Allegiance STEAM Academy
Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors
Date and Time
Monday August 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Location
ONSITE MEETING LOCATION:
7930 Locust Ave.
Fontana, Ca. 92336
SATELLITE MEETING LOCATIONS:
5862 C St.
Chino, Ca. 91710
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
J. Kaakuahiwi, M. Casas, M. Jones, S. Bhojani, S. Odo, S. Thompson, T. Stevens
Directors Absent
None
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
T. Stevens
Guests Present
C. Moreno, C. Valenta, K. Holt, M. Felix (remote), R. Lucatero, S. Cognetta, S. Lazo, S. Lopez
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
D.
Approval of Agenda for the Regular Board Meeting August 11th, 2025
Passed 6-0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Absent
|
E.
Reports
Principal - Chino, Kathleen Holt
It's great to be here at the new campus.
- New teachers/staff attended Packwise Meeting.
- Baskets from Central Office were provided with classroom supplies.
- Launch was a great success, created strong connections.
- Back to School Night, general session was well received.
- Student portfolios, information was provided to teachers to build connections.
- Social emotional learning (SEL) - new Counselor, Ryan Fish, provided slides and walkthrough connecting with new students.
- Attendance, working on 98% and student communication.
Principal - Fontana, Cyndi Valenta
Welcome! Moving to the new campus has impacted almost everyone here.
- Thank you to the Casas family and BCMG Construction for their generosity of time and labor. Every family here has been a part of the move. This beautiful gym was filled with furniture which our new Custodian, Sergio Castro walked into. Oversight was provided under the direction of Alex Arellano, and with strong support from Simon Zarazua and Tony Vera - Chino Custodians. Vanessa Okamoto, Chino Teacher, came over to do a deep clean in the staff lounge. Dr. Cognetta's father also provided help.
- Continue to work closely with FUSD to maintain high standards.
- Grateful to the PACK for creating an Amazon wishlist which provided items for the staff lounge - such as snacks, coffee, and games.
- Thank you to Optiva IT's teamwork, working late nights and weekends. Launch was different this year as the team worked to connect wifi.
- Back to School Night was held the first week.
- First PLN of the school year was used to discuss the years math priority and the commitment to 'Count Me In'. Strong collaborations launching this year.
PACK - Chino, update provided by Kathleen Holt
First meeting was held last week.
- Privacy screens were added around areas by the Central Office. Working on additional shade to lunch area.
- Pastries and coffee were provided on the first day.
PACK - Fontana, PACK President Sarah Arroyo
PACK Treasurer also present at the Board meeting.
- Summer donations provided for teachers supplies, break room, and recess items.
- Online Spirit wear available through Friday.
- Board meeting will be held Thursday.
- August 23rd, Quakes night
- October, book fair with Mija Books - specialize in bilingual and multicultural books, including Mandarin
- October 17th, Family Fun Night at Ontario Reign Game
CEO, Sebastian Cognetta
Thanking everyone for being here.
- Milestones...this is our first meeting in Fontana. Busy start to the school year at both sites - closing one year and opening a new one. Thrilled to be in a new facility that is deserved by our students and compliments our program; happy to be together in the space.
- Board aligned monthly report will be provided - more comprehensive report will be delivered each Trimester which will be aligned with Principals.
- Theme for the school year, "Count Me In".
- Welcomed more students than ever before, at over 1300 walking our hallways.
- Push for attendance; revenue is tied to attendance. Budget is built to assume 95% of students will attend regularly. Independent Study program revision by one of our teachers, Gerardo Gancz.
- Enrollment Chino 941 98% of targeted enrollment of 960; one year ago 910 94.8%
Enrollment Fontana 356 101.7% of targeted enrollment of 350; one year ago 233 80%
F.
Student Celebrations
Mrs. Harper, Teacher 2nd Grade (FO)
- Jaxson Harper, 3rd Grade
Excited to come back with friends, and make new friends. Could always count on me to howl with my friends. - Kori Harper, 5th Grade
Favorite part this week has been learning decimals. Excited to see new people and make new friends. Count on me to not leave anyone out.
Mr. Wang, Teacher 6th Grade (FO)
- Ayleen Garcia, 6th Grade
Enjoyed seeing teachers and looking forward to the new year. - Annelle Sotelo, 6th Grade
Second year at ASA. ASA has made her blossom and expand knowledge. - Levi Anderson, 6th Grade
Shared thoughts with parents, amazing because of people and teachers. Loves school even more, and have never felt left out. Continues to grow. - Josep Salazar, 6th Grade
Has attended for three years, excited to be back. Likes coming to school so much. Favorite thing is to play soccer. Feels that school is amazing.
G.
Public Comments
None
II. Items Scheduled for Consent
A.
Approve Minutes for July 22, 2025, Special Board Meeting
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
B.
Check Registrar - ASA Chino
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
C.
Check Registrar - ASA Fontana
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
D.
James & Genevieve Wilson Foundation
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
III. Governance
A.
Revised Fiscal Policies and Procedures - General Purchasing Procedures
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
B.
Attendance Recovery Policy
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
C.
Revised Attendance Policy
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
IV. Items Scheduled for Discussion, Action, Other Business
A.
Board on Track Renewal
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
Approved for max amount of $10,595.00, with caveat of possible 2 year contract under approved amount.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
B.
Attuned Spark Survey
Passed 4-3
Opposed 3
Abstain 0
Approval of one year contract at $14,500.00
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
No
|
| S. Thompson |
No
|
| S. Bhojani |
No
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
C.
2026-2027 Board Calendar
Passed 7-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 0
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
D.
Williams 4th Quarterly Report 24-25 ASA Chino
Passed 6-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 1
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Abstain
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
V. Finance
A.
FY25 Budget - ASA Chino
Passed 6-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 1
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Abstain
|
B.
FY25 Budget - ASA Fontana
Passed 6-0
Opposed 0
Abstain 1
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Thompson |
Aye
|
| M. Jones |
Aye
|
| S. Odo |
Aye
|
| S. Bhojani |
Aye
|
| J. Kaakuahiwi |
Abstain
|
| M. Casas |
Aye
|
| T. Stevens |
Aye
|
VI. Communications
A.
Communications
Jacob Kaakuahiwi
Glad to be here. Thank you for the opportunity to serve - great group of people. Excited to be a member of the team.
Shantay Thompson
Shoutout to the students in today's celebrations. Welcome back to school. Attended Meet Your WolfPACK which was amazing. Looking forward to a great year ahead. Welcome to Board Members.
Samantha Odo
Welcome to Jacob and Martin. Attended Meet Your WolfPACK and Back to School Night, the initial meeting with families was packed, amazing, and well organized. Welcome back to the students. Thank you to the staff for working throughout the summer.
Shehzad Bhojani
Great start to the new year. Custodians and families have worked together. Schools have created a sense of belonging with students and them Count Me In. Authorizer support. The teachers are off to a good start. Great to see PACK here in attendance. Attended Back to School Night, well organized and well done. Looking forward to a new year.
Martin Casas
Thank you for the opportunity. You can definitely 'count me in'. Shoutout to Cyndi Valenta and Sebastian Cognetta for moving a full school.
Troy Stevens
Welcome everyone back. Thank you to those that worked over the summer. Everyone's excited to have the new campus. With the new year back, we will continue to serve our stakeholders and make it the best before they head on to high school. Appreciate everyone of you. Accolades to the students, team, and everyone behind the scenes.
Presented by Fontana student, Josep Salazar