Magnolia Public Schools

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday February 11, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Location

MSA 6: 3754 Dunn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90034 Teleconference Information: Dial:1.844.572.5683 Code:1948435

Directors Present

A. Korkmaz (remote), D. Gonzalez, N. Huynh (remote), N. Russell-Unterburger (remote), R. Oten, S. Orazov (remote), U. Yapanel

Directors Absent

M. Kaynak, S. Sherkhanov

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

N. Russell-Unterburger

Guests Present

A. Gokce, B. Torres, C. Young

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

U. Yapanel called a meeting of the board of directors of Magnolia Public Schools to order on Thursday Feb 11, 2016 at 6:05 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes of Regular Board Meeting- January 21, 2016

U. Yapanel made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Meeting on 01-21-16 Board Meeting on 01-21-16.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Action Items

A.

Approval of Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for all MSA 1,2,3,5,7,8,SA,SC

D. Yilmaz, Director of Accountability, explained the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). He explained that the SPSA includes federal restricted funds and Magnolia has to report on how these funds will be used. SPSAs were approved by school site counsels and they now need Board approvals. M. Sahin, principal, explained to the Board what is currently being doing on site to support the implementation of the SPSAs. M. Sahin, C. Young, and D. Yilmaz addressed all Board members' questions. R. Oten recommended approval, he explained that the Community and Parent Engagement Committee had reviewed these plans and Principals presented the plans to them.
A. Korkmaz made a motion to approve the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for MSA 1,2,3,5,7,8, SA, SC.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Approval of Search and Seizure Policy for all MPS

K. Hourigan, Director of Student Affairs, explained the Search and Seizure Policy to the Board. She informed the Board that she had worked with the local police department when creating this policy. If approved, the policy allows search dogs to be brought to schools and do random searches. K. Hourigan explained that some school site counsels had requested this policy to be put in place. Once the policy is approved, parents will be informed through regular mail sent out with the students and during school assemblies amongst other forms of communication. This policy and procedure will be implemented at all Magnolia Public Schools (MPS).
U. Yapanel made a motion to approve the Search and Seizure Policy for all MPS.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Approval of School Safety Plans for all MPS Schools

K. Hourigan presented the School Safety Plans to the Board. She explained that every year these safety plans go to the Board. All safety plans have been reviewed by local authority. MSA Santa Ana will be revised when the new facility is complete. K. Hourigan addressed all Board members' questions.
U. Yapanel made a motion to approve the School Safety Plans for all MPS Schools.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Approval of Changes in Teacher's Salary Scale

T. Boatman, Director of Human Resources explained to the Board that the teachers' salary scale was discussed by multiple executive staff members and feedback from school staff was incorporated. She also explained that the current scale is below both charter and district schools pay scales. She made clear the importance of retaining talent and the need to improve the salary scale. Therefore, this item will require further discussion by the MPS Personnel committee and will come back to the full board for approval. T. Boatman addressed all board member questions. 
D. Gonzalez made a motion to direct the MPS Personnel Committee to discuss the salary scale in depth and bring the item back to the full board with a recommendation.
R. Oten seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Ms. Unterburgers' vote not counted.
N. Russell-Unterburger arrived.

E.

Approval of Changes in Tuition Reimbursement Policy

T. Boatman explained the changes of the Reimbursement Policy to the Board. She explained that the changes were based on  recommendations from employees and principals. These changes will not have a financial impact as the policy has already been approved and budgeted. T. Boatman addressed all Board members' questions.
N. Huynh made a motion to approve the changes in the Tuition Reimbursement Policy.
R. Oten seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Ms. Unterburgers' vote not counted.

F.

Approval of Move to Fixed Employment Contracts for School Site Staff

T. Boatman explained the changes of moving into fixed employment contracts for school site staff. She explained the benefits of the changes such as providing the Magnolia work force more job security, keeping high performers, and accountability. Principals presented their support and explained more of the benefits that this approval would bring to their schools. Fixed employment contracts will be implemented in all schools. being proactive. With the approval, this change will be effective 2016-17 school year. 
R. Oten made a motion to approve the move from At-Will Agreements to Fixed Term Agreements with 1,3, or 5 year provisions.
U. Yapanel seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Ms. Unterburgers' vote not counted.

G.

Approval of Certification of Signatures Form for Charter School Funds Distribution Authorization

O. Diaz explained that in accordance to Education Code 35143, 42632, and 42633, the Certification of Signatures form is required to formalize the personnel authorized to sign orders for salary or commercial payments, notices of employment and, contracts. He also explained that the approval of this item completes one of our state auditors recommendations. This item was previously reviewed the MPS Finance Committee . 
U. Yapanel made a motion to approve the Certification of Signatures Form for Charter School Funds Distribution Authorization.
S. Orazov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Ms. Unterburgers' vote not counted.

H.

Approval of Facility Move/Lease Agreement for MPS Home Office

Frank Gonzalez, Chief Growth Officer, explained the move of the home office location to downtown Los Angeles. She went over the reasoning and explained why this was the best option for the organization. Other home office staff presented their input on the move to the Board. Board members' questions were addressed.
D. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the move of the home office to downtown Los Angeles and authorize Dr. Caprice Young to execute the lease agreement.
U. Yapanel seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Ms. Unterburgers' vote not counted.

I.

Approval of Response to 20th St. Elementary Schools Parent Trigger Action in LAUSD

C. Young explained the 20th St Trigger Action to the Board. She explained that if this trigger becomes a possibility Magnolia staff is asking the Board to allow the organization to move forward with the trigger. With this trigger, Magnolia would use the same facility where the school is currently located. The Board requested for Magnolia staff to do a deep study on the community of this school and reach out to obtain support from parents and the community. C. Young addressed all Board members' questions and concerns. 
U. Yapanel made a motion to allow the staff to respond to the 20th Street parent trigger charter Request For Proposals to open in 2016-17 and to delay opening of other new 2017-18 schools as needed to ensure the success of existing current schools and 20th Street elementary.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Ms. Unterburgers' vote not counted.

III. Closed Session

A.

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS

This item was discussed, there is no action to report out.

B.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Title: Chief Academic Officer

This item was discussed, there is no action to report out.

C.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Title: Chief Of Staff

This item was discussed, there is no action to report out.

IV. Discussion Items

A.

18 Month Plans for MPS Board Committees

Written report was provided, the item was not discussed. 

V. Written Updates

A.

Student Enrollment Update for All Magnolia Science Academies 2016-17 Academic Year

A. Rubalcava gave an update on student enrollment numbers. He mentioned that families are excited with new MSA Santa Ana facility and their enrollment numbers continue to rise. He explained that the recruitment strategies and efforts have been working effectively and schools have been growing enrollment numbers. A. Rubalcava told the Board that moving forward the major focus for student recruitment would be MSA 4, MSA 5 and  MSA SC. A. Rubalcava addressed all Board members' questions. This was an information item, no actions were taken. 

B.

Finance Update

Written report was provided, the item was not discussed. 

C.

Update on Back Office Provider Services

Written report was provided, the item was not discussed. 

VI. 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 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
U. Yapanel