Wonderful College Prep Academy
Minutes
August WCPA Board of Directors Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday August 24, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Location
Delano Campus
2070 Veneto St
Delano, CA 93215
Room: Main Office
Location
Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano Campus)
Room: Main Office, Learning Lab (Main Campus Entrance)
2070 Veneto Street, Delano, CA 93215
Teleconference Location (Ed. Code § 47604.1)
Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills
Room: College Center (High School Campus Entrance)
14848 Lamberson Ave, Lost Hills, CA 93249
Virtual Meeting Information:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89696644185?pwd=Vjd1REFFR2h0RU15OTlVNG9UdkR4QT09&from=addon
Meeting ID: 896 9664 4185
Passcode: 863214
Dial-in Information:
(669) 900-9128
Meeting ID: 896 9664 4185
Passcode: 863214
Directors Present
E. Unruh, I. Valdez, S. Mohamed, V. Reynolds
Directors Absent
K. Tomono
Guests Present
A. Bresson, B. DeFlitch, J. Aguilar, J. Weber, L. Sanchez, M. Morillo, M. Palomo, M. Romero, N. Vijeila, R. Alonzo
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Flag Salute
C.
Record Attendance
D.
Changes to Agenda
No changes were made to the agenda.
E.
Public Comments
Estefany Miranda, WCPA - Lost Hills parent shared her concerns regarding transportation for her elementary school child. The current pick-up time is too early and urged the staff to consider an alternate scheduled pick-up time. Board Chair Mohamed thanked the parent for providing public comment and asked Mr. Morillo to provide an update to the board at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Tania Cordova, WCPA - Lost Hills parent shared her concerns regarding her elementary student’s early pick-up time and asked the staff to review how they monitor students on the bus. Board Chair Mohamed thanked the parent for providing public comment and asked the Administration to investigate and provide an appropriate follow-up. Board Member Unruh reminded the public that comment should be made to Administration prior to informing the board.
II. Regular Agenda
A.
Appointment of Imelda Simos-Valdez as Board Member
Board Chair Mohamed presented the appointment of Imelda Simon-Valdez as Board Member. Ms. Simos-Valdez is the Vice President at Bakersfield College and works closely with partner dual-enrollment schools including Wonderful College Prep Academy – Lost Hills and Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano). She has been with Bakersfield College for over six years and previously worked at California State University, Bakersfield in the Cal-SOAP program and also served as a GEAR UP Program Director.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Abstain
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
III. Consent Agenda
A.
Review and Approve: Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 20, 2023
No action taken, the WCPA Board of Directors tabled to this agenda item for the next regular board meeting.
B.
Review and Approve: Revised Meeting Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 25, 2023
No action taken, the WCPA Board of Directors tabled to this agenda item for the next regular board meeting.
C.
Action Item: Ratification of Delano June & July 2023 Vendor Payments
Consent Agenda Items C-F were approved as presented in one motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
D.
Action Item: Ratification of Lost Hills June & July 2023 Vendor Payments
Consent Agenda Items C-F were approved as presented in one motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
E.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement No. 2023/24-02 between Kern County Superintendent of Schools Division of Special Education, Kern County Consortium SELPA, and WCPA (Delano) for the 2023-2024 School Year
Consent Agenda Items C-F were approved as presented in one motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
F.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement No. 2023/24-03 between Kern County Superintendent of Schools Division of Special Education, Kern County Consortium SELPA, and WCPA-Lost Hills for the 2023-2024 School Year
Consent Agenda Items C-F were approved as presented in one motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
G.
Information Item: Review of New Hires for July 2023 Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano)
No action was taken on this information item.
H.
Information Item: Review of New Hires for July 2023 Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills
No action was taken on this information item.
I.
Information Item: Resignation of Ana Lomeli as Board Member effective August 21, 2023
No action was taken on this information item.
Board Chair Mohamed asked that Ms. Lomeli be invited to attend the next Board of Directors as a guest to thank her publicly for her service to the board.
Board Chair Mohamed stated that the Board would move into Closed Session to discuss Closed Session Agenda Items IV. A, B, C and D. Board Chair Mohamed stated that he would need to recuse from Closed Session Agenda Items IV. A and B. He is an employee of The Wonderful Company, which is indirectly related to Educational Leasing LLC, a party to both lease agreements. Board Chair Mohamed stated that he did not participate, negotiate, and was not involved in the lease agreements in any way.
For purposes of Closed Session Agenda Items IV. A and B, Board Member Unruh was appointed Chairperson pro tem and led the discussion and vote for these items.
Board Member Unruh, Board Member Valdez, and Board Member Reynolds moved into Closed Session at 5:52pm.
Board Chair Mohamed left the room at 5:52pm. Board Chair Mohamed did not join the Closed Session for Agenda Items IV. A and B.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
Chief Business Officer Mike Romero joined the Board of Directors in Closed Session at 5:52pm.
IV. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator; Gov’t Code § 54956.8; Property: 2070 Veneto Street, Delano, CA 93215; Agency Negotiator: Chief Business Officer, Mike Romero; Negotiating Party: Educational Leasing LLC; Under Negotiation: Price and terms
B.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator; Gov’t Code § 54956.8; Property: 14848 Lamberson Ave, Lost Hills, CA 93249; Agency Negotiator: Chief Business Officer, Mike Romero; Negotiating Party: Educational Leasing LLC; Under Negotiation: Price and terms
Mike Romeo left the Closed Session at 5:56pm.
C.
Personnel: Public Employee Appointment of Superintendent; Gov’t. Code §54957(b)(1)
Board Chair Mohamed joined the Board of Directors in Closed Session after the conclusion of the discussion and vote on Closed Session Agenda Items IV. A and B at 5:59pm.
D.
Conference with Labor Negotiator; Gov’t. Code §54957.6
The Board of Directors returned from Closed Session at 6:24pm and reported out on the following votes.
V. Open Session
A.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator; Gov’t Code § 54956.8; Property: 2070 Veneto Street, Delano, CA 93215; Agency Negotiator: Chief Business Officer, Mike Romero; Negotiating Party: Educational Leasing LLC; Under Negotiation: Price and terms
Board Member Unruh reported that the Board of Directors reviewed the rent amount for the Delano property and made a finding that the rent is below fair market value. Board Member Unruh stated that the Board approved the lease agreement for the Delano campus for the 2023-24 school year.
Board Member Unruh made a motion to approve the lease agreement for the Delano campus for the 2023-24 school year.
Board Member Valdez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Ayes: Unruh, Reynolds, Valdez
Nays: None
Abstain: Mohamed
Absent: Tomono
B.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator; Gov’t Code § 54956.8; Property: 14848 Lamberson Ave, Lost Hills, CA 93249; Agency Negotiator: Chief Business Officer, Mike Romero; Negotiating Party: Educational Leasing LLC; Under Negotiation: Price and terms
Board Member Unruh reported that the Board of Directors reviewed the rent amount for the Lost Hills property and made a finding that the rent is below fair market value. Board Member Unruh stated that the Board approved the lease agreement for the Lost Hills campus for the 2023-24 school year.
Board Member Reynolds made a motion to approve the lease agreement for the Lost Hills campus for the 2023-24 school year.
Board Member Valdez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Ayes: Unruh, Reynolds, Valdez
Nays: None
Abstain: Mohamed
Absent: Tomono
C.
Personnel: Public Employee Appointment of Superintendent; Gov’t. Code §54957(b)(1)
Board Chair Mohamed reported the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Jorge Aguilar as Superintendent. The Board reviewed Mr. Aguilar’s qualifications and found him to be highly qualified for the role of Superintendent due to his extensive experience in K-12 education as a former Superintendent, his many years of experience in higher education, and his background being from the Central Valley of California.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
VI. Regular Agenda
A.
Action Item: Oral Recommendation Regarding Salary and/or Fringe Benefits and Approval of Public Employee (Superintendent) Employment Agreement
Board Chair Mohamed presented the Superintendent’s employment agreement, which sets forth the Superintendent’s salary, benefits, duties and terms of employment. The Board amended the agreement as presented in the Board packet to extend the term of the agreement to June 30, 2025. Board Chair Mohamed stated that under the agreement, the Superintendent will receive a base salary of $325,000 and fringe benefits in the amount of $18,000 for the contract term. The Superintendent will be eligible for a target bonus of 5% of the base salary and he will be entitled to participate in designated employee benefit programs and plans. Board Chair Mohamed stated that the Board reviewed the compensation data of similarly situated Superintendents and Executive Directors in school districts and charter schools in California and the Board recommended compensation is wholly in keeping with the compensation comparability survey the Board reviewed. The Board determined that the compensation is just and reasonable.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
VII. Regular Agenda - Policies and Compliance
A.
Action Item: Approval of Revision to 2024-25 Enrollment Targets - Delano
Mr. Mohamed presented the revision to the Delano Campus Enrollment Targets. WCPA is preparing for the launch of the 2024-25 Open Enrollment window. As part of this process, WCPA is reviewing enrollment targets based on budget, staff, programmatic and physical space/classroom constraints. The revised enrollment targets will inform WCPA's recruitment efforts and subsequent public random drawing in February 2024.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
B.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement No. 2023/24-04 for School Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (SMAA) Claiming Agreement for Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano)
Mike Romero, Chief Business Officer presented the agreement with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) in order to receive reimbursement from the Department of Health Care Services for administrative costs associated with WCPA’s provision of special education services. KCSOS administers the Medi-Cal administrative activities claiming process for participating Local Educational Agencies within WCPA’s region.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
C.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement No. 2023/24-05 for School Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (SMAA) Claiming Agreement for Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills
Mike Romero, Chief Business Officer presented the request for an agreement with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) in order to receive reimbursement from the Department of Health Care Services for administrative costs associated with WCPA’s provision of special education services for the Lost Hills campus. KCSOS administers the Medi-Cal administrative activities claiming process for participating Local Educational Agencies within WCPA’s region.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
Board Member Mohamed stated that he would need to recuse from Regular Agenda Items VII. D through G. He is an employee of The Wonderful Company, an entity that is a party to, or associated with a party to, the agreements. Board Chair Mohamed stated that he did not participate in, negotiate, and was not involved in the agreements in any way.
For purposes of Regular Agenda Items VII. D through G, Board Member Unruh was appointed Chairperson pro tem and led the discussion and vote for these items.
Board Chair Mohamed left the room at 6:47pm. Board Chair Mohamed did not join the Regular Agenda Items VII. D through G.
D.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement No. 2023/24-06 between Wonderful Center for Health Innovation Inc and Wonderful College Prep Academy for Medical Services and Social Services
Chief Business Officer Romero presented the agreement with the Wonderful Center for Health Innovation for medical services and social services at both WCPA campuses. The main terms of the agreement include: (a) Services are provided by WCHI free of charge; (b) WCPA Delano and Lost Hills students are eligible to receive services; (c) Addition of Family Resource Center services for the Lost Hills community; (d) Addition of provision of medical services to families of WCPA Lost Hills students; (e) WCPA will contract for dental and vision services and students will be able to access medical, physical wellness, and therapy appointments during the school day.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
S. Mohamed |
Abstain
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
E.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement No. 2023/24-07 for Organized Health Care Arrangement for the Wonderful College Prep Academy Delano and Lost Hills On-Campus Wellness Centers
Chief Business Officer Romero presented the request for approval of an Organized Health Care Arrangement (OHCA) for the on-campus Wellness Centers for both campuses. The purpose of WCPA’s participation in the OHCA is to allow patient treatment and healthcare services to be coordinated by providers across clinics and to allow the sharing of patient health information as permitted by HIPAA.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Abstain
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
F.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement 2023/24-08 between The Wonderful Company LLC and Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano) for Charitable Pledge for the Ag Prep Program
Chief Business Officer Romero presented the request for approval of a pledge agreement with The Wonderful Company (“TWC’) for a donation up to $270,400 to fund the AgPrep program at WCPA Delano for the 2023-2024 academic year. The pledge terms include funds to support a Career Prep Program Coordinator; funds per student enrolled and attending the Ag Prep program at WCPA Delano in the 2023-24 school year and is paid in three installments during the 2023-24 school year.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Abstain
|
G.
Action Item: Approval of Agreement 2023/24-09 between The Wonderful Company LLC and Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills for Charitable Pledge for the Ag Prep Program
Chief Business Officer Romero presented the request for approval of a pledge agreement with The Wonderful Company (“TWC’) for a donation up to $135,500 to fund the AgPrep program at WCPA - Lost Hills for the 2023-2024 academic year. The pledge terms include funds to support a Career Prep Program Coordinator; funds per student enrolled and attending the Ag Prep program at WCPA - Lost Hills in the 2023-24 school year and is paid in three installments during the 2023-24 school year.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Abstain
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
Board Chair Mohamed returned after the conclusion of the discussion and vote on Regular Agenda Items VII. D through G at 6:51pm.
VIII. Regular Agenda - Business, Finance & Operations
A.
Information Item: Presentation of Monthly Business Report - Delano
Mike Romero, Chief Business Officer presented the updated monthly business report for the Delano campus.
B.
Information Item: Presentation of Monthly Business Report - Lost Hills
Mike Romero, Chief Business Officer presented the updated monthly business report for the Lost Hills campus.
C.
Action Item: Authorization to Issue Credit Cards
Mr. Romero presented the request to authorize business credit cards to the Chief Business Officer, Interim Senior Director of Academics, and the Career Pathways Manager.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
D.
Action Item: Approval of Amended WCPA Staff Salary Scales (Credentialed & Classified) Effective July 1, 2023
Mr. Romero presented the request for board approval to amend the WCPA salary scales for the 2023-2024 school year. The change includes removing the salary scale for the Superintendent as this should be at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No other changes have been made to the previously approved version.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
E.
Action Item: Approval of Dunn Edwards Credit Line for Wonderful College Prep Academy Facilities Team Procurement for Delano and Lost Hills
Chief Facilities Officer Marcus Morillo presented the request for authorization for a business credit line of $10,000 with Dunn Edwards. The credit line will be used for the procurement of paint and supplies for the Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA) facilities campus teams. The Academy has used Dunn Edwards for purchasing prior to the 2023-2024 school year.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
IX. Regular Agenda - Academics
A.
Action Item: Approval of Revised 2023-2024 Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano) Bell Schedules for Elementary, Middle and High School Effective August 9, 2023
Megan Palomo, Interim Senior Director of Academics presented request to revise the 2023-2024 school year bell schedule previously approved at the February 2023 board meeting. As shifts were made to the instructional model to align with best practices for students, minutes have been updated to reflect the shifts. There were also minor shifts in dismissal or arrival to accommodate families in regard to transportation services and saving instructional minutes. The current schedule exceeds the minimum required instructional minutes threshold.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
B.
Action Item: Approval of Revised 2023-2024 Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills Bell Schedules for Primary and Secondary School Effective August 9, 2023
Megan Palomo, Interim Senior Director of Academics presented request to revise the 2023-2024 school year Lost Hills campus bell schedule previously approved at the February 2023 board meeting. As shifts were made to the instructional model to align with best practices for students, minutes have been updated to reflect the shifts. There were also minor shifts in dismissal or arrival to accommodate families in regard to transportation services and saving instructional minutes. The current schedule exceeds the minimum required instructional minutes threshold.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
X. Communications
A.
Executive Team Report
The Executive Team provided a brief update on a) Enrollment & Attendance; b) Williams Act; c) Transportation Update; and d) Charter Impact Transition.
B.
Other Business
No other business was discussed at this meeting.
XI. Board Comments
A.
Board Comments
The Board of Directors thanked the members of the Executive Team for their service in the absence of a Superintendent and welcomed Mr. Aguilar in his new role as Superintendent of Wonderful College Prep Academy.
XII. Future Meetings
A.
Future Meetings
Thursday, September 28, 2023; 5:30pm | Lost Hills Campus
Thursday, October 26, 2023; 5:30pm | Delano Campus
Thursday, December 7, 2023; 5:30pm | Lost Hills Campus
XIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Mohamed at 7:50pm.
***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, 2023.
Board Chair Mohamed led in the flag salute.