Connecting Waters Charter Schools
Minutes
CWCS Board of Directors Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday August 13, 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:
- Agendas are available to all audience members at the door to the meeting.
- Members of the public may address the Board on agenda items or matters not listed on the agenda using one of the following methods:
- In Person: Members of the public may address the Board by completing a “Request to Speak” form prior to the beginning of the meeting or before the agenda item is called. A person may designate a member of the public to speak on their behalf.
- Written Comment: Written comments may be submitted online using the google form link located on the agenda no later than 4 hours before the start of the meeting. Written comments will be acknowledged by the Board Chair during the meeting and become part of the public record.
- In accordance with California's open meeting laws, the Board may receive public comment on non-agenda items but may not discuss or take action on those matters during the meeting.
- 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. Martin, L. Addipah, S. Welch
Directors Absent
K. Corrales
Guests Present
A. DeMore, L. Joseph, T. Hushaw
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Roll Call
C.
Approval of the August 13, 2026, Board of Directors Agenda
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| K. Corrales |
Absent
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Absent
|
D.
Pledge of Allegiance
E.
Hearing of the Public on Non-Agenda Items
This item was moved to Section V. Item A.
No members of the public were present
F.
Hearing of the Public on Agenda Items
This item was moved to Section V. Item B.
No members of the public were present for CW or CV.
A staff member at CWEB spoke to the Board regarding Agenda item IV.A. Updated 2026-2027 180 Day Education Specialist Pay Rate and Salary Information. The comment expressed concern that employees may have been undercompensated or that their retirement benefits may have been affected by how supplemental teaching compensation was historically classified. The comment emphasized accountability, transparency, and the importance of ensuring employees receive all compensation and retirement credit to which they may be entitled.
The Board has received written public comments regarding employee residency, compensation and salary structure, full-time employment status, and administrative workload. The comments express concerns about the impact of these matters on the organization and its employees, including compensation, retention, and long-term financial considerations.
The Board appreciates the perspectives shared and the opportunity to hear from members of the school community. These written comments will be included as part of the official public record for this meeting.
II. Hearing of Public on Closed Session Items
A.
No public attendees
Went into Closed Session at 3:04 p.m.
III. Report on Closed Session Items
A.
Public Employee Appointment
Nothing to report
Returned to Open Session at 3:46 p.m.
IV. Items Scheduled for Consideration and/or Action
A.
Updated 2026-2027 180 Day Education Specialist Pays Rate and Salary Information
This item was moved to Section V. Item C.
The Board lost quorum. Therefore no vote was taken on this. This will be readdressed as a future agenda item.
Board Member, Stuart Welch, left at 3:55 p.m.
B.
Board Training Summit
The Board lost quorum. Therefore no vote was taken on this.
C.
Review of Chief Business Officer (CBO) Compensation Study
This item was moved to the beginning of this section and became Item A.
This was reviewed.
D.
Approval of Chief Business Officer (CBO) Contract
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| K. Corrales |
Absent
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| S. Welch |
Aye
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Absent
|
This item was moved to the beginning of this section and became Item B.
V. Items scheduled for Information & Discussion
A.
Discuss Budgetary Limit for the Executive Director Search Ad Hoc Committee
The Board discussed initiating a search for a future Executive Director and the potential use of an outside executive search firm to assist with the recruitment process. A preliminary estimate of approximately $20,550 was received from one firm, and the Board requested additional research and cost comparisons to establish an appropriate budget and authorization for the search.
Board Vice Chair, Jennifer Louie Monzon, arrived at 4:11 p.m.
B.
Review of Executive Director Compensation Study
This was reviewed
C.
Discussion on Employee Residency and Relocation Policy
The Board reviewed feedback from current out-of-state employees regarding the proposed residency and relocation policy, with common themes including grandfathering existing employees, concerns regarding trust and continuity for students, and potential personal and financial hardships associated with relocation. The Board requested additional information regarding the number of out-of-state employees who work directly with students, the costs and resources associated with supporting out-of-state employees, and clarification regarding responsibility for required travel expenses. Further discussion of the policy’s sunset provisions was requested, with an emphasis on ensuring the policy is clearly documented and legally compliant.
D.
Discussion on Recruitment of New Board Members
The Board reviewed the process for recruiting and selecting new Board members and discussed expanding outreach to staff, parents, and the broader community. The Board emphasized the need for a clear Board member job description that accurately communicates the responsibilities and time commitment of the role and expressed support for broader recruitment efforts, including targeted outreach to parents and community members.
E.
Review of the 2025-2026 Graduation Exit Survey
The Board reviewed the graduate exit survey, which included 173 responses and provided generally positive feedback regarding students’ experiences and preparation for life after graduation. The Board discussed opportunities to improve the survey’s format and data reporting, including more clearly distinguishing response categories and analyzing results by school, as well as using the feedback to identify actionable improvements in student services, career readiness, and post-graduation support.
F.
Review the Updated Board Bylaws
The Board was given a copy of the Board Bylaws that were being updated. They were instructed to bring any questions to be addressed at the Board Summit.
G.
Board Remarks
The Board received a positive update on the success of the Tiger Rallies and Ready to Roar events, which expanded beyond traditional new-family orientations to welcome all families and students back to school for the 2026-2027 school year. The events provided opportunities for connection, curriculum distribution, games, resources, and vendor engagement. The Board recognized the strong participation and support from staff, and expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort that helped create a welcoming and successful start to the school year.
VI. Hearing of Public on Closed Session Items
A.
Public Comment (in person)
No public attendees at any of the three sites.
B.
Written Public Comment
Went into Closed Session at 5:03pm
VII. Closed Session
A.
Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
Government Code 54957
VIII. Return to Open Session
A.
Open session
Returned to Open session at 6:53 p.m.
IX. Report on Closed Session Actions
A.
Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
Nothing to report
X. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| S. Welch |
Absent
|
| K. Martin |
Aye
|
| L. Addipah |
Aye
|
| J. Louie-Monzon |
Aye
|
| K. Corrales |
Absent
|
| E. Melton |
Aye
|
Stuart Welch led the Pledge of Allegiance