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Magnolia Public Schools

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday June 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM

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. Orazov, U. Yapanel

Directors Absent

S. Dikbas

Guests Present

T. Velazquez

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 Wednesday Jun 17, 2026 at 5:49 PM.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

Student Board Member S. Perez led the Board, staff, and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.

C.

Record Attendance and Guests

S. Covarrubias, Vice Chair, left the meeting at 12:11 AM.

D.

Approval of Agenda

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

E.

Public Comments

No public comments were received.

F.

Announcements - CEO & Superintendent, Board, Student Board Member

A. Rubalcava, CEO & Superintendent, congratulated staff across the network on another successful school year and highlighted accomplishments from the graduation and culmination season. He also recognized MSA - Santa Ana Principal Steven Keskinturk for being selected as Congressman Lou Correa's 2026 Man of Impact honoree.

 

Student Board Member S. Perez shared highlights from her participation on the Los Angeles County Superintendent Student Advisory Council, including her award-winning student video project focused on immigrant contributions and student engagement. She also shared updates regarding her enrollment awareness initiative and student promotional campaign.

 

G. Serce, Chief Academic Officer, highlighted successful graduation, promotion, and culmination ceremonies across Magnolia campuses and recognized community partnerships and elected officials who participated in the events.

 

B. Olivares, Chief Impact Officer, and M. Montalvo, Director of Community Schools, announced Magnolia's selection to participate in LACOE Community Schools professional development and the California Community Schools Empower Summit.

 

Board Chair M. Muhammedov congratulated staff and students on their accomplishments.

G.

Approval of Minutes from MPS Regular Board Meeting - May 21, 2026

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board Meeting on 05-21-26.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Covarrubias
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye

II. Student Board Elections

A.

Presentations of the 2026-27 Student Board Member

M. Wittek, Director of Student Services, introduced the three candidates for the 2026–27 Student Board Member position:

 

  • Sofia Perez (MSA-1)
  • Ilemi Cordoba (MSA-2)
  • Kaylee Godoy (MSA-4)

Each student presented their qualifications and goals for serving as Student Board Member. Board members asked questions following each presentation. Staff announced that Board members would receive voting instructions following the meeting and that the selected Student Board Member would be announced at the July Board Meeting.

III. Closed Session

A.

Public Announcement of Closed Session

M. Muhammedov, Board Chair, announced that they were going into closed session.

At 10:55 PM, the Board reconvened Closed Session after the Information/Discussion Items to continue discussion regarding Existing Litigation.

B.

Public Employee Performance Evaluation (§ 54957) - Title: CEO & Superintendent

The item was discussed in closed session.

C.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal Release (§ 54957)

This item was discussed in closed session.

D.

Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (§54956.9)

This item was discussed in closed session.

E.

Report Out of Closed Session

M. Muhammedov, Board Chair, reported that the Board discussed all Closed Session items.

 

No reportable action was taken regarding the CEO performance evaluation or employee discipline matters.

 

Regarding existing litigation, the Board directed staff to take the necessary next steps.

At 11:04PM, M. Muhammedov, Board Chair, reported that the Board unanimously approved a settlement agreement resolving the contested matter.

IV. Public Hearing

A.

Public Hearing for Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP) for All MPS

D. Yilmaz, Chief Accountability Officer, presented the proposed 2026–27 Local Control and Accountability Plans for all Magnolia Public Schools, including stakeholder engagement, organizational goals, student performance metrics, and annual priorities.

 

The Board discussed staff satisfaction, local indicators, implementation strategies, and continuous improvement planning.

 

The public hearing was opened.

 

No public comments were received.

B.

Public Hearing for 2026-27 Budgets for All MPS

C. Turan, Interim Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed FY2026–27 budgets, projected enrollment, financial outlook, one-time funding, reserve levels, bond compliance, and Home Office Management Fee Policy.

 

Board members discussed enrollment assumptions, contingency planning, one-time funding, and fiscal stabilization strategies.

 

The public hearing was opened.

 

No public comments were received.

V. Consent Items

A.

Approval of MPS 2026-27 Student/Parent Handbook

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the MPS 2026-27 Student/Parent Handbook.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Approval of 2026-27 Certification of Assurances, Protected Prayer Certification, and Application for Funding

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the 2026–27 Certification of Assurances, 2026–27 Protected Prayer Certification, and 2026–27 Application for Funding and General Assurances as presented.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Approval of 2026-27 Certification of Signatures Form and Resolution

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the 2026–27 Certification of Signatures Form for Charter School Funds Distribution Authorization. Signatures will be effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Authorized signatories will include the CEO/Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and MPS Governing Board Members.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Approval of MPS Annual Master List of Contracts for 2026-27 Fiscal Year

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the FY 2026-27 Annual Vendor and Master Contracts List for Magnolia Public Schools for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VI. Information/Discussion Items

A.

MPS’ Progress on Meeting Local Performance Indicators on the CA School Dashboard

D. Yilmaz, Chief Accountability Officer, presented Magnolia's annual Local Performance Indicators required by the California School Dashboard, including teacher assignments, instructional materials, family engagement, student climate, access to standards-based curriculum, and local indicator reflection results.

 

Board members discussed survey outcomes, Great Place to Work results, classroom observations, and continuous improvement efforts.

 

No action was taken.

VII. Action Items

A.

Approval of Board Resolution Regarding Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the Board Resolution Regarding Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, which approves a Certificate of Amendment to Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation and authorizes the appropriate officers and staff to execute and file the Certificate of Amendment with the California Secretary of State.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.

A. Zarnich, Director of Charter Petitions & Reporting, presented the proposed amendments required for CalSTRS certification compliance.

 

K. Troy, Young, Minney, & Corr, presented additional information regarding this item.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent

B.

Approval of 2026-27 MPS Board Officers

U. Yapanel made a motion to appoint Mekan Muhammedov to serve as the MPS Board Chair, Sandra Covarrubias as the MPS Vice-Chair, Erdinc Acar as the MPS Board Secretary, and Cafer Turan as the MPS Board Treasurer starting on June 18, 2026.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Orazov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Covarrubias
Aye

C.

Approval of 2026-27 MPS Board Calendar & Committee Calendar

S. Orazov made a motion to approve the 2026-27 MPS Regular Board Meeting Calendar and the MPS Board Committee Calendar to be moved to July Board Meeting.
M. Muhammedov seconded the motion.

M. Muhammedov, Board Chair, amended the calendar to include Board Retreat dates on:

 

  • August 15, 2026
  • April 10, 2027

Additionally, the Board Committee Calendar was tabled until the July Board Meeting.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Covarrubias
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye

D.

Approval of Board Resolution Regarding Amendment to Bylaws

S. Orazov made a motion to approve the Board Resolution Regarding Amendment to Bylaws, which approves and adopts an amendment to Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation’s bylaws to conform the Corporation’s dissolution and asset-distribution provisions to the CalSTRS Charter School/Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Certification requirements.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.

A. Zarnich, Director of Charter Petitions & Reporting, shared the information for this item and how the targeted amendment to Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation’s bylaws to ensure that the bylaws comply with the dissolution and asset-distribution requirements associated with CalSTRS Certification Form 0765 and IRS Notice 2015-07.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
D. Gonzalez
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye

E.

Approval of Board Resolution Regarding Amendment to Magnolia Science Academy – San Diego Charter

S. Orazov made a motion to approve the Board Resolution Regarding Amendment to Magnolia Science Academy – San Diego Charter, which approves revisions to the Magnolia Science Academy – San Diego charter petition to conform the charter’s dissolution and asset-distribution provisions to the CalSTRS Certification requirements.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.

A. Zarnich, Director of Charter Petitions & Reporting, shared that the purpose of this item is to approve targeted revisions to the Magnolia Science Academy – San Diego charter petition to ensure that the charter’s dissolution and asset-distribution provisions comply with the requirements of CalSTRS Certification Form 0765 and IRS Notice 2015-07.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Covarrubias
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye

F.

Approval of Board Resolution Regarding Amendment to Magnolia Science Academy – Santa Ana Charter

S. Orazov made a motion to approve the Board Resolution Regarding Amendment to Magnolia Science Academy – Santa Ana Charter, which approves revisions to the Magnolia Science Academy – Santa Ana charter petition to conform the charter’s dissolution and asset-distribution provisions to the CalSTRS Certification requirements.
M. Muhammedov seconded the motion.

A. Zarnich, Director of Charter Petition & Reporting, shared that the purpose of this item is to approve targeted revisions to the Magnolia Science Academy – Santa Ana charter petition to ensure that the charter’s dissolution and asset-distribution provisions comply with the requirements of CalSTRS Certification Form 0765 and IRS Notice 2015-07.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye

G.

Approval of Board Resolution Regarding Authorization to Submit CalSTRS Certification Form 0765 On Behalf of Charter Schools

S. Orazov made a motion to approve the Board Resolution Regarding Authorization to Submit CalSTRS Certification Form 0765 On Behalf of Charter Schools, which authorizes the administration to complete, execute, and submit the CalSTRS Charter School/Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Certification Form 0765 on behalf of Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation and its applicable charter schools.
M. Muhammedov seconded the motion.

A. Zarnich, Director of Charter Petition & Reporting, shared that this specific item is to authorize MPS administration to complete, execute, and submit CalSTRS Certification Form 0765 in order to certify compliance with CalSTRS requirements for charter schools and nonprofit public benefit corporations whose eligible employees participate in CalSTRS.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Orazov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Covarrubias
Aye

H.

Approval of 2026-27 MPS Employee Handbook

D. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the 2026-27 MPS Employee Handbook as presented with an effective date of July 1, 2026.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.

F. Del Carpio, Chief People Officer, explained the changes that were made to the Employee Handbook.

 

All questions from the Board were addressed.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Muhammedov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye

I.

Approval of Board Resolution for Creation and Elimination of Positions Across MPS Network for the 2026-27 School Year

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the resolution for creation and elimination of positions across MPS network effective July 1, 2026, in support of educational programs, student achievement, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.

F. Del Carpio, Chief People Officer, explained that this item is to ensure alignment with student needs, instructional and programmatic

priorities, scheduling, operational requirements, organizational effectiveness, and budgetary considerations. She also went into detail regarding the positions that would be reinstated.

 

All questions from the Board were addressed.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Orazov
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent

J.

Approval of Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP) for All MPS

S. Covarrubias made a motion to approve the LCAPs for all MPS.
M. Muhammedov seconded the motion.

D. Yilmaz, Chief Accountability Officer, explained that this is an LCAP requirement for all LEA's to have their LCAP approved by the board.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Orazov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent

K.

Approval of the 2026-27 Adopted Budgets for All MPS Sites and Home Office Management Fee Policy

S. Orazov made a motion to adopt the 2026–27 Annual Budget for all school sites as presented and the Home Office Management Fee Policy.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.

C. Turan, Interim Chief Financial Officer, shared that this adoption is in

accordance with applicable state and county requirements. The budget reflects updated revenue projections based on current LCFF planning factors, enrollment and ADA assumptions, staffing plans, and expenditure projections for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
M. Muhammedov
Aye

L.

Approval of Revised MPS Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual for 2026-27

S. Orazov made a motion to approve the revised MPS Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual for fiscal year 2026-27.
M. Muhammedov seconded the motion.

C. Turan, Interim Chief Financial Officer, explained the changes that were made to the fiscal policies and procedures.

 

All questions from the board were addressed by staff.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
M. Muhammedov
Aye

M.

Approval of Education Protection Act (EPA) Resolution for the 2026-27 School Year

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the Resolution for the Education Protection Act for the 2026-27 year.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.

C. Turan, Interim Chief Financial Officer, shared that this is a standard compliance item.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Gonzalez
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye

N.

Approval of Renewal Agreement for DMS Back Office Services for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year

S. Orazov made a motion to approve the Charter School Business & Administrative Services Agreement between Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation and Delta Managed Solutions, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
M. Muhammedov seconded the motion.

C. Turan, Interim Chief Financial Officer, presented the new agreement with DMS, including the cost and scope of work.

 

All questions from the board were addressed by staff.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Orazov
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
D. Gonzalez
Aye

O.

Approval of MPS 2026-27 Uniform RFP Winning Bid Selection

S. Covarrubias made a motion to approve Award of Contract for 2026-27 Student School Uniform Services to Uniformity & DM Graphics.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.

S. Acar, Chief Operations Officer, explained the RFP that was run for Uniform Services and how the team came to the conclusion based on the rubric that was included in the RFP.

 

All questions from the board were addressed by staff.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Covarrubias
Aye

P.

Approval of Construction and Contractor Change Orders for MSA-5

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the proposed construction change orders submitted by the prime contractors, Del Amo Construction, Pro-Craft Construction and Silver Creek Modular for the Magnolia Science Academy-5 project located at 7111 Winnetka Ave (the “ Project ”), in a total net amount not to exceed one hunderd ninety six thousand two hundred ninety seven and 19/100 Dollars ($196,297.19).
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.

P. Ontiveros, General Counsel & Director of Facilities, went over the change orders for the MSA-5 project. 

 

All questions from the board were addressed by staff.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Covarrubias
Absent
D. Gonzalez
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye

Q.

Approval of Extension and Amendment of Lease for 18355 Roscoe

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the Amendment to Lease between Magnolia Educational & Research Foundation dba Magnolia Public Schools (“MPS”) and The House LA, Inc. for the continued operation of Magnolia Science Academy-7 (“MSA-7”) located at 18355 Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge, California 91325. Staff further requests authorization for MPS administration to negotiate, finalize, and execute all documents necessary to implement the lease amendment in a form deemed appropriate and in the best interest of MPS.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.

P. Ontiveros, General Counsel & Director of Facilities, explained the lease changes and overall cost for the MSA-7 site.

 

All questions from the board were addressed by staff.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Covarrubias
Abstain
U. Yapanel
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye

R.

Approval of the Updated 2026-27 Home Office Compensation and Salary Bands for Home Office Employees

M. Muhammedov made a motion to approve the updated 2026-27 Home Office compensation and salary bands for Home Office employees effective July 1, 2026.
U. Yapanel seconded the motion.

F. Del Carpio, Chief People Officer, explained how this position addresses a key organizational need connected to enrollment, family engagement, ADA, staffing, budget, facilities, and long-term growth. The role is intended to strengthen networkwide support for schools by ensuring enrollment and engagement work is ongoing, strategic, and aligned across the organization.

 

All questions from the board were addressed by staff.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Dikbas
Absent
S. Orazov
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Absent
U. Yapanel
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Abstain
M. Muhammedov
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 12:15 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
M. Muhammedov