Led by: Kristen Corrales, Board Secretary

No comments from the public on non-agenda items

During public comment on agenda items, multiple staff members addressed the Board regarding the proposed approval Connecting Waters Charter Schools' California Employee Residency and Relocation Policy. Speakers expressed concern that restricting remote work could result in the loss of highly qualified and effective employees. Comments indicated that some roles can be carried out successfully from out of state without impacting required in-person duties. Staff highlighted the value of retaining experienced personnel to ensure program continuity, compliance, and institutional knowledge. Support was voiced for adding Nevada as an approved remote work location to retain a key English learner program leader. No action was taken at this time.

The Board received the Proposition 28 annual report and invited questions related to the presentation. Board members asked clarifying questions regarding the curriculum used, applicable grade levels, implementation timeline, use across combined-grade workshops, and whether the report applied to all schools. Staff responded that the presentation applied to all school sites, the curriculum was implemented beginning last year, and instructional standards allow for flexibility across grade spans. Staff also indicated that additional details, including curriculum explanations and updated budget information, would be provided to the Board following the meeting.

The Executive Director presented her report, highlighting plans to complete remaining governance training, upcoming charter renewal activities, and the anticipated launch of a new website in January with a six-month transition period. She shared updates on student award ceremonies, continued family engagement events, and positive progress toward charter renewal. The Board was informed that a payroll study is moving forward with two proposals expected for comparison, with the study planned to begin in January and be completed prior to the development of the 2026–27 contracts. In response to Board questions, the Executive Director also provided an update on early planning for a facilities budget, including upcoming discussions on affordability, financing options, and phased project planning.

The Deputy Executive Director shared updates on the launch of the ROAR awards program, which will recognize one classified staff member, one certificated staff member, and one student each month through a nomination process, with formal recognition provided. She also provided details on upcoming student award ceremonies scheduled for January, which will honor recipients across multiple academic and program areas. Additional highlights included a staff appreciation “Friendsgiving” event, site-based family engagement activities, and ongoing efforts to organize and inventory school supplies. The report concluded with updates on parent engagement events, noting positive participation and feedback across the multiple school sites.

"The Board agreed to reorder the agenda, moving the Approval of the Connecting Waters Charter Schools 2026-2027 School Calendar from Item A to Item F. This postponement ensured that staff had sufficient time to provide the Board with the most up-to-date survey data before discussion."

The Board reviewed proposals from three back office providers to ensure future financial reporting aligns with the rigorous compliance standards of the school’s authorizers. While the Board expressed deep appreciation for the long-standing personal relationships and integrity of the current provider, recurring technical reporting errors have necessitated a strategic transition to safeguard the school’s charter standing. Leadership and the Board emphasized that this change is a professional business decision to secure specialized expertise and is not a reflection of their high personal regard for the current service team. Following extensive due diligence, the Board transferred the decision back to the school's Executive team to select and transition to a new provider, with a formal update on the selection, and contract, if available, to be provided at the next meeting.

The Board conducted a first read of the proposed 2026-2027 meeting dates, discussing the potential addition of secondary "holding dates" to accommodate special meetings or overflow discussions. Administration will present several calendar options at the next meeting, including versions that incorporate these holding dates and separate committee meeting schedules.

No board remarks.

The Board went into Closed Session at 5:38 p.m.

No Actions to report.

Return to Open Session at 6:32 p.m.