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Hayley Hutt, field representative for Assembly Member Tina McKinnor of the 61st District, recognized Connect High School student Ava De Jesus for her many accomplishments in journalism, advocacy, and youth civic engagement.

Ava thanked everyone who helped her on her journey.

Dr. Wunder shared that two students from the Da Vinci community were involved in a scooter collision with a car, and one student did not survive. 

Ms. Heimov extended the Board's condolences to the family of the student who passed.

Ms. Schaefer expressed her condolences as well, and also stated that she wasn't feeling well and was attending the meeting remotely..

Dr. Webber noted that graduations are right around the corner.

Ms. Heimov reiterated congratulations to student Ava De Jesus for her recognition from Assembly Member Tina McKinnor.

Mr. Santiago expressed condolences to the family of the student, congratulated Ava De Jesus, and shared that he looks forward to the graduations.

Ms. Rodriguez shared that she would update the Board on the Alder Residency program at a future meeting when graduates of the program could be present, and mentioned that Da Vinci had just hired three Alder residents, all of whom are familiar with Da Vinci, as they are all alumni.

Coordinator William Bleier introduced the student updates for April and May.

Benjamin Chan shared the Da Vinci Science update, speaking of College Admissions workshops, SAT day, Cal Poly SLO and Claremont College field trips, the Civil Engineering SoFI Stadium tour, Exhibition, and the AAPI Community Dialogue event.

Connect High School student Ethan Carter shared April happenings like Community Learning Day, a Belkin field trip, and May events like the Track & Field Bay League finals, and 10th and 12th grade Exhibitions focused on ancient civilizations and the U.S. political process, respectively. Coming up in June, Connect High students look forward to the End-of-Year Carnival.

Brian Winbush gave the Communications update, noting the Media Production pathway's Warner Brothers Studios field trip, the 10th grade Exhibition where students showcased their World History, English, Chemistry, and Math projects, the 12th grade Exhibition where work from Media Production, Marketing, Journalism, and Computer Science pathways were on full display. May also brought the AAPI Community Dialogue, and Senior Decision Day and Awards Night.

Da Vinci Design's update was given by Josiah Moody. He spoke of 9th, 10th, and 11th grade level themes on Exhibition Night:  social justice, global citizenship, and the Individual in the Community. He also shared Cal State Long Beach and Woodbury University field trips, Senior Showcase, and the QSU-hosted Community Dialogue in honor of the upcoming Pride month.

Mr. Santiago thanked the students for their final updates of the year.

This presentation was postponed.

Mr. Amato shared the 2024-25 P2 Attendance numbers which are reported to the State to determine ADA funding. Attendance and ADA slightly exceeded his Second Interim projections.

He then shared the Da Vinci Schools Balance Sheet. The organization's cash position is healthy. Accounts Receivable are at normal levels. Deferred revenue from grants and other sources have been received but are being held for future use. Net Assets are currently a negative number until the deferred revenue begins to be used. A Local Revenue variance is due to the small donated investment which Mr. Amato leaves untouched.

The certificated salaries variance is due to hiring more substitute teachers than projected. Mr. Amato projects the classified salaries will come in under budget, due to volatility and hiring gaps related to academic coaches and paraeducators.

Mr. Boston inquired about the Year End calculations. Mr. Amato does not have April results, but is not concerned.

Regarding the Governor's May Revise update, Mr. Amato shared that next year's final revised COLA percentage is 2.3%, slightly less than his projections, but certainly better than this year's 1.08%.

The future beyond next year is very uncertain. The State is anticipating a 3% COLA, a healthy outlook. There is one deferral in the May Revision:  LCFF will be deferred for one month, from June to July, which Mr. Amato is not concerned about due to Da Vinci's strong cash position.

The State projected a small one-time discretionary grant of $300 per student, or about $735K total across all Da Vinci School sites. The funds could be used over time or all in one year.

Brief discussion about the discretionary grant ensued. The AMIMBG (Arts, Music, Instructional Materials Block Grant) is automatically given, unrestricted, no application needed. 

Mr. Santiago inquired about budgeting for new positions/pay scales on the agenda. Mr. Amato responded that he is in the process of budgeting and is including those new positions as part of the overall budget. He is not concerned about sustaining the budget next year. He plans for the most conservative surplus in the budget possible. Dr. Wunder clarified that existing staff will fill the "new" positions; it will mean a slight bump in those salaries due to increased responsibility. The positions they are leaving are not being backfilled.

Mr. Meath inquired about guidance on Federal funding for next year. Mr. Amato noted cuts to federal grant programs in which Da Vinci doesn't participate. Da Vinci's main federal funding comes in title funds:  special education and meal programs. 

Mr. Meath also inquired about the in lieu of property tax payment status. Mr. Amato clarified the the payment schedule.

Mr. Boston inquired about the staff position changes on the agenda and if the changes were driven by concerns about risk/vulnerability and upgrading infrastructure, or whether it was about promoting people. Dr. Wunder shared that it's a combination of increased technological complexity and demand and promoting current staff and compensating their increased workload.

Further discussion ensued around the number of student and staff Chromebooks and laptops and lease vs. buy considerations.

Mr. Amato then to briefly explained the ERC funds item up for Board approval. The ERC grant from the IRS was parsed over three quarters (FY 24-25, FY 25-26, and FY 26-27), with three audit deadlines. The first audit deadline has passed without audit, therefore Mr. Amato would like the Board to un-designate the first section of funds, since they are now free and clear to be used in general funds or earmarked for something specific. The next audit deadline is July 15, 2025. 

Mr. Bravo gave the update, sharing that he expected the DSA status report on the Cafe plans by the next morning. The next step would be to send the project out to bid. The project entails setting the floor, ceiling work, installing counters and sink. Work would have to be done after school or during breaks. Unfortunately, due to the DSA delay, the project cannot be completed in the summer, as was hoped. 

Graduation ceremonies will be held in the Gym, considering the noise of the parking structure construction next door.

Work on the WDV Baseball field at the Connect TK-8 campus. The sod requires three months to take hold, during which time it cannot be used.

Dr. Wunder shared that there was an oversight in the plans submitted, and that there is an additional potential cost to install a garden for the students. 

Closed session entered at 7:07 p.m.

Public session reconvened at 9:20 p.m. Mr. Santiago reported that no action had been taken in Closed session.