Soleil Academy
Minutes
Soleil Academy Annual Board Retreat - Special Meeting
Date and Time
Saturday June 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Location
3900 Agnes Ave. Lynwood, CA. 90262 (Satellite Option: 3900 Agnes Ave. Lynwood, CA 90262)
OR
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7564585437?pwd=cmdKc1huRFl4MjJGanVCLzZ6dHEwUT09
Meeting ID: 756 458 5437
Passcode: 155911
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Board Meeting will be held at 3900 Agnes Ave. Lynwood, CA. 90262 and on zoom on the above date and time. During the meeting, the Board will consider, discuss, and may take action upon any of the agenda items listed below.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Members of the public calling in or participating via Zoom will be given the opportunity to address the Board during the meeting. Members of the public who wish to comment during the Board meeting may use the “raise hand” function on the Zoom platform to indicate their desire to speak at the beginning of consideration of that agenda item or during the period provided for comments from the public on non-agenda items. Members of the public who wish to speak on any item are requested (but not required) to identify themselves and indicate on which agenda item they wish to speak. The Board will provide an opportunity for the public to speak on each agenda item for a maximum of three (3) minutes per person or six (6) minutes if a translation is required.
ACCESSIBILITY – If you need special assistance, disability-related modifications, translation, or other reasonable accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Gricelda Ramirez at (323) 409-0801. Notification at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting will enable Soleil Academy to make arrangements that will ensure accessibility.
Directors Present
J. Noel, L. Safa, S. Johnson, V. Reynolds
Directors Absent
K. Armstrong, V. Gonzalez-Diaz
Ex Officio Members Present
B. Gutierrez, J. Kinoshita
Non Voting Members Present
B. Gutierrez, J. Kinoshita
Guests Present
A. Grant (remote), R. Avilez
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
II. Consent Agenda
A.
Minutes from 5/21/25 Soleil Academy Board Meeting
B.
After-School Contract
C.
Cross Country Contract
D.
Christine Suh Contract
E.
Health Insurance Premiums
F.
Commercial Insurance Premiums
G.
Soleil Bylaws
H.
Employee Handbook
I.
Parent-Student Handbook
J.
Job Descriptions
K.
Salary Scales
L.
Attendance Recovery Policy
M.
ConApp Funding
N.
EPA Spending Plan
O.
Prop 28 Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report
III. Finance Committee
A.
Updates
B.
May Financials
C.
Fiscal Policies
R. Avilez noted fiscal policies have been updated to reflect current practices and evolving organizational needs and shared key updates made to the following:
- Lines of authority
- Contract and expenditure approvals
- Deposits procedure
- Competitive bidding threshold
- Credit card reconciliation
D.
Credential Reimbursement Policy
B. Gutierrez reviewed recommended updates to Soleil Academy’s credential reimbursement policy. The policy shift is intended to align more closely with Soleil Academy’s compensation philosophy: investing in people as professionals, fostering a culture of trust, and reinforcing the belief that retention should be earned through a supportive and rewarding environment.
E.
Local Indicators Report
B. Gutierrez noted key highlights to the report in the areas of Instruction & Materials, Family Engagement, Academic Partnerships, School Climate, and Broad Course Access.
F.
2025-26 LCAP Public Hearing
G.
2025-26 LCAP
B. Gutierrez noted the 2025 LCAP goals will remain the same but will differ are the actions taken for each.
She went into detail about key needs and data trends, notably in the area of English Learner progress, including the identified root causes and planned EL reforms.
She then reported numbers for total revenue, planned spending, and the LREBG Grant. The LREBG Grant will be used to support assessments, reading interventionist, behavior support, and extended instructional time.
H.
2025-26 Budget
R. Avilez and A. Grant reviewed the budget, noted that management made strategic adjustments and identified priority areas for spending. He reported that some funding has been secured, additional funding is pending, and efforts are underway to align resources with program needs. Future plans include new initiatives to support student attendance and continued monitoring of revenue opportunities.
IV. Governance Committee
A.
Updates
B. Gutierrez reviewed updates regarding prospective Board members, Board member resignation, pending submissions of the Board Self-Evaluation, and addressing the Executive Director evaluation at the July meeting.
B.
Executive Director Contract
B. Gutierrez noted her compensation will not change this coming school year.
V. Reynolds requested clarification on what the ED's on-site schedule would be next school year and whether the new responsibilities of other administrators will be clearly outlined.
Some of the the ED responsibilities outlined in the job description will need to be removed as they have transitioned to other staff members, but this will not hinder the approval of the ED contact. Updates to the job description will be discussed at the next meeting.
C.
Reading Difficulties Risk Screening Policy
R. Avilez outlined Soleil Academy's new policy to ensure early identification and intervention for students at risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, as part of its commitment to closing academic achievement gaps. Key components are annual and inclusive screenings.
This policy ensures Soleil is in alignment with best practices and California’s dyslexia guidelines, helping build strong literacy foundations in the early grades.
D.
Instructional Continuity Plan
R. Avilez reviewed Soleil Academy's adoption of an Instructional Continuity Plan (ICP) to ensure that student learning and family engagement can continue without interruption during emergencies that disrupt in-person instruction, such as natural disasters, public health events, or other major incidents.
E.
School Safety Plan
R. Avilez noted the School Safety Plan was reviewed and approved in February 2025. However, with the adoption of the Instructional Continuity Plan (ICP), they are now required to incorporate the ICP as part of the overall safety plan.
V. Management Update
A.
Soleil Management Updates
R. Avilez noted ADA percentage and budgeted enrollment goals were met and Soleil is on a trajectory towards lowering chronic absenteeism and improving academic achievement.
VI. Academic Committee
A.
Updates
As Principal Serrano was not in attendance, her pre-recorded review of academic data was viewed.
She noted highlights, key takeaways and new priorities for the upcoming school year.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Forthcoming topics:
- ED Evaluation
- Board Self-Evaluation
- Approval of 2 new board members
- Board goals and committees
A. Grant noted nrollment is slightly below the budgeted target, while average daily attendance is performing above expectations. The increase in LCFF revenue is attributed to a higher In-Lieu of property tax rate. The forecast includes a notable amount of one-time restricted funding, with additional funds still available for use through the 2027–28 fiscal year. These remaining funds include allocations for educator development and student learning recovery efforts. Some of the learning recovery funds have been reserved for use in future school years. Currently, net income is projected to be positive, and year-end cash reserves are expected to remain strong.