie night and wellness night due to attendance and
safety issues. Stacey motioned first, Kaitlin seconded – all in favor at 7:39 am.
Spring Fling- the date was changed to not interfere with other events.
Open PTO Chair Positions- Sara Carpenter will take on the Directory, and Emilio
Fonseca will manage Pizza Wednesday. Thank you, Sara and Emilio!
The following positions are still open: Kindergarten Liaisons (x2); PTO Membership (x1);
VP of Programs (x1); Robotics (x1); Family Picnic (x2); Health & Safety (x1); Please
reach out to potential candidates to fill these roles! Rebecca volunteered to take on PTO membership. VP Programs is the most urgent position that needs to be filled. Kaitlin suggested giving an incentive to VP Programs for free sessions for their children. Open positions will be sent out via eBlasts.
Sign for Ms. Alison: The sign for Ms. Alison is delayed. We’re waiting on input from
teachers to move forward.
Upcoming Event: 3/27 Family Dance @ 5-7pm- The Family Dance, chaired by Linda
and Nassim, will have a Cosmic Disco theme! DJ Danny will be back with music, games
and photobooth. The book fair will also be open during the Family Dance, adding more
fun for everyone. Liz will provide an update shortly.
Principal update: Dr. Hasselbrink
SPED Update: Janece, 3rd grade Ed Specialist, transferred to a different school; We
were fortunate to hire a new Ed Specialist, Sherry Schneider - will take her some time to
get trained and settled; Graceann, 4/5 Ed Specialist, on leave for the rest of the school
year; Have a visiting teacher to service the students; Have been paying a retired Ed
Specialist to assess students - out of money; working with the District to try to get some
Budget: LJES Budget - received budget book last Monday - about the same/student as
previous years (totaled about $60k)- due today; District budget- Since October, has identified $64 million in savings; Current deficit: $112 million - reducing w/SERP, streamlining/cutting central office, seeking efficiencies across the District; Goal is to not impact classrooms, not layoff teachers;
February Budget Workshop Presentation <https://www.sandiegounified.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_27732394/File/
About/Budget/SDUSD%20Budget%20Workshop%20Presentation_2.4.25-
compressed.pdf>
Flooding: Areas impacted - Rooms 18, 19, 20, office (front office, records room/area); In
drywall 6-10 inches; drilled holes to air out - monitoring for a couple of days to
determine whether it’s okay or needs to be replaced; Installing sandbags now.
Teacher’s report: Erin Sullivan
Nothing to report
Treasurer’s Report: Christal Duimstra
There are spaces where funding has not been requested/ used. Those positions are
welcome to access their funds.
Auditor’s Report: Virginia Price
Going fine. No issues.
VP Communications (E-Blasts): Dorothy Tse
Nothing yet. Sent out eblast for book fair.
VP Communications (Social Media): Liz Copperman
Las Patronas thank you sent. Linda wants to promote family dance.
Book Fair: Liz Copperman
Met with Scholastic. LJES is one of the top earning schools so it created a good
relationship. Will be sending out promos. Volunteer links went out this weekend. Need
volunteers during family dance the most. Liz and Georgina manning register. Katie is
taking over for Georgina next year.
International Festival: Cher Jabbari
Planning is underway. 25 diff countries have signed up, some new. The festival will be in
the upper field area. Discussed the issue of staffing games was discussed. Consider
one person for two or more games. Games not as well attended per some who
volunteered. Discussion about needing volunteers to watch the kids and make sure they
are not going places they are not allowed.
***Secretary Note: Secretary had to leave the meeting early. The below final notes
were provided by Stacey Gubernator. Big thanks to Stacey for covering for me for the
remainder of the meeting.
VP of Programs: Amani Bernstein, Georgina Gaerin
Overall, the programs are running smoothly; We have the same vendors and don't have
the space for anyone new. Our current Chess vendor, The Whole Child, may have to be
replaced with our old Chess company (but perhaps hire different instructors). We have
received feedback that kids aren't learning anything new and perhaps a change is
necessary.
Friends Liaison Report and Co-Chair VP Volunteers Report: Kaitlin Barr
Friends needs a new President. The Gala will be this weekend. 5th Grade parents can
bid on front row graduation seats among other auction items. There is a waitlist for
tickets (contact Dana to get on list). Cocktail hour will begin at 6pm on the front lawn
followed by dinner around 7pm (the bar will close but there will be tableside wine). Open bar will resume after dinner until 11pm followed by a cash bar until midnight.
VP Tidings – Megan Roeske & Rebecca Jacob
People are running late on content but Rebecca is confident it will be done in time for
print.
VP Room Parent: Stacey Gubernator
Nothing new to report.