1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

               Case No. 30-2024-01430946

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Heidi’s January highlights presentation focused on strategic planning, community engagement, and staff recognition. Here is a concise summary of the key takeaways:

• Strategic Planning: Heidi expressed gratitude for the recent Admin Summit, noting that the team’s collaborative efforts were instrumental in strategizing for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Parent Engagement: A major emphasis was placed on the "Parent Power-Up" initiative. This program aligns with core school goals by providing workshops to educate parents on specific curriculum and instructional techniques.
• Staff Recognition: The presentation concluded with a special tribute to Sarah Bobar. Celebrating 12 years with the school, Sarah was recognized as a "pillar of strength" and a vital mentor whose dedication and transition into ELD support have significantly impacted the staff and student body.

Tamara Murphy’s presentation highlighted the growth of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), emphasizing data-driven interventions and early support.

1. Program Reach & Impact

• WIN ("What I Need"): Currently serves 675 student interventions in reading and math.
• Focus on Literacy: Efforts are heavily concentrated on 2nd grade to secure foundational reading skills before 3rd grade.
• Specialized Plans: Supports include 35 SST plans and 80 504 plans, with a seamless referral process between Special Education and general intervention.
• Vulnerable Students: Providing targeted support for 19 unhoused students and one foster student.

2. Key Successes

• System Efficiency: Improved collaboration with principals has given Tier 1 teachers more tools, resulting in a reduction in required SST meetings.
• Positive Engagement: New weekly "Proud View" emails and incentives have increased student participation and generated "super positive" parent feedback.

3. Future Initiatives

• New ELA Essentials: Data supports the creation of a dedicated ELA Essentials class to match current math offerings.
• Earlier Start Dates: By using Spring data for fall scheduling, the team aims to start interventions a month earlier, bypassing the traditional October delay.

Joe Sorrera’s presentation on the 2026-27 State Budget balanced immediate funding gains with long-term economic caution.

Financial Growth & Risks

• New Revenue: The Governor’s proposed 2.41% COLA translates to approximately $600,000 in "new money" for the school.
• Deficit Concerns: A $22 billion state deficit is projected for 2027-28. Because California relies heavily on volatile stock market taxes, Joe advised a "conservative budgeting" approach to protect reserves.

Pension Stability (CalSTRS)

• Stabilized Rates: Employer contribution rates have leveled off at 19.10%, allowing for more predictable multi-year planning.
• Funding Health: The CalSTRS pension fund is now 77% funded, a significant improvement from 66% a decade ago.
• Market Reliance: Investment returns account for 60% of every dollar in the pension fund, highlighting the school’s indirect sensitivity to the stock market.

Enrollment Trends

• Statewide Decline: California is projected to lose 1 million students by 2035 due to lower birth rates and immigration shifts.
• Strategic Impact: For Excel, this means increased competition. Maintaining enrollment stability and aggressive growth strategies are now essential for long-term fiscal health.

Jenny Craig’s Mid-year LCAP update confirmed that all four primary school goals are fully implemented, with student outcomes consistently exceeding state averages:

LCAP Goal Performance

• Academic Growth (Goal 1): Students continue to outperform state averages in ELA and Math (CAASPP). Data-driven instruction and "deep dives" into results ensure targeted academic support.
• Engagement & Climate (Goal 2): High ADA (Average Daily Attendance) is driven by effective interventions for English Learners (ELs) and students with disabilities.
• Safety & Inclusion (Goal 3): The school maintains a personalized learning environment with vetted providers and consistent translation services for all families.
• College/Career Readiness (Goal 4): Expansion of A-G courses, CTE pathways, and community college partnerships ensures high schoolers are on track for graduation.

Budget & Enrollment

• Fiscal Oversight: Expenditures align with budgeted allocations, monitored by the CBO and Director of Operations to ensure responsibility.
• Growth Trends: The 2025-26 budget reflects an increase specifically due to rising student enrollment, requiring additional staff to maintain instructional quality.

1. Check Register - January 2026
2. Cash Payments - January 2026
3. Approval of Document Tracking Services (DTS) Licensing Agreement Renewal
4. Approval of SurveyMonkey Agreement

1. Approval of the 2026-2027 Excel Academy Academic School Calendar

2. Approval of the 2026-2027 Master Agreement 

3. Approval of the 2026-2027 Acknowledgement of Responsibilities

4. Approval of the Overnight Field Trip to Catalina

1. Approval of the 2026-2027 Excel Academy Academic School Calendar

2. Approval of the 2026-2027 Master Agreement 

3. Approval of the 2026-2027 Acknowledgement of Responsibilities

4. Approval of the Overnight Field Trip to Catalina

1. Approval of Certificated Personnel Report
2. Approval of Classified Personnel Report
3. Approval of Excel Academy Charter School Comprehensive Safety Plan Revisions

The board concluded the session with a strong, unified message of gratitude and commendation for the entire Excel Academy team.

Susan opened the comments with a personal reflection on her commitment to the school’s mission, expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity to continue witnessing the "great work" being done. 

This sentiment of appreciation was echoed by Mike and Steve, who both specifically lauded Heidi’s leadership and emphasized that the school's success is a result of a "wonderful group" and a "unity of purpose."

Larry characterized the presentations as "great information" provided by a "stellar staff," while Steve made a point to recognize not only the leaders present but also the many staff members working behind the scenes. 

Overall, the board's remarks painted a picture of a highly cohesive organization where the leadership and staff are deeply aligned in their efforts to support students.

Heidi concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the board’s leadership, specifically thanking President Hall, Vice President Mike, and Clerk Steve for their commitment, while sharing her joy at seeing Susan in attendance. She also highlighted Larry’s recent contribution, noting that his expertise added significant value during the team’s Admin Summit.

Turning to a major strategic update, Heidi revealed that the school has officially submitted a charter petition to Irvine Unified School District. While she anticipates that "legislative tension" and current moratoriums may lead to a denial at the district level—requiring an eventual appeal to the county—she emphasized the importance of following the proper legal sequence.

The team is currently preparing a 20-minute presentation for a public hearing on March 10th. Heidi noted that they have been studying the Irvine board’s culture to ensure their pitch is as effective as possible, framing the move as a vital step toward securing the school’s long-term stability and longevity.