Jason Watts provided an organization update, including the following topics:

Governance Updates - Administration is developing new board governance policies to create a more formal and transparent board member selection process (including recruitment and selection policy, board member annual commitment statement, and a standardized board candidate application.)

• Charles asked if the annual board commitment statement include the Form 700 filing requirement. Jason explained that the Form 700 is already a mandatory legal requirement and should remain a separate document. The commitment statement is intended to serve as a broader affirmation of board responsibilities and organizational values
• Charles also asked if the new board recruitment policy be published on the website, and how it will be shared. Jason stated that after board approval, the policy will be formalized, published on the organization's website, and made accessible to interested applicants.

Home Office Leadership Updates

• Dulce Appiagyei was introduced as the new Chief Operating Officer. She shared her background in higher education and operations.
• Frank Vann was introduced as the Facilities Manager. He will oversee facilities across all campuses.
• Christian Nunez was introduced as the IT Manager. He will oversee organization-wide Information Technology, including management of the managed service provider (MSP).
  • Charles asked what "MSP" refers to, and Jason explained that it is the Managed Service Provider, referring to the organization's contracted IT support provider (currently Circle), which assists with network infrastructure, internet, Wi-Fi, and escalated technology support.

South Bay Charter Renewal - Scholarship Prep submitted the South Bay charter renewal petition to LAUSD. The organization is one of 43 charter schools seeking renewal during the same cycle, creating an unusually large renewal cohort. Key upcoming dates in crude the public hearing on August 25 and an expected board decision on October 13.

• Mr. Watts recognized the significant efforts of staff and board members throughout the renewal process, including completion of detailed questionnaires, updated resumes, compliance documentation, academic data, budgeting, and communications strategy.
• Charles thanked board members for their timely completion of the extensive renewal requirements.

Legislative & Advocacy Update

• CCSA is advocating for a fair charter renewal process due to the large number of LAUSD renewals occurring simultaneously.
• Updates were provided regarding:
  • Efforts to ensure charter schools are included in potential future state funding opportunities.
    • Continued progress on the CalSTRS legislative fix, which would preserve retirement eligibility for affected employees while allowing additional time for required job description updates.
• Charles asked where these legislative proposals originate, particularly those affecting charter school funding? Jason explained that many bills evolve from previously introduced or rejected legislation. Bills are often revised or reintroduced by the same or different authors. CCSA works directly with bill authors to advocate for amendments that address concerns affecting charter schools before legislation advances further.

Facilities Manager Frank Vann and IT Manager Christian Nunez presented summer facilities and technology improvements completed across Scholarship Prep campuses. They noted that the projects were focused on enhancing student safety, campus security, learning environments, and technology infrastructure.

Facilities Updates

• Oceanside: Installed new carpet in the front office, principal's office, and classrooms; purchased new front office furniture; replaced the HVAC system serving the TK/Kindergarten Village.
• Riverside: Installed a water diversion system to reduce basement flooding, added a student safety gate, installed speed strips for the parent drop-off/pick-up area, and added protective cages around backflow equipment to prevent theft.
  • Charles asked why the sump pump in the basement did not work and Frank explained that plumbing issues beneath the basement contributed to flooding. Installing a water diversion system was determined to be a more cost-effective solution than excavating and replacing underground piping.
  • It was asked why there were fewer facilities projects completed at the Riverside campus, and Frank explained that Riverside is one of the organization's newest campuses, requiring fewer capital improvements. Current work has primarily focused on safety enhancements and preventative maintenance rather than major renovations.
• Upland: Installed a new HVAC unit, added window tinting to reduce classroom heat, renovated six student and staff restrooms, and installed additional perimeter security fencing.
• Orange County: Remodeled the kitchen to support the merged campuses, installed a new playground for younger students, and converted former storage areas into additional restrooms.
• South Bay: Added five community murals, renovated the gymnasium, installed a new playground for younger students, completed permanent security fencing, and upgraded campus lighting to LED fixtures.

IT Updates

• Oceanside: Scheduled network infrastructure upgrades, replacement of end-of-life equipment, improved cable management, expansion to support five additional classrooms, and installation of new Wi-Fi access points, intercoms, and classroom phones.
  • Board Member Barbara George asked to clarify that technology is being added to the Oceanside classrooms? Christians clarified that new Wi-Fi access points, intercom systems, and classroom phones are being installed. The access points provide wireless internet connectivity, while the intercoms enable two-way communication.
• Riverside: Installed additional security cameras to eliminate blind spots and added Chromebooks and charging carts to accommodate enrollment growth.
  • Charles asked if these security cameras monitored 24 hours a day, and Christian confirmed that they are. 
• Upland: Added new internet fiber line for increased reliability, expanded Chromebook inventory, and planned to reallocate existing projectors to support additional classrooms.
• Orange County: Began a comprehensive network upgrade, replacing aging equipment and expanding Wi-Fi coverage.
• South Bay: repaired motion sensors on campus
• Home Office/Organization-wide: Replaced end-of-life network equipment to strengthen cybersecurity and implemented the HappyFox ticketing system to streamline IT support requests.

Board members complimented the appearance of the new murals and campus improvements, noting the positive community response and praising the overall aesthetic enhancements.

Board Member, Steve Thomas, welcomed new staff members and congratulated employees who had recently been promoted within the organization. He also commended the Facilities and IT team for their presentation and thanked them for continuing to keep the Board informed.

Charles Friedrichs also shared well wishes with the new staff members as they prepared to begin their roles and encouraged them to bring any questions, needs, or suggestions to the Board for support.