Presentation of Annual Social-Emotional Health Survey Results and Student Support Referrals
FYI
Skye Stifel
10 m
In alignment with Board Policy 5031 and California Senate Bill 153, Dr. Stifel will present the annual Social-Emotional Health Survey results for students in grades 3–8, along with a summary of student referrals for Student Support Teams (SSTs), 504 Plans, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Local Control and Accountability Plan and Local Indicators
Vote
Kelly Simon
15 m
Dr. Simon will present the 2025–26 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for board approval, including a review of Local Indicators and the required Budget Overview for Parents. The LCAP reflects Bridges Charter School's goals, actions, and expenditures aligned to state and local priorities, and has been developed in accordance with California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) requirements.
Persons wishing to address the Board may do so at this time upon recognition from the President, or when the President requests comments from the Public as the Board is considering the item. Please state your name, community or organization you represent, and the topic you wish to share with the Board. You will be given 3 minutes to make your presentation. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the Board cannot enter into formal discussion with individuals making public comments to the Board. The Board cannot take action on any issues raised during public comments that are not on the meeting agenda. Individual members may respond to public comments during the individual Board Members section.
IV.
Reports
6:52 PM
A.
Director's Reports
Discuss
Kelly Simon
8 m
Executive Director
Director of Daily Operations
Director of Student Support
V.
Consent Items
7:00 PM
A.
Consent Items
Vote
Katerina Yevmenkina
2 m
Consent Items: Items proposed for the consent calendar are noted on the posted agenda and are considered by the Director to be of a routine nature. Any item may be removed from the consent calendar at the request of any Board member and placed under the appropriate action category. A vote will be taken for the consent calendar so that any items requiring a vote can be properly addressed. It is recommended that all consent items be approved.
Appointment of Katerina Yevmenkina for 3 year term
Vote
Kelly Simon
3 m
Katerina Yevmenkina indicated her intent to continue on the Board for another 3 year term during the May public meeting of the Board of Directors. The candidacy was also considered and recommended by the Governance Committee.
Approval of a 3 year term from July 1st, 2026-June 30th 2029 is recommended.
B.
Appointment of Nikki Hashemi for 3 year Term
Vote
Kelly Simon
3 m
Nikki Hashemi indicated her intent to continue on the Board for another 3 year term during the May public meeting of the Board of Directors. The candidacy was also considered and recommended by the Governance Committee.
Approval of a 3 year term from July 1st, 2026-June 30th 2029 is recommended.
C.
Board Governance Strategy for 2026-2027
Discuss
Katerina Yevmenkina
10 m
VII.
Charter Policies
7:18 PM
A.
BP 9300: Dissolution of School (new)
Vote
Kelly Simon
3 m
The Bridges Charter School Board of Directors is presented Board Policy 9300 (Dissolution of School). This policy establishes procedures to be followed in the event of school closure, including closure notifications to the retirement systems in which the school's employees participate (including CalSTRS), transfer of records, independent audit requirements, disposition of assets, and formal dissolution of the Bridges Charter School Corporation. The policy designates the Bridges Charter School Corporation as the responsible entity for conducting all closure-related activities.
Presented for the Board's consideration are revisions of the previously presented Investment policy. The Investment Policy establishes the objectives and guidelines governing the management of the School's funds, with priorities of preservation of principal, liquidity, and yield.
The following changes have been made given the Board's request: 1) An investment report will be provided and discussed twice annually at a public board meeting, 2) At least 6 months of cash will be held for operating expenses.
The EPA Spending Plan outlines how we will spend our Education Protection Account funds which are LCFF funds that are distributed quarterly based on tax payer's contributions.
Resolution: Authorization to Open Investment Account with Westlake Private Wealth Management
Vote
Kelly Simon
5 m
Contingent upon adoption of the Bridges Charter School Investment Policy, the Board of Directors will consider a resolution authorizing the opening of an investment account with Westlake Private Wealth Management, a fiduciary financial advisory practice operating through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. The resolution designates authorized signers and establishes the scope of authority for management of the account on behalf of Bridges Charter School.
The Board will review and approve Local Assignment Options (LAO) for the 2026–27 school year as authorized under California Education Code. Local Assignment Options permit governing boards to assign qualified individuals to positions where a fully credentialed teacher may not be available, provided the assignment meets statutory requirements and the individual demonstrates subject matter competency. The Director of Daily Operations will present the recommended LAO assignment(s) for board consideration and approval.
The Board will review and approve the Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the 2026–27 school year. The Declaration of Need is a required document submitted to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) that certifies Bridges Charter School has made every reasonable effort to recruit fully credentialed teachers and that a need exists for the employment of individuals on emergency or limited assignment permits. Board approval of the Declaration of Need is required prior to submission to the CTC and must be on file before any emergency permits or waivers may be requested for the upcoming school year.
The Board will review and approve the Annual Statement of Need for the 2026–27 school year. The Annual Statement of Need documents Bridges Charter School's efforts to recruit and employ fully credentialed personnel and certifies that a demonstrated need exists for the use of individuals serving on intern credentials or pre-intern certificates. Board approval is required prior to submission to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and must be on file before the school may request or sponsor any intern credential placements for the upcoming school year.
The Board will review and approve the CharterSAFE membership renewal for comprehensive insurance coverage effective July 1, 2026 through July 1, 2027. CharterSAFE is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that provides charter schools with access to coverage, pooled negotiating strength, and risk management support. The 2026–27 renewal reflects the following average rate changes across programs: Workers' Compensation (+5.12%), Liability Package (+9.04%), and Property (-6.37%), for a combined average increase of 6% across all programs. The Executive Director will present the Member Contribution Proposal for board review and approval, and will execute the required binding documentation by the June 25, 2026 deadline.
Bridges Charter School seeks board approval to enter into a contract with Burch Studios to provide music instruction services for the 2025–2026 school year. This partnership will support and enhance our music program by bringing specialized expertise and programming to our students.
This contract is budget-neutral. Funding will be drawn from existing budget line reductions with a salary adjustment within the Music/Performing Arts instructional staff, and a reduction in vendor programming costs currently allocated to the Homeschool Program.
It is industry practice to upgrade or refresh a website every 5–7 years. Bridges Charter School last updated its website in 2021, making this an appropriate time to invest in a re-fresh. In order to remain competitive and marketable to prospective families, maintain a professional online presence, and ensure the site reflects the current identity and programs of the school, administration is requesting board approval to move forward with a website refresh with Slater Strategies.
Dr. Simon will present the annual Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools expenditure report for board approval. Proposition 28, passed by California voters in November 2022, provides dedicated funding for arts and music education in public schools, including charter schools. This report details how Bridges Charter School has allocated and expended Proposition 28 funds in accordance with state requirements, including the mandated percentage dedicated to personnel and equity-focused spending.
The Board of Directors is asked to approve the Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools expenditure report as presented.
The Board will review and approve an extension of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for Bridges Charter School's comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation and liability. The school has begun soliciting proposals from insurance brokers and Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) and seeks to extend the RFP submission deadline through October 31, 2026 in order to allow additional time to obtain and evaluate competitive bids.
Approval of this extension is recommended.
N.
Adopted Budget 2026-2027
Vote
Lisa Boulos
10 m
The Board will review and approve the Adopted Budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. The Adopted Budget reflects Bridges Charter School's projected revenues, expenditures, and fund balances in accordance with California charter school fiscal reporting requirements and the guidelines established by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). The adopted budget was presented and reviewed during a Finance Committee meeting with feedback from staff.
Lisa Boulos will present the budget for board discussion and approval. Board adoption of the 2026–27 budget is required prior to submission to VCOE by the June 30, 2026 deadline.
Consideration of an Off Schedule Retention Bonus for Certificated and Classified Faculty and Staff
Vote
Kelly Simon
5 m
Given the surplus in our ending cash balance, the Board will consider a 1-2% off schedule bonus for returning employees. A bonus for returning employees based on annual salary from the 2025-2026 school year is less than 40k for each percentage inclusive of payroll taxes and benefits.
Approval of this item is recommended.
P.
2026-2027 Consolidated Application (Con App)
Vote
Kelly Simon
2 m
The Board will review and approve the 2026–27 Consolidated Application (Con App) for federal categorical funding. The Con App is the mechanism through which Bridges Charter School applies for federal funds under programs including Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Board approval is required prior to submission to the California Department of Education (CDE) by the established deadline.
Dr. Simon will present the application for board review and approval.
The Board will review the revised 2026–27 Employee Handbook. This revision includes the addition of a comprehensive Health and Welfare section developed in collaboration with Bridges Charter School's benefits broker, CharterSAFE, and an external insurance provider. The updated Health and Welfare policies have been reviewed for compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reflect current coverage offerings, eligibility requirements, and employee rights and responsibilities regarding health and welfare benefits.
Public Employee Evaluation (Government Code § 54957(b)(1))
Title: Executive Director
B.
Annual Report of Executive Compensation
FYI
Lisa Boulos
3 m
In accordance with California charter school transparency requirements, Lisa Boulos will present the annual report of executive compensation for Bridges Charter School. This report provides the Board of Directors with a summary of compensation provided to executive-level staff and ensures continued compliance with applicable reporting obligations.
