Ana Martinez, WCPA Interim Superintendent, presented the resolution: (1) finding that the current State of Emergency due to COVID-19 continues to directly impact the ability of the board members and the public to meet safely in person and (2) authorizing continued teleconference and/or videoconference meetings pursuant to AB 361 and Government Code section 54953.

Ms. Martinez presented the nomination of Samer Mohamed to the Board of Directors as Chairperson of the Board. Mr. Mohamed was nominated for his business expertise, he is currently the V.P. of Global Sourcing for The Wonderful Company, and significant experience as a charter school board member. Mr. Mohamed will join the WPCA Board of Directors as chairperson starting July 1, 2022 (after he concludes his term on the Almond Acres Charter Academy Board).

Ms. Martinez presented the nomination of Danielle Criona to the Board of Directors and as Interim Chairperson of the Board until Mr. Mohamed takes office on July 1, 2022. Ms. Criona previously served as a Board member of WCPA.  She is an attorney, and for the last several years has been leading the intellectual property work for Roll Law Group, serving The Wonderful Company and its affiliates. 

Ms. Martinez presented the nomination of Valerie Reynolds to the Board of Directors. Ms. Reynolds is the proud parent of two high school students at WCPA – Delano.  She has continuously volunteered her time and has served on School Site Council.  Ms. Reynolds is also committed to serving the needs of greater Kern County.  

Ms. Martinez presented the nomination of Kiyoshi Tomono to the Board of Directors. Mr. Tomono is currently the Community Partnership Executive for Adventist Health.  In this role, he builds strategic community partnerships that promote wellness and drive strategic initiatives with schools, non-profits and healthcare agencies in the central valley.  

Ms. Martinez presented the nomination of Ms. Ana (Patty) Lomeli to the Board of Directors. Ms. Martinez consulted with Ms. Lomeli and informed the Board that Ms. Lomeli will not be able to accept and take office until July 1, 2022.  The vote presented to the board would appoint her to officially accept and take office on July 1, 2022. 

Ms. Lomeli is the proud parent of a 4th grade student at WCPA Lost Hills and a Junior at WCPA Delano.  She is an integral member of the Lost Hills community.  Ms. Lomeli has been a lead artisan for the Haas Brothers in Lost Hills.  She has also been an active volunteer at WCPA, serving on School Site Counsel, assisting with phone banking and other volunteer needs.

Ms. Castellanos presented the Superintendent’s Employment Agreement.  The agreement sets forth the Superintendent’s salary, benefits, duties and terms of employment. The Board reviewed comparable salary information for Superintendents of School Districts and Executive Directors of Charter Schools.  Based on this comparative data, the Board found that the recommended salary of $205,000, plus a $5,000 retention bonus for the 2021-22 school year, and accompanying fringe benefits, including housing at a fair market rental value of $2,100 per month, to be reasonable.