Allegiance STEAM Academy

Minutes

Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors

Date and Time

Monday April 14, 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

 

Zoom Link: 

https://zoom.us/j/97020143958 


 

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. Bhojani, S. Odo, S. Thompson, T. Stevens

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

E. Lee, S. Cognetta (remote)

I. Public Hearing

A.

Call Public Hearing to Order

Public Hearing called to order at 5:37pm. 

B.

Record Attendance

Board members in attendance:

 

T. Stevens

M. Jones

S. Bhojani

S. Odo

S. Thompson

 

C.

Public Comments on Public Hearing - Independent Study Policy Revision

None

D.

Revision to ASA Independent Study Policy

Discuss Revisions to ASA Independent Study Policy

E.

Adjourn Public Hearing

Public Hearing adjourned at: 5:39pm

 

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 Apr 14, 2025 at 5:39 PM.

B.

Record Attendance

C.

Public Comments

None

III. Public Announcement for Reason for Closed Session

A.

Closed Session

Move to Closed Session at 5:40pm

IV. Resume Open Session

A.

Report from Closed Session, if any

Returned from Closed Session at: 7:22pm - Nothing to report from Closed Session

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

C.

Approval of Agenda for the Regular Board Meeting April 14th, 2025

D.

CEO Report

CEO Updates:

 

Authorizers

  • FUSD: NOV - completed April 12 UCP complaint
  • CVUSD: Concerns and requirements (special board meeting for a resolution CVUSD has required us to draft)
  • Enrollment
    • Chino: 957 (958 in Mar) 
    • Fontana: 275; (273 in Mar)
  • LCAP Parent Survey 
    • Over 90% completion across schools; results ready to share in May after sharing with staff

E.

ASA AI Presentation

ASA AI Presentation

This evening, the Allegiance STEAM Academy (ASA) team, including Mrs. Dizon, Mr. Guillen, Mr. Gancz, Mr. Wayne, and Mrs. Arnett, delivered an insightful presentation to the Board. They shared their valuable participation in the Silicon Schools Fund's AI Exploration Community Cohort, highlighting key takeaways regarding the potential impact of AI on student learning, the automation of systems, and enhanced support for Administration.

Following their presentation and the promising insights gained, the team has requested the development of an AI Policy to help ensure Allegiance STEAM Academy remains current and strategically leverages these emerging technologies responsibly and effectively.

V. Items Scheduled for Consent

A.

Approve Minutes

S. Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board Meeting of the Board of Directors on 03-10-25.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
M. Jones
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye

B.

Approve Check Registrar - ASA Chino

S. Bhojani made a motion to Approve Check Registrar - ASA Chino.
T. Stevens seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
M. Jones
Aye

C.

Approve Check Registrar - ASA Fontana

T. Stevens made a motion to Approve Check Registrar - ASA Fontana.
S. Odo seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Jones
Aye
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye

D.

Revision 2024-25 ASA Chino School Calendar (ESY / Summer School Dates)

S. Odo made a motion to Approve and adpot Revision to 2024-25 ASA Chino School Calendar.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Thompson
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
M. Jones
Aye
S. Odo
Aye

E.

Independent Study (IS) Policy Revision

T. Stevens made a motion to Approve and adopt Independent Study (IS) Policy Revision.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

Approve with adding strike through on the AP line: "The percentage of pupils who have passed an advanced placement exam with a score of “3” or higher, and" 

Passes: 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Thompson
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
T. Stevens
Aye
M. Jones
Aye
S. Odo
Aye

F.

Resolution to Authorize Course Assignment - Ed Code (EC 44258.3)

S. Odo made a motion to Approve and adopt Resolution to Authorize Course Assignments - Ed Code (EC 44258.3).
T. Stevens seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Thompson
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
M. Jones
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
T. Stevens
Aye

VI. Items Scheduled for Discussion or Action

A.

ASA Chino Facilities MOU 2025-2026

S. Bhojani made a motion to Approve and adopt ASA Chino Facilities MOU 2025-2026.
T. Stevens seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Jones
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye

B.

Amendment to Intraorganizational Loan Agreement

S. Thompson made a motion to Approve and adopt Amendment to Intraorganizational Loan Agreement.
M. Jones seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye
M. Jones
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye

C.

ASA Board Recruitment and Selection Process

Informational: ASA Board Recruitment and Selection Process

Sharing ASA policy for Board terms, recruitment, and selection process.  

VII. Finance

A.

FY24 Budget - ASA Chino

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

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Jones
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye

B.

FY24 Budget - ASA Fontana

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

Regarding S. Bhojani's inquiry about increased payments from ASA Fontana to ASA Chino beyond the current loan repayment schedule, the response is no. Maintaining a 3.5% to 5% surplus and ensuring ASA Fontana's continued financial solvency necessitates adhering to the existing repayment schedule.

 

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Bhojani
Aye
M. Jones
Aye
S. Odo
Aye
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye

VIII. Communications

A.

Communications - Comments from the CEO

Communications - Comments from the CEO

 

The Board's engagement and dedication are greatly appreciated. Our thanks to the AI presentation and its presenters. We extend our sincere gratitude to each of you for your daily contributions to ASA. Congratulations to our administration appointments: Mrs. Holt as Principal, Mrs. Lazo as Director of Teacher Development, Mrs. Dizon as Assistant Principal, and Mrs. Lopez as Assistant Principal. We have a truly wonderful staff!

B.

Communications - Comments from the Board of Directors

Communications - Comments from the Board of Directors

 

S. Thompson: The AI presentation was impressive and generated excitement for its potential use by teachers, administrators, and students. Congratulations on the recent appointments.

 

S. Odo: Congratulations on the new roles! The AI presentation was wonderful! Love the AI! AI is here to stay! Let's explore how AI can better equip our staff and students for future academic and professional success.

 

S. Bhojani: Congratulations on the roles everyone! Thanked AI presentation. This is a busy time of year with events and testing; Encouraging students and staff to finish the year strong!

 

M. Jones: Excited for the upcoming year, particularly with these new role placements. Congratulations to all! The AI presentation was remarkable! It's hard to believe the year is almost over – let's maintain our momentum and finish strong!

 

T. Stevens: Congratulations to all! The AI presentations were outstanding and generated excitement for its potential to support student and staff growth. While change can bring hesitation, with proper guidance and support, AI can be an extremely effective tool and resource. Thank you to the team for their hard work. Encouraged by cross-organizational communication, teamwork, and alignment.

 

 

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

S. Odo made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
S. Thompson seconded the motion.

Passes 5-0

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Odo
Aye
S. Thompson
Aye
M. Jones
Aye
T. Stevens
Aye
S. Bhojani
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
E. Lee
Documents used during the meeting
  • Possible Revision for 4_14_25_ ASA Independent Study Policy (1).pdf
  • February 2025-ASA-Board Summary (2).pdf
  • February 2025-ASA-Board Summary (2).pdf
  • DRAFT 24-25 Chino Academic Calendar (1).pdf
  • Revision for 4_14_25_ ASA Independent Study Policy.pdf
  • ASA Independent Study Policy (2).pdf
  • ASA Board Resolution for Antonio Guillen - Leadership (EC 44258.3).pdf
  • ASA Board Resolution for Lori Cunningham - Coding (EC 44258.3).pdf
  • Final Notification of Facilities Offer for 2025-2026.pdf
  • Exhibit A Site Plan.pdf
  • Exhibit B Final Amended Facilities MOU 2020-2025 (2025-2026).pdf
  • ASA_ DRAFT Amendment to Intraorganizational Loan Agreement revision 25.04.07.pdf
  • board-recruitment-and-selection (2).pdf
  • February 2025-ASA-Board Summary (2).pdf
  • February 2025-ASA-Board Summary (2).pdf