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Excel Academy (CA)

Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors

Published on September 4, 2026 at 1:56 PM PDT

Date and Time

Tuesday September 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT

Location

Excel Academy Charter School

1 Technology Drive, Ste I-811

Irvine, CA 92618

 

San Clemente Office Suites

501 N. El Camino Real, Ste 200 (Room 201)
San Clemente, CA 92672

 

Zoom Meeting Information:

Meeting ID: 910 0484 7339

One tap mobile: +16694449171,,91004847339# US

URL: https://zoom.us/j/91004847339

MISSION STATEMENT

At Excel Academy, we invest in each student by providing a personalized and engaging learning experience centered on a collaborative partnership between school and home that creates unmatched opportunities for excellence and future success.

 

 

THE ORDER OF BUSINESS MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the order of consideration of matters on this agenda may be changed without prior notice.

 

REASONABLE LIMITATIONS MAY BE PLACED ON PUBLIC TESTIMONY

The Governing Board’s presiding officer reserves the right to impose reasonable time limits on public testimony to ensure that the agenda is completed.

 

  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY

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 this meeting of the Governing Board may request assistance by contacting Excel Academy Charter Schools.

Agenda

Section Number Topic Number Details Purpose Presenter Time
I. Opening Items 10:00 AM
  A. Call the Meeting to Order William Hall 1 m
  B. Record Attendance William Hall 1 m
   

Roll Call:

William Hall, President

Michael Humphrey, Vice President

Steve Fraire, Clerk

Susan Houle, Member

Larry Alvarado, Member

  
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Approve/Adopt Agenda 10:02 AM
  A. Agenda Vote William Hall 1 m
   

It is recommended the Board of Directors adopt as presented, the agenda for the Regular Board meeting of September 8, 2026.

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
IV. Approve Minutes 10:03 AM
  A. Approve Minutes Approve Minutes William Hall 1 m
   

Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on August 13, 2026.

 

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
    Minutes for Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors on August 13, 2026  
  B. Approve Minutes Approve Minutes William Hall 1 m
   

Minutes of the Special Board Meeting held on August 20, 2026.

 

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
    Minutes for Special Meeting of the Board of Directors on August 20, 2026  
V. Public Comments/Recognition/Reports
 

Please submit a Request to Speak to the Board of Directors using the chat feature on the right hand side of the Zoom platform.  Please state the agenda item number that you wish to address prior to the agenda item being called by the Board President.  Not more than three (3) minutes are to be allotted to any one (1) speaker, and no more than twenty (20) minutes on the same subject. This portion of the agenda is for comments, recognitions and reports to the Board and is not intended to be a question and answer period.  If you have questions for the Board, please provide the Board President with a written statement and an administrator will provide answers at a later date.

  
VI. Correspondence/Proposals/Reports 10:05 AM
  A. School Highlights - Presented by Heidi Gasca, Superintendent/CEO Discuss Heidi Gasca 8 m
     
  B. Charter Number form and California Department of Education Application - Presented by Heidi Gasca, Superintendent/CEO Discuss Heidi Gasca 3 m
     
     
VII. Consent 10:16 AM
 

Items listed under Consent are considered routine and will be approved/adopted by a single motion.  There will be no separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be removed from the Consent upon the request of any member of the Board, discussed, and acted upon separately. 

  
  A. Consent - Business/Financial Services
   
  1. Check Register - August 2026
  2. Cash Payments - August 2026
  3. Ratification  of The Association of Personalized Learning Schools & Services (APLUS+) Membership Renewal for 2026-27
  4. Approval of APLUS+ Network Conference 2026 
  5. Approval of Document Tracking Services (DTS) Licensing Agreement Renewal
  6. Approval of SurveyMonkey Agreement
  7. Approval of Irvine Office Lease with the Irvine Company LLC (Renewal)
  8. Approval of the Ordering Purchase System (OPS) (Renewal)
  9. Approval of McDougal Boehmer Foley Lyon Mitchell & Erickson Agreement for Legal Services for 2026-2027
  10. Approval of the California Charter School Association (CCSA) Membership for 2026-2027 (Renewal)
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  B. Consent - Education Student/Services
   

1. Approval of the Pali Institute Overnight Science Camp Field Trip

2. Approval of the Imagine Edgenuity Licenses

3. Approval of the Curriculum Associates (iReady Assessment) Agreement (Renewal)

4. Approval of Lexia Core 5/Power UP Literacy Subscription

5. Approval of PresenceLearning Inc. (Renewal)

6. Approval of Subject Technologies Inc. Subscription (Renewal)

7. Approval of GoGuardian (Renewal)

8. Approval of the Tutor.com (Renewal)

9. Approval of the 2026-2027 Excel Academy Charter School English Language Development (ELD) Handbook for Families

10. Approval of the 2026-2027 Comprehensive Safety Plan

  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  C. Consent - Personnel Services
   
  1. Approval of Certificated Personnel Report
  2. Approval of Classified Personnel Report
  3. Approval of the 2026-2027 Employee Handbook Revisions
  4. Approval of Educational Leadership Services (ELS) Agreement
  5. Approval of the Zoom Phones Purchase for Excel Academy Staff
  6. Approval of Effective School Solutions Contract
  7. Approval of Learning & the Brain Proposal
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
  D. Consent - Policy Development Vote William Hall 2 m
   

Approval of existing board policies revised, reviewed, and eliminated by staff for the 2026-2027 school year.

 

Board Policies: Revised 

The following are current policies that have been revised to provide clarity or alignment with changes in law or procedures:

 

3000 Series - Business Services

3030 - EA Credit Card Use Policy

 

6000 Series - Instruction

6090 - EA Curriculum Selection Policy

 

Items in the consent agenda are considered routine and will be approved/adopted by a single motion.

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
     
     
     
VIII. Board Governance 10:18 AM
  A. Approval of the Annual Board of Directors' Self-Evaluation Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended that the Board approve the final Annual Board of Director's Self-Evaluation for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  B. Approval of Board of Directors Reappointment and Terms of Office: S. Fraire Vote Heidi Gasca 3 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the reappointment of Steve Fraire and his relative term for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
  C. Approval of Board of Directors Reappointment and Terms of Office: S. Houle Vote Heidi Gasca 3 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the reappointment of Susan Houle and her relative term for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
  D. Administer Oath of Office Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

The EACS Board of Directors Manual States the Following: 

 

It is a tradition of the Board that, prior to entering office, all Board members take an oath or affirmation.

The following oath may be administered and certified by the Superintendent/CEO and/or the Board President.

  
     
IX. Business/Financial Services 10:28 AM
  A. Approval of Unaudited Actuals for the 2025-2026 School Year Vote Joe Mills 10 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the Unaudited Actuals for the 2025-2026 School Year for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
     
     
  B. Adoption of the 2026-27 Budget for Excel Academy Charter Schools Vote Joe Mills 10 m
   

It is recommended the Board adopt the budget for Excel Academy Charter Schools for the 2026-27 school year. 

 

Fiscal Impact: As presented

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
     
  C. Approval of the 2026-27 Education Protection Account (EPA) Multi-Year Plan for Orange County Vote Joe Mills 5 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the Education Protection Account (EPA) Multi-Year Plan for Excel Academy Charter School-Orange County for the 2026-27 school year. 

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  D. Approval of the Proposition 28 Arts & Music Grant Annual Report Vote Joe Mills 5 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the Proposition 28 Arts & Music Grant Annual Report for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: N/A

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
     
     
     
  E. Approval of Vendor Course Instruction (VCI) Providers Vote Joe Mills 4 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the Vendor Course Instruction (VCI) Providers for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: Up to $150,000 per vendor

Warner (#2053): $69,000.00

Helendale (#2073): $61,500.00

Orange County: $19,500.00

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  F. Approval of the Stampli Contract (Renewal) Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the Stampli Contract Renewal for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: $50,000.00

Warner (#2053): $23,000.00

Helendale (#2073): $20,500.00

Orange County: $6,500.00

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  G. Approval of the Sage Intacct Ageement (Renewal) Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the Sage Intacct agreement renewal for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: $55,680.00

Warner (#2053): $25,612.80

Helendale (#2073): $22,828.80

Orange County: $7,238.40

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  H. Approval of Additional Chromebooks Purchase Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the additional Chromebooks purchase for 2026-2027 for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053), and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: $466,110.09

Warner (#2053): $191,105.14

Helendale (#2073): $191,105.14

Orange County: $60,594.31

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  I. Approval of Second Additional Chromebooks Purchase Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the additional Chromebooks purchase for 2026-2027 for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053), and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: $213,319.78

Warner (#2053): $98,127.10

Helendale (#2073): $87,461.11

Orange County: $27,731.57

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
X. Charter Affairs 11:10 AM
  A. Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between Excel Academy-OC and the Orange County Department of Education Vote Heidi Gasca 3 m
   

It is recommended that the Board approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Excel Academy-OC and the Orange County Department of Education.

 

Fiscal Impact: N/A

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
XI. Educational Services 11:13 AM
  A. Approval of Instructure Learning Platform - Canvas Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended that the Board approve Instructure Learning Platform - Canvas for Excel Academy Charter School, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: $86,960.00

Warner: $40,001.60

Helendale: $35,653.60

Orange County: $11,304.80

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  B. Approval of 1st Day School Supplies Boxes for 2026-2027 Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the 1st Day School Supplies Boxes for the 2026-27 School Year for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange.

 

Fiscal Impact: $72,623.62

Warner (#2053): $33,406.87

Helendale (#2073): $29,775.68

Orange County: $9,441.07

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  C. Approval of Bright Thinker Service Licenses (Renewal) Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the Bright Thinker Service Licenses Renewal for 2026-2027 for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: $87,500.00

Warner (#2053): $40,250.00

Helendale (#2073): $35,875.00

Orange County: $11,375.00

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
  D. Approval of FlexPoint Education Cloud (Renewal) Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the FlexPoint Education Cloud Renewal for the 2026-2027 School Year for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: $60,532.50

Warner (#2053): $27,844.95

Helendale (#2073): $24,818.32

Orange County: $7,869.23

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
XII. Personnel Services 11:21 AM
  A. Approval of 2026-2027 Strategic Staffing Plan & Salary Schedules Vote Heidi Gasca 3 m
   

It is recommended the Board approve the 2026-2027 Strategic Staffing Plan & Salary Schedules for Excel Academy Charter Schools, Helendale (#2073), Warner (#2053) and Orange County.

 

Fiscal Impact: As delineated on the attached plan.

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
  B. Approval of Superintendent/CEO Goals for 2026-2027 Vote Heidi Gasca 3 m
   

It is recommended that the Board approve the Superintendent/CEO Goals for 2026-2027 presented during the Board Meeting which was held on August 13, 2026.

 

Fiscal Impact: N/A

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
XIII. Policy Development 11:27 AM
  A. Approval of New Board Policies Vote Heidi Gasca 2 m
   

It is recommended that the Board approve the proposed policies. 

 

Board Policies: New

 

4000 Series - Personnel

4115 - EA Outside Employment and Conflict of Interest Policy

 

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  
     
XIV. Calendar
 

The next scheduled Regular Board Meeting will be held both in person and virtually on October 13, 2026.

  
XV. Board Comments
XVI. CEO Comments
XVII. Closing Items 11:29 AM
  A. Adjourn Meeting Vote William Hall 1 m
   

Roll Call Vote:

William Hall

Michael Humphrey

Steve Fraire

Susan Houle

Larry Alvarado

Moved by ______ Seconded by ______ Ayes _____ Nays _____ Absent _____

  

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information concerning this agenda, contact

 Excel Academy Charter School.