Alpha Public Schools

Minutes

LCAP/Budget Public Hearing & Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday June 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

Alpha: Cindy Avitia High School- 1881 Cunningham Ave, San Jose, CA 95122

Instructions for Presentation to the Board by Parents and Citizens
Alpha Public Schools (“Alpha”) welcomes your participation at the Alpha Board meetings.
The purpose of a public meeting of the Board of Directors (“Board”) is to conduct the affairs
of Alpha in public. We are pleased that you are in attendance and hope that you will visit
these meetings often. Your participation assures us of continuing community interest in
Alpha. 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 item(s) or under the general category of “Public Comment.” All
“Request to Speak” forms must be submitted prior to the agendized item.
3. “Public Comment” 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 each 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.
4. With regard to items that are on the agenda, you may specify that agenda item on
your request form and you will be given an opportunity to speak for up to three (3)
minutes when the Board discusses that item.
5. When addressing the Board, speakers are requested to state their name and address
and adhere to the time limits set forth.
6. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, Alpha
may furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with
disabilities. Individuals who require appropriate alternative modification of the agenda
in order to participate in Board meetings are invited to contact the Board Secretary’s
office.
7. If you have any questions or need any assistance in participating in the Alpha Board
meeting, please contact Angelica Ruiz at aruiz@alphapublicschools.org or
408)780-1550 x 102.

Directors Present

A. Hendricks, C. Funches (remote), E. Retuta, J. Ramirez, J. Wallner, L. Alvarez (remote), M. Cazarez, M. Rosas (remote), N. Guevera, R. Benitez, S. Mahan (remote)

Directors Absent

A. Santillan, C. Wang, P. MacDonald

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

N. Guevera, R. Benitez

Directors who left before the meeting adjourned

S. Mahan

Guests Present

A. Ruiz

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Wallner called a meeting of the board of directors of Alpha Public Schools to order on Wednesday Jun 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM.

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

C.

Discussion and/or Modification(s) of the Agenda

J. Ramirez made a motion to approve the meeting agenda.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
E. Retuta
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
N. Guevera
Absent
P. MacDonald
Absent
C. Funches
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
R. Benitez
Absent
A. Santillan
Absent

D.

Public Comment

No public comment 

II. Public Hearing

A.

LCAP Context Overview

Public Hearing opened at 5:48pm

N. Wais provided background on how the LCAP is part of Alpha's overall strategic planning process.  

B.

Overview of all Schools

C.

Alpha: Blanca Alvarado School

N. Wais shared the 2025-26 LCAP Goals, Metrics,Actions/Strategies. B. Paige shared the Budget Overview for Parents.

D.

Alpha: José Hernández

N. Wais shared the 2025-26 LCAP Goals, Metrics,Actions/Strategies. B. Paige shared the Budget Overview for Parents.

E.

Alpha: Cindy Avitia High School

N. Wais shared the 2025-26 LCAP Goals, Metrics,Actions/Strategies. B. Paige shared the Budget Overview for Parents.

F.

Alpha: Cornerstone Academy

N. Wais shared the 2025-26 LCAP Goals, Metrics,Actions/Strategies. B. Paige shared the Budget Overview for Parents.

G.

Close Public Hearing

Public Hearing closed at 6:03pm

III. Board Business - Discussion/Action Items

A.

FY26 Budget

N. Guevera arrived at 6:10 PM.

B. Paige shared the budget proposal, updates with the May Revise and the 25-26 SWOT Analysis.

B.

Mission Moment: Graduation & Promotion Ceremonies

N. Wais shared pictures and highlights of Alpha's 2025 milestone celebrations that included Kinder ceremonies, 8th grade promotions and the High Schools' Decision Day and Graduation. 

C.

Consent Agenda

A. Hendricks made a motion to approve items on the consent agenda.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Rosas
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
R. Benitez
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
C. Funches
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
S. Mahan
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye

D.

4/02/25 Board Meeting Minute Approval

E. Retuta made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 04-02-25.
A. Hendricks seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Funches
Abstain
A. Hendricks
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
C. Wang
Absent
J. Wallner
Aye
J. Ramirez
Abstain
M. Cazarez
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
R. Benitez
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
N. Guevera
Abstain
L. Alvarez
Aye

IV. Board Appointments

A.

Term Renewal: Adam Hendricks

J. Ramirez made a motion to approve A. Hendricks Term Renewal, effective July 1, 2025.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Alvarez
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
S. Mahan
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye
A. Hendricks
Abstain
R. Benitez
Absent
C. Wang
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye

B.

Term Renewal: Peter MacDonald

A. Hendricks made a motion to approve P. MacDonald Term Renewal, effective July 1, 2025.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Hendricks
Aye
R. Benitez
Absent
S. Mahan
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
C. Funches
Aye

C.

Term Renewal: Cindy Wang

E. Retuta made a motion to approve C. Wang Term Renewal, effective July 1, 2025.
J. Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Benitez
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
A. Santillan
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
J. Wallner
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye

D.

Parent Board Appointment: Michael White

A. Hendricks made a motion to approve M. White Parent Board Member appointment, effective July 1, 2025 for Alpha: Cornerstone Academy.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Mahan
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
M. Rosas
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
R. Benitez
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
J. Wallner
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent

E.

Board President: Chris Kang

E. Retuta made a motion to approve C. Kang as Board President, effective July 1, 2025 for the duration of Shara Hegde’s sabbatical.
S. Mahan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Wallner
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
R. Benitez
Absent
S. Mahan
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
C. Wang
Absent

V. Board Business - Discussion/Action Items

A.

Local Indicators

N. Wais shared the self-reflection tool for priorities. 

B.

Approval of 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Blanca Alvarado School

R. Benitez arrived at 6:38 PM.
J. Ramirez made a motion to Approve the 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Blanca Alvarado School.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Ramirez
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
J. Wallner
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye

C.

Approval of 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Jose Hernandez School

A. Hendricks made a motion to Approve the 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Jose Hernandez School.
M. Rosas seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Alvarez
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
A. Hendricks
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
C. Wang
Absent

D.

Approval of 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Cindy Avitia High School

E. Retuta made a motion to Approve the 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Cindy Avitia High School.
A. Hendricks seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Hendricks
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
S. Mahan
Aye

E.

Approval of 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Cornerstone Academy

E. Retuta made a motion to Approve the 25-26 Budget Overview for Parents, and 25-26 LCAP- Alpha: Cornerstone Academy.
J. Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Cazarez
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
C. Funches
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
J. Ramirez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent

F.

FY26 Budget

Public comment: Student shared the care and love for school and staff. 

J. Ramirez made a motion to Approve the FY26 Budget.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Rosas
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
C. Funches
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye

G.

25-26 Board Calendar

Board Members engaged in a live poll to finalize the dates for the 25-26 Board Meeting Calendar. 

J. Ramirez made a motion to Approve the 25-26 Board Calendar.
A. Hendricks seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Hendricks
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
M. Rosas
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
C. Wang
Absent

H.

BREAK

7:03-7:13pm

I.

Academics Update

C. Martinez Nava shared an academic update with Board Members. She also introduced and welcomed Carla Hulce, Alpha's new Managing Director of Academics. 

J.

Declaration of Need Approval- Alpha: Blanca Alvarado School

E. Retuta made a motion to approve the Declaration of Need- Alpha: Blanca Alvarado School.
C. Funches seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Hendricks
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
S. Mahan
Aye

K.

Declaration of Need Approval- Alpha: Cindy Avitia High School

J. Ramirez made a motion to Approve the Declaration of Need- Alpha: Cindy Avitia High School.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Cazarez
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
A. Santillan
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
C. Wang
Absent

L.

Declaration of Need Approval- Alpha: Cornerstone Academy

A. Hendricks made a motion to Approve the Declaration of Need- Alpha: Cornerstone Academy.
C. Funches seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
E. Retuta
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
J. Ramirez
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
A. Hendricks
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye

M.

Declaration of Need Approval- Alpha: José Hernández School

E. Retuta made a motion to Approve the Declaration of Need- Alpha: José Hernández School.
A. Hendricks seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Santillan
Absent
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
C. Wang
Absent
R. Benitez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
S. Mahan
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye

N.

Appreciation for Outgoing Board Members

S. Hegde, Board & Staff members shared appreciation for Cheria Funches, Lex Alvarez, and Elsa Retuta who will be finalizing their terms as Alpha Board Members. 

VI. Closed Session

A.

CEO Evaluation

7:58pm- 8:48pm

B.

CEO Comp Discussion & Employment Agreement

VII. Reconvene Open Session

A.

Report Action Taken During Closed Session

No action taken during closed session.

S. Mahan left at 8:47 PM.

VIII. CEO Compensation

A.

Board Approval/Ratification of Compensation Comparability Study for CEO Position: Shara Hegde

J. Ramirez made a motion to Approve/Ratification of Compensation Comparability Study for CEO Position: Shara Hegde.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Mahan
Absent
C. Funches
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
J. Ramirez
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
A. Santillan
Absent
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye

B.

Board Adoption of Resolution regarding Compensation Comparability Study: Shara Hegde

A. Hendricks made a motion to Adopt Resolution regarding Compensation Comparability Study: Shara Hegde.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Benitez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye
S. Mahan
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
J. Ramirez
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye

C.

Board Chair: Required Oral Report Regarding CEO Contract: Shara Hegde

J. Wallner read oral report regarding CEO contract

D.

Board Ratification/Approval of Amendment to CEO Contract: Shara Hedge

J. Ramirez made a motion to Approve/Ratification of Amendment to CEO Contract: Shara Hedge.
C. Funches seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Funches
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
A. Santillan
Absent
S. Mahan
Absent
J. Wallner
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
N. Guevera
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye

E.

Board Approval/Ratification of Compensation Comparability Study for CEO Position: Chris Kang

A. Hendricks made a motion to Approve/Ratification of Compensation Comparability Study for CEO Position: Chris Kang.
J. Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Santillan
Absent
R. Benitez
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
S. Mahan
Absent
C. Wang
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye

F.

Board Adoption of Resolution regarding Compensation Comparability Study: Chris Kang

J. Ramirez made a motion to Adopt Resolution regarding Compensation Comparability Study: Chris Kang.
A. Hendricks seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Benitez
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
L. Alvarez
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
A. Hendricks
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
S. Mahan
Absent

G.

Board Chair: Required Oral Report Regarding CEO Contract: Chris Kang

J. Wallner read oral report regarding Acting CEO contract

H.

Board Ratification/Approval of Amendment to CEO Contract: Chris Kang

J. Ramirez made a motion to Approve/Ratification of Amendment to CEO Contract: Chris Kang.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Benitez
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
E. Retuta
Aye
P. MacDonald
Absent
M. Cazarez
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
C. Funches
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
C. Wang
Absent
S. Mahan
Absent
A. Hendricks
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

A. Hendricks made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
E. Retuta seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
P. MacDonald
Absent
C. Wang
Absent
C. Funches
Aye
A. Santillan
Absent
E. Retuta
Aye
J. Ramirez
Aye
L. Alvarez
Aye
M. Cazarez
Aye
S. Mahan
Absent
N. Guevera
Aye
M. Rosas
Aye
J. Wallner
Aye
R. Benitez
Aye
A. Hendricks
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:58 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Wallner