Connecting Waters Charter Schools
Minutes
Special Meeting of the Board of Directors
Date and Time
Wednesday September 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Location
Residence Inn Modesto North
2901 Health Care Way
Modesto, CA 95356
Dry Creek Room
Additional Teleconference Locations:
- Connecting Waters Central Valley Resource Center, Board Room
2300 E. Briggsmore Ave. Modesto, CA 95355 - Connecting Waters East Bay Resource Center, Bay Bridge Room (Room 3)
703 C Street, Union City, CA 94587 - Connecting Waters Charter Schools, Back Classroom (Entrance is facing G Street)
12420 Bentley Street, Waterford, CA 95386 - Livestream link view only: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85271398615#success
Agenda Posting Locations
This agenda was posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at the following locations: Connecting Waters Charter Schools, 12420 Bentley Street, Waterford, CA 95386; Connecting Waters Charter School Resource Center, 12705 Bentley Street, Waterford CA, 95386; Connecting Waters East Bay Resource Center, 703 C Street, Union City, CA 94587; Connecting Waters Central Valley Resource Center, 2300 E. Briggsmore Avenue, Modesto, CA 95355. Residence Inn Modesto North, 2901 Health Care Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
Instructions for Presentations to the Board by Parents and Citizens
Connecting Waters Charter Schools (“Schools”) welcomes your participation at the School’s Board meetings. The purpose of a public meeting of the Board of Directors (“Board”) is to conduct the affairs of the Schools in public. Your participation assures us of continuing community interest in our Schools. To assist you in the ease of speaking/participating in our meetings, the following guidelines are provided:
- Agendas are available to all audience members at the door to the meeting.
- “Request to Speak” forms are available to all audience members who wish to speak on any agenda items or under the general category of “Hearing of the Public.” “Hearing of the Public” is set aside for members of the audience to raise issues that are not specifically on the agenda. However, due to public meeting laws, the Board can only listen to your issue, not respond or take action. These presentations are limited to three (3) minutes and total time allotted to non-agenda items will not exceed fifteen (15) minutes. The Board may give direction to staff to respond to your concern or you may be offered the option of returning with a citizen-requested item. Complaints against specific school employees should be resolved through the school’s Personnel Complaint Procedure. The right to address the Board does not exempt the speaker from any potential liability for defamation. The proceedings of the Board are recorded and are a part of the public record.
- You may also complete a “Request to Speak” form to address the Board on Agenda items. With regard to such agenda items, you may specify that agenda item on your “Request to Speak” form and you will be given an opportunity to speak for up to three (3) minutes when the Board discusses that item.
- When addressing the Board, speakers are requested to state their name and address from the podium and adhere to the time limits set forth.
- A member of the public requiring a translator will be provided twice the allotted time for public comment per individual speaker in accordance with Section 54954.3 of the Government Code.
- Any public records relating to an agenda item for an open session of the Board which are distributed to all, or a majority of all, of the Board members shall be available for public inspection at 12420 Bentley Street, Waterford, California
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, Connecting Waters Charter Schools may furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require appropriate alternative modifications in order to participate in Board meetings are invited to contact the Executive Director’s office by calling (209) 874-1119 Ext. 6 as soon as possible prior to the meeting.
Directors Present
B. Cerruti, E. Melton, J. Louie-Monzon, K. Corrales, K. Fatima, L. Addipah
Directors Absent
None
Ex Officio Members Present
J. Levers
Non Voting Members Present
J. Levers
Guests Present
Caitlyn, E. Assistants, T. Echaide
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Roll Call
C.
Approval of Agenda - September 3, 2025 Special Meeting
D.
Pledge of Allegiance
E.
Hearing of the Public on Non-Agenda Items
No members of the public present.
F.
Hearing of the Public on Agenda Items
No members of the public present.
II. Study Session
A.
Board Governance Training
F. Van Vleck from The National Center for Executive Leadership and School Board Development provided training on these Key points: Team Dynamics using the DISC Assessment, Protocols, leadership responsibility and roles of the Board, Board meetings and the Agenda, Brown Act overview.
III. Information and Discussion
A.
First Reading: Connecting Waters Charter Schools Bylaws
The Board conducted a first reading of the current Connecting Waters Charter Schools bylaws. Copies were provided with the agenda for review. This item was presented for informational purposes only, with discussion to occur at a later time.
B.
Chief Business Officer (CBO) Position Discussion
The board discussed establishing a Chief Business Officer (CBO) position at Connecting Waters. Administration shared that job descriptions and pay ranges have been researched. The CBO role would primarily oversee business services and HR, with potential involvement in facilities depending on board direction. Discussion included whether facilities responsibilities should remain with current administrators during the new campus build, or eventually shift to the CBO or a future facilities position.
The board emphasized the need for clearer reporting structures and alignment within the organization. Members agreed that adding a CBO would strengthen financial oversight, HR, and operational capacity as the school continues to grow. Administration will finalize a draft job description and organizational chart for board review. A draft will be provided to the board for consideration and possible action at a future meeting.
C.
Board Member Job Description Discussion
The board discussed developing a general job description or summary of duties and expectations for board members. The intent is to provide a clear, accessible overview for prospective members, rather than relying on the full governance handbook, which can be overwhelming. Members emphasized keeping the description concise, approachable, and standardized so all candidates receive consistent information. The draft will outline general responsibilities without being overly detailed, ensuring it encourages a diverse range of applicants. Input from current and new board members will be incorporated before a draft is finalized and brought back for review.
D.
Potential Community Board Members Discussion
The board discussed two community member candidates, Keith and Stuart, who were recently interviewed. Both bring valuable experience and perspectives:
Both candidates understand the role of education specialists, have prior board experience, and bring complementary strengths—Keith in education and Stuart in community engagement and organizational leadership. Members noted that both would add balance and diversity to the board, meet the bylaw requirement for community members, and offer strong potential contributions.
The board expressed support for moving both candidates forward, with formal nomination and vote scheduled for the next meeting.
IV. Report on Closed Session Actions
A.
Public Employee: Discipline/Dismissal/Release [Gov Code 54957]
Nothing to report
B.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation [Gov Code 54957] - Title: Executive Director
Nothing to report
V. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Bonnie left at 5:30 pm
Led by B.Cerruti