Making Waves Academy
Minutes
December Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday December 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Location
In-person at:
Making Waves Academy
4123 Lakeside Dr.
Richmond, CA 94806
And streaming on zoom:
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COMING SOON
- HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para acceder a la agenda y portadas en español/CLICK HERE to access agenda and cover sheets in Spanish: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:b0d63deb-2b65-4e64-9482-9d332a156108
- HAGA CLIC AQUI para acceder el reporte escolar/CLICK HERE to access the school board report in Spanish: https://bit.ly/4eLd72o
If you have questions about the board agenda and materials or you are in need of disability-related accommodations, please contact:
Si tiene preguntas sobre la agenda y materiales de la junta o necesita adaptaciones relacionadas con la discapacidad, comuníquese con:
Bryann Fitzpatrick at bfitzpatrick@mwacademy.org or (510) 994-6486.
Public Comment
- The public may address the MWA Board regarding any item within the subject-matter jurisdiction of the MWA governing board.
- Under Public Comment, members of the public may
- Comment on items on the agenda
- Comment on items not on the agenda
- Presentations are limited to two minutes each, or a total of twenty minutes for all speakers, or the two-minute limit may be shortened.
- In accordance to the Brown Act, the MWA Board may listen to comments, but can neither discuss nor take action on the topics presented. Members of the board are very limited in their response to statements or questions by persons commenting on items not on the agenda.
- Speakers may submit a request to speak before 9:00 AM on the day of the board meeting, fill out a comment card at the meeting, or raise their hand/use the raise hand function during the public comment sections of the meeting.
- If you would like to send your request to speak prior to the meeting, please email your request to bfitzpatrick@mwacademy.org in English or Spanish.
- Your submission should:
- indicate if it is a general public comment for the beginning of the meeting or a comment for a specific agenda item (please include the item number).
- include your name so that you can be called when it is your turn to speak.
- During the meeting, we will call your name and you should use the "raise hand" feature to identify yourself.
- Under SB1036 the minutes from this meeting will omit student and parent names and other directory information, except as required by judicial order or federal law. If a parent/ legal guardian wishes a name be included, one must inform the board prior to their public comment.
Comentarios públicos
- El público puede dirigirse a la Junta Directiva de la MWA con respecto a cualquier asunto dentro de la jurisdicción del tema materia por la Junta Directiva de la MWA.
- Bajo comentario público, los miembros del público pueden:
- Hacer comentarios sobre los puntos del orden del día
- Hacer comentarios sobre puntos no incluidos en el orden del día
- Las presentaciones están limitadas a dos minutos cada una, o un total de veinte minutos para todos los oradores, o se puede acortar el límite de dos minutos.
• De acuerdo con la Ley Brown, la Junta Directiva de la MWA puede escuchar los comentarios, pero no discutirán ni tomarán medidas sobre los temas presentados. La respuesta de los miembros de la Junta Directiva a las declaraciones o preguntas de las personas que comentan temas que no figuran en el orden del día es muy limitada.
- Mientras las reuniones se llevan a cabo virtualmente, los miembros del publico que desean hablar durante la junta pueden presentar una solicitud para hablar antes de las 9:00 a.m. del día de la reunión de la junta o usar la función de levantar la mano durante las secciones de comentarios públicos de la reunión.
- Si desea enviar su solicitud de uso de la palabra antes de la reunión, envíe su solicitud por correo electrónico a bfitzpatrick@mwacademy.org en inglés o español.
- En su solicitud:
- Incluya su nombre para que pueda ser llamado cuando sea su turno de hablar.
- indicar si es un comentario público general para el comienzo de la reunión o si es comentario público sobre un artículo específico del programa (incluya el número del artículo).
- Durante la reunión, le llamaremos por su nombre y deberá utilizar la función de "levantar la mano" para identificarse.
- En virtud de la SB1036, las actas de esta reunión omitirán los nombres de los estudiantes y padres y otra información del directorio, excepto cuando lo requiera la orden judicial o por la ley federal. Si un padre/tutor legal desea que se incluya un nombre, se debe informar a la junta antes de su comentario público.
If you have questions about the board agenda and materials or you are in need of disability-related
accommodations, please contact:
Si tiene preguntas sobre la agenda y materiales de la junta o necesita adaptaciones relacionadas con la
discapacidad, comuníquese con:
Bryann Fitzpatrick at bfitzpatrick@mwacademy.org or (510) 994-6486.
Please note that all agenda times are estimates.
Tenga en cuenta que todos los horarios de la agenda son estimaciones.
Directors Present
Alicia Malet Klein, Amy Obinyan, Enrique Romero (remote), Esther Hugo, Felicia Selva, Margaret Watson (remote)
Directors Absent
Janis Glover
Guests Present
Bryann Fitzpatrick, Valeria Serrano
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
II. Closed Session
A.
Confidential Student Discipline Matter
B.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
No action taken.
III. Additional Opening Items
A.
Remarks by Board President
The board noted the strength the SBAC data presentation, particularly cohort tracking and the comp analysis with district, county, state and local charters, and was pleased to see growth in most areas. Aso noted was increased stability and enthusiasm this fall.
B.
Public Comment
A parent shared public comment expressing appreciation for the school community, highlighting the CCC team, teachers, health staff, office administration, and the Unity Gala. She emphasized strong communication, student support, and a welcoming school environment.
A staff member requested that the Board review graduation math requirements to allow an alternative, A–G–aligned pathway for students who struggle with Algebra II, while still maintaining high expectations. She noted that students are succeeding in other advanced, College Board–approved math courses but may be at risk of delayed graduation due to Algebra II alone.
IV. Standing Reports
A.
ASB Update
Student leaders shared highlights from the year, including a successful pep rally, fall dance, and the first-ever Unity Gala, which increased student and parent engagement and raised funds for clubs. They also outlined upcoming initiatives such as a community movie night, an all-school meeting, a student newsletter, and a SLUG Grant event focused on college, career, and mental health. Board members commended the students for strong leadership, communication, and their focus on improving campus culture.
B.
Mission Connection
Student board member, Valeria Serrano, presented a mission connection video highlighting school culture, student voice, and community events across academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. The video showcased increased engagement, new programs, and pride in the school community. Board members expressed appreciation for the student-led work, particularly the addition of roles in marketingm and noted that it provided a strong snapshot of student life at MWA.
C.
Deep Dive: Test Scores
The board reviewed comprehensive ELA, math, and science assessment data, noting overall growth trends, strong fifth- and seventh-grade performance, and continued challenges in math, particularly in eighth grade. Persistent achievement gaps for English learners and students with disabilities were discussed, along with strategies including PLCs, coaching, increased rigor, and improved use of interim data to drive instructional adjustments. Board members emphasized the importance of teacher and student ownership of data, asked for updates on how teachers will use the data to adapt instruction and a deepened focus on integrated ELD practices. Figuring out how to achieve math score improvement was discussed.
D.
Q&A on Chief Executive Officer Report (CEO)
The board discussed upcoming WASC activities, the use of single-item analysis to inform instructional adjustments, and plans to share additional resources such as the career fair video. Questions were raised about 504 compliance staffing, with leadership noting interim coverage by the Director of Special Education and a future update planned. The board also acknowledged broader charter sector advocacy efforts and expressed optimism about continued improvements in school culture, belonging, and community engagement.
E.
Q&A on Chief Operating Officer Report (COO)
Board members acknowledged highlights revealed in the WASC report-writing process, noting strong culture and alignment across the organization, and well-understood mission and goals that guide decision-making. Staff expressed interest in clearer structures around student-centered practices and real-world learning. Recruitment updates were shared: interview questions are now tailored by role, panels include subject-matter experts for technical questions, and feedback is shared with hiring managers. Board participation in hiring for senior roles will be codified for clarity, aligning with existing bylaws and policies.
F.
Q&A on Written Finance Report
The finance committee is recommending approval of the interim reports, which will be addressed in the action items. No questions were raised on the general finance report. Board members acknowledged and commended the controller for the report.
G.
Break
V. Non-Action Items
A.
Board Work and Advisory Committee Updates
All but one board member has completed required ethics training.
Student board member, Valeria Serrano, shared her proposal for her "Waves Connect" event, a career/alumni connection program, working with the CCC team and MWEF to connect students with alumni in various fields for mentorship and potential summer job shadowing. She hopes to launch interest forms by January and schedule the first event in April. Board members suggested late afternoon or early evening for participation, outreach to alumni on MW foundation and school boards, and the thought to include alumni who overcame challenges (e.g., English learners, students with disabilities) to inspire current students. The proposal was praised for its organization, clarity, and focus, and board participation was confirmed.
Dr. Esther Hugo provided an update on the Curriculum & Instruction Advisory Committee and WASC work. She highlighted the expansion of AP and advanced coursework, the emphasis on instructional coaching and data-driven observations, and initiatives supporting college and career readiness, including internships, mentoring, and college visits. WASC chapters 1–3 have been completed and will be reviewed by the board soon, and advisory time is increasingly used for social-emotional learning and student support. Committee members noted progress in evidence-based decision-making and structured meetings.
VI. Action Items
A.
MWEF-MWA Shared Services Agreement
Valera Serrano gave a preferential vote to approve this item.
B.
2024-25 Audit Report
Audit advisory committee recommends approval.
Valera Serrano gave a preferential vote to approve this item.
C.
FY205 First Interim Budget
Valera Serrano gave a preferential vote to approve this item.
VII. Consent Action Items
A.
Vendor Invoices for November 2024
Valera Serrano gave a preferential vote to approve this item.
B.
Accept Minutes: October Board Meeting
Valera Serrano gave a preferential vote to approve this item.
C.
Accept Audit Advisory Meeting Minutes
Valera Serrano gave a preferential vote to approve this item.
VIII. Discussion Items
A.
Appreciations by the Board of Directors
The board expressed appreciation for educators, public service professionals, and board members for their dedication and commitment to students and the school community. The board acknowledged the joy, energy, and stability brought by leadership, staff, students, and families throughout the year, noting it as a meaningful way to close the year and begin the next.
B.
Schedule of Remaining Board of Directors Meetings for 2025-26
Sep 8, 2025 at 4pmOct 20, 2025 at 4pmDec 15, 2025 at 11am- Jan 26, 2025 at 11am
- Mar 9, 2026 at 4pm
- May 4, 2026 at 4pm
- Graduation Jun 11, 2026 at 6pm
- Jun 15, 2026 at 11am
IX. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
- ASB Board Report - December.pdf
- For MWA Board Pre-Read - 2024-25 SBAC & CAST Data.pdf
- MWA CEO Report to the MWA Board_DEC 2025_ABN.docx.pdf
- December 2025_COO Board Report.pdf
- MWA October Financials-11.26.25 - Board.pdf
- CIRAC Fall 2025.pptx
- Waves Connect Proposal_Dec 2025 MWA Board Meeting.pdf
- MWEF_MWA FY26 SSA_Draft .docx.pdf
- Making Waves Academy 2025 audit governance letter draft 11.11.25.pdf
- Making Waves Academy Rpt 2025 draft 12.4.25.pdf
- Executive Summary - 2025-26 1st Interm Budget- 2nd Draft-Board.pdf
- FY25-26 1st Interim Budget-School.pdf
- FY25-26 1st Interim Budget-Central Office.pdf
- Bill Payment List - Oct-Nov 2025.pdf
- December 2025_Board Slides.pdf
- 2025_12_15_board_meeting_agenda-Spanish.pdf
On expulsion case number 2025003, the board voted unanimously to approve the stipulated expulsion with suspended enforcement.