Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High)
Date and Time
Wednesday September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Location
Mona Lisa, 201 N Douglas St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Da Vinci Schools ("DV") welcomes your participation at its Board meetings. The purpose of a public meeting of the Board of Trustees ("Board") is to conduct the affairs of DV in public. Your participation assures us of continuing community interest in our schools. To assist you in speaking/participating in our meetings, the following guidelines are provided:
- The meeting is accessible online at https://davincischools-org.zoom.us/j/98579639412 or dial (669) 444-9171 and use Meeting ID: 985 7963 9412.
- Agendas are available to all audience members on the Da Vinci Schools website www.davincischools.org.
- Audience members who wish may speak on any agenda items or under the general category of "Public Comments," which is time set aside for members of the audience to raise issues not specifically on the agenda. However, due to public meeting laws, the Board can only listen to your issue, not respond or take action. These presentations are limited to three (3) minutes each and total time allotted to non-agenda items will not exceed twenty (20) minutes. Non-English speakers who use a translator shall have six (6) minutes in which to address the Board.
- The Board may give direction to staff to respond to your concern or you may be offered the option of returning with a citizen-requested item.
- The chair will recognize such individuals who wish to speak on a specific agenda item at the appropriate time. When addressing the Board, speakers are requested to adhere to the time limits set forth, and to not repeat remarks made by those who preceded them.
- Any public records relating to an agenda item for an open session of the Board which are distributed to all, or a majority of all, of the Board members shall be available for public inspection at 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, during Business Office operating hours. Please contact the CEO's office at 310-725-5800.
The agenda and documents in the agenda packet will be made available, if requested, in appropriate alternative formats to any person with a disability as required by the ADA, 42 USC section 12132, and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. To request a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, you must contact the CEO's office at 310-725-5800 at least 48 hours before a regular meeting, and at least 12 hours before a special meeting. (Government Code ยง 54954.2(a)(1).)
Trustees Present
C. Brown, C. McCullough, S. Nellman, T. Johnstone
Trustees Absent
L. Jennings
Guests Present
E. Whalen, J. Crouch, L. Rodriguez, M. Amato (remote), M. Rainey, M. Wunder, N. Lara, V. Bravo, V. Rodriguez (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Approve the Agenda
D.
Public Comments
II. Information
A.
From the Board
There were no comments from the board.
B.
From the CEO/Superintendent
There was no update from the CEO/Superintendent.
C.
From the Assistant Superintendents
There were no updates from the Assistant Superintendents.
D.
From the Executive Director of Special Education
The Executive Director of Special Education updated the board on special education services at RISE. She noted that of the 148 students enrolled, 28% are students with IEP's. Additionally, she described the many systems that are in place to support not only students, but also teachers.
E.
Facilities Update
Vicente Bravo updated the board on the success of having campus safety officers at each of the RISE school sites and the positive relationships they have been building with students.
F.
RISE High Update
Principal Naomi Lara reported that as of the board meeting, there were 148 students enrolled, with 41 having IEPs, representing a 28% rate, which is lower than previous years. The team is working on strengthening partnerships with MPA providers and focusing on supporting students to graduate. She presented enrollment and demographic data, noting a decrease in overall enrollment but highlighting efforts to increase re-engagement through home visits and marketing strategies. Strategies were discussed to improve student outcomes, including targeted support for pregnant and parenting youth, and the use of Microsoft Translator for English language learners. They also addressed the issue of summer melt, noting a decrease in dropouts and an increase in student transfers to other schools. Naomi provided updates on various aspects of RISE's programs and initiatives. She highlighted a student's success story and shared positive feedback on the advisory curriculum and digital media components. She also discussed the thriving West African Drumming program and the garden project at Richstone. She mentioned the counselors' participation in the National College Fair and the success of the Candle Fellowship program. Naomi concluded by sharing updates on student services, including in-person meetings across DaVinci Schools, progress towards Medi-Cal billing for mental health services, and new partnerships with Alcove for substance use support.
G.
Financial Update
The financial update for July showed a high cash balance of $1.85 million, with Michael explaining that this was temporary and would decrease as funds are spent. He noted that accounts receivable was $490,000 and deferred revenue was $840,000, representing grant funding for future years. Michael also discussed the current enrollment situation, stating that while it was falling short of budget, the organization had extra funding available to cover any gaps in 25-26, though this would create challenges for future years. Board members suggested holding a coffee or open house event to increase enrollment, and Michael confirmed that grant writing was an option, mentioning the CalCRG and Elevate Youth grants as potential sources of funding.
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approve Minutes of the August 13, 2025 Regular Board Meeting
IV. Action Items
A.
Accept July 2025 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Brown |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Absent
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| S. Nellman |
Aye
|
B.
Ratify 2024-25 Renewal Agreement between HopSkipDrive and Da Vinci RISE High
C.
Approve Agreement between The Smith College School for Social Work and Da Vinci RISE High
D.
Approve Revised 2025-26 Grades and Achievement Board Policy
E.
Approve Updated 2025-26 RISE High School Graduation Requirements Policy
V. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel
The board moved into closed session to discuss a personnel issue.
B.
Reconvene for Public Session & Closed Session Reporting
The board returned from closed session with nothing to report.
There were no public comments.