Magnolia Public Schools

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday May 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM

Location

https://zoom.us/j/97703296079?pwd=SkFXdTd6c2FsUE1EN3VVUmNCdGt4Zz09

Meeting ID: 977 0329 6079      Passcode: 989307
One tap mobile: +16699009128,,97703296079# US (San Jose)
Board Members:
Mr. Haim Beliak, Chair
Dr. Umit Yapanel, Vice-Chair
Dr. Salih Dikbas
Ms. Diane Gonzalez
Ms. Sandra Covarrubias
Mr. Mekan Muhammedov

CEO & Superintendent:
Mr. Alfredo Rubalcava

Directors Present

D. Gonzalez (remote), H. Beliak (remote), M. Muhammedov (remote), S. Covarrubias (remote), S. Dikbas (remote), U. Yapanel (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

H. Beliak

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 Thursday May 27, 2021 at 6:05 PM.

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

Refer to attendance information reported above.

C.

Approval of Agenda

H. Beliak arrived at 6:07 PM.
H. Beliak made a motion to approve the amended agenda with the removal of Action Item II A & II D.
D. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
A. Rubalcava, CEO & Superintendent, gave context regarding the tabling of both items and will be brought to the Board at a later Board Meeting.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Dikbas
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
H. Beliak
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye

D.

Public Comments

A.Roberson, Basketball Coach at MSA-Santa Ana, thanked the school for the work being down with the Power Of One Foundation and the No One Left Behind Partnership which has positively impacted the community and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed hosting a possible basketball tournament in the future as an event for all MPS. S.Keskinturk, Principal at MSA-Santa Ana, also expressed his appreciation for MPS staff, Board members and his staff. 

E.

Announcements from CEO & Superintendent and Board Members

A.Rubalcava, elaborated on continuing the great work as stated in the public comments. He also publicly recognized staff and the community from MSA-San Diego for being recognized as a 2020 California Distinguished School from the California Department of Education. G.Serce, Principal at MSA-San Diego, shared pictures of the event the school created to recognize their staff and shared pictures of the virtual event held to celebrate all schools who were also recognized as California Distinguished Schools. S.Covarrubias, Board Member, made a request to bring back the updated health and safety policy and IIPP COVID-19 addendum that was approved on May 13, 2021 for a continued discussion with the Board and public. This item will not go for a re-vote.

II. Action Items

A.

2021-22 Pay Raise Scales for Teachers, Non Classroom Based Academic Personnel and School Leaders

This item was tabled during the Approval of Agenda.

B.

Approval of Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant Plans

E.Acar, Chief Academic Officer, presented the Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant Plans for all Magnolia Science Academy schools (MSA1-8, MSA-Santa Ana & MSA-San Diego). The one time funding was granted as part of AB 86 COVID-19 relief package, where the funding will be used to provide supplemental instruction and support that would benefit disadvantaged pupil groups who have faced adverse learning and social-emotional circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be expended by August 21, 2022. He provided context regarding how the funds will be used given the purposes that are allowable. A few Principals presented their ELOG plans. Staff addressed questions from the Board Members. 
U. Yapanel made a motion to approve the Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant Plans for all Magnolia Public Schools.
S. Covarrubias seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye
H. Beliak
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye

C.

Approval of 2021-22 School Calendars for all MPS

E.Acar, Chief Academic Officer, presented the 2021-22 MPS School Academic Calendars for all Magnolia Science Academy Schools. Different from previous years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to address learning loss, many charter schools and districts have considered extending the 2021-22 school year. MPS staff surveyed stakeholders-parents and teachers-with three options of the calendars for feedback. E.Acar presented the results of the surveys and projected the calendars based on the survey results. The results indicated the number of instructional days: MSA1-8, 185 instructional days; MSA-Santa Ana, 180 instructional days; MSA-San Diego, 180 instructional days. School sites will ensure they are compliant with the annual instructional minute requirements. Salary compensations would be incorporated to address the extra five days, a estimated cost was presented in the report. Staff addressed all questions made by the Board Members.
 

D. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the 2021-22 School Calendars for all Magnolia Public Schools (MPS).
S. Dikbas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
U. Yapanel
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
H. Beliak
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
M. Muhammedov
Aye

D.

2021-22 Uniform RFP Winning Bid Selection

This item was tabled during the Approval of Agenda.

E.

Approval of College and Career Access Pathways Partnership (CCAP) Agreement between Magnolia Public Schools and Los Angeles Valley College

E.Acar, Chief Academic Officer, presented the agreement to move forward in partnership with Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). AB 288, gives the opportunity for Community Colleges to partner with High Schools and establish college and career pathways to give students the path of an easier transition to colleges.  Students do not pay for these classes and credits that will be earned are towards them receiving their Associates Degree. M.Avsar, Principal at MSA-4, elaborated that expanding these opportunities will allow students to take college courses throughout their high school career. Staff addressed all Board Members questions. 
S. Covarrubias made a motion to authorize the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership Agreement between Magnolia Public Schools and Los Angeles Valley College.
U. Yapanel seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Muhammedov
Aye
S. Dikbas
Aye
D. Gonzalez
Aye
S. Covarrubias
Aye
U. Yapanel
Aye
H. Beliak
Aye

III. Closed Session

A.

Public Announcement Of Closed Session

H. Beliak announced that the Board will be going into Closed Session to discuss anticipated initiation of litigation, public employment and public employee performance evaluation for the CEO and would report out any actions taken.

B.

Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Initiation of Litigation ((§ 54956 (b))

This item was discussed in Closed Session.

C.

Public Employment (§ 54957)

This item was discussed in Closed Session.

D.

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

This item was discussed in Closed Session.

E.

Report Out Of Closed Session

H. Beliak announced in Open Session at 8:09pm that board directed staff on several items.

IV. 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 8:09 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
H. Beliak