Connecting Waters Charter Schools

Minutes

CWCS Board of Directors Meeting

(A California Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation)

Date and Time

Thursday May 28, 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, L. Joseph, T. Hushaw

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 May 28, 2026 at 3:03 PM.

B.

Roll Call

C.

Approval of the May 28, 2026, Board of Directors Agenda

E. Melton made a motion to amend the agenda to accommodate legal counsel's schedule. The amendment moved the anticipated litigation item, Section 12 Item B, to, Section 3 item B. and also moving the report out of closed session actions for the anticipated litigation item, Section 13 Item B, to section 4 item B.
K. Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
E. Melton made a motion to amend the agenda by removing Item L. under section 9.
K. Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Addipah
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon made a motion to to approve the agenda amended with the modifications that were just approved.
K. Fatima seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
E. Melton
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
S. Welch
Aye

D.

Pledge of Allegiance

Led by Kristen Corrales

E.

Hearing of the Public on Non-Agenda Items

A staff member from CWEB addressed the Board regarding considerations related to out-of-state teachers and shared her experience successfully supporting a student remotely when no local ES was available. She noted that the high cost of living impacts staff retention and expressed interest in opportunities for remote work arrangements. The staff member also encouraged increased staff collaboration and community-building opportunities through in-person meetings and events.

 

No members of the public gave comments from either of the other locations

F.

Hearing of the Public on Agenda Items

No comments from the public

II. Hearing of Public on Closed Session Items

A.

No comments

No comments were made from the public

 

Entered Closed Session at 3:15pm

III. Closed Session

A.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

B.

Conference With Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation

Nothing to report out

IV. Report on Closed Session Actions

A.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

Back from Closed Session.

There is nothing to report.

 

Returned to Open Session at 5:55pm

B.

B. Conference With Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation

There is nothing to report.

V. Administrative Reports

A.

Review Math Placement Data

The Board received the Math Placement Data report and was informed that questions could be submitted for follow-up responses. Board members discussed student achievement data and the development of enhanced reporting tools to support longitudinal analysis of student cohorts and academic growth over time. Administration shared ongoing efforts to improve data filtering capabilities across multiple platforms to provide a clearer picture of student progress and outcomes. The Board also reviewed academic intervention and support programs planned for the upcoming school year, including grade-level classes, standards-based interventions, and individualized learning plans designed to meet student needs. Additionally, the Board received an overview of the high school advisory program and new data tools being developed to better monitor student participation and outcomes across support services.

VI. Directors' Reports

A.

Acting Executive Director Report

The Board was presented an end-of-year report highlighting student celebrations, graduation and promotion ceremonies, family engagement activities, leadership development efforts, and strong statewide testing participation. The Board received an overview of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), including its alignment with organizational priorities, state requirements, and budget planning. Updates were provided on operational initiatives, including position title revisions, school calendar planning, employee relocation policy development, compensation review efforts, and strategies to improve operational efficiency. The Board also received staffing updates, including new hires, leadership additions, and upcoming retirements, as well as progress reports on facilities projects and campus improvement initiatives. Additionally, the Board discussed the rollout of the new website and supported the development of a centralized process for feedback collection, staff training, and ongoing website maintenance.

VII. Consent Items

A.

Approval of Minutes - April 16, 2026, Regular Meeting

K. Corrales made a motion to approve the minutes from CWCS Board of Directors Meeting on 04-16-26.
L. Addipah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Approval of New Hires List

C.

Approval of Separations List

D.

Approval of New Vendor List

E.

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

F.

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

G.

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

H.

Approval of the 2026-2027 Education Specialist Pay Scale

I.

Approval of the 2026-2027 Certificated Pay Scale

J.

Approval of the SGI Pay Scale with the new title 'Academic Support Tutor'

K.

Approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar with 5 Non-Instructional Days

L.

Approval of Treasurer's Report for April - May

M.

Approval of Items on the Consent Agenda

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

VIII. Items Scheduled for Consideration and/or Action

A.

Approval for Columbia Bank to remove Malinda S. Miller, Operations Administrative Assistant / Treasurer as an authorized signer on the Connecting Waters Charter Schools business checking ADA revenue account ending 4975 and the approval to add Kimberly C. Kosky, Business Services Coordinator as an authorized signer

K. Corrales made a motion to approve Columbia Bank to remove Malinda S. Miller, Operations Administrative Assistant / Treasurer as an authorized signer on the Connecting Waters Charter Schools business checking ADA revenue account ending 4975 and the approval to add Kimberly C. Kosky, Business Services Coordinator as an authorized signer.
K. Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
E. Melton
Aye

B.

Approval for BMO Bank to remove Jerri L. Levers, Executive Director / CEO and Malinda S. Miller, Operations Administrative Assistant / Treasurer as an authorized signer on the Connecting Waters Charter Schools business checking donation / fundraiser account ending 8169 and the approval to add Tammy L. Hushaw, Acting Executive Director / CEO and Kimberly C. Kosky, Business Services Coordinator as an authorized signer

K. Corrales made a motion to approve BMO Bank to remove Jerri L. Levers, Executive Director / CEO and Malinda S. Miller, Operations Administrative Assistant / Treasurer as an authorized signer on the Connecting Waters Charter Schools business checking donation / fundraiser account ending 8169 and the approval to add Tammy L. Hushaw, Acting Executive Director / CEO and Kimberly C. Kosky, Business Services Coordinator as an authorized signer.
L. Addipah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Welch
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
E. Melton
Aye

C.

Approval to remove Malinda Miller as Board Treasurer and vote to replace her with Nathan Meginness as Acting Treasurer

L. Addipah made a motion to approve the removal of Malinda Miller as Board Treasurer and vote to replace her with Nathan Meginness as Acting Treasurer.
K. Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Addipah
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
S. Welch
Aye

D.

Approval to extend Board Member, Keith Martin's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028

K. Corrales made a motion to approve the extension of Board Member, Keith Martin's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028.
J. Louie-Monzon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Welch
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
K. Martin
Aye

E.

Approval to extend Board Member, Stuart Welch's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028

K. Corrales made a motion to approve the extension of Board Member, Stuart Welch's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028.
J. Louie-Monzon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
K. Fatima
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye

F.

Approval to extend Board Member, Kaneez Fatima's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028

K. Corrales made a motion to approve the extension of Board Member, Kaneez Fatima's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028.
K. Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Welch
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye

G.

Approval to extend Board Member, Erika Melton's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028

K. Corrales made a motion to approve the extension of Board Member, Erika Melton's term from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028.
L. Addipah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Addipah
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye

H.

Approval of Connecting Waters Charter Schools Student Use of Mobile Communication Devices Policy

K. Corrales made a motion to approve the Connecting Waters Charter Schools Student Use of Mobile Communication Devices Policy.
S. Welch seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
E. Melton
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
K. Martin
Aye

I.

Approval of the Board Governance Committee Members and Meeting Dates for the 2026-27 school year

J. Louie-Monzon made a motion to approve the Board Governance Committee Members and Meeting Dates for the 2026-27 school year.
K. Martin seconded the motion.

The Board Governance Committee will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 8:30-10:00 a.m.

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

J.

Approval of the Governance Committee Goals for 2026-27

K. Corrales made a motion to approve the Governance Committee Goals for 2026-27.
K. Martin seconded the motion.
  • Job Descriptions (Board member, Board Officers, Committees, etc) 
  • Board webpage content and organization  
  • Interest form on Board webpage 
  • Board Summit/Training Planning
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
K. Fatima
Aye
L. Addipah
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
E. Melton
Aye
K. Martin
Aye
S. Welch
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye

K.

Approval of the CBO Hiring Committee to conduct Interviews for candidates or the entire Board in small groups to conduct interviews

K. Corrales made a motion to Approved the CBO Hiring to be conducted by the entire Board in small groups to do the interviews for candidates.
L. Addipah seconded the motion.

Board Member, Keith Martin left at 6:46pm.

Board Member, Lydia Addipah left at 6:59pm.

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

L.

Approve the Formation of an Ad Hoc Board Truancy Committee

Removed this item from the agenda earlier

IX. Items scheduled for Information & Discussion

A.

Review the Connecting Waters Charter School LCFF Budget Overview for Parents, Local Control Accountability Plan 2025-2026 Update, Local Control Accountability Plan 2024-2027, Action Tables, and Instructions

The Board received an overview of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), all three schools including its role as a flexible, multi-year framework for continuous improvement and student success. The presentation highlighted progress toward goals related to college and career readiness, closing achievement gaps in English language arts and mathematics, and increasing English learner proficiency. Data demonstrated positive trends in several key indicators, including career readiness, dual enrollment participation, graduation preparedness, and English learner achievement. The Board discussed areas for continued focus, including graduation rates, support for ninth-grade students, chronic absenteeism, mathematics performance, and achievement gaps among student groups. Administration outlined strategies to strengthen student supports and recommended continuing current LCAP initiatives while refining efforts in identified areas of need.

B.

Review Connecting Waters Charter School 2026-2027 Local Indicators

The Board received a review of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) local indicators, including priorities related to basic services, implementation of state academic standards, family engagement, school climate, and equitable access to educational programs and opportunities. The Board noted that these indicators are incorporated into each school’s LCAP and are reviewed individually in accordance with authorizer requirements.

C.

Review the Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay LCFF Budget Overview for Parents, Local Control Accountability Plan 2025-2026 Update, Local Control Accountability Plan 2024-2027, Action Tables, and Instructions

D.

Review Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay 2026-2027 Local Indicators

E.

Review the Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley LCFF Budget Overview for Parents, Local Control Accountability Plan 2025-2026 Update, Local Control Accountability Plan 2024-2027, Action Tables, and Instructions

F.

Review Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley 2026-2027 Local Indicators

G.

Review the Connecting Waters Charter School 2026-2027 Budget

The Board reviewed the status of the 2026–2027 budget development for all three schools and was informed that the budget was still being finalized in coordination with Charter Impact. It was noted that the completed budget documents are expected to be presented at the June meeting for Board review and approval and will be made available to the public at that time.

H.

Review the Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay 2026-2027 Budget

I.

Review the Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley 2026-2027 Budget

J.

Review of the Connecting Waters Charter School April 2026 Financial Report

K.

Review of the Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay April 2026 Financial Report

L.

Review of the Connecting Waters Charter School, Central Valley April 2026 Financial Report

M.

Employee Residency and Relocation Policy Development

The Board received an update on the development of the Employee Residency and Relocation Policy and was informed that the organization continues to operate under an existing memorandum while a formal policy is being drafted. Feedback from Board members will be incorporated into a revised draft that will be presented at the June 22nd meeting for additional discussion and consideration as the policy development process continues.

N.

Discuss Board Summit / Training topics

The Board discussed plans for the upcoming board summit, including required governance trainings, review of the governance handbook, and opportunities for Board members to seek clarification on legal and policy-related topics. The Board expressed interest in maximizing time for strategic discussions, team building, and collaboration, including engagement with school leadership staff, and identified potential agenda topics such as Board priorities and Executive Director annual objectives.

O.

Board Remarks

There were no additional remarks from the board

X. Closed Session

A.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

Entered Closed Session at 8:10pm

B.

Public Employee Appointment

XI. Report on Closed Session Actions

A.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

Nothing to report out

B.

Public Employee Appointment

Nothing to report out

XII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

K. Corrales made a motion to adjourn Meeting.
S. Welch seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Addipah
Absent
S. Welch
Aye
K. Martin
Absent
E. Melton
Aye
K. Corrales
Aye
K. Fatima
Aye
J. Louie-Monzon
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:44 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
E. Melton