Connecting Waters Charter Schools

Minutes

CWCS Board of Directors Meeting

(A California Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation)

Date and Time

Thursday April 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Location

Connecting Waters Central Valley Resource Center, Board Room
2300 E. Briggsmore Ave. Modesto, CA 95355


Additional Teleconference Locations:

  • Connecting Waters East Bay Resource Center
    703 C Street, Union City, CA 94587
  • Connecting Waters Charter School Waterford Resource Center
    12705 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 72 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. 

 

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:

 

  1. Agendas are available to all audience members at the door to the meeting.
  2. “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.
  3. 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. 
  4. When addressing the Board, speakers are requested to state their name and address from the podium and adhere to the time limits set forth.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

E. Melton, J. Louie-Monzon, K. Corrales, K. Fatima, K. Martin, L. Addipah, S. Welch

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

A. DeMore

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

E. Melton called a meeting of the board of directors of Connecting Waters Charter Schools to order on Thursday Apr 16, 2026 at 3:08 PM.

B.

Roll Call

C.

Approval of the April 16, 2026, Board of Directors Agenda

K. Corrales made a motion to Approve the April 16, 2026, Board of Directors Agenda.
L. Addipah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
E. Melton
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye

D.

Pledge of Allegiance

Led by: Lydia Addipah

II. Report on Closed Session

A.

Public Employee Performance Evaluation

Nothing to report on from Closed Session. 

 

Back to Open Session at 5:17pm.

III. Return to Open Session

A.

Hearing of the Public on Non-Agenda Items

No comments from the public

B.

Hearing of the Public on Agenda Items

No comments from the public

IV. Administrative Reports

A.

Annual Business Services Department Report - Kim Kosky, Business Services Coordinator

The board acknowledged receipt of the annual Business Services Department report presented by Kim and expressed appreciation for the thorough and collaborative format. Members discussed minor technical issues accessing the audio portion and requested redistribution to ensure full review. Positive feedback was given highlighting the team-based presentation and inclusion of multiple staff perspectives.

B.

Annual Math Department Update - Mary Orvell, Math Department Chair

Board members asked about participation in parent math workshops, noting generally moderate attendance with opportunities to increase engagement. Additional data was requested on student assessment results, including more detailed breakdowns of growth across grade levels and sites. Clarification was also provided on the two math curricula currently being piloted, along with their availability for review at school sites. Members expressed appreciation for ongoing analysis of intervention programs and instructional strategies, emphasizing the importance of supporting both student achievement and teacher effectiveness. Overall, the discussion highlighted interest in deeper data insights and continued program evaluation.

C.

Annual EL Department Report - Gina Ledesma, EL Coordinator

Board members sought clarification on an acronym discussed in the report, which was explained as a parent advisory committee for English learner programs that meets regularly, provides training, and contributes input to district planning. Discussion highlighted the importance of parent participation, noting ongoing challenges with attendance but continued efforts to increase engagement. Questions were also raised about teacher credentials and support for English learner students, including how staff are trained and assigned. It was explained that most teachers hold appropriate certifications to work with these students, with only a small number as exceptions. Overall, the conversation emphasized strong staff qualifications, structured support systems, and the need to further involve parents.

V. Directors' Reports

A.

Acting Executive Director Report

The report highlighted the success of recent open house events, emphasizing student confidence, creativity, and the strong partnerships that support their growth beyond academics. Attendees were able to observe student performances, vendor-supported learning, and a variety of enriching activities that reflect a whole-child approach to education. Additional updates included community engagement efforts such as informational sessions on student safety topics, a successful book fair fundraiser, and ongoing facility improvements. The report also noted well-attended school events, upcoming end-of-year activities, and the start of the enrollment season. Board discussion included interest in making sensitive-topic presentations more accessible to families who could not attend, while recognizing the importance of maintaining appropriate safeguards. Overall, the report underscored a culture of passion, community involvement, and continuous growth across programs.

VI. Consent Items

A.

Approval of Minutes - March 3, 2026, Regular Meeting

K. Martin made a motion to approve the minutes from CWCS Board of Directors Meeting on 03-03-26.
L. Addipah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Welch
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye

B.

Approval of New Hires List

C.

Approval of Separations List

D.

Approval of the February 2026 Warrant Report from DMS for Connecting Waters Charter School

E.

Approval of the February 2026 Warrant Report from DMS for Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay

F.

Approval of the February 2026 Warrant Report from DMS for Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley

G.

Approval of the March 2026 Warrant Report from DMS for Connecting Waters Charter School

H.

Approval of the March 2026 Warrant Report from DMS for Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay

I.

Approval of the March 2026 Warrant Report from DMS for Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley

J.

Approval of the Amended Board of Directors Meeting Dates 2025-2026 Canceling June 11, 2026 and adding June 22, 2026.

K.

Approval of the Connecting Waters Charter School Declaration of Need For Fully Qualified Educators for the 2026-2027 School Year

L.

Approval of the Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay Declaration of Need For Fully Qualified Educators for the 2026-2027 School Year

M.

Approval of the Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley Declaration of Need For Fully Qualified Educators for the 2026-2027 School Year

N.

Approval of New Vendor List

O.

Approve the Deletion of the CWCS Grading Policy dated June 16, 2017

P.

Approval of the Treasurer's Report for January - February 2026

Q.

Approval of Items on the Consent Agenda

K. Martin made a motion to Approve the Items on the Consent Agenda.
L. Addipah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
K. Corrales
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye

VII. Items Scheduled for Consideration and/or Action

A.

Approval of the Connecting Waters Charter Schools Employee Handbook for 2026-2027

K. Corrales made a motion to Approve the Connecting Waters Charter Schools Employee Handbook for 2026-2027.
K. Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
K. Corrales
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye

B.

Approve the Establishment of Ad Hoc CBHRO Hiring Committee

S. Welch made a motion to Approve the Establishment of Ad Hoc CBHRO Hiring Committee.
K. Corrales seconded the motion.

Volunteers were: Kristen Corrales, Lydia Addipah and Kaneez Fatima

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Welch
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye

VIII. Items scheduled for Information & Discussion

A.

First Read of the Student Use of Mobile Communication Devices Policy

B.

Review February Monthly Financial Report for Connecting Waters Charter School

C.

Review February Monthly Financial Report for Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay

D.

Review February Monthly Financial Report for Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley

E.

Review March Monthly Financial Report for Connecting Waters Charter School

F.

Review March Monthly Financial Report for Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay

G.

Review March Monthly Financial Report for Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley

H.

Board Remarks

No Board Remarks were made

IX. Hearing of the Public on Closed Session Items

A.

XI. Hearing of the Public on Closed Session Items

No comments were made from the public.

 

Entered closed session at 6:14pm

X. Report on Closed Session Actions

A.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

Nothing to report. Returned from Closed Session at 8:08pm

XI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
K. Corrales
K. Corrales made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
K. Fatima seconded the motion.

Stuart Welch left the meeting at 6:37pm. Lydia Addipah and Keith Martin left the meeting at 7:02pm. 

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
K. Corrales
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
L. Addipah
Absent
S. Welch
Absent
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
K. Martin
Absent