Led by Kristen Corrales

No members of the public wished to comment

No members of the public wished to comment

DMS provided an overview of its long-standing partnership with Connecting Waters, highlighting improvements in financial, HR, and technology systems, including upcoming dashboards, upgraded invoice processing, and a new payroll platform. They emphasized their strong audit history, employee-owned structure, and deep institutional knowledge, noting both the benefits of continued partnership and the risks associated with transitioning to a new provider. Staff expressed enthusiasm for the new tools, and board members acknowledged DMS’s responsiveness and support.

The Guidance Department, led by new director Melissa Cripe, introduced her team and provided updates on college, career, and student support initiatives. Board discussion focused on a-g/CTE participation at the sites, with members requesting student feedback and additional data to better understand student pathways and needs. Staff shared upcoming plans to expand CTE options, enhance hands-on opportunities through community college partnerships, and continue developing the Virtual College & Career Center, including the phased rollout of CaliforniaColleges.edu tools. The board also highlighted the department’s strong crisis-response efforts and praised staff for their student-centered work and impactful support services.

The Executive Director reported that the school officially closed on its new property and is progressing on several major initiatives, including the website update currently awaiting final, streamlined document transfers and the launch of a salary study after job descriptions are updated. She highlighted a productive visit to Columbia College, upcoming leadership structure changes inspired by recent coaching, and plans to shift directors into more accessible, conversation-focused workspaces. Calendar revisions are underway, including adding October non-instructional days based on board feedback. Board members requested follow-up presentations from staff, particularly regarding ES concerns, and student engagement.

The Deputy Executive Director highlighted the recent student activities, including the middle school dance which was successfully rebranded last-minute to boost participation and updates from resource centers, which will now provide regular, streamlined reports. Despite weather challenges, events such as the harvest festival, Club Connect, and Donuts with Directors saw strong engagement, and additional cross-campus activities are planned for spring. Tammy also noted growing parent involvement and ongoing efforts to improve event planning timelines and communication, including clearer messaging that activities are open to all three school sites. Staff collaboration events, including an upcoming all-campus Friendsgiving, were also announced.

The board conducted a first read of the 2026–2027 school calendar drafts, reviewing staff and ES feedback indicating that Draft A was the preferred option, with Draft B second. Adjustments were discussed to restore October days off while still meeting calendar-day compliance, resulting in the development of a new Draft F, which will be shared with staff and parents for input. Board members raised questions about instructional day counts, holiday lengths, random April non-instructional days, and ensuring all staff received the drafts. No action was taken, as this item was for information and discussion only.

The board held a first read of the updated obsolete and discarded textbook policy, which outlines the legally required process for properly disposing of textbooks. Jerri explained that the revision documents the step-by-step workflow to prevent disruptions and ensure compliance, and clarified that this policy applies only to textbooks not other obsolete materials. Board members requested clearer wording to show the required order of disposal steps so staff understand that the sequence must be followed.

The board conducted a first read of a new employee residency and relocation policy. Jerri explained that while the school’s attorneys have advise against employing out-of-state staff, the school previously had no formal policy, so this document establishes procedures and identifies certain “knockout states” that are too difficult to work with. The policy does not ban relocation outright but requires employees to notify administration so the school can determine whether the move and the role are workable. Board members were reminded to send feedback or questions directly to Jerry before the next draft.

The board discussed their back office provider options, including DMS, Nine Dot, and Charter Impact, noting that EdTec was not pursued further. DMS has a long history with the school and strong institutional knowledge, while Charter Impact offers advanced technology solutions, and Nine Dot is the most expensive with limited experience outside Learn for Life schools. Board members will receive an updated side-by-side comparison and a staff survey to provide feedback on pros, cons, and transition challenges for each provider. The goal is to make a decision by December to allow onboarding in January, though an extra month is allowed if needed for review. Ongoing issues like late reimbursements and payroll complications were clarified, and improvements, including an online reimbursement process, are being implemented.

The board reviewed the math curriculum adoption policy and timeline, noting that adoption will occur next year after a thorough piloting phase. Parents and teachers will pilot multiple curriculums to provide feedback on usability, effectiveness, and fit for the school’s model. The review team includes two math specialists, the math department chair, the curriculum director, participating teachers, and parents. This process ensures informed decisions, especially since the current curriculum will no longer be printed.

The board reviewed the Teacher Assignment Monitoring Outcomes Report (TAMOS), which tracks teacher credentials and assignment alignment as part of the state accountability system. The report identifies misassignments, where a teacher is not properly credentialed for a core subject, while “out-of-field” assignments are allowed under local assignment options with proper support. The report ensures transparency and compliance, covering any subject with a state-issued credential requirement, not just the traditional core subjects.

During board remarks, members highlighted community support efforts, including a Thanksgiving meal giveaway at Life Connection Church and ongoing food drives in the East Bay. They also shared how Parsec Education is contributing funds that would have gone to holiday gifts to directly support students in need, such as providing clothing and essentials. The board expressed gratitude for these efforts and discussed sending thank-you notes to acknowledge the generosity.

No members of the public wish to comment at this time.

The Board went into closed session at 5:38 p.m.

Nothing to report at this time.