Board, staff and guests conducted the pledge of allegiance.

M. De La Rosa, Student Board Member, was marked present for this meeting, joining remote. Refer to attendance information recorded above. 

The Board listened to several public comments from members of the public regarding their grievances of co-location. Public members represented the schools of Sunny Brae and Lorne Elementary. Order of the public comments were by the order of which the Speaker Card was received by the Board Secretary. The Board also gave space for those members joining via zoom to express their sentiment.

Board Meeting paused and a break was taken.

M. De La Rosa, Student Board Member, briefed the Board on the Student Forum that she has been focusing on during her term. She reported that the forum is to give space to MPS students to hear any concerns and improvements they would like to see at their schools and share promising practices. She reported that she has been working with J. Hernandez, Director of Student Services, regarding the logistics and inviting Magnolia students to attend on February 22nd. She also reported several events happening at Magnolia Science Academy-5.

M. Muhammedov, Chair, announced that he visited Magnolia Science Academy-2. He reported on speaking with staff and  visiting classrooms and enjoyed seeing staff working cohesively and enjoyed the engagement at the school site. He also reported that he visited Magnolia Science Academy-1 to view the progress of the schools facilities projects.

D. Yilmaz, Chief Accountability Officer, informed the Board on MPS' performance on the 2023 CA School Dashboard data and tied in the CEO metrics. He detailed the state's measurements and how all Magnolia schools performed compared to the schools and districts across the state. He went over MPS' performance in English Language Arts, performance in Mathematics, performance in English Learners Progress, performance in College/Career Indicator, performance in Graduation Rates, performance in Chronic Absenteeism Rate and performance in Suspension Rates. Board asked clarifying questions which were addressed by staff.

O. Polat, Director of State and Federal Programs, briefed the Board on the LCAP development process in which Home Office staff collaborates with school site leadership to ensure that the LCAP school-wide goals, annual measurable outcomes and specific actions are aligned to the eight state priorities that the schools engaged in with their educational partners during the development. Meetings occur throughout the year to gather updates on the outcome data and expenditure data to help measure the school's progress towards the LCAP targets and plan next steps. He reported that mid-year update reports assists the schools and educational partners to reflect on the implementation of the current LCAP. All schools mid-year report was submitted. Z. Ocel, Principal at Magnolia Science Academy-3 presented his schools mid-year report and reflected on the school operations and instruction. Board Members engaged with the staff on questions.

S. Budhraja, Chief Financial Officer, reported on the Governor's 2024-25 State Budget to update the Board on the preliminary information that has been provided. He went over proposed new policies and funding, proposed delays and reductions impacting schools, and ongoing state investments. He reported that they will have additional information as they get close to the May revise. He reported on MPS's current and proposed programs such as facilities project investments, staff compensation/employee benefits, investment in the Community Schools Program, Orange County expansion initiative and partnerships with other organizations. He presented the cost of living adjustment and detailed next steps. Board Members asked clarifying questions. Staff addressed all further questions from the Board.

P. Ontiveros, General Counsel & Director of Facilities, introduced K. Tomas as the newest member of the Facilities Department serving as the Assistant Project Manager. She is an alumni of Magnolia Science Academy-1 graduating in 2011. K. Tomas updated the Board on several ongoing facilities projects for Magnolia Science Academy (MSA)-1, 2, 5, Santa Ana & San Diego. M. Sahin, Project Manager, introduced James Villanueva , Gateway's Construction Manager for the MSA-5 project. James briefed the Board next steps such as meeting with Silver Creek to review up to date designs on the modular approach and releasing a bid for the DLR design to get pricing scenarios. They are working on providing these packages to the Board at a future Board Meeting. Jim Bush, Facilities Consultant, provided approval updates so far. S. Budhraja, Chief Financial Officer, updated the Board on financing for MSA-5. Board Members questions were addressed by staff. 

U. Yapanel, Board Member & Chair of the Governance Committee, reported the updates to MPS' structure on the standing MPS Board Committee's. Dr. Umit Yapanel will serve as an alternate member for the Academic Committee; Mr. Mekan Muhammedov will be removed from the Nominating/Governance Committee and instead be placed as an alternate member for that committee; Dr Salih Dikbas will serve in the Nominating/Governance Committee and serve as an alternate member for the Educational Partners & Development Committee.

J. Hernandez, Director of Student Services, briefed the Board on the updates made to the School Wellness Plan in accordance with the National School Lunch Program requirements where schools are mandated to establish local wellness policy to address nutrition and physical activity education. He reported that the plan consists of nine (9) components; Preamble, MPS Wellness Committee; Accountability; Nutrition Services; Nutrition and Health Education; Physical Activity; Other Activities that Promote Student Wellness; Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child; and Glossary. 

J. Hernandez, Director of Student Services, reported on the Comprehensive School Safety Plans for all Magnolia schools. He reported that schools co-located and authorized by Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) adopts an integrated safe school plan. He explained that school sites co-located with other schools have one plan that is meant for all schools who are sharing that campus. He added that the plans are a live document. Board Members questions were addressed by staff. 

P. Ontiveros, General Counsel & Director of Facilities, briefed the Board on the set of procedures to implement the requirements of the CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Magnolia Science Academy-5 project. He reported that the CA Department of Education requires a CEQA analysis for projects funded through the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC). He added that an initial study was conducted that an extensive analysis on the impacts of the project was also completed. Exhibit A on the report is procedures implementing CA Environmental Quality Act for Magnolia Public Schools. Board Members questions were addressed by staff.

M. Muhammedov announced that the Board will be going into closed session to discuss public employment for title: Principal and would report out any actions that may be taken.

This item was discussed in Closed Session.

M. Muhammedov announced in Open Session at 11:32pm that the Board discussed the item and informed the staff on next steps.