Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday November 28, 2018 at 6:00 PM
Location
Board Room, 201 N. Douglas Street, 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 Directors ("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 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 Alison Wohlwerth at 310-725-5800 at least 48 hours before a regular meeting, and at least 12 hours before a special meeting. (Government Code § 54954.2(a)(1).)
- Agendas are available to all audience members at the door to the meeting. Some meeting materials are also posted on the schools' website (http://www.davincischools.org/people/board-of-trustees/board-meetings/), or you may contact Da Vinci Schools at (310) 725-5800.
- The Order of Business may be changed without notice. Notice is hereby given that the order of consideration of matters on this agenda may be changed without prior notice.
- Notice is hereby given that; consistent with the requirements of the Brown Act, special presentations not mentioned in the agenda may be made at this meeting. However, any such presentation will be for information only.
- "Request to Speak" forms are available to all audience members who wish to 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 and total time allotted to non-agenda items will not exceed fifteen (15) 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. If you wish to be contacted, please indicate on the "Request to Speak" form.
- 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.
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 Alison Wohlwerth at 310-725-5800 at least 48 hours before a regular meeting, and at least 12 hours before a special meeting. (Government Code § 54954.2(a)(1).)
Trustees Present
B. Meath (remote), D. Brann, I. Mora, J. Morgan, R. Bañuelos
Trustees Absent
A. Lofton, C. Pipkin
Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened
B. Meath
Guests Present
A. Wohlwerth
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
D. Brann called a meeting of the board of trustees of Da Vinci Schools to order on Wednesday Nov 28, 2018 at 6:01 PM.
C.
Approval of Agenda
D.
Public Comments
None
II. Information
A.
From the Board
- Mr. Mora hoped everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
- Mr. Meath mentioned the finance subcommittee meeting with Mr. Mora, Mr. Mayotte and Dr. Wunder.
- Mr. Bañuelos requested an update for the traffic pattern on Douglas Street, saying that he spoke to Dr. Silvers of the Wiseburn Unified School District about it. Discussion on traffic ensued. Dr. Brann suggested obtaining an aggregate police report of the traffic incidents to help in analyzing traffic patterns.
- Ms. Morgan mentioned attending Exhibition at Da Vinci Science, where her daughter is a senior. Ms. Morgan asked about the grand opening of the pool, and whether or not there would be an announcement to the Da Vinci families. Dr. Silvers said that pending final safety inspections on the gymnasium, an announcement will be made. The Grand Opening of the pool is being planned by the City of El Segundo, which has made its own announcements. It's anticipated students will be able to use the facilities in January, after the gymnasium floor is fully cured, bleachers have been installed, etc.
- Dr. Brann spoke about attending the Youth & Government bill hearing event at Da Vinci Science with Ms. Morgan. He was impressed with the students' intelligence and work.
B.
From the CEO
None
C.
Presentation - Funding Opportunities & Priorities
David Herbst of Vectis DC, who helped Da Vinci obtain its current location gave a presentation on the Vectis DC consulting proposal.
Don Polese, David Herbst, Michael DiVirgilio, and Caroline Thompson will be working with Da Vinci Schools.
Vectis DC uses political and government relationships to help the communities of their clients. Vectis DC has two former high-ranking congressmen partners: Democrat and former Majority Whip Tony Coelho, and Republican and Chair of the Energy & Water Development and Military Construction Subcommittees Ron Packard.
Scope of Work:
- The focus is the Soccer Field
- The L.A. Air Force Base is wonderful potential partner. There is the precedent of the Bryan Multisports Complex partnership between a military base and the community in Goldsboro, NC.
Discussion ensued.
Don Polese, David Herbst, Michael DiVirgilio, and Caroline Thompson will be working with Da Vinci Schools.
Vectis DC uses political and government relationships to help the communities of their clients. Vectis DC has two former high-ranking congressmen partners: Democrat and former Majority Whip Tony Coelho, and Republican and Chair of the Energy & Water Development and Military Construction Subcommittees Ron Packard.
Scope of Work:
- The focus is the Soccer Field
- The L.A. Air Force Base is wonderful potential partner. There is the precedent of the Bryan Multisports Complex partnership between a military base and the community in Goldsboro, NC.
Discussion ensued.
D.
Presentation - Da Vinci Schools Fund
Gary Wayland, member of the Da Vinci Schools Fund Board of Directors, gave a presentation. The Da Vinci Schools Fund was incorporated and attained non-profit status in January 2018. Its mission is to support Da Vinci Schools. Separating inconsistent fundraising dollars from the Da Vinci Schools' books would give a more accurate financial picture by not incorporating state and federal money.
Mr. Wayland asked the Board members for their thoughts on prioritizing the efforts and focus of the Fund. Mr. Mora would like to see the Fund grow and eventually install a Director to manage it. Other board members agreed.
Mr. Wayland started the MBX Fund, which raises funds for Manhattan Beach public schools from the services it supplies: classroom, field, facilities rentals, summer programs, etc., in order to avoid competing with the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.
The Board's general direction is to start slow, and grow through services offered.
Mr. Wayland asked the Board members for their thoughts on prioritizing the efforts and focus of the Fund. Mr. Mora would like to see the Fund grow and eventually install a Director to manage it. Other board members agreed.
Mr. Wayland started the MBX Fund, which raises funds for Manhattan Beach public schools from the services it supplies: classroom, field, facilities rentals, summer programs, etc., in order to avoid competing with the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.
The Board's general direction is to start slow, and grow through services offered.
E.
Presentation - Teacher Credentialing
Dr. Scott Weatherford gave a presentation on teacher credentialing and recruiting in partnership with Alder Graduate School of Education.
Alder helps school organizations recruit, prepare and credential future teachers. These graduate students gain their credential through working in the field. Alder has graduated over 278 students, with over 90% being hired by the schools at which they trained. 87% complete the program within one year; 70% are teachers of color; over 55% are first-generation graduates. Dr. Weatherford feels that Da Vinci alumni and academic coaches, who are already familiar with Da Vinci's ways and methods, are natural candidates for the program.
Each student pays $18K tuition to Alder; most will take out loans to do so
Alder pays the district $100K for the program Director
The District/CMO covers resident scholarships ($5K-$20K recommended)
Each school site covers the mentor stipend of $3,500/teacher
Da Vinci has a need for STEM and Special Education teachers.
Mr. Bañuelos wanted to know if ADA can be used to fund this program. Dr. Wunder introduced Sabrina Ayala, CFO of Green Dot Schools, who has been helping out at RISE. Ms. Ayala said the graduate students could receive a stipend and a bonus, not a loan repayment.
Dr. Wunder will present a proposal for the Board's approval in December.
Dr. Brann and Mr. Mora requested a more in-depth forecast and financial picture.
Alder helps school organizations recruit, prepare and credential future teachers. These graduate students gain their credential through working in the field. Alder has graduated over 278 students, with over 90% being hired by the schools at which they trained. 87% complete the program within one year; 70% are teachers of color; over 55% are first-generation graduates. Dr. Weatherford feels that Da Vinci alumni and academic coaches, who are already familiar with Da Vinci's ways and methods, are natural candidates for the program.
Each student pays $18K tuition to Alder; most will take out loans to do so
Alder pays the district $100K for the program Director
The District/CMO covers resident scholarships ($5K-$20K recommended)
Each school site covers the mentor stipend of $3,500/teacher
Da Vinci has a need for STEM and Special Education teachers.
Mr. Bañuelos wanted to know if ADA can be used to fund this program. Dr. Wunder introduced Sabrina Ayala, CFO of Green Dot Schools, who has been helping out at RISE. Ms. Ayala said the graduate students could receive a stipend and a bonus, not a loan repayment.
Dr. Wunder will present a proposal for the Board's approval in December.
Dr. Brann and Mr. Mora requested a more in-depth forecast and financial picture.
B. Meath arrived.
F.
Financial Update
Mr. Mayotte gave a financial update. He briefed the Board on areas to watch, and he expects the overall picture to be good.
Mr. Mora and the Board would like to begin working on the 2019-20 budget model early in January and study the role of fundraising for board discussions and approval next year.
Mr. Mora and the Board would like to begin working on the 2019-20 budget model early in January and study the role of fundraising for board discussions and approval next year.
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Minutes of the 10/17/2018 Regular Board Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to approve minutes from the Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting on 10-17-18 Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting on 10-17-18.
D. Brann seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Pipkin |
Absent
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| R. Bañuelos |
Abstain
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| I. Mora |
Aye
|
| A. Lofton |
Absent
|
IV. Consent Agenda
A.
Ratify Partnership and Rental Agreement with Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Vectis Strategies Proposal
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
C.
EFT Payments to Pay Vendors
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Brokerage Account for Deferred Maintenance
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E.
Provision of Administrative Services to Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
F.
Acceptance of CTEFP Grant Monies for Multimedia Production Pathway
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
D. Brann seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
G.
Utilize Existing Funds from CTE Innovation Grant at DVD
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
H.
October Check Register
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
I.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer Position
Pulled for discussion in Closed session
J.
Approval of Appointment of Paul Escala to Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board of Directors
R. Bañuelos made a motion to Approve.
I. Mora seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
V. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel
Closed session entered at 7:39 PM
VI. Closing Items
A.
Reconvene for Public Session/Closed Session Reporting
Open session resumed 7:56 pm
Mr. Meath made a motion to approve Item J.
Ms. Morgan seconded the motion.
Item J. was unanimously approved.
Mr. Meath made a motion to approve Item J.
Ms. Morgan seconded the motion.
Item J. was unanimously approved.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
I. Mora made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
R. Bañuelos seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
A. Wohlwerth
Seconded by I. Mora