Connecting Waters Charter Schools
Minutes
CWCS Board of Directors Meeting
Date and Time
Monday June 29, 2026 at 2:00 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 will be published and accessible 72 hours prior to the Board Meeting.
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:
- 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
E. Melton, J. Louie-Monzon, K. Corrales, K. Martin, L. Addipah
Directors Absent
K. Fatima, S. Welch
Guests Present
A. DeMore, L. Joseph, T. Hushaw
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Roll Call
C.
Approval of the June 29, 2026, Board of Directors Agenda
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
D.
Pledge of Allegiance
E.
Hearing of the Public on Non-Agenda Items
No members of the public
F.
Hearing of the Public on Agenda Items
Several staff members submitted written comments regarding the Employee Residency and Relocation Policy, which were read into the record during the Board meeting, and one staff member provided comments in person. The Board acknowledged and expressed appreciation for all staff who shared their feedback, recognizing the value of their input and perspectives on the proposed policy.
II. Report on Closed Session Actions
A.
Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
Nothing to report
B.
Public Employment
Nothing to report
C.
Public Employment
Nothing to report
Returned to Open Session at 4:26 p.m.
III. Administrative Reports
A.
Department Report from Central Services/ Attendance Specialist - Maria Sandoval
The Board also acknowledged the successful transition into a new leadership role, highlighting strong performance in supporting classified staff and mentoring coordinators during the first year in the position.
IV. Directors' Reports
A.
Acting Executive Director Report
The Executive Director highlighted student achievements as examples of the school's personalized education model, emphasizing how individualized learning supports diverse talents, goals, and successes while recognizing the Board's role in creating these opportunities. The Board received updates on key initiatives, including policy development, transitional kindergarten credentialing, contract renewals, a presentation to the county board of education, the launch of a new website, staff recognition, resource center activities, upcoming trainings, and operational transitions in preparation for the new school year.
V. Consent Items
A.
Approval of Minutes - June 22, 2026, Regular Meeting
B.
Approval of Items on the Consent Agenda
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
VI. Items Scheduled for Consideration and/or Action
A.
Approval of the Decision for Connecting Waters Charter School to not Participate in the Consolidated Application (ConApp) for 2026-2027
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
B.
Approval of the Decision for Connecting Waters Charter School, East Bay to not Participate in the Consolidated Application (ConApp) for 2026-2027
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
C.
Review of the June 9, 2026, CWEB Annual Report Presentation to the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) and Approval of Strategic Next Steps
The Board discussed observations from a recent county board presentation and annual report, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive strategic plan to address enrollment and demographic outreach goals, strengthen relationships with county partners, and ensure future reports clearly communicate the school's progress and plans. The administration acknowledged the feedback, provided context regarding prior reporting timelines and constraints, and agreed to develop a more structured outreach strategy.
D.
Oral Report of Executive Compensation Paid to the Acting Executive Director/Executive Director
E.
Approval of Employment Agreement for the Acting Executive Director/Executive Director
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
F.
Oral Report of Executive Compensation Paid to the Deputy Executive Director
G.
Approval of Employment Agreement for the Deputy Executive Director
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Addipah |
No
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| E. Melton |
Abstain
|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
H.
Approval of the Employee Residency and Relocation Policy
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
VII. Items scheduled for Information & Discussion
A.
First Read: Governance Oversight of Executive Direct Reports Policy
The Board reviewed an initial draft policy intended to clarify procedures for employees who report directly to the Board, including how existing Human Resources processes and the employee handbook apply to those positions. Board members were asked to review the draft and provide feedback for future revisions, with additional discussion planned at a future meeting or Board training summit.
B.
Review Connecting Waters Charter Schools Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher Qualification Requirement Policy
The Board received an update on Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teacher qualification requirements, including a review of the number of education specialists currently without TK authorization. The administration outlined a phased plan to determine eligibility based on prior TK experience and additional qualification pathways, with the goal of ensuring all applicable education specialists obtain TK authorization. The Board anticipates considering approval of the related policy at the next meeting.
C.
Second Read: Review options for a new Board Agenda template
The Board conducted a second review of proposed agenda template options and discussed opportunities to simplify the format, improve public comment procedures, and establish a more centralized process for submitting written comments. The Board also discussed organizing agendas to better reflect the unique priorities and needs of each school while maintaining consistency across shared governance items.
D.
Review of the 2025-2026 Spring Canvas Survey Results for all Three Schools
The Board reviewed the results of student and family surveys, which reflected high levels of satisfaction with instructional quality, teacher engagement, school culture, and interactive learning opportunities, while also identifying opportunities to improve homework balance, technical reliability, and parent-teacher communication. The Board discussed communication practices through Canvas and email and requested that staff explore options for standardizing communication protocols, providing additional training for teachers and students, and identifying best practices to ensure timely and consistent communication.
E.
Board Remarks
The Board acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the ongoing leadership and contributions of the Acting Executive Director in supporting the school and its continued success. The Board also welcomed the return of the Deputy Executive Director and expressed enthusiasm for their return to the leadership team.
VIII. Report on Closed Session Actions
A.
Public Employee Appointment
No reportable actions were taken during Closed Session regarding the public employee appointment item.
Returned to Open Session at 6:46 p.m.
IX. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| K. Corrales |
Aye
|
| K. Fatima |
Absent
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
Kristen led the Pledge of Allegiance