Monarch River Academy
Regular Board Meeting
3610 E. Ashlan Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726
https://zoom.us/j/4183238475
Meeting ID:418 323 8475
Tuesday, May 9 2023
6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
- To Join Virtually via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/4183238475 | Meeting ID:418 323 8475
- To Join by Phone: (669) 900-6833
Agenda
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Opening Items10 mins6:00 pm PDT
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Record Attendance
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Call the Meeting to Order
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Flag Salute
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Discussion & Potential Action on the Approval of the Agenda
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Public Comment
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Discussion & Potential Action to Approve the February 28, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes5 mins6:00 pm
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Finance6:10 pm
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Discussion & Potential Action on the March 2023 Financial Report10 mins
6:10 pm -
Discussion & Potential Action on the Superintendent & Deputy Director Divvy Expenses5 mins
6:20 pm
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Discussion & Potential Action on the Classified Hourly Rate & Number of Work Days10 mins
6:25 pm
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Discussion & Potential Action on the Gifts, Grants, & Bequests/Donations Policy5 mins
6:35 pm
Board Policy No. 3290
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Academic Excellence6:40 pm
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Public Hearing of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) & Budget Overview for Parents (BOP)10 mins
6:40 pm
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Public Hearing of the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant Plan10 mins
6:50 pm
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Discussion of the Prop 28 Arts Plan5 mins
7:00 pm
Informational
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Discussion on the WASC Accreditation Status5 mins
7:05 pm
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Operations7:10 pm
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Discussion & Potential Action on the 2023-2024 Vendor Agreement5 mins
7:10 pm
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Discussion & Potential Action on the Updated Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP)5 mins
7:15 pm
Board Policy No. 1312
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Discussion & Potential Action on Back Office Provider Bids10 mins
7:20 pm
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Governance7:30 pm
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Presentation & Discussion of the Board Metrics Report - May 2023
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PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Superintendent - Closed Session15 mins7:30 pm
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Report Out of any Action Taken During Closed Session5 mins7:45 pm
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Closing Items5 mins7:50 pm
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Board of Director Comments & Request
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Announcement of the Next Scheduled Board Meeting
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Regular: June 20, 2023 at 6:00 PM
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Adjourn Meeting
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Meeting Notes
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Public Comment Rules: Members of the public may address the Board on agenda or non-agenda items through the teleconference platform, Zoom. Zoom does not require the members of the public to have an account or login. Please either utilize the chat option to communicate to the administrative team of your desire to address the Board or simply communicate orally your desire to address the Board when the Board asks for public comments. Speakers may be called in the order requests are received. Comments are limited to 2 minutes each, with no more than 15 minutes per single topic. If a member of the public utilizes a translator to address the Board, those individuals are allotted 4 minutes each. If the Board utilizes simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the Board to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously, those individuals are allotted 2 minutes each. By law, the Board is allowed to take action only on items on the agenda. The Board may, at its discretion, refer a matter to school staff or calendar the issue for future discussion.
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Note: The Governing Board encourages those with disabilities to participate fully in the public meeting process. If you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the public meeting, please contact the Governing Board Office at (562) 758-0511 at least 48 hours before the scheduled board meeting so every reasonable effort can be made to accommodate you. (Government Code § 54954.2; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, § 202 (42 U.S.C. § 1213)
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Note: Times listed on the agenda are estimates only and do not represent the actual time each agenda item will take place during the Board meeting. Similarly, the length of time noted for each of the agenda items also represents estimated duration, and not the actual length of time allocated for each.
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2-28-2023 - Board Meeting Mintues - MR.pdf
Minutes Tab
Opening Items
Record Attendance
Directors Present (In-Person):
Dr. Sam Nofziger, Elizabeth Wagner, Dr. Craig Wheaton, & Sarah Sanchez
Director(s) Absent:
Dr. Monique Ouwinga-DeRuiter
Guests Present:
In Person - Steph Johnson, Dr. Laurie Goodman
Remote - Joanna Fung, Anna Wilkinson, Dr. Steven James, Jenny Plumb, Maria Thoeni, Lorraine Sewell, Denise Voth, Michelene Fitzgerald, Natalie Douty, Barbara Bolanos, Rhonda Duerksen, Jim Surmeian, & Kimmi Buzzard
Call the Meeting to Order
Dr. Sam Nofziger called the meeting of the Board of Directors of Monarch River Academy to order on Tuesday May 9, 2023 at 6:01 PM.
Flag Salute
Dr. Sam Nofziger led the Flag Salute.
Discussion & Potential Action on the Approval of the Agenda
Sarah Sanchez made a motion to approve the agenda.
Elizabeth Wagner seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Public Comment
No public comments were made.
Discussion & Potential Action to Approve the February 28, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes
Elizabeth Wagner made a motion to approve the February 28, 2023 Board Meeting minutes.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Finance
Discussion & Potential Action on the March 2023 Financial Report
Jim Surmeian from Charter Impact presented the school's March 2023 Financial Report. Highlights included a 100% Funding Determination for three years, enrollment, both current and future, and current school surplus status (9.2%)
Elizabeth Wagner asked about student withdrawal rates. Steph Johnson shared that the rates are not abnormal in this school model. The school has put forth efforts to retain families, increase communication, and clarity of program description.
Sarah Sanchez inquired for examples of what non-instructional expenses. Jim Surmeian shared that Liability insurance and office space count as non-instructional expenses.
Dr. Craig Wheaton made a motion to approve the March 2023 Financial Report.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Discussion & Potential Action on the Superintendent & Deputy Director Divvy Expenses
There were no Divvy transactions to report.
Discussion & Potential Action on the Classified Hourly Rate & Number of Work Days
Dr. Damien Phillips presented the two Classified Calendars. One calendar is for Classified Staff that work 215 days and the other for 230 work days. The need for two calendars was prompted by legal guidance.
Elizabeth Wagner asked if the school considered the increased cost of living. Steph Johnson shared that Classified Staff does have PTO to utilize, noted that the Classified scale already have pay that is higher than other local, comparable districts, and everyone will receive a step and column advancement per normal annual practice. The Governor's May Revise to the state budget will impact future decision making.
Elizabeth Wagner seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Discussion & Potential Action on the Gifts, Grants, & Bequests/Donations Policy
Board Policy No. 3290
Steph Johnson presented the new school policy.
Dr. Sam Nofizger noted that donations to schools is a common practice and could lead to other possibilities for donations via a foundation or other method.
Dr. Craig Wheaton made a motion to approve the Gifts, Grants, & Bequests/Donations Policy.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Academic Excellence
Public Hearing of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) & Budget Overview for Parents (BOP)
Dr. Laurie Goodman provided an overview of the school's LCAP and BOP.
Dr. Craig Wheaton motioned to open the Public Hearing at 6:32 pm.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Elizabeth Wagner cited Page 9 of the LCAP/College Career Readiness and inquired what is changing or increasing? Steph Johnson shared that the efforts to make sure all students are informed about opportunities and help support decision making will continue. Mrs. Johnson also highlighted the Transition and Alumni Team's work and that they will continue to expand their reach to more students. Additional support for Middle School to High School transition and more Secondary Education Specialists are being added to the staff.
Elizabeth Wagner shared an idea for the school to host an instructional student event could be a STEM/Science day for Middle School and High School.
Elizabeth Wagner asked why the goals are already mirrored in the baseline. For example, why are the goals already met in some instances such as qualified and credentialed teachers. Are these goals helping the schools advance and develop? Dr. Goodman shared that these metrics are required. Dr. Craig Wheaton and Dr. Sam Nofziger added that this helps hold all public schools accountable to the same levels.
Elizabeth Wagner inquired what the participation rates of school events and clubs are. Steph shared this is connected to community connectedness and why funding and staffing is being focused on student events.
Sarah Sanchez inquired when the club schedule will be published for the 2023-2024. Michelene Fitzgerald anticipates this will occur in August.
Sarah Sanchez asked about successful online clubs like cooking and if there is a possibility to host them in person. Michelene Fitzgerald shared that staff interest is a factor.
Elizabeth Wagner asked if the club times will conflict with Virtual Academy or other instructional event.
Elizabeth Wagner proposed a Pokemon Club. She knows of a location that would offer space to the school at no cost.
Sarah Sanchez supports the practice of utilizing staff interests to staff
Sarah Sanchez motioned to close the Public Hearing at 7:00 pm.
Elizabeth Wagner seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Public Hearing of the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant Plan
Dr. Craig Wheaton made a motion to open the Public Hearing at 7:01 pm.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Dr. Damien Phillips provided information on the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant Plan and how it is different from the Prop 28 Arts Plan.
Elizabeth Wagner asked if there are plans to incorporate more specificity to the expenditures. Steph Johnson shared that the Community Arts Educators are the bulk of the funding for staffing. Dr. Laurie Goodman pointed out the funds are discretionary.
Dr. Craig Wheaton motioned to close the Public Hearing at 7:08 pm.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Discussion of the Prop 28 Arts Plan
Informational
Dr. Damien Phillips presented the draft of the Prop 28 Arts Plan. Michelene Fitzgerald shared that there will be Adventure Days, Middle School & High School Hangouts, Clubs, & monthly parent meetings (coffee chat).
Elizabeth Wagner inquired about the GATE program. Maria Thoeni shared about the school's early plans to provide opportunities to advanced learners.
Elizabeth Wagner asked how the school plans for safety, inclusion, accessibility for all students, but particularly those with Special Needs. Steph Johnson shared that Dr. Damien Phillip's Para Professional Team does include providing these items to all students.
Discussion on the WASC Accreditation Status
Dr. Laurie Goodman shared the good news about the school's WASC Accreditation.
Operations
Discussion & Potential Action on the 2023-2024 Vendor Agreement
Steph Johnson shared that the COVID language has been removed and removed the term "employee."
Sarah Sanchez made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 Vendor Agreement.
Elizabeth Wagner seconded the motion.The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Discussion & Potential Action on the Updated Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP)
Board Policy No. 1312
Dr. Damien Phillips shared the revised UPC.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Discussion & Potential Action on Back Office Provider Bids
Steph Johnson explained the financial service needs of the leadership team. Absolute Charter Group is the bid being recommended by Mrs. Johnson.
The Board is supportive of the company school leadership wants to work with.
Dr. Craig Wheaton made a motion to approve the bid for Absolute Charter Group.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Governance
Presentation & Discussion of the Board Metrics Report - May 2023
Dr. Craig Wheaton commented that this has been an effective change to how information is shared.
Dr. Sam Nofziger is requesting a high school presentation focused on College & Career Readiness including: Credit requirements, concurrent enrollment vs dual enrollment, and A-G requirements/expectations.
Sarah Sanchez noted some scheduling conflicts with Virtual Academies and other live instructional/enrichment sessions.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Superintendent - Closed Session
Sarah Sanchez motioned to open Closed Session at 7:32 pm.
Elizabeth Wagner seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Sarah Sanchez motioned to end Closed Session at 7:50 pm.
Dr. Craig Wheaton seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Elizabeth Wagner motioned to re-open Open Session at 7:51 pm.
Sarah Sanchez seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Report Out of any Action Taken During Closed Session
The Board did not take action during closed session, but did share that they would be continuing the Administrative Evaluation with a goal to complete the process at the June Board Meeting.
Closing Items
Board of Director Comments & Request
1. Elizabeth Wagner requested what the participation rates of school events and clubs are to be reported at the June Meeting.
2. Dr. Sam Nofziger would like a report on the Arts, Music, & Instructional Materials Block Grant expenditures to show alignment with projected spending categories and amounts when available.
3. Board Metrics Follow Up Presentation on College & Career Readiness including: Credit requirements, concurrent enrollment vs dual enrollment, and A-G requirements/expectations.
Announcement of the Next Scheduled Board Meeting
Regular: June 20, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Dr. Sam Nofziger announce the next Regular Board Meeting date and time.
Adjourn Meeting
Sarah Sanchez made a motion to adjourn the Board Meeting at 7:52 pm.
Elizabeth Wagner seconded the motion.
The Board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Meeting Notes
Public Comment Rules: Members of the public may address the Board on agenda or non-agenda items through the teleconference platform, Zoom. Zoom does not require the members of the public to have an account or login. Please either utilize the chat option to communicate to the administrative team of your desire to address the Board or simply communicate orally your desire to address the Board when the Board asks for public comments. Speakers may be called in the order requests are received. Comments are limited to 2 minutes each, with no more than 15 minutes per single topic. If a member of the public utilizes a translator to address the Board, those individuals are allotted 4 minutes each. If the Board utilizes simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the Board to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously, those individuals are allotted 2 minutes each. By law, the Board is allowed to take action only on items on the agenda. The Board may, at its discretion, refer a matter to school staff or calendar the issue for future discussion.
Note: The Governing Board encourages those with disabilities to participate fully in the public meeting process. If you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the public meeting, please contact the Governing Board Office at (562) 758-0511 at least 48 hours before the scheduled board meeting so every reasonable effort can be made to accommodate you. (Government Code § 54954.2; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, § 202 (42 U.S.C. § 1213)
Note: Times listed on the agenda are estimates only and do not represent the actual time each agenda item will take place during the Board meeting. Similarly, the length of time noted for each of the agenda items also represents estimated duration, and not the actual length of time allocated for each.
Attendance
Members
| Name | Attendance |
|---|---|
damien.phillips@yosemitevalleycharter.org |
|
Kimmi Buzzard |
|
Rhonda Duerksen |
|
Dr. Laurie Goodman |
|
Dr. Steven James |
|
Steph Johnson |
|
Dr. Sam Nofziger |
|
Dr. Monique Ouwinga-DeRuiter |
|
Dr. Damien Phillips |
|
Jenny Plumb |
|
Sarah Sanchez |
|
Maria Thoeni |
|
Yolanda Vazquez |
|
Denise Voth |
|
Elizabeth Wagner |
|
Dr. Craig Wheaton |
Guest Members
| Name | Attendance |
|---|---|
Michelene Fitzgerald |
|
Amy Friensen |
|
Lorraine Sewell |
|
Jim Surmeian |
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