Allegiance STEAM Academy

Minutes

Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors

Date and Time

Monday June 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

Meeting of the Board of Directors 


ONSITE MEETING LOCATION:
5862 C St.

Chino, Ca. 91710

 

SATELLITE MEETING LOCATIONS:

7420 Locust Ave.

Fontana, Ca. 92336

 

555 Canal Street

New Orleans, La. 70130

 

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/93406228973

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD BY PARENTS AND CITIZENS
 

Allegiance STEAM Academy- Thrive charter school (“Allegiance STEAM Academy”), also known as ASA Thrive, is a direct-funded, independent, public charter school operated by the Allegiance STEAM Academy nonprofit public benefit corporation and governed by Allegiance STEAM Academy, Incorporated corporate Board of Directors (“Board”). The purpose of a public meeting of the Board, is to conduct the affairs of Allegiance STEAM Academy in public. We are pleased that you are in attendance and hope you will visit these meetings often. Your participation assures us of continuing community interest in our school.


 

1. Agendas are available to all audience members at the meeting. Note that the order of business on this agenda may be changed without prior notice. For more information on this agenda, please contact Allegiance at: info@asathrive.org


 

2. “Request to Speak” forms are available to all audience members who wish to speak on any agenda items or under the general category of “Public Comments.”


 

3. “Public Comments” are set aside for members of the audience to comment. However, due to public meeting laws, the Board can only listen to your issue, not take action. The public is invited to address the Board regarding items listed on the agenda. Comments on an agenda item will be accepted during consideration of that item, or prior to consideration of the item in the case of a closed session item. Please turn in comment cards to the Board Secretary prior to the item you wish to speak on. These presentations are limited to three (3) minutes.


 

4. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, Allegiance STEAM Academy may furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require appropriate alternative modification of the agenda in order to participate in Board meetings are invited to contact Allegiance STEAM Academy

Directors Present

M. Jones, S. Odo, S. Thompson, T. Stevens

Directors Absent

S. Bhojani

Guests Present

E. Lee, S. Cognetta

I. Public Hearing

A.

Call Public Hearing to Order

Necessary adjustment to the June 9th Board agenda; not able to hold Public Hearing. Moving Public Hearing to June 17th Special Board meeting agenda.

B.

Record Attendance

Present:

M. Jones

T. Stevens

S. Odo

S. Thompson

 

C.

Public Comments on Public Hearing

N/A

D.

ASA Chino 2025-26 LCAP

N/A

E.

ASA Fontana 2025-26 LCAP

N/A

F.

2025-26 Preliminary Budget ASA Chino

N/A

G.

2025-26 Preliminary Budget ASA Fontana

N/A

H.

Adjourn Public Hearing

Adjourn at 5:35pm 

II. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

T. Stevens called a meeting of the board of directors of Allegiance STEAM Academy to order on Monday Jun 9, 2025 at 5:40 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Public Comments

No Public Comments

III. Public Announcement for Reason for Closed Session

A.

Closed Session

Moves to Closed Session at: 5:41pm 

 

 

IV. Resume Open Session

A.

Report from Closed Session, if any

Closed Session ends at: 8:27pm 

 

Returns to Open Session at: 8:27pm

 

Closed Session attendance:

T.Stevens

S. Odo

M. Jones

S. Thompson

Dr. Cognetta

 

Report from Closed Session:

In closed session, the ASA Board took action to approve a non-public school placement for a student consistent with their IEP for the amount of: $96,820. 

The motion was made by (T. Stevens), seconded by (S.Odo). The vote passes: 4 - 0. 

 

In closed session, the ASA Board took action to renew CEO contract. 

The motion was made by (T. Stevens), seconded by (S.Odo). The vote passes: 4 - 0. 

 

Returns to Open Session at: 8:27pm

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

C.

Approval of Agenda for the Regular Board Meeting June 9th, 2025

T. Stevens made a motion to Approval of Agenda for the Regular Board Meeting June 9th, 2025, with removal of Item I, under Items scheduled for Discussion, Action, Other Business.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

The ASA Board approved and adopted the June 9, 2025 Board agenda with the removal of Item I, under "Items Scheduled for Discussion, Action, Other Business."

Item I: 2025–26 ASA Fontana MOU was removed to be tabled to allow for further discussion on MOU provisions and associated costs, which will be added on future ASA Board agenda.

Passes: 4–0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

CEO Reports

CEO Updates:

Previews of the LCAP and 2025-26 Preliminary Budget for both ASA Chino and ASA Fontana were presented. The Public Hearing is scheduled for June 17th. Additionally, updates were provided on ASA Fontana enrollment and the proposed MOU between FUSD and ASA.

V. Items Scheduled for Consent

A.

Approve Minutes for May 12th, 2025 Board Meeting

S. Thompson made a motion to Approve the minutes from the May 12th, 2025 Board Meeting Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors on 05-12-25.
S. Odo seconded the motion.

Passes 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Approve Check Registrar for ASA Chino

M. Jones made a motion to Approve Check Registrar for ASA Chino.
S. Odo seconded the motion.

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Approve Check Registrar for ASA Fontana

T. Stevens made a motion to Approve Check Registrar for ASA Fontana.
S. Thompson seconded the motion.

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

CSFA Charter School Revolving Loan Application

M. Jones made a motion to Approve CSFA Charter School Revolving Loan Application.
S. Thompson seconded the motion.

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VI. Items Scheduled for Discussion, Action, Other Business

A.

Board Consideration of CEO Compensation

S. Thompson made a motion to Approve and adopt Board Consideration of CEO Compensation.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

CEO Renewal with a 1.5% increase, to the amount of: $195,160.14 reported out of Closed Session

Passes 4-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Board Review of Parental Involvement Policies

S. Odo made a motion to Approve Board Review of the Parental Involvement Policies, with no changes to the current policies.
T. Stevens seconded the motion.

Reviewed - No changes to Parental Involvement Policies

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Allegiance STEAM Academy – Instructional Continuity Plan

S. Thompson made a motion to Approve Allegiance STEAM Academy – Instructional Continuity Plan.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

Passes 4 -0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Qualifications for Transitional Kindergarten Teachers

S. Odo made a motion to Approve Qualifications for Transitional Kindergarten Teachers.
S. Thompson seconded the motion.

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

E.

2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Chino

T. Stevens made a motion to Table 2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Chino.
S. Thompson seconded the motion.

Table 2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Chino. ASA Board requests more data. To be added to the Special Board Meeting on June 17th, 2025. 

Item 2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Chino 

Tabled Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

F.

2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Fontana

S. Odo made a motion to Table 2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Fontana.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

Table 2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Fontana. ASA Board requests more data. To be added to the Special Board Meeting on June 17th, 2025. 

Item 2025-26 Instruction Partners Quote - ASA Fontana 

Tabled Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

G.

Revision to 2025-26 ASA Fontana School Calendar

M. Jones made a motion to Approve and adopt Revision to 2025-26 ASA Fontana School Calendar.
S. Odo seconded the motion.

Approves ASA Fontana Minimum Day on May 19th, 2026.

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

H.

ASA Homeless Education Policy

M. Jones made a motion to Approve and adopt ASA Homeless Education Policy.
S. Thompson seconded the motion.

Passes 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

I.

2025-26 ASA Fontana Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Item I - Removed from agenda prior to adopting June 9th Board agenda: 

2025-26 ASA Fontana Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

 

As noted under June 9th, 2025 ASA Board agenda adoption: 

The ASA Board approved and adopted the June 9, 2025 Board agenda with the removal of Item I, under "Items Scheduled for Discussion, Action, Other Business."

Item I: 2025–26 ASA Fontana MOU was removed to be tabled to allow for further discussion on MOU provisions and associated costs, which will be added on future ASA Board agenda.

Passes: 4–0.

VII. Finance

A.

FY24 Budget - ASA Chino

M. Jones made a motion to Approve FY24 Budget - ASA Chino.
S. Odo seconded the motion.

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

FY24 Budget - ASA Fontana

S. Thompson made a motion to Approve FY24 Budget - ASA Fontana.
S. Odo seconded the motion.

Passes: 4 - 0

 

Discussions

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VIII. Communications

A.

Communications

Communications

CEO: 

Finishing the year strong during this busy season, we continue to expand school choice for families. We remain committed to hard work and high standards, setting the tone and mindset to successfully close this year and prepare for the year ahead.

S.Thompson:

I had the pleasure of attending both ASA 8th-grade graduations—they were truly remarkable! Congratulations to the students and their families. I appreciate the hard work and collaboration across both schools. Great job!

S.Odo:

Unfortunately, I missed both graduations this year. Congratulations to the 8th grade students! Great work to the students and the staff! Excited and looking forward to next year!

M.Jones:

Both graduations were amazing and truly moving—great work to all involved! I also had the pleasure of participating in Fontana Days last week, which was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community and share ASA’s mission. Community presence is truly meaningful. On a separate note, when presenting items for Board approval, I would like to see data on how these will impact students, staff, school leaders, and families, when items are added to the agenda for vote. Thank you to all the staff for your hard work, and special thanks to Dr. Moreno for baking and sharing cookies with those in attendance tonight.

T.Stevens:

I want to address the tabled items and assure FUSD that we value our authorizers and are committed to maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship. Thank you all for your hard work. I’m excited for next year as we enter a phase of exponential growth—we are in a strong position. Hats off to the staff and great job, leaders! Welcome, Carmen Lopez! Your behind-the-scenes efforts have been outstanding—you can't hide now! Congratulations to our 8th graders and their families on their promotions. Special thanks to Chino High School and E High for partnering with us and hosting these wonderful events. I encourage everyone to take time for rest and work-life balance this summer—it’s important. Huge thanks to all for your dedication and efforts.

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

T. Stevens made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

Passes: 4 - 0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:43 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
E. Lee
Documents used during the meeting
  • April 2025-ASA-Board Summary .pdf
  • April 2025-ASA-Board Summary .pdf
  • CSFA Revolving Loan Application - signed.pdf
  • CEO Agreement (5138434.2) 2025-2026 Cognetta Sebastian(9561392.2).docx.pdf
  • asa-volunteer-policy (2).pdf
  • parental-involvement-policy- (2).pdf
  • parent-guest-and-visitor-civility-policy (3).pdf
  • Instructional Continuity Plan.pdf
  • Qualifications for TK Teachers.pdf
  • SY2526_Allegiance Steam Academies Fontana_Proposal 1_Rev.20250317 (1).pdf
  • Fontana 25-26 Academic Calendar.pdf
  • ASA Homeless Education Policy Board Rev 06_09_25.pdf
  • ASA - MOU.6.4.25.pdf
  • April 2025-ASA-Board Summary .pdf
  • April 2025-ASA-Board Summary .pdf