TEACH Public Schools

Minutes

TEACH, Inc. Special Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Location

Board Meeting Access Locations CA:

Alternate Public Access Locations:

 

TEACH Elementary 

8505 S Western Ave 

Los Angeles, CA 90047

 

TEACH Academy of Technologies

1000 S Western Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90047

10045 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 900100047

 

TEACH Tech Charter High School

10616 S Western Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90047

 

3680 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles CA 90010

 

3740 S Crenshaw Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 90016

 

1340 W 106th St.

Los Angeles, CA 90044

 

and via zoom at:

 

Topic: TEACH Special Board Meeting
Time: Sep 23, 2025 02:00 PM Hawaii
Join Zoom Meeting
https://teachpublicschools-org.zoom.us/j/89343349332

Meeting ID: 893 4334 9332

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THE ORDER OF BUSINESS MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the order of consideration of matters on this agenda may be change without prior notice.
REASONABLE LIMITATIONS MAY BE PLACED ON PUBLIC TESTIMONY
The Governing Board’s presiding officer reserves the right to impose reasonable time limits on public testimony to ensure that the agenda is completed.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY
Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in this meeting of the Governing Board may request assistance by contacting TEACH Public Schools during normal business hours at as far in advance as possible, but no later than 24 hours before the meeting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information concerning this agenda or for materials relating to this meeting, please contact TEACH Public Schools, 1846 W. Imperial Highway. Los Angeles, CA 90047; phone: 323-872-0808; fax 323-389-4898.
www.teachpublicschools.org

 

 

 

Directors Present

A. Dragon (remote), C. Sandoval (remote), J. Lobdell (remote), M. Maye (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

B. Bulgeron, M. Brown, M. Pimienta

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Lobdell called a meeting of the board of directors of TEACH Public Schools to order on Tuesday Sep 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM.

C.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

II. Consent Items

A.

Approve the Current Agenda and Approve the Minutes from the July 29, 2025 Regular Board Meeting

A. Dragon made a motion to Approve the Consent Agenda.
M. Maye seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Lobdell
Aye
A. Dragon
Aye
M. Maye
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent
A. Dragon made a motion to approve the minutes from July 29, 2025 Regular Board Meeting TEACH, Inc. Regular Board Meeting on 07-29-25.
M. Maye seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Lobdell
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent
M. Maye
Aye
A. Dragon
Aye

III. Items for Potential Action

A.

Executive Director Report / Framing The Meeting

Matt Brown framed the meeting and gave a brief overview of the important items on the agenda. 

B.

2024-2025 Unaudited Actuals

M. Maye made a motion to Approve the 2024-2025 Unaudited Actuals.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Rich McNeel gave a detailed presentation of the financials at close of 2025. He went over each schools cash on hand and other key financial indicators and overall presented a strong financial position for the organization. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Maye
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent
J. Lobdell
Aye
A. Dragon
Aye

C.

August 2025 Financials

Rich McNeel gave the August financial report and detailed the projected surpluses, key financial indicators and enrollment shortfalls anticipated at the high school.  Matt Brown emphasized that forecasting this early in the school year is tricky until enrollment stabilizes and the financial team is keeping a close watch on all indicators. 

D.

Consideration of Candidate Dr. Cindy Guardado

M. Maye made a motion to Approve Dr. Cindy Guardado as a new board member.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Board Member (Acting Chair) Lobdell introduced this agenda item and enthusiastically recommended Cindy for the board.  Other board members agreed and she graciously accepted. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Maye
Aye
A. Dragon
Aye
J. Lobdell
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent

E.

Update on Renewal Process for TEACH Preparatory Elementary School

Matt Brown gave an update on the renewal process for TEACH Prep and explained the timing of the release of the state's renewal tiers and the timeline for submitting an application.  He emphasized that it would be likely that TEACH would be considered a middle performing school but we are in a unique position moving from low to middle performing during the renewal process.  He described a strategy that preserves an opportunity to appeal.

F.

Consider and Approve the Elementary School Improvement Plan

M. Maye made a motion to Approve the Elementary School's Improvement Plan.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Sione Thompson gave a detailed presentation describing the school's strategies for improving student academic outcomes.  He emphasized the creation of a cohesive viable curriculum, aligned professional development and a focus on student subgroup improvement. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Lobdell
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent
A. Dragon
Aye
M. Maye
Aye

G.

Approve the Declaration of Need for Highly Qualified Educators and Resolve to Approve the Assignments Pursuant to Ed Code Section 44256.

M. Maye made a motion to Approve the Declaration of Need for Highly Qualified Educators and Resolve to Approve the Assignments Pursuant to Ed Code Section 44256.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Dr. Pimienta presented this agenda item and provided context and explanation to the board. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Dragon
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent
M. Maye
Aye
J. Lobdell
Aye

H.

Board Reporting Calendar

Beth presented the board reporting calendar and emphasized it was a flexible document meant to provide an overview of the reporting seasons and to ensure the board heard regular reporting on the financial, academic and organizational health of the school. 

I.

Consider and Approve the Updated Bell Schedule for the Middle School

M. Maye made a motion to Approve the Updated Bell Schedule for the Middle School.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Sione Thompson presented the updated schedule and explained it allowed for two lunches, provided more safety to students, less crowding and overall improved the school climate. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Dragon
Aye
J. Lobdell
Aye
M. Maye
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent

J.

Authorization to Open Checking Account for Get Strategic Inc.

A. Dragon made a motion to Authorize a new checking account for Get Strategic, Inc.
M. Maye seconded the motion.

Matt Brown explained the need for a checking account for Get Strategic Inc.  Board member Lobdell asked about the signatories and Matt explained it was himself and Shawnna, and that the same fiscal policy is followed. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Sandoval
Absent
A. Dragon
Aye
J. Lobdell
Aye
M. Maye
Aye

K.

Consider and Approve the Updated Independent Study Policy

M. Maye made a motion to Approve the Updated Study Policy.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Matt Brown explained the updated study policy and explained how it works. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Sandoval
Absent
A. Dragon
Aye
J. Lobdell
Aye
M. Maye
Aye

L.

Consider and Approve the Safe Passage / Crossing Guard — Contract

M. Maye made a motion to Approve the Safe Passage/ Crossing Guard Contract.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Matt Brown presented this agenda item and explained how the vendor selected is unique for the area and works in conjunction with the Sheriff's office to provide services for Teach. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Dragon
Aye
J. Lobdell
Aye
M. Maye
Aye
C. Sandoval
Absent

M.

Consider and Approve the MOA — County of Los Angeles / Jesse Owens Park (P.E. & Sports Practice)

M. Maye made a motion to Approve the MOA with the County of Los Angeles/ Jesse Owens Park.
A. Dragon seconded the motion.

Matt Brown described the purpose for the MOU and how the school uses the park for PE and sports practice. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Sandoval
Absent
A. Dragon
Aye
J. Lobdell
Aye
M. Maye
Aye

IV. Closing Items

A.

Board or Public Comment

B.

Upcoming Meeting Date: Need for Special Meeting

The board agreed to hold a special meeting on October 21st at 5 pm to consider the renewal application. 

C.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Lobdell