Board of Directors
Meet the leaders who guide our school
Meet Our Board
Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts is governed by a nonprofit Board of Directors. OCASA's board complies with the Ralph M. Brown Act and Government Code Section 1090.
John Alpay BOARD CHAIR
John Alpay is an experienced senior corporate executive and general counsel with a demonstrated history of working in technology and consumer electronics. He has a proven track record of community service, focusing on meeting the educational needs of the next generation. John is currently Assistant General Counsel at WM Technology and holds a current appointment as Assistant Professor of Management at the Riverside Community College District. He has held senior leadership positions with Oakley, Samsung Electronics, and Performance Designed Products. He was previously a member of the faculty at the Cal State Fullerton College of Business & Economics and has also lectured at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. John has graduated from some of California’s most prestigious institutions including University of California, Berkeley (AB, Economics) and University of California, Los Angeles (JD, MBA). He also holds a Certificate of School Business Management from University of Southern California and was designated as a Certified Chief Business Official by the California Association of School Business Officials. John served as an elected trustee of the Capistrano Unified School District from 2010 to 2016, including two stints as Board President. John and his wife currently reside in San Juan Capistrano and they have three children, one who is at UC Berkeley and two who are in Capistrano Unified School District schools.
Ryan McDonnell BOARD VICE-CHAIR & OCASA Elementary Parent Representative
Ryan McDonnell is a former software developer turned entrepreneur by shifting focus to small start-ups with big ideas who is still willing to code to make things work. He has a passion for process improvement through technology and automation. Currently, Ryan is the Chief Technology Officer for AllGuard. He has previously held Founder, CEO and CTO roles at Catch Co., CraftJack and Binary Factory. Ryan and his family live in the City of Laguna Niguel and has a child who current attend Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts in Laguna Niguel.
Lia Berman BOARD SECRETARY - OCASA COLLEGE PREP REPRESENTATIVE
Lia Berman is a corporate attorney who specializes in complex business transactions. She has held long-term positions in corporate legal departments at local companies such as Experian and CoreLogic, with expertise in drafting and negotiating contracts for software, data, and other intellectual property in the areas of finance, real estate, and information security. She was educated in the schools of the Capistrano Unified School District and went on to get degrees from UC Irvine and UC Davis. She currently resides in Laguna Hills in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Her older son attended OCASA Elementary starting in first grade, and currently attends OCASA College Prep. Her younger son is in the first grade at OCASA Elementary.
Leena Ved Board Member
Leena is experienced in scaling K-12 charter school organizations nationwide. She served on the board of 2 high-performing school organizations. Leena is based in Orange County, and has 2 young girls in preschool and 2nd grade. Earlier in her career, Leena served as a Director of Operations at Leadership Public Schools. She then gained perspective leading executive education with the Broad Residency Program. She was fortunate to share best practices from visits directly to charters and the largest US urban school districts. She currently works managing investments into workforce and affordable housing for Pacific Alliance Capital. She has experience in leadership, strategy, facilities, portfolio management and finance. She advises owners on housing with dignity and social impact for residents. Leena is a regular speaker at a course at Stanford Business School on succession and family business. Furthermore, she’s recently served as an advisory board member for the Criterion Institute on Financial Imagination for systems change.
Board Meetings
The Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts Board of Directors will meet on the following dates:
FY25 Board Meetings
Special Board Meeting - July 29, 2024, 6:00 pm
Special Board Meeting - August 1, 2024, 10:30 am
Meeting Location: 28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Special Board Meeting - August 5, 2024, 1:00 pm
Special Board Meeting - August 29, 2024
Meeting Location
28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Locations
29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA9 92656
33461 Calle Miramar, San Clemente, CA 92675
25211 Grissom Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
24906 Gardenway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Board Meeting - September 24, 2024, 4 pm
Meeting Location: 28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA Elementary, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA College Prep, 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Board Meeting - December 3, 2024, 4 pm
Meeting Location: OCASA HQ, 28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA Elementary, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA College Prep, 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Board Meeting - January 28, 2025, 4 pm
Meeting Location: OCASA HQ, 28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA Elementary, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA College Prep, 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Board Meeting - May 20, 2025, 4 pm
Meeting Location: OCASA HQ, 28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA Elementary, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA College Prep, 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Board Meeting - June 24, 2025, 4 pm
Meeting Location: OCASA HQ, 28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA Elementary, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Teleconference Location: OCASA College Prep, 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
FY24 Board Meetings
Board Meeting - July 12, 2023, 10 am
Board Meeting - September 26, 2023, 6 pm
Board Meeting - October 24, 2023, 6 pm
Board Meeting - November 28, 2023, 6 pm
Special Board Meeting - December 5, 2023, 6pm
ONLINE MEETING
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 892 5627 5102
Passcode: 871145
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Board Meeting - January 23, 2024, 6 pm
Board Meeting - May 28, 2024, 6 pm
Meeting Location: OCASA College Prep, 31522 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Teleconference Location: OCASA Elementary, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
FY23 Board Meetings
Board Meeting - May 23, 2023, 6 pm
Meeting Location: OCASA College Prep, 31522 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Teleconference Location: 5322 Old Hwy 19E, Hampton, TN 37658
Board Meeting - June 27, 2023, 6 pm
Meeting Location: OCASA College Prep, 31522 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Teleconference Location: 315 High Bridge Chase, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Governing Documents
Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts is governed by a nonprofit Board of Directors. OCASA's board complies with the Ralph M. Brown Act and Government Code Section 1090.
Charter School Data/Information
Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) (EDC 47606.5(h)
2024-25 School Year
- OCASA Elementary 2024-25 LCAP
- OCASA Elementary 2024-25 Budget Overview for Parents
- OCASA College Prep 2024-25 LCAP
- OCASA College Prep 2024-25 Budget Overview for Parents
- OCASA College Prep 2024-25 Federal Addendum
2023-24 School Year
- OCASA Elementary 2023-24 LCAP & Budget Overview for Parents
- OCASA College Prep 2023-24 LCAP & Budget Overview for Parents
- OCASA Elementary LCAP Mid-Year Update
- OCASA College Prep LCAP Mid-Year Update
2022-23 School Year
- OCASA Elementary 2022-23 LCAP & Budget Overview for Parents
- OCASA College Prep 2022-23 LCAP & Budget Overview for Parents
2021-22 School Year
School Accountability Report Card (SARC) (EDC 35258)
Education Protection Account (EPA)
2024-25 School Year
- FY25 OCASA Elementary EPA Resolution and Spending Plan
- FY25 OCASA College Prep EPA Resolution and Spending Plan
2023-24 School Year
- FY24 OCASA Board EPA Resolution
- FY24 OCASA Elementary EPA Spending Plan
- FY24 OCASA College Prep EPA Spending Plan
- FY24 OCASA Elementary EPA Final Expenditures
- FY24 OCASA College Prep EPA Final Expenditures
- FY23 OCASA Board EPA Resolution
- FY23 OCASA Elementary EPA Actual Revenues and Expenditures
- FY23 OCASA College Prep EPA Actual Revenues and Expenditures
Mandatory Disenrollment Notice (EDC 47605(d)(4))
COVID-19 School Safety Plan
Student Health and Safety Postings (EDC 234.6)
ESSER III Safe Return to In-Person Instruction
El Dorado Charter SELPA Local Plan
Suicide Prevention Policy
OCASA School Food Authority Wellness Policy
All stakeholders are able to participate in the development, review, update, and implementation of the School Wellness Policy. Please contact the school office for more details.)
Title IX - Education Code Section 221.61 Statement
Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that was passed to ensure that students and staff, regardless of their sex, are treated equally and fairly. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment. Specifically, Title IX provides that:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Who is the Title IX Coordinator for Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (“OCASA”)?
Kapil Mathur
28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
kcmathur@ocasa.org
(949) 269-3290
Where can I get more information on the rights of a pupil and the public and the responsibilities of the public school under Title IX?
The following Internet resources are available to find more information regarding rights and responsibilities under Title IX:
California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
In addition, California law, like Title IX, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and affords individuals certain rights. You can access those rights here: Rights Afforded Under Education Code Section 221.8. Specifically, you have the right to:
- Fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
- Be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
- Inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
- Apply for athletic scholarships.
- Receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following: (i) equipment and supplies; (ii) scheduling of games and practices; (iii) transportation and daily allowances; (iv) access to tutoring; (v) coaching; (vi) locker rooms; (vii) practice and competitive facilities; (viii) medical and training facilities and services; and (ix) publicity.
- Have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
- Contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
- File a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
- Pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
- Be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.
How may I file a discrimination complaint?
You may file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator:
Kapil Mathur
28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
kcmathur@ocasa.org
(949) 269-3290
A complaint may be filed anonymously if it provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance.
Otherwise, a discrimination complaint may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights:
San Francisco Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 486-5555
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form
Is there a statute of limitations for filing an alleged incident of harassment or discrimination?
Any parent, guardian, individual, organization has the right to file a written complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic within six months from the date the alleged incident occurred or the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged incident.
Consistent with OCASA’s Uniform Complaint Procedures policy, the timeline for filing a complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying is extended by the Title IX Coordinator or designee, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension. Such extension by the Title IX Coordinator or designee shall be made in writing. The period for filing may be extended by the Title IX Coordinator or designee for good cause for a period not to exceed 90 days following the expiration of the six-month time period. The Title IX Coordinator shall respond appropriately upon a receipt of a request for extension.
For complaints subject to Title IX Grievance Procedures, the Title IX Coordinator will follow applicable law regarding the statute of limitations and endeavors to complete such investigations within 90 days per OCASA’s Title IX Policy.
How are discrimination complaints investigated?
Title IX complaints may either be investigated under OCASA’s Title IX Policy or other OCASA policies. Upon receipt of a Title IX formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the allegations fall within the definition of “sexual harassment” under Title IX. If they do, OCASA will investigate the complaint through its Title IX Policy. If the allegations do not fit under the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX, OCASA will investigate the complaint through another appropriate grievance procedure (e.g., Uniform Complaint Procedures).
During the investigative process, OCASA shall contact the complainant and other applicable parties to request documents and information. OCASA will provide an opportunity for the complainant to present evidence or information to support the complainant’s allegations.
For UCP investigations: Complaints will be investigated and a written decision will be issued within 60 calendar days of the UCP Compliance Officer’s receipt of the complaint.
For Title IX investigations per Grievance Procedures: Complaints will be investigated and OCASA will endeavor to issue a written decision within 90 calendar days of the Title IX Coordinator’s receipt of the complaint.
For additional federal guidance on how complaints may be further pursued, please see the following link: United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights