Equitas Academy Charter School

Minutes

June Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday June 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Location

1612 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

 

Additional call-in locations: 

1700 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

2723 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

1050 Beacon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015

2501 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

4324 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

2420 Mathews Ave #A, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

509 S Lincoln Pl, Monrovia, CA 91016 

3731 W 227th St, Torrance, CA 90505

 

 

Topic: June Board Meeting
When: Jun 26, 2025 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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PUBLIC COMMENT AT EQUITAS ACADEMY BOARD MEETINGS – An opportunity for the public to address the Board will be provided prior to discussion and action on agenda items. Members of the public who wish to speak on any item are requested to identify themselves and indicate on which agenda item they wish to speak. The Board will provide an opportunity for the public to speak for a maximum of three (3) minutes, unless granted additional time at the discretion of the Board. Testimony shall be limited in content to matters pertaining to Equitas Academy. The Board may not take any action on matters discussed during the public testimony period that are not listed on the agenda. Brown Act Compliance: Agenda posted at School.
 

All times are approximate and are provided for convenience only. All items may be heard in a different order than how they are listed on the agenda on any day of the noticed meeting. The order of business may be changed without notice. 


Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, may request assistance in advance of the meeting by contacting Equitas Academy Charter School at 1700 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015 or by phone (213) 201-0440.

Directors Present

C. Langston (remote), L. Heisser, M. Gomez, P. Reddy (remote), R. McKenzie, S. Jauregui, T. Hollenberg

Directors Absent

D. Ortiz, T. Bell

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

P. Reddy

Directors who left before the meeting adjourned

P. Reddy

Guests Present

A. Cruz, A. Pariano, B. Canosa-Carr, C. Melgares, J. Edelman, J. Freeman, J. Gonzalez, J. Rayas (remote), J. Rudolph, K. Farrar, L. Lofton, L. Mitre, N. Peters (remote), R. Spencer, S. Estilai, S. Roditti

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

L. Heisser called a meeting of the board of directors of Equitas Academy Charter School to order on Thursday Jun 26, 2025 at 3:53 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

M. Gomez made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Retreat Meeting on 05-31-25.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Jauregui
Aye
R. McKenzie
Abstain
D. Ortiz
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
P. Reddy
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
C. Langston
Aye

II. Public Comment

A.

Public Comment

No Public Comment.

III. Public Report on Action Taken in Closed-Session

A.

Public Report on Action Taken in Closed-Session

No Action was taken in closed session.

P. Reddy left at 3:53 PM.

IV. Compensation

A.

CEO Compensation

R. McKenzie made a motion to CEO Compensation for 25-26'.
T. Hollenberg seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. McKenzie
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Aye

V. Public Hearing to Review Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs)

A.

Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs)

B.

Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs)

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Equitas Academy, Equitas Academy 2, Equitas Academy 3, Equitas Academy 4, Equitas Academy 5 and Equitas Academy 6.
C. Langston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Langston
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Bell
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Aye

VI. Organizational Updates

A.

Review of California Dashboard '24-'25 Local Indicators

Robert Spencer shared an update on Local Control Accountability  Plan for each Equitas School - Hearing.

B.

Collegiate Merger Update & Agreement

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Collegiate Merger Agreement.
C. Langston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Heisser
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent

C.

Board Resolution Confirming Merger-Related Lease and Intercept Amendments

C. Langston made a motion to Approve Board Resolution Confirming Merger Related Lease & Intercept Amendments.
M. Gomez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Bell
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
R. McKenzie
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye

D.

Equitas Priorities

Sofia Roditti, Robert Spencer, Jennifer Freeman and Bobby Canosa-Carr shared  details on organizational priorities.

E.

EQ5 Charter Renewal

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve EQ5 Renewal Resolution.
L. Heisser seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Langston
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
R. McKenzie
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
P. Reddy arrived at 5:30 PM.

F.

'25-'26 Budgets

T. Hollenberg made a motion to Approve the 25'-26' Budget.
L. Heisser seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Hollenberg
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
T. Bell
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye

G.

Monthly Financials

Monthly Financials were presented by Jason Rudolph. Not vote was required.

H.

Dinner Break

I.

School Spotlight

3 Equitas Alumni shared gratitude and updates on their college journey.

J.

School Business Services

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve School Business Services Contract.
T. Hollenberg seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
R. McKenzie
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent

K.

Equitas Academy #3 and Equitas #3 LLC Inter-Agency Facilities Receivable/Payable Accounting and Reconciliation

T. Hollenberg made a motion to Approve Equitas Academy #3 & Equitas Academy #3 LLC Inter-Agency Facilities Receivable/Payable Accounting and Reconciliation.
R. McKenzie seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Langston
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Bell
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye

L.

'25-'26 Equitas Student & Family Handbook

L. Heisser made a motion to Approve the '25-'26 Equitas Student & Family Handbook.
M. Gomez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Langston
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
P. Reddy
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye

M.

'25-'26 Equitas Employee Handbook

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve '25-'26 Equitas Employee Handbook.
C. Langston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Jauregui
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
T. Bell
Absent

N.

Credential Limited Assignment Options (LAO)

R. McKenzie made a motion to Approve Credential Limited Assignment Options (LAO).
M. Gomez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. McKenzie
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent

O.

Dyslexia Screener

L. Heisser made a motion to Approve Dyslexia Screener.
M. Gomez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
P. Reddy
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye

P.

Arc After School Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

C. Langston made a motion to Approve Arc After School Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
R. McKenzie seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Ortiz
Absent
R. McKenzie
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
P. Reddy
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye

VII. Consent

A.

Updated Annual Policies

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Updated Annual Policies.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. McKenzie
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye

B.

Child & Adult Care Food Program Contract

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Child & Adult Care Food Program Contract.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Heisser
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye

C.

'25-'26 Equitas Fiscal Policies & Procedures

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve '25-'26 Equitas Fiscal Policies & Procedures.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Hollenberg
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent

D.

Education Protection Act Spending Plan '25–'26

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Education Protection Act Spending Plan '25–'26.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Gomez
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
P. Reddy
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent

E.

'24-'25 Spring Consolidated Application (Conapp)

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve '24-'25 Spring Consolidated Application (Conapp).
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
P. Reddy
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
R. McKenzie
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
C. Langston
Aye

F.

Collective LAUSD Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Notification Letter

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Collective LAUSD Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Notification Letter.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
P. Reddy
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye

G.

Amendment to Equitas Academy #4 School Facilities Lease

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Amendment to Equitas Academy #4 School Facilities Lease.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Bell
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent
P. Reddy
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye

H.

Amendment to Equitas Academy #5 School Facilities Lease

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Amendment to Equitas Academy #5 School Facilities Lease.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Langston
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Absent
R. McKenzie
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Bell
Absent
P. Reddy
Aye

I.

Amendment to Equitas Academy #6 School Facilities Lease

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Amendment to Equitas Academy #6 School Facilities Lease.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Jauregui
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
P. Reddy
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Absent

J.

Amendment to Equitas Collegiate High School Facilities Lease

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Amendment to Equitas Collegiate High School Facilities Lease.
S. Jauregui seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
P. Reddy
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye
C. Langston
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye

VIII. Resource Development

A.

Committee Goals

Catie Langston shared updates on the 24-25' Resource Committee Goals.

IX. Governance Committee

A.

Committee Member Recognition & Acceptance of Resignation

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve Committee Member Recognition & Acceptance of Resignation.
L. Heisser seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Bell
Absent
D. Ortiz
Absent
L. Heisser
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
M. Gomez
Aye

B.

'25-'26 Board Calendar

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve '25-'26 Board Calendar.
R. McKenzie seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Heisser
Aye
S. Jauregui
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Aye
T. Bell
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye

C.

'25-'26 Nominating Slate

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve '25-'26 Nominating Slate.
C. Langston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Gomez
Aye
T. Hollenberg
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
T. Bell
Absent
C. Langston
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
S. Jauregui
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye

D.

'25-'26 Board Goals

M. Gomez made a motion to Approve '25-'26 Board Goals.
T. Hollenberg seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Jauregui
Aye
R. McKenzie
Aye
P. Reddy
Absent
T. Bell
Absent
T. Hollenberg
Aye
D. Ortiz
Absent
M. Gomez
Aye
L. Heisser
Aye
C. Langston
Aye

E.

Committee Goals

X. 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 6:43 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
L. Heisser