Magnolia Public Schools

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting & MPS Board Retreat

Date and Time

Saturday January 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Location

Home Office: 250 E. 1st Street, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Board Members:
Mr. Mekan Muhammedov, Chair

Ms. Sandra Covarrubias, Vice-Chair

Dr. Umit Yapanel
Dr. Salih Dikbas
Ms. Diane Gonzalez

Mr. Serdar Orazov

 

Student Board Member:

Ms. Sofia Perez

CEO & Superintendent:
Mr. Alfredo Rubalcava

Directors Present

D. Gonzalez, M. Muhammedov, S. Covarrubias, S. Dikbas, S. Orazov, U. Yapanel

Directors Absent

None

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

S. Covarrubias, U. Yapanel

Guests Present

J. Lara

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

M. Muhammedov called a meeting of the board of directors of Magnolia Public Schools to order on Saturday Jan 24, 2026 at 9:04 AM.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

Board, staff and guests conducted the pledge of allegiance.

C.

Record Attendance and Guests

Refer to the attendance information recorded above. S. Perez, Student Board Member, was absent for this meeting and announced that she was attending a mathematics competition.

D.

Approval of Agenda

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the agenda as presented.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Absent

E.

Public Comments

No public comments were made at this time.

F.

Announcements - CEO & Superintendent, Board, Student Board Member

No announcements were made at this time.

G.

Approval of Minutes from MPS Regular Board Meeting - December 11, 2025

D. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board Meeting on 12-11-25.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Absent
U. Yapanel
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye

II. Consent Items

A.

Approval of School Accountability Report Cards (SARC) for All MPS

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the School Accountability Report Cards (SARC) for all Magnolia Public Schools.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Absent
U. Yapanel
Absent

III. Action Items

A.

Approval of 2024-25 Annual Audit Report and Corrective Actions for all Magnolia Science Academy Schools and the Home Office

S. Budhraja, Chief Financial Officer, reported on the annual audit each which consisted from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. He reported that this was an unmodified report. He went over the financials inclusive of revenues and expenditures. Jonathan from Eide Bailly LLP was present to speak more on the details of the audit. It was reported that there were findings specific to attendance and financial reporting for complex transactions regarding the LLC. Corrective actions were taken and findings were addressed. Jonathan reported that overall the financial statements were unmodified which he stated was a clean opinion and all amounts were presented fairly. He provided details on the material weaknesses/findings and it being addressed. Board questions and comments were raised and staff addressed them. The Board made some notes to make the net impact clear and explicit for everyone who sees the report. The Board moved to add additional language to the motion.

S. Covarrubias arrived at 9:25 AM.
S. Orazov made a motion to amend the existing motion and instead approve the 2024-25 Annual Audit Report for Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation (MERF), alld Magnolia Science Academy (MSA) schools, and the Home Office. With such clarifications and changes that the Board reasonably requested and subject to final auditor approval.
M. Muhammedov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye

B.

Approval of MPS Policy Addressing Student Behavioral Health Referral Process

M. Wittek, Director of Student Services, stated that MPS already had referral processes and systems in place to support students with behavioral health needs. She reported that with the passage of SB153, an Education Code law was added that on or before January 31, 2026, all LEA's serving grades 7-12 must adopt a formal policy on referral protocols for students with behavioral health concerns including mental health needs, behavioral or emotional challenges, and substance abuse related needs. She reported that the policy addresses procedures for referring students to behavioral health professionals and support services. Additionally, the policy includes considerable considerations for high risk groups and trainings. She added the goal is to focus on early identification and equitable access to services for students with behavioral health needs.

D. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the MPS Policy Addressing Student Behavioral Health Referral Process.
S. Covarrubias seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye

C.

Approval of Intra-Organization Loan from Magnolia Science Academy-Bell to Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation

S. Budhraja, Chief Financial Officer, reported that this is to extend the previously approved intra-organization loan balance of $1.31 million by modifying the repayment term to a 5-year schedule beginning July 2026, consistent with year-end reconciliation and approved loan terms. He stated that the amount and interest rate would stay the same. Board requested for staff to bring the balances of all intra company loans as an informational item. Board questions were addressed by staff.

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the Resolution for the extension of the Intra-Organization Loan between Magnolia Science Academy – 8 (MSA-8) and Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation (MERF). This action extends the remaining authorized intra-organization loan balance of $1.31 million from its original 1-year term to a 5-year repayment term, with quarterly payments beginning in July 2026, under the same interest rate and repayment structure previously approved by the Board.
S. Dikbas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Absent
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye

D.

Approval of Intra-Organization Loan from Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation to Magnolia Science Academy-7

S. Budhraja, Chief Financial Officer, reported that this is similar to the previous item. This is the second part of the previous transaction. Similar to the previous item, the purpose is to extend the previously approved intra-organization loan balance of $1.31 million by modifying the repayment term to a 5-year schedule beginning July 2026.

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the Resolution for the extension of the Intra-Organization Loan between Magnolia Science Academy – 7 (MSA-7) and Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation (MERF). The remaining authorized but undrawn loan balance of $1.31 million is being extended from its original 1-year term to a 5-year repayment term, with quarterly payments beginning in July 2026, under the same interest rate and repayment structure previously approved by the Board.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Covarrubias
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye

E.

Approval of Pro-Craft Change Orders Nos. 014 - 016 for the Magnolia Science Academy-5, 7111 Winnetka Ave Project

P. Ontiveros, General Counsel & Director of Facilities, reported that the change items for the Magnolia Science Academy (MSA)-5 project consists of crane pad regrading that due to the rains, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) vaults and conduits, and under-building sewer connection. He went over the costs and the credits that would be received. Board requested that under the budget implications for staff to reflect the remaining contingency budget moving forward. Board questions were addressed by staff.

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve change orders 14, 15 and 16 (collectively, the “Change Orders”) from Pro-Craft Construction, Inc. (“PCC”) in the total amount of Two Hundred Two Thousand Four Hundred Seventy One and Thirty cents ($202,471.30) for the Magnolia Science Academy-5 7111 Winnetka Avenue project (the “Project”).
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Absent
M. Muhammedov
Aye

F.

Approval of Silver Creek Change Orders Nos. 1 - 6 for the Magnolia Science Academy-5, 7111 Winnetka Ave Project

P. Ontiveros, General Counsel & Director of Facilities, reported on the deductive change orders which were savings to the Magnolia Science Academy (MSA)-5 project. Staff identified savings for this project without affecting the look and feel of the project as what is being communicated to the community and public. He reported on removing the partitions that were in all of the classrooms and replacing them with windows along with a few others. He reported that overall the net effect is a reduction of the project costs. Board questions were addressed by staff.

S. Orazov made a motion to approve Silver Creek Modular Change Orders Nos. 1-6 (the “Change Orders”) for the Magnolia Science Academy-5 7111 Winnetka Ave Project (the “Project”) for a total deductive amount of Three Hundred Thirty One Thousand Four Hundred Forty Four and Twenty Six cents (-$331,444.26).
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Covarrubias
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye

IV. Intermission

A.

Recess

J. Lara, Board Secretary, announced that there will be a 15 minute recess.

V. Closed Session

A.

Public Announcement of Closed Session

M. Muhammedov, Board Chair, reported that the Board will be going into Closed Session to discuss Public employee discipline/dismissal release and will report out.

B.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal Release (§ 54957)

U. Yapanel arrived at 10:25 AM.

Item was discussed in Closed Session.

C.

Report Out of Closed Session

M. Muhammedov, reported in open session at 4:21pm that the Board took no action and guided staff to take necessary steps.

J. Lara, announced that a motion was made to table items VI A: Approval and Discussion of the MPS 2030 Strategic Plan and VII A: Approval of Board Resolution for Creation of Position(s) for Magnolia Science Academy-Placentia Yorba Linda School Site for the Improvement of Educational Programs for Students.

 

M. Muhammedov moved the motion.

S. Orazov seconded the motion.

 

Roll call vote was taken:

M. Muhammedov voted Aye

S. Covarrubias voted Aye

U. Yapanel voted Aye

S. Dikbas voted Aye

D. Gonzalez voted Aye

S. Orazov voted Aye

 

Motion carries.

VI. Board Retreat - Strategic Plan

A.

Approval and Discussion of the MPS 2030 Strategic Plan

Item was tabled.

VII. Action Items (Continued)

A.

Approval of Board Resolution for Creation of Position(s) for Magnolia Science Academy-Placentia Yorba Linda School Site for the Improvement of Educational Programs for Students

Item was tabled.

B.

Approval of Overview and Roadmap for Staffing and Organization of New Orange County School in Irvine

F. Del Carpio, Chief People Officer, reported on the approval to post and recruit a founding Principal for a future Orange County school in Irvine which would be effective February 1, 2026. She stated this position is being sought out to ensure early leadership and position MPS to preparing for the opening of a school and to support early community engagement and culture momentum.

M. Muhammedov made a motion to authorize Magnolia Public Schools to post and recruit for a Founding Principal position for a future Orange County school site in Irvine. If approved, this position would begin in the current semester, effective February 1, 2026. This position is associated with Magnolia’s approved countywide charter petition, which authorizes the opening of up to four schools within five years. Two schools under this petition— Anaheim and Placentia–Yorba Linda (PYL)—are already operational. The proposed Irvine school would represent the third school under this existing authorization.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye

C.

Approval of Preferred Vendor Contract for the Expansion & Replication of Magnolia Public Schools

B. Olivares, Chief Impact Officer, reported that they are seeking support and expansion in recruitment efforts in the schools in Orange County. She added Mariposa was initially introduced by the Charter Schools Growth Fund (CSGF). The contract is a 10-month partnership and the scope of work is enrollment outcomes. Board questions were addressed by staff.

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the partnership with Mariposa Consulting Group for the expansion and replication of Magnolia Public Schools.
S. Dikbas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 4:29 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
M. Muhammedov