Wonderful College Prep Academy
Minutes
August WCPA Board of Directors Meeting - Rescheduled
Date and Time
Wednesday August 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Location
Delano Campus
2070 Veneto St
Delano, CA 93215
Room: Yoga Studio (South Campus Entrance)
Location
Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano Campus)
Room: Yoga Studio (South Campus Entrance)
2070 Veneto Street, Delano, CA 93215
Teleconference Location (Ed. Code § 47604.1)
Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills
Room: College Center (Secondary School Campus Entrance)
14848 Lamberson Ave, Lost Hills, CA 93249
Virtual Meeting Information:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83092438175?pwd=aFKoawoMrSTiU9xPt6Ol4shEaix1R1.1&from=addon
Meeting ID: 830 9243 8175
Passcode: 627493
Dial-in Information:
(669) 900-9128
Meeting ID: 830 9243 8175
Passcode: 627493
Directors Present
E. Unruh, G. Adame, I. Valdez, K. Tomono, S. Mohamed, V. Reynolds
Directors Absent
None
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
I. Valdez
Directors who left before the meeting adjourned
K. Tomono
Guests Present
E. Hernandez, J. Aguilar, L. Sanchez, M. Morillo, M. Palomo, M. Romero, R. Phillips, Y. Ramirez
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Flag Salute
C.
Record Attendance
D.
Changes to Agenda
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Absent
|
E.
Public Comments
Brandon Manning, provided a public comment via Zoom regarding the opportunity for WCPA to leverage services to provide an online uniform retailer for student uniforms. Mr. Manning noted that WCPA does not have an apparent online option for families and extended his services. Board Chair Mohamed thanked him for his comment and asked for Mr. Manning to contact Chief Business Officer Romero to continue exploring this idea.
II. Public Hearing
A.
Amended Independent Study Policy for Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Programming and Partnerships, Lupe Sanchez presented the draft Amended Independent Study Policy for Delano and Lost Hills.
The Public Hearing closed at 5:18pm. No comments were made from the public at this time.
III. Regular Agenda
A.
Action Item: Appointment of Victoria Casales as Board Member
Item was removed from the agenda for consideration.
B.
Action Item: Appointment of Gabriel Adame as Board Member
Mr. Adame is an active member of the Kern County community and serves as President and CEO of Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to help low-income and underrepresented students plan and pay for college. Previously, Mr. Adame served as Director of Marketing and Development for the United Way of Kern County.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
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 Chair Mohamed left the room at 5:26pm. Board Chair Mohamed did not join the Closed Session for Agenda Items IV. A and B.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
Superintendent Jorge Aguilar and Chief Business Officer Mike Romero joined the Board of Directors in Closed Session at 5:26pm.
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
C.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov’t. Code § 54596.9(d)(2) – Three (3)
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 5:35pm.
D.
Conference with Labor Negotiator; Gov’t. Code §54957.6
The Board of Directors returned from Closed Session at 5:58pm 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 2024-25 school year.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Abstain
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
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 2024-25 school year.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Abstain
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
VI. Regular Agenda
A.
Action Item: Oral Recommendation and Approval of Salary and/or Fringe Benefits of Superintendent
Board Chair Mohamed presented the Superintendent’s compensation. Board Chair Mohamed stated that under the agreement, the Superintendent will receive a 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and a target bonus of 5% of the base salary prorated from the start date. 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 determined that the compensation is just and reasonable.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
VII. Regular Agenda - Academics
A.
Information Item: 2023-24 Student Achievement Data Review
Chief Academic Officer Megan Palomo provided an End of Year Academic update, focusing on NWEA student progress on Math and ELA from the 2023-2024 school year.
VIII. Regular Agenda - Business, Finance & Operations
A.
Information Item: Monthly Business Report for June & July 2024 - Delano
Chief Business Officer, Mike Romero presented the updated monthly business report for the months of June and July for the Delano Campus.
B.
Information Item: Monthly Business Report for June & July 2024 - Lost Hills
Chief Business Officer, Mike Romero presented the updated monthly business report for the months of June and July for the Delano Campus.
C.
Action Item: Approval of Amended WCPA Fiscal Policies and Procedures
Chief Business Officer Romero presented the request to amend the Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the 2024-2025 school year. The main revisions to the policy include the following: (1) Addition of prepaid expense card provisions (PEX Card); (2) Updates to the Pre-Approved Vendors List.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
D.
Action Item: Approval of Vendor Invoices for Modular Addition (Pro-Fab Construction Inc., Wise Electric & Communication, Inc., Turman Construction Company, Inc., Lattis Networks, LLC)
Chief Facilities Officer Morillo presented the request for approval of the invoices listed below for the addition of 8 modulars (5 classrooms, 2 restrooms, and 1 multi-purpose room) to the WCPA Delano campus.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
IX. Regular Agenda - Policies and Compliance
A.
Information Item: 2024 KCSOS Williams Act Visit - Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Programming and Partnerships, Lupe Sanchez presented an update on the KCSOS Williams Act visits for Delano and Lost Hills.
B.
Information Item: 2023-2024 KCSOS Oversight Report - Delano and Lost Hills
Chief Business Officer Mike Romero presented an update on the 2023-2024 KCSOS Oversight Reports for Delano and Lost Hills.
C.
Action Item: Approval of Resolution No. 2024/25-01 Authorizing the Submission of the Charter Renewal Petition for Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills to the Kern County Board of Education
Executive Director of Programming and Partnerships, Lupe Sanchez, presented the resolution approving the submission of the Wonderful College Prep Academy - Lost Hills charter renewal petition to the Kern County Board of Education. Ms. Sanchez presented the charter renewal petition, budget for the renewal term, and related documents. The Board of Directors adopted the resolution approving the charter renewal petition, including the budget, and authorizing the submission of the charter renewal petition to the Kern County Board of Education.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
D.
Action Item: Approval of 2024-2025 Wonderful College Prep Academy Employee Handbook for Delano and Lost Hills
Chief Business Officer Mike Romero presented the request for approval of the updated 2024-2025 WCPA Employee Handbook. The updates to the handbook include the following:
(1) Personal Appearance/Standards of Dress for Staff Members; (2) WCPA Mileage and Other Expense Reimbursements; (3) Sick Leave Policy; (4) Title IX Information; (5) Reproductive Loss Leave; (6) Other legal updates; (7) Non-substantive changes.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
E.
Action Item: Approval of 2024-2025 Wonderful College Prep Academy Student and Family Handbook for Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Partnerships & Programming Lupe Sanchez presented the request for approval of the updated 2024-2025 Student and Family Handbook. The updates to the handbook include the following: (1) Updates to ensure policies reflect current practice at WCPA; (2) Updates to Elementary homework and grading policies; (3) Inclusion of Secondary School Cell Phone Policy; (4) Updates to Title IX language; (5) Addition of Accessibility to Sex-Segregated Facilities, Programs, and Activities in compliance with California law; (6) Legal updates; (7) Non-substantive changes
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
F.
Action Item: Approval of the Amended Independent Study Policy for Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Partnerships & Programming Lupe Sanchez presented the request for approval of the amended short-term independent study policy (the “Policy”). The Policy includes updates to reflect current practice and legal updates from the K-12 Education Omnibus Budget Trailer Bill (SB 153). Specifically, the Policy includes the following updates: (1) Removal of COVID-19 language as it is already covered in the general basis for independent study under the Policy; (2) “Short-term independent study” changed to 15 school days or fewer (from 14 school days or fewer); (3) The written agreement may be signed any time during the school year in which the short-term independent study program takes place; (4) Revised language regarding independent study provided due to full or partial school closure due to emergency conditions.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
G.
Action Item: Approval of the Amended Wonderful College Prep Academy Title IX Sex-Based Nondiscrimination Policies and Grievance Procedures for Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Partnerships & Programming Lupe Sanchez presented the request for approve the updated Title IX Sex-Based Nondiscrimination Policy and Grievance Procedures for both the Delano and Lost Hills schools to incorporate the following legal changes: (1) Clarity in defining discrimination covered by Title IX to include discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity; (2) Broadening the definition of sex-based harassment and standard for school’s response; (3) Additional protections for pregnant and parenting students and staff; (4) Expanded scope of complaints subject to grievance procedures to cover all complaints of discrimination on the basis of sex in the school’s education programs or activities; (5) Training requirements for all employees; (6) Changes in the requirements for the Title IX team and procedural requirements.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
H.
Action Item: Approval of 2025-26 Open Enrollment Cycles - Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Partnerships & Programming Lupe Sanchez presented the request for approve the 2025-2026 Open Enrollment and Public Random Drawing dates for both WCPA Delano and Lost Hills.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
I.
Action Item: Ratification of California Community Schools Partnership Program Implementation Plans - Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Partnerships & Programming Lupe Sanchez presented the request to ratify the California Community Schools Partnership Program Implementation Plans for both the Delano and Lost Hills campuses.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
J.
Action Item: Approval of Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Credential Policies Pursuant to Education Code Section 48000(g) - Delano and Lost Hills
Chief Business Officer Mike Romero presented the request for approval of the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Credential Policies, which explain the requirements for teachers in a WCPA TK classroom. Education Code Section 48000(g)(4) specifies that credentialed teachers who are first assigned to a TK classroom after July 1, 2015, have, by August 1, 2025, one of the following: (1) At least 24 units in early childhood education, childhood development, or both; (2) Professional experience in a classroom setting with preschool age children meeting the criteria established by WCPA’s Board of Directors that is comparable to the 24 units of education described in subparagraph (1); (3) A child development teacher permit, or an early childhood education specialist credential, issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
K.
Action Item: Approval of Amended Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) Planning & Implementation Grant Plans for Wonderful College Prep Academy - Delano and Lost Hills
Chief Business Officer Mike Romero presented the request to approve the revision to the Universal Prekindergarten (“UPK”) Planning and Implementation Grant Plans (“UPK Plans”) for both the WCPA Delano and WCPA Lost Hills schools.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
L.
Action Item: Approval of Resolution No. 2024/25-02 Authorizing Teacher Instruction Pursuant to Education Code Section 44256(b)
Chief Business Officer Mike Romero presented the request for approval of Resolution No. 2024/25-02 authorizing teacher instruction pursuant to Education Code Section 44256(b) in order to allow the holder of a Multiple Subject or Standard Elementary credential to be authorized to teach any subject in a departmentalized classroom below grade 9 if the teacher has completed twelve semester units, or six upper division or graduate units, of coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the subject to be taught.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
M.
Action Item: Approval of Amended 2024 California School Dashboard Local Indicators Teacher Assignment Monitoring Outcomes (TAMO) – Delano and Lost Hills
Executive Director of Partnerships & Programming Lupe Sanchez presented the request for approve the amended 2022-23 California School Dashboard (“Dashboard”) Local Indicators Teacher Assignment Monitoring Outcomes (“TAMO”) for both the Delano and Lost Hills schools.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
Board Chair Mohamed stated that he would need to recuse from Regular Agenda Item IX-N. He is an employee of The Wonderful Company, which is a party to the charitable pledges. Board Chair Mohamed stated that he did not participate, negotiate, and was not involved in the charitable pledge agreements in any way.
For purposes of Regular Agenda Item IX-N, Board Member Unruh was appointed Chairperson pro tem and led the discussion and vote for these items.
Board Chair Mohamed left the room at 7:37pm. Board Chair Mohamed did not join the discussion for Regular Agenda Item IX-N.
N.
Action Item: Approval of Charitable Pledge Agreement No. 2024/25-01 and Agreement No. 2024/25-02 between The Wonderful Company and Wonderful College Prep Academy for the Career Pathways Program for Delano and Lost Hills
Chief Business Officer Mike Romero submitted the request for approval of the pledge agreements with The Wonderful Company for the Wonderful Career Pathways program for both the Delano and Lost Hills campuses.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Abstain
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
X. Communications
A.
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Aguilar presented a brief updates on recent and upcoming student and schoolwide events.
B.
Other Business
No other business was discussed at this meeting.
XI. Consent Agenda
A.
Review and Approve: Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of June 20, 2024
Consent Agenda Items XI A-C were presented and approved as one motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
B.
Action Item: Ratification of Delano June and July 2024 Vendor Payments
Consent Agenda Items XI A-C were presented and approved as one motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
C.
Action Item: Ratification of Lost Hills June and July 2024 Vendor Payments
Consent Agenda Items XI A-C were presented and approved as one motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
D.
Action Item: Approval of Amended Food Services Department Procurement Procedures
Item was removed from the agenda for consideration.
E.
Information Item: Resignation of Nanci Villasana as Board Member effective July 23, 2024
No action was taken on this information item.
F.
Information Item: Attendance & Enrollment Update - Delano
No action was taken on this information item.
G.
Information Item: Attendance & Enrollment Update - Lost Hills
No action was taken on this information item.
XII. Board Comments
A.
Board Comments
Board Chair Mohamed thanked Board Member Reynolds for her service to the board and presented her with a plaque in appreciation and recognition for her service.
XIII. Future Meetings
A.
Future Meetings
Thursday, September 26, 2024; 5:00pm | Delano Campus
Thursday, October 24, 2024; 10:00am | Lost Hills Campus | Board Workshop & Regular Board Meeting
Thursday, December 12, 2024; 5:00pm | Delano Campus
XIV. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
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 28, 2024.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
I. Valdez |
Aye
|
G. Adame |
Aye
|
E. Unruh |
Aye
|
V. Reynolds |
Aye
|
S. Mohamed |
Aye
|
K. Tomono |
Absent
|
Board Chair Mohamed led in the flag salute.