Wonderful College Prep Academy
Minutes
WCPA August Board of Directors Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday August 24, 2021 at 5:30 PM
This meeting is being held in accordance with the Brown Act as currently in effect under the State of Emergency Services Act, the Governor’s Emergency Declaration related to COVID-19, and the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020, that allows the Board to conduct the meeting and the Board members and the public to participate by teleconference, videoconference, or both.
Directors Present
M. Avilez (remote), M. Moreno (remote), P. Martinez (remote), S. Castellanos (remote)
Directors Absent
E. Unruh
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
P. Martinez
Guests Present
A. Manuel (remote), A. Martinez (remote), B. DeFlitch (remote), B. Toomey (remote), J. King (remote), J. Steiner (remote), L. Sanchez (remote), M. Morillo (remote), T. Garrison (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
S. Castellanos called a meeting of the board of directors of Wonderful College Prep Academy to order on Tuesday Aug 24, 2021 at 5:35 PM.
B.
Flag Salute
S. Castellanos led in the flag salute.
C.
Record Attendance
D.
Public Comments
No public comments at this meeting.
II. Consent Agenda
A.
Review and Approve: Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 27, 2021
M. Moreno made a motion to approve the minutes from WCPA July Board of Directors Meeting on 07-27-21.
M. Avilez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Absent
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
B.
Review and Approve: Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of August 9, 2021
M. Moreno made a motion to approve the minutes from WCPA Board of Directors Meeting on 08-09-21.
M. Avilez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Absent
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
C.
Ratification of Delano July 2021 Vendor Payments
M. Moreno made a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items II A-D as presented.
M. Avilez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Absent
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
D.
Ratification of Lost Hills July 2021 Vendor Payments
M. Moreno made a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items II A-D as presented.
M. Avilez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Absent
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
Consent Agenda Items II A-D were approved as presented with one motion.
III. Regular Agenda - Policies and Compliance
A.
Action Item: Approval of Revised 2021-22 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) - Delano
M. Moreno made a motion to approve the revised 2021-22 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano).
M. Avilez seconded the motion.
Superintendent Manuel presented the revised LCAP for Wonderful College Prep Academy with the changes made after consultation with representatives from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. The changes were the inclusion of additional metrics for targeted student subgroups and addressed priority areas; and expanded language on increased and improved services for unduplicated students.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| P. Martinez |
Absent
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
B.
Action Item: Approval of Revised 2021-22 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) - Lost Hills
M. Avilez made a motion to approve the revised 2021-22 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills.
M. Moreno seconded the motion.
Superintendent Manuel presented the revised LCAP for Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills with the changes made after consultation with representatives from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. The changes were the inclusion of additional metrics for targeted student subgroups and addressed priority areas; and expanded language on increased and improved services for unduplicated students.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Absent
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
P. Martinez arrived at 5:39 PM.
C.
Action Item: Review and Approve Supplemental 2021-22 Bell Schedules for Elementary, Middle, and High School for Delano
P. Martinez made a motion to approve the Supplemental 2021-22 Bell Schedules for Elementary, Middle, and High School for Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano).
M. Moreno seconded the motion.
Superintendent Manuel presented the Supplemental 2021-2022 bell schedules for Wonderful College Prep Academy – Delano in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and parent feedback. These schedules allow for a staggered start time by grade band and accommodate additional COVID mitigation strategies the Academy is putting into place in response to current COVID transmission in the communities it serves, including: (1) reducing the number of students riding a school bus to allow for physical distancing; and (2) ensuring that there is less co-mingling of students at entrances and exists.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
IV. Regular Agenda - Human Resources/Talent/Academics
A.
Information Item: Review of Agreement No. 2021/22-003 between Kern Community College District, Bakersfield College and Wonderful College Prep Academy for the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership
Superintendent Manuel presented the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership (CCAP) Agreement for Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano) as an information item while the agreement is still being finalized. This agreement will offer expanding dual enrollment courses between WCPA, Kern Community College District and Bakersfield College.
B.
Information Item: Review of Agreement No. 2021/22-004 between Kern Community College District, Bakersfield College and Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills for the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership
Superintendent Manuel presented the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership (CCAP) Agreement for Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills as an information item while the agreement is still being finalized. This agreement will offer expanding dual enrollment courses between WCPA, Kern Community College District and Bakersfield College.
Chairperson Castellanos stated that she would need to recuse herself from Regular
Agenda Items IV-C and D, as she is employed by The Wonderful Company, an entity that is indirectly related to the parties to the two agreements. Chairperson Castellanos stated that she did not participate, negotiate, and was not involved in the agreements in any way.
For purposes of the Regular Agenda Items IV-C and D, Board Member Moreno was appointed Chairperson pro tem and led the discussion and vote for these items.
Chairperson Castellanos and Alesha Hixon, a nominee for an open seat on the WCPA Board of Directors and a current employee of The Wonderful Company, were placed in a virtual breakout room at 5:44pm.
Agenda Items IV-C and D, as she is employed by The Wonderful Company, an entity that is indirectly related to the parties to the two agreements. Chairperson Castellanos stated that she did not participate, negotiate, and was not involved in the agreements in any way.
For purposes of the Regular Agenda Items IV-C and D, Board Member Moreno was appointed Chairperson pro tem and led the discussion and vote for these items.
Chairperson Castellanos and Alesha Hixon, a nominee for an open seat on the WCPA Board of Directors and a current employee of The Wonderful Company, were placed in a virtual breakout room at 5:44pm.
C.
Action Item: Agreement No. 2021/22-005 between The Wonderful Company and Wonderful College Prep Academy for Charitable Pledge for the Agriculture Career Prep Program
M. Avilez made a motion to approve Agreement No. 2021/22-005 between The Wonderful Company and Wonderful College Prep Academy for Charitable Pledge for the Agriculture Career Prep Program.
P. Martinez seconded the motion.
Superintendent Manuel presented the pledge agreement with The Wonderful Company ("TWC"). Under the agreement, TWC would donate up to $263,300 for the Career Prep program (WCPA’s college dual enrollment program) at WCPA Delano for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The pledge terms include a donation of $355 per student enrolled and attending the Career Prep program at WCPA Delano (up to a maximum of 460 students) plus $100,000 for a Career Prep coordinator.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
The pledge terms include a donation of $355 per student enrolled and attending the Career Prep program at WCPA Delano (up to a maximum of 460 students) plus $100,000 for a Career Prep coordinator.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| P. Martinez |
Aye
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| S. Castellanos |
Abstain
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
D.
Agreement No. 2021/22-006 between The Wonderful Company and Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills for Charitable Pledge for the Agriculture Career Prep Program
M. Avilez made a motion to approve Agreement No. 2021/22-006 between The Wonderful Company and Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills for Charitable Pledge for the Agriculture Career Prep Program.
P. Martinez seconded the motion.
Superintendent Manuel presented the pledge agreement with The Wonderful Company ("TWC"). Under the agreement, TWC would donate up to $71,300 for the Career Prep program (WCPA’s college dual enrollment program) at WCPA - Lost Hills for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The pledge terms include a donation of $355 per student enrolled and attending the Career Prep program at WCPA - Lost Hills (up to a maximum of 60 students) plus $50,000 for a Career Prep coordinator (0.5 FTE).
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
The pledge terms include a donation of $355 per student enrolled and attending the Career Prep program at WCPA - Lost Hills (up to a maximum of 60 students) plus $50,000 for a Career Prep coordinator (0.5 FTE).
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| S. Castellanos |
Abstain
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| P. Martinez |
Aye
|
Chairperson Castellanos and Alesha Hixon left the virtual breakout room after the conclusion of the discussion and vote on Regular Agenda Items IV-C and D at 5:48 pm.
E.
Action Item: Review and Approval of Agreement No. 2021/22-007 between Point Loma Nazarene University and Wonderful College Prep Academy for the Student Teaching/Clinical Practice Partnership, Fieldwork Placement, and Teaching Internship
M. Moreno made a motion to approve Agreement No. 2021/22-007 between Point Loma Nazarene University and Wonderful College Prep Academy for the Student Teaching/Clinical Practice Partnership, Fieldwork Placement, and Teaching Internship.
P. Martinez seconded the motion.
Superintendent Manuel presented the agreements with Point Loma Nazarene University School of Education for its teacher certification program. The agreements will allow for candidates to be placed at WCPA to earn field work credit, clinical practice credit and internship hours. The approved agreements are as follows:
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
- Fieldwork Placement Agreement
- Student Teaching and Clinical Practice Agreement
- Teaching Internship Agreement
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
F.
Action Item: Appointment of Alesha Hixon as Board Member and Chairperson of the Board
M. Moreno made a motion to approve the appointment of Alesha Hixon as Board Member and Chairperson of the Board.
P. Martinez seconded the motion.
Superintendent Manuel nominated Alesha Hixon as board member and Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Wonderful College Prep Academy. Ms. Hixon is currently the Associate Vice President of Community Programs for the Wonderful Company. She runs the Wonderful Preschools, the Wonderful Family Resource Centers, and a plethora of other health and wellness and community development programs, and helped to found, expand, and support WCPA – Lost Hills over the years.
She has a background in early childhood education and a degree in applied behavioral psychology.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
She has a background in early childhood education and a degree in applied behavioral psychology.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Castellanos |
Aye
|
| M. Avilez |
Aye
|
| M. Moreno |
Aye
|
| P. Martinez |
Aye
|
| E. Unruh |
Absent
|
V. Communications
A.
Superintendent's Report
a) Enrollment & Attendance Update
Superintendent Manuel presented the start of the school year enrollment numbers for both the Delano and Lost Hills campuses. Daily attendance at the start of the school year was at 92% for Delano and 95% for Lost Hills
b) Update on Strategic Priorities & Goals
Dr. Manuel presented a few updates for the 2021-22 school year and the Strategic Priorities and Goals. Updates included a 98% graduation rate for the Class of 2021 with over 77% of graduating seniors entering a 4-year college.
c) Academic Program Updates
Ana Martinez, Chief Academic Officer, presented an update on the week of Staff Professional Development and first two weeks of the start of the school year.
d) New Year Financial Overview
Bill Toomey, Chief Business Officer, presented some financial updates from the state that directly impact schools including additional funds that will be available to all public schools.
e) COVID Mitigation Update
Marcus Morillo, Senior Director of Operations, presented updates to the COVID-19 Safety Plans for both Delano and Lost Hills. Updates include the requirement that face masks be worn at all times, staggered student arrival and dismissal times, and student cohorting to help reduce the spread of COVID. Additionally, all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to quarantine for 10 days if someone in their household has tested positive for COVID-19.
Superintendent Manuel presented the start of the school year enrollment numbers for both the Delano and Lost Hills campuses. Daily attendance at the start of the school year was at 92% for Delano and 95% for Lost Hills
b) Update on Strategic Priorities & Goals
Dr. Manuel presented a few updates for the 2021-22 school year and the Strategic Priorities and Goals. Updates included a 98% graduation rate for the Class of 2021 with over 77% of graduating seniors entering a 4-year college.
c) Academic Program Updates
Ana Martinez, Chief Academic Officer, presented an update on the week of Staff Professional Development and first two weeks of the start of the school year.
d) New Year Financial Overview
Bill Toomey, Chief Business Officer, presented some financial updates from the state that directly impact schools including additional funds that will be available to all public schools.
e) COVID Mitigation Update
Marcus Morillo, Senior Director of Operations, presented updates to the COVID-19 Safety Plans for both Delano and Lost Hills. Updates include the requirement that face masks be worn at all times, staggered student arrival and dismissal times, and student cohorting to help reduce the spread of COVID. Additionally, all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to quarantine for 10 days if someone in their household has tested positive for COVID-19.
B.
Other Business
VI. Board Comments
A.
Board Comments
Ms. Castellanos thanked the Board and the Academy staff for their support during her tenure as Board Chair. She welcomed Ms. Hixon to her new role as Chair of the Wonderful College Prep Academy Board of Directors.
VII. Future Meeting
A.
Future Meeting
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 - Virtual Meeting
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:14 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
S. Castellanos
* * *CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY * * *
I certify that I am the Board Secretary of Wonderful College Prep Academy, a California non-profit public benefit corporation; that these are the minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held on August 24, 2021.
Respectfully Submitted,
L. Sanchez
I certify that I am the Board Secretary of Wonderful College Prep Academy, a California non-profit public benefit corporation; that these are the minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held on August 24, 2021.
Respectfully Submitted,
L. Sanchez