No announcements.

No public comments.

The board reconvened from closed session at 6:46pm and there were no reportable actions.

Adrienne, CEO presented the at-will employment agreement for the Assistant Director of Student Services. The position is on the organization chart and they have interviewed the candidate.

Adrienne, CEO stated there was water intrusion at John Henry High School which caused extensive damage across the campus. The school has already spent about $10,000 on the initial water removal. AMPS have received a $100,000 repair quote for the full project and a verbal $70,000 estimate to replace damaged equipment. Because additional costs may arise and vendor selection is still in progress, she is requesting board approval for an expenditure authorization of up to $225,000. The incident has been submitted to the insurance provider, which has a $2,500 deductible. AMPS will pay expenses upfront and will be reimbursed.

Adrienne, CEO requested a one-time board authorization of up to $50,000 for curriculum purchases across all schools. The curriculum has already been adopted and is currently in use. This authorization would prevent the need to return to the board for multiple smaller approvals.

Board Chair Rodolfo asked if the purchases will be for next academic year or if it is a reorder for the current year.

Board member Davis asked if this cost was budgeted for.

Adrienne clarified that this is a reorder because the schools did not initially purchase enough curriculum, and confirmed that the curriculum costs are included in the budget.

Mary, Senior Director of Student Services and Special Education presented the master contract with a non-public school for securing a placement for a student. As required by the IEP, they need to provide the most appropriate educational setting to ensure the student receive the necessary services and support that could not be adequately provided on AMPS campus. She noted that the cost would likely exceed the previously approved amount and would include transportation. Therefore, she requested that the board approve the placement.

Board member Peter asked about the selection process.

Mary said after researching multiple schools offering intensive behavioral, mental, and emotional support, the team identified a small program that fit the student’s needs. The school provided robust services, including a therapist, two behaviorists, and an aide in each classroom with a maximum of six students, along with both individual and family counseling. The goal was to help the student develop regulation skills so he could eventually return to AMPS. The enrollment process was extensive; the school met with the parents, reviewed the student’s IEP, and required parent consent before the placement could be finalized.

Adrienne, CEO reported that the school received full property tax bills for both the 1402-JHHS building and the 1450-BJE/RCA building. Adrienne requested that the board authorize payment of the bills while staff researched the exemption status as public schools typically receive property tax exemptions. She noted that this situation had occurred previously with DCA, where the bills were paid and refunds were later issued once the exemption was confirmed.

Board member Peter asked how the refund was previously done and if AMPS can file for prior years.

Adrienne stated that, based on her understanding, AMPS did not properly request the property tax exemption in the year prior to her arrival. Adrienne emphasized that it is standard practice for public schools to submit the exemption request and she will do so for the prior missed years. The refund will go to the landlords and AMPS will request for reimbursements from them.

Board Chair Rodolfo asked if the payment is for the first installment.

Adrienne said AMPS will be paying for the first installment and is asking for board approval for the full amount in the case that a full amount need to be made.

Adrienne, CEO requested approval for a fifth amendment to the lease through December 31st to give time to clear out the Oakland Charter High School building.

Board member Peter questioned whether the board could reconsider the decision regarding the campus location. He expressed strong concern about giving up campus that required significant effort to secure. Peter stated that he believed it would be a mistake to  give up the location and suggested that the school should move there rather than remain at DCA's current location. He asked whether there was any possibility of revisiting the decision.

Board Chair Rodolfo stated that discussions about moving or retaining the campus should occur as part of the broader merger plan. He noted that the current lease would be maintained until December 31st, allowing sufficient time to address those considerations later. For the meantime, he emphasized that the immediate issue before the board was whether to approve an amendment to the lease.

Adrienne, CEO presented the material revision for DCA. AMPS proposed the expansion of DCA and unifying the students from OCA into DCA for the 2026-2027 school year. She shared the benefits of the expansion that will have for the school diversity, students, academics, fiscally, and sustainability for the school.

Board member Jorge mentioned for the team to explore the possibility of renaming Downtown Charter Academy or implementing a strategic plan as DCA is not located in downtown Oakland.

Board Chair Rodolfo explained that a name change would require a completely new charter and CDS code, which is a separate process from a material revision. He suggests this could be included in a presentation to the board of education. However, the discussion is not about proposing a new name, but rather addressing strategic points, such as ensuring no traffic issues would result from the change.

Vice Chair Margie addressed a typo on page 20 about independent study which should state no more than 15 days.

Board Chair Rodolfo nominated himself as Chair, Margie, and Liz.

Board Chair Rodolfo nominated Davis as Chair, Maria as Treasurer, and Liz.

Board Chair Rodolfo nominated Peter as Chair, Jorge and Margie.

Board Chair Rodolfo nominated Jorge as Chair, Rodolfo, and Davis.