The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Board members, staff, and guests.

Refer to the attendance information recorded above. Student Board Member, I. Cordoba was present.

No public comments were made at this time.

A. Rubalcava, Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, recognized MPS schools for a strong first month of the academic year and their focus on deeper learning. He also announced that all Board members completed the required Brown Act and Conflict of Interest trainings and received their certificates of completion by August 26, 2026.

M. Muhammedov, Board Chair, reported that the Board will be going into Closed Session to discuss three items:

1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (§ 54957) - Title: CEO & Superintendent
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation pursuant to (§54956.9): 1 case
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (§54956.9): 1 case

Item was discussed in closed session.

Item was discussed in closed session.

Item was discussed in closed session.

The Board returned from closed session at approximately 8:30 PM. M. Muhammedov reported out and corrected an error from the prior Board meeting with the following comment: "I would like to amend that at the July 23rd, 2026 meeting after exiting closed session, the board reported on the first closed session agenda item, public employee performance evaluation for the CEO and superintendent that the board took an action. This report was made an error. The board confirms that the corrected report for that item at the July 23rd, 2026 meeting is as follows: No action was taken." 

Additionally, Mr. Muhammedov, reported in open session that on all items in closed session, the Board took no action and directed staff to take next steps.

S. Orazov, Finance, Audit, Risk and Facilities (FARF) Committee Chair, provided a brief summary of the MPS Annual Authorizer Oversight Reports from LACOE and LAUSD, noting that the item had been discussed in detail during the FARF Committee meeting. He shared that the Committee reviewed the reports, corrective actions, and planned next steps with staff.

B. Olivares, Managing Director of Enrollment and Community Engagement, presented an update on 2026-27 enrollment, noting that overall enrollment is trending positively and is close to the network's budgeted target. E. Acar, Deputy Superintendent, gave the finance and budget perspective. Staff identified MSA 3, MSA 4, and MSA Orange County–Anaheim as schools requiring continued enrollment focus and discussed strategies to strengthen student recruitment and retention.

Board members asked questions regarding enrollment gaps and factors affecting student retention. Staff provided clarification and discussed ongoing efforts to address these areas, including a continued focus on retention and transition from 8th to 9th grade.

C. Turan, Interim Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed approval of the preliminary non-binding Stifel engagement and authorization of CSFA applications for potential 2026C and 2026D financing. He clarified that the $22.5 million amount represents an application ceiling and does not authorize borrowing or final debt issuance.

Board members asked questions regarding the financing timeline, maximum financing amount, and proposed terms. Staff and representatives from Stifel provided clarification and noted that the proposed financing details would be brought back to the Board at the October 8, 2026 meeting for further consideration.

P. Ontiveros, General Counsel and Director of Facilities, presented the proposed approval of construction and contractor change orders for the MSA-5 project at 7111 Winnetka Avenue in an amount just under $100,000. He explained that the change orders included owner-requested anti-graffiti coating and building signage, as well as additional work related to project scope gaps.

Board members asked questions regarding the remaining project contingency, potential future change orders, scope gaps, and the cost of the building signage. Staff provided clarification and noted that additional change orders may be brought forward as the project nears completion.

S. Orazov, FARF Committee Chair, provided a brief summary of the 2025-26 Unaudited Actuals, noting that the item had been reviewed in detail during the FARF Committee meeting, including a comparison of year-end actuals to the Second Interim projections. The FARF Committee recommended approval of the item.

G. Serce, Chief Academic Officer, presented the proposed approval of the Board resolution for the creation of positions across the MPS network for the 2026-27 school year. He explained that the positions are needed to address increased special education needs, enrollment and program needs at MSA-5, and grant-funded Home Office positions that will provide support across MPS campuses. He also requested an amendment to change the two proposed full-time Physical Education (PE) Teacher Aide positions at MSA-5 to two part-time PE Teacher Aide positions. 

Board members asked questions regarding the need for the additional positions, particularly special education staffing, and staff provided clarification.
 

G. Serce, Chief Academic Officer, presented the Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Reports for the 2025-26 fiscal year. He explained that Proposition 28 provides dedicated state funding to support arts and music programs through staffing, outside partnerships, and program supplies. He noted that annual reporting is required and that reports were completed for all applicable MPS schools, with MSA Orange County to begin reporting in the following year.

Board members were provided an opportunity to ask questions or provide comments.

G. Serce, Chief Academic Officer, and S. Keskinturk, MSA Santa Ana Principal, presented the proposed programmatic trip to China for high school students participating in the school’s robotics program. They explained that the 10-day trip would provide students with learning experiences focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, and technology, including visits to high-tech companies and educational institutions.

Board members asked questions regarding trip costs, fundraising, insurance and safety, staff participation, and whether the trip may become a recurring opportunity. Staff explained that fundraising would be used to offset costs, with participating families covering any remaining balance, and that additional travel insurance options would be explored.

A. Rubalcava, Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, presented the review of the current Conflict of Interest Code and the 2026 Multi-County Agency Biennial Notice. He explained that the Conflict of Interest Code requires updates due to newly created positions, positions that no longer exist, and revisions to disclosure categories. He requested Board authorization for staff to proceed with the required amendments and submit the Biennial Notice to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) by the October 1 deadline.