Magnolia Science Academy November 15 agenda LACBOE

APPROVED
NO. 14:2016-17
MINUTES LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF
EDUCATION
9300 Imperial Hwy.
Downey, California 90242-2890 Tuesday, November 15, 2016
A Board meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Education was held on Tuesday,
November 15, 2016, in the Board Room in the Education Center at LACOE, 9300 Imperial
Highway, Downey, CA 90242-2890.
PRESENT: Mr. Douglas Boyd, Ms. Katie Braude, Mrs. Gabriella Holt, Mr. Alex Johnson,
and Dr. Rebecca Turrentine
COMPENSATED: Dr. Monte Perez
UNCOMPENSATED: Mr. Thomas A. Saenz
OTHERS PRESENT: Dr. Debra Duardo, Superintendent; Administrative staff; and
Ms. Beatrice Robles, Senior Executive Assistant
BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS (None)
PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Boyd called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. Braude led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ORDERING OF THE AGENDA
Dr. Duardo indicated that there were changes to the County Board agenda: Item V-A, V-B, and
V-C (Magnolia Charter Science Academy 1, 2 and 3) - Supplemental information was submitted
by the Charter Petitioner – Lease/rental agreement(s) or similar documents; Interdistrict Appeal
No. 1 was released by the district.
It was MOVED by Mrs. Holt, SECONDED by Ms. Braude, and CARRIED to approve the Board
agenda as amended.
Yes vote: Mrs. Holt, Ms. Braude, Dr. Turrentine and Mr. Boyd.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
• October 4, 2016 – Board Finance Committee Meeting
It was MOVED by Ms. Braude, SECONDED by Dr. Turrentine, and CARRIED to approve the
Minutes of October 4, 2016 as presented.

Los Angeles County Board of Education
Minutes of November 15, 2016
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• November 1, 2016 – Board Finance Committee Meeting The minutes were filed
as presented.
• May 17, 2016 – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee Meeting No
action taken by the County Board
• October 18, 2016 – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee Meeting
It was MOVED by Dr. Turrentine, SECONDED by Ms. Braude, and CARRIED to approve the
Minutes of October 18, 2016 as presented.
COMMUNICATIONS: BOARD
Ms. Braude indicated that she attended the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
meeting on November 9 where they held all-day workshops on Local Control and continuous
improvement on how to help interpret, understand and use the new LCFF Evaluation Rubrics as a
tool to support such improvement for all students. The workshops also talked about changes to
the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Ms. Braude shared information with the
County Board.
Mr. Boyd said that for board members and key staff members, he shared a Tiger Tail donut, by
Donut Man on Route 66 in Glendora. He said it is a famous place where Huell Howser did a
segment and a Tiger Tail seemed appropriate today.
Mr. Boyd said that for the last few years, he has been involved with the Veterans Day Ceremony
in Glendora. He mentioned that Veterans wore military decorations on their caps earned decades
ago and brought his VFW cap to show the group. They do this to honor veterans and those who
did not make it home. He said this Veterans Day, it really struck home what they were fighting
for. He noted a very contentious presidential election just took place and said that three things
stood out no matter what side you were on: 1) President-elect Trump’s acceptance speech early
Wednesday morning was very gracious and presidential, and one could almost see a great weight
settling on his shoulders. 2) Hillary Clinton’s concession speech the following mid-day was the
best speech he had ever heard her give. It struck a chord because it was very personal, heartfelt
and positive about America. 3) A few minutes after that speech, President Obama hit exactly the
right note by noting that this was an election in which he had strong disagreements with the winner,
but then so did President Bush with him eight years ago. President Bush treated him most
graciously, and his administration did everything possible to prepare his new administration to hit
the ground running. President Obama said that is what he was going to do for Presidentelect Trump
and his administration. People anywhere else in the world looking at this spectacular turn of events
must be marveling at the genius that is America and it's electoral system. Those three speeches
encapsulated what elections should mean, and he was very proud to be an American on Veterans
Day.

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COMMUNICATIONS: SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Duardo said that she has been supporting school districts and making sure students are safe
and that the demonstrations that have been taking place are done in a way where we can maintain
safety and, as much as possible, able to keep our student in school.
Dr, Duardo had a meeting with the Superintendents from Saugus, Castaic, Sulphur Springs and
Newhall. She said that she is trying to get out more to those school districts and bring support to
them.
Dr. Duardo said she had an opportunity to meet with the County Department of Human Resources
as they presented their town-hall meeting. She said she is looking forward to increasing
partnership opportunities with other departments within the County.
COMMUNICATIONS: PUBLIC (None)
PRESENTATIONS (None)
HEARINGS
THE MAGNOLIA SCIENCE ACADEMY 1 (RESEDA), GRADES 6-12: APPEAL OF A
PETITION TO RENEWAL CHARTER PREVIOUSLY DENIED BY LOS ANGELES
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Education Code section 47605(b) provides that within 30 days after receiving a charter petition,
the Los Angeles County Board of Education shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of
determining the level of support for the charter petition by teachers, employees, and parents of the
proposed charter. Within 60 days, the County Board shall review the petition and information
provided at the public hearing and either grant or deny the petition unless a 30-day extension is
agreed to by the petitioners and the County Board.
Speaking on behalf of MSA 1 were: Mr. Mustafa Sahin, Principal; Ms. Jillian Okamura, Dean of
Culture; and Nicole Vasquez, EL Coordinator.
There were no questions from the County Board.
Speaking in favor of MSA 1 were: Mr. Andres Fausto, student; Mr. Dan Kohne, Mount Wilson
Observatory Trustee; and Ms. Lourdes Gonzalez, parent.
The hearing was closed.

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THE MAGNOLIA SCIENCE ACADEMY 2 (VALLEY), GRADES 6-12: APPEAL OF A
Speaking on behalf of MSA 2 were: Ms. Tawnie Black, Dean of Students, and Mr. Eric Tuazon,
English teacher.
Speaking in favor of MSA 2 were: Ms. Sandra Covarrubias, parent, and Ms. Patricia Capistrano,
student.
THE MAGNOLIA SCIENCE ACADEMY 3 (CARSON), GRADES 6-12: APPEAL OF A
Speaking on behalf of MSA 3 was Dr. John White, principal and Dr. Caprice Young, Chief
Executive Officer.
Speaking in favor of MSA 3 were: Ms. Yesenia Esquivas, student; Ms. Shondrea Daniel, dean of
students; Mr. Gregory Woodson, student; Ms. Olga Mendez, teacher; and Ms. Bertha Del Villar,
parent.
REPORTS / STUDY TOPICS
STAFF FINDINGS ON THE ALMA FUERTE PUBLIC SCHOOL, GRADES TK-8:
APPEAL OF A PETITION TO ESTABLISH A CHARTER PREVIOUSLY DENIED BY
THE PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. Gilleland, Chief Academic Officer, provided background information to the County Board on
Alma Fuerte. He introduced Mr. Indra Ciccarelli, Coordinator for the Charter School Office, to

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provide the report to the County Board. Mr. Ciccarelli provided information on the grounds for
denial under EC 47605(b) and reported that Alma Fuerte is not reasonably comprehensive in the
areas of
• Description of educational programs
• Measurable pupil outcomes Method for measuring pupil progress
• Suspension and expulsion procedures.
There was no discussion by the County Board on this item.
There were public speakers who spoke against Alma Fuerte Public School: Ms. Bernadette Griggs,
Chief Financial Officer for Pasadena USD; and Dr. Meg Abrahamson, director of student support
programs, Pasadena USD.
There were public speakers who spoke in support of Alma Fuerte Public School: Ms. Samira
Estilai, Ex Ed; Ms. Anne Lee, petitioner; Ms. Myra Salina, educator; and Ms. Kathy Dominguez,
board member.
The County Board agreed to consider the Recommendation for Alma Fuerte following the Report.
Ms. Holt said that after much research and review of the documents, reports and information
provided to the County Board, she does not agree with the Staff Recommendation to deny the
petition appeal. She said that she believes that the charter appeal is comprehensive based on the
education code required elements and she said that the findings do not rise to the level of denial.
She said that she believes that the issues are solvable.
Mrs. Holt made a substitute motion to approve Alma Fuerte charter petition appeal, direct staff to
reconcile concerns and deficiencies with petitioners through a Memorandum of Understanding and
overturn the Superintendent’s Recommendation for denial.
It was MOVED by Mrs Holt, SECONDED by Mr. Johnson, and CARRIED to approve a
substitute motion and approve Alma Fuerte charter petition appeal, direct staff to reconcile
concerns and deficiencies with petitioners through a Memorandum of Understanding, and overturn
the Superintendent’s Recommendation for denial.
The County Board had a discussion about this item.
Dr. Turrentine said she has great appreciation for the passion and hard work of the petitioners. She
said that there are a couple of areas of concern: Approving an MOU with a petitioner that requires
a material revision. She said she believes that the County Board should approve the same petition
that came before County Board. Her main concern is regarding the budget. She said that the Alma
Fuerte budget is based on a projected budget that appears to be unrealistic and has changed over
time since it was first reviewed by the County Board. She said that it does appear that there will
be a deficit on each month of the first eight months of the charter school. She said that the school
had planned to sell receivables to compensate for the deficit and that this would mortgage their
future. She does not support this practice as a general rule. She said that her concern is heightened
when an enrollment projection is soft because this has the potential of creating a deeper budget
issue over time. She said that with the information provided, it does appear that the school will

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continue to have these types of budget deficits for the next three years. Dr. Turrentine said that
today she heard that they are no longer interested in selling receivables and that they are going to
secure a loan to take care of the deficits. She said that this is still problematic from her perspective
because of the soft enrollment projections. Dr. Turrentine said because of this, she is supporting
the Superintendent’s recommendation.
Ms. Braude said she is less concerned about the budget issues than previously. She appreciated
Ex Ed providing information that explained the differences between LACOE and the charter
schools’ calculations. She said she has a lot of respect for the work that Ex Ed does and she has
known about their work for a long time. She said it gives her reassurance about Alma Fuerte’s
capabilities. Ms. Braude asked if the petitioners had the documentation on the families that were
interested in enrollment and how many parents are interested.
The petitioner responded to Ms. Braude – intent-to-enroll forms for 125 families (district has
those). Intent and support from the community. We had 150 in our intent to enroll form.
Ms. Braude asked staff about the forms and what LACOE received.
Ms. Wilson said that they based their numbers on the 156-page document that was received from
the petitioner at the November 1 Board meeting, which included intent-to-enroll documents and
letter of support for AF schools.
Ms. Braude asked several questions about curriculum issues and staff having experience in
curriculum development and their experience/knowledge with Achieve 3000.
Mr. Boyd said he feels that the financial aspect of Alma Fuerte is solvable and that enrollment is
fairly solid too. He said that with regards to curriculum, he does not see a problem as well. Mr.
Boyd said that what he sees is the Charter School Office looking at fatal flaws. He said this
charter’s chances for success and the good things about this charter outweigh the deficiencies and
potential problems. He said if you include the area where they will be serving, which is an area
where kids desperately need a choice, as Pasadena USD is failing, then it is worth for LACOE to
give students a choice and an opportunity.
Mr. Johnson asked petitioner, about unduplicated pupil percentage discrepancies. He asked
petitioner why there is a discrepancy between the district and petitioners projections.
Petitioner said that their projects are based on having two classes of K-1 and only one TK-K, which
add up to 125 students. The petitioner said they have been very successful in the community where
we have over 125 students who are interested in enrolling despite the fact that a facility has not
been identified, school location is unknown, and the charter has not yet been approved. Petitioner
said that there is a high demand for Alma Fuerte because there is no one else meeting the needs of
this specific population in the community. She said that there is a team helping with the outreach,
Mr. Johnson asked about the claim of overestimated expenses such as half-time education teachers
and other expenses. He said that there is a notion that Alma Fuerte will not be able to recruit staff
needed for school.

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Petitioner said that they raised their salary range based on existing SARC reports. She said it looks
lower than LAUSD salaries and Pasadena and this is why it may look a bit low to the Charter
Schools Office. She said salaries are tied to medium and high salary levels and that Alma Fuerte
simply took the average of those salary levels.
Ms. Holt restated her substitute motion:
It was MOVED by Mrs Holt, SECONDED by Mr. Johnson, and CARRIED to approve a
substitute motion and approve Alma Fuerte charter petition appeal, direct staff to reconcile
concerns and deficiencies with petitioners through a Memorandum of Understanding, and overturn
the Superintendent’s Recommendation for denial.
Yes vote: Mrs. Holt, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Braude, and Mr. Boyd.
No vote: Dr. Turrentine
(Ms. Braude left the County Board meeting at 5:24 p.m.)
HEAD START FISCAL AND FACILITIES PROCEDURES
Dr. Gilleland, Chief Academic Officer, said that the purpose of the report is to provide the County
Board with information regarding the new Head Start Program Performance Standards released by
the Office of Head Start.
Dr. Gilleland introduced Ms. Keesha Woods, Executive Director, Head Start-State Preschool to
provide a report to the County Board regarding Fiscal and Facilities Procedures for Head Start,
which included: Key changes to standards; structural changes; updates on fiscal and facilities
regulations and procedures; and a schedule for future reports that will be presented to the County
Board.
SALARY INCREASE FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HEAD
START-STATE PRESCHOOL
Dr. Duardo provided information to the County Board on the salary increase for the position of
Executive Director of Head Start – State Preschool pursuant to Education Code Section 1302.
Mrs. Holt asked why this item was coming forward now and not during the usual budget
deliberations.
Dr. Duardo indicated that this matter was recently brought to her attention and she wanted to
address it immediately.
SINGLE PLAN FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT (SPSA) 2016-17
Dr. Joseph Ybarra, Executive Deputy Superintendent, introduced Mr. Rami Christophi, Project
Director; Mr. Ray Donahue, Principal, and Mr. John Cotton, Principal, to provide a report to the
County Board on the Single Plan to Student Achievement for 2016-17.

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Dr. Duardo acknowledge staff for the work they are doing on a daily basis and the goals they are
working on at each of the three school settings. She thanked staff for a thorough and excellent
presentation.
WILLIAMS LEGISLATION 2016 ANNUAL REPORT ON FINDINGS FOR THE 2015-16
SCHOOL VISITS AND MONITORING
Dr. Gilleland introduced Ms. Jema Estrella, Director of Business Services, who provided the 2016
Williams Legislation Annual Report on Findings for the 2015-16 School Visits and Monitoring.
There was no discussion by the County Board on this item.
REVIEW OF THE FINAL FISCAL CRISIS AND MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE TEAM
(FCMAT) REPORT
Dr. Scott Price, Chief Financial Officer, provided a review and update of the final Fiscal Crisis and
Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) Report to the County Board. The Follow-up review
included modified sections which revisits the broad scope of the 2011 report. The areas included
Governance; LACOE Focus Areas/Core Values; Staffing and Organization; Fiscal Impact of Staff
Reductions; Fiscal Management; Financial Analysis; and information on JCS/CCS schools.
Mr. Johnson asked about the next update on the consolidation of the County Community Schools.
Mrs. Holt thanked staff for the revised FCMAT report and said it was good to know that staff
looked at the elements and the recommendations of the FCMAT report and in a condensed version,
recognized these are ongoing and that they will be enveloped with the Strategic plan process and
part of practice and procedures, moving forward.
CONSENT CALENDAR RECOMMENDATIONS
ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT FUNDS NO. 1
The Superintendent recommended that the County Board accept restricted funds in the amount of
$2,000 from the California Community Foundation (FEDCO Teacher Grant).
It was MOVED by Dr. Turrentine, SECONDED by Mrs. Holt, and CARRIED to approve the
Consent Calendar Recommendations.
Yes vote: Mrs. Holt, Mr. Johnson, Dr. Turrentine and Mr. Boyd.
RECOMMENDATIONS
APPROVAL OF THE SINGLE PLAN FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT (SPSA) 2016-17
The Superintendent recommended that the County Board approve the 2016-17 Single Plan for
Student Achievement for each of the three school settings: County community schools, a juvenile
hall school, and a juvenile camp school.

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It was MOVED by Dr. Turrentine, SECONDED by Mr. Johnson, and CARRIED to approve the
Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) 2016-17.
Yes vote: Mrs. Holt, Mr. Johnson, Dr. Turrentine and Mr. Boyd.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS (None)
BOARD COMMITTEE/LIAISON REPORTS (None)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING SCHEDULE,
ESTABLISHMENT OF MEETING TIMES, FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS, FOLLOW-
UP
Dr. Duardo reviewed the Board calendar for the December 6th County Board meeting.
The County Board agreed to the following calendar changes in January 2017: January 10, 17 and
24, 2017.
Mrs. Holt would like to receive information regarding charter renewal petition process and tool
used to measure student outcomes.
Dr. Turrentine inquired about the draft Audit Report and when the County Board would receive a
copy.
Dr. Price indicated that a draft would be sent to the County Board with enough time for their review
prior to the December 6th Board Audit Committee meeting.
(The County Board recessed)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION’S DECISION ON AN
INTERDISTRICT ATTENDANCE APPEAL
MELISSA D. V. MONTEBELLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT – District Released
MALAKAI W. v. PARAMOUNT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
The proceedings were conducted in open session to reach a decision on the interdistrict attendance
appeal. Ms. Vibiana Andrade, General Counsel, represented the Los Angeles County Board of
Education. Dr. Victor Thompson, Director, Student Support Services, Los Angeles County Office
of Education, was also present.
The appellant was not present. Mr. Daniel Sepulveda, Teacher on Special Assignment, represented
Paramount Unified School District.
The County Board determined that the appeal hearing was abandoned.

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JAHMARRI G. v. BEVERLY HILLS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
The proceedings were conducted in open session to reach a decision on the interdistrict attendance
appeal. Ms. Vibiana Andrade, General Counsel, represented the Los Angeles County Board of
Education. Dr. Victor Thompson, Director, Student Support Services, Los Angeles County Office
of Education, was also present.
The appellant was not present, but was represented by her mother, Ms. Athenia Parker. Dr.
Jennifer Tedford, Chief Academic Officer, represented Beverly Hills Unified School District.
Fact-finding was conducted by a designated hearing consultant. A copy of the record, a summary
of findings and conclusions, and a recommendation by the hearing consultant were provided to all
parties. The representatives addressed the Board and responded to questions from the Board.

Los Angeles County Board of Education Minutes
of November 15, 2016
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Four affirmative votes of the Board are required for an interdistrict appeal to be granted. An
electronic vote was taken. Voting yes were Mrs. Holt and Mr. Johnson. Voting no were Dr.
Turrentine and Mr. Boyd. The Appeal was denied.
ADJOURNMENT
It was MOVED by Mrs. Holt, SECONDED by Mr. Johnson, and CARRIED to adjourn the
meeting.
A verbal vote was taken to adjourn the meeting. Yes vote: Mrs. Holt, Mr. Johnson,
Dr. Turrentine and Mr. Boyd. The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

Magnolia Science Academy November 15 agenda LACBOE

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