Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday July 30, 2019 at 8:00 AM
Location
Board Room, 201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County ("DVLAC") 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 DVLAC 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:
- Teleconferencing will be held at the below address(es). Members of the public attending a meeting conducted via teleconference need not give their name when entering the teleconference location. Location(s): 606 S. Olive St. #300, Los Angeles, CA 90014, and 8101 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044.
- Agendas are available to all audience members at the door to the meeting.
- 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 on such comments. 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.
Trustees Present
A. Montes-Rodriguez (remote), B. Freiberg, J. Morgan, L. Jennings, T. Johnstone
Trustees Absent
N. Whiteman, P. Escala
Guests Present
A. Wohlwerth, Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, Brenda Freiberg, E. Whalen, M. Mayotte, M. Ring, M. Wunder, V. Bravo
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
L. Jennings called a meeting of the board of trustees of Da Vinci Schools to order on Tuesday Jul 30, 2019 at 8:06 AM.
C.
Approval of Agenda
T. Johnstone made a motion to approve.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| N. Whiteman |
Absent
|
| P. Escala |
Absent
|
| B. Freiberg |
Aye
|
D.
Public Comments on Agenda Items
None
II. Board of Directors' Comments and/or CEO/CFO Reports
A.
From the Board
Dr. Jennings spoke about the start of school and looking forward to the Staff lunch on Thursday, August 1. Mr. Whalen commented that Ms. Russlyn Ali of XQ Institute will try to attend the lunch.
Dr. Johnstone regretted that he couldn't attend the previous Board meeting, but said that he also appreciated the graduation ceremony and the 22 students who graduated. He is the President-elect of Westchester Rotary Club, and spoke about the work the Club did three years ago in renovating the Safe Places for Youth organization's facilities.
Ms. Morgan spoke of volunteering for A Sense of Home, an organization that works with youths who have aged out of foster care. The organization helps the former foster care youth get started with their first homes with donated furniture and home furnishings, etc.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez expressed that she was happy to join the Board, and was grateful for the opportunity to call in.
Ms. Freiberg spoke of being involved with the same student populations as Da Vinci RISE High, and appreciated being able to join the Board to help RISE High continue the work.
Dr. Jennings spoke with appreciation about a Teach for America Board Summer Training Institute that capped off with new Teach for America teachers being honored on the field at the Dodger's pregame show. The Dodgers Foundation, of which DVLAC Board member Ms. Nichol Whiteman, is Executive Director, had just given Teach for America a large grant to continue developing their Training Institute.
Dr. Johnstone regretted that he couldn't attend the previous Board meeting, but said that he also appreciated the graduation ceremony and the 22 students who graduated. He is the President-elect of Westchester Rotary Club, and spoke about the work the Club did three years ago in renovating the Safe Places for Youth organization's facilities.
Ms. Morgan spoke of volunteering for A Sense of Home, an organization that works with youths who have aged out of foster care. The organization helps the former foster care youth get started with their first homes with donated furniture and home furnishings, etc.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez expressed that she was happy to join the Board, and was grateful for the opportunity to call in.
Ms. Freiberg spoke of being involved with the same student populations as Da Vinci RISE High, and appreciated being able to join the Board to help RISE High continue the work.
Dr. Jennings spoke with appreciation about a Teach for America Board Summer Training Institute that capped off with new Teach for America teachers being honored on the field at the Dodger's pregame show. The Dodgers Foundation, of which DVLAC Board member Ms. Nichol Whiteman, is Executive Director, had just given Teach for America a large grant to continue developing their Training Institute.
B.
From the CEO
Dr. Wunder expressed his admiration for RISE High Assistant Principal Mr. Erin Whalen and the many ways in which he supports Da Vinci RISE High staff. Dr. Wunder also noted that the charter material revision work is underway, and part of the work is to expand Da Vinci RISE High to other learning sites. LACOE has requested that demographic data be used to help decide where the future sites will be located.
Dr. Jennings asked about the roles of Kari and Erin. Dr. Wunder stated that RISE High is innovative and doesn't fit neatly into a niche. It was meant to be an independent study program, but has been so successful that students are attending in person daily, making space an issue. A possible continuation school and other ways to serve the students are being explored. Good solutions will be sunshined with the Board and LACOE, and subsequently presented in the material revision.
Dr. Johnstone asked what could be done to proactively, preemptively meet LACOE's requirements to forestall any non-compliance issues, like regular meetings between LACOE and Da Vinci. Mr. Bravo said that he has been working with Dr. Delia Castillo at LACOE and the Charter School Office (CSO) to put systems in place to help in preventing any issues.
Dr. Ring added that Da Vinci RISE High is part of the LACOE Charter SELPA, and that Da Vinci RISE High is in a good position regarding special education. The hiring of new special education RISE High faculty member Charles Snow and his expertise were also noted.
Brief discussion on the education bills moving through the California State Assembly ensued.
Dr. Jennings asked about the roles of Kari and Erin. Dr. Wunder stated that RISE High is innovative and doesn't fit neatly into a niche. It was meant to be an independent study program, but has been so successful that students are attending in person daily, making space an issue. A possible continuation school and other ways to serve the students are being explored. Good solutions will be sunshined with the Board and LACOE, and subsequently presented in the material revision.
Dr. Johnstone asked what could be done to proactively, preemptively meet LACOE's requirements to forestall any non-compliance issues, like regular meetings between LACOE and Da Vinci. Mr. Bravo said that he has been working with Dr. Delia Castillo at LACOE and the Charter School Office (CSO) to put systems in place to help in preventing any issues.
Dr. Ring added that Da Vinci RISE High is part of the LACOE Charter SELPA, and that Da Vinci RISE High is in a good position regarding special education. The hiring of new special education RISE High faculty member Charles Snow and his expertise were also noted.
Brief discussion on the education bills moving through the California State Assembly ensued.
Mr. Whalen gave a brief update on RISE High, saying that staff began their team Professional Development (PD) the day before, and that the team is hitting the ground running; looking at their educational structures, 80% of the educational systems and processes that the RISE staff have been doing are codified, and 20% are innovation in the process of being refined. Feedback from a staff and student panel on the first day of PD was valuable, especially to new staff.
There are two weeks of staff development and preparation, and one week of student and family onboarding.
Ms. Freiberg asked where enrollment stands, and Mr. Whalen responded that the current number is 200, but is rising/fluid and to be confirmed in the following week. Mr. Mayotte commented that enrollment is budgeted for 200 this year, with a 75% ADA (students are projected to attend 75% of the time).
There are two weeks of staff development and preparation, and one week of student and family onboarding.
Ms. Freiberg asked where enrollment stands, and Mr. Whalen responded that the current number is 200, but is rising/fluid and to be confirmed in the following week. Mr. Mayotte commented that enrollment is budgeted for 200 this year, with a 75% ADA (students are projected to attend 75% of the time).
C.
Financial Update
Mr. Mayotte gave the financial update, saying that the June books are not yet closed. He gave LACOE a "soft close" as of July 23, but transactions are still coming in, and as the deadline for the unaudited actuals is August 15, there will be larger differences in the figures of the soft close and the unaudited actuals. Figures given to LACOE must be in the General Ledger.
CSMC has transferred the assets of the old RISE High LLC to the current Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County, however, Mr. Mayotte and his team will verify that the transactions were properly assigned to either the old or the new entity.
The Weingart Foundation granted RISE High $200K for renovation costs of the Del Aire campus for the RISE High Hawthorne site.
Mr. Mayotte spoke about the financial templates he shared, saying that he is working on simplifying them. They are meant to show annual expenditures and 5 year projections. Another template shows non-payroll related expenditures and trends. The templates are still under construction.
Ms. Morgan asked if Mr. Mayotte has enough support to execute the financial reports under the LACOE deadlines. He said that it is difficult, as so many reports are owed to so many different entities, and policy updates need to be made and communicated. He is working with the back office, but that adding staff is not necessarily the offer, as there is a steep learning curve and it takes time to get new staff to optimum output.
Dr. Wunder added that they are working on options and will bring them back to the Board. Dr. Ring commented on the new enrollment and attendance coordinator position that will help Mr. Mayotte gain real-time data more quickly.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked about the Weingart Foundation grant. Dr. Wunder responded that $200K will cover most of RISE high's proportional share of the costs to move the Del Aire/Hawthorne site.
CSMC has transferred the assets of the old RISE High LLC to the current Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County, however, Mr. Mayotte and his team will verify that the transactions were properly assigned to either the old or the new entity.
The Weingart Foundation granted RISE High $200K for renovation costs of the Del Aire campus for the RISE High Hawthorne site.
Mr. Mayotte spoke about the financial templates he shared, saying that he is working on simplifying them. They are meant to show annual expenditures and 5 year projections. Another template shows non-payroll related expenditures and trends. The templates are still under construction.
Ms. Morgan asked if Mr. Mayotte has enough support to execute the financial reports under the LACOE deadlines. He said that it is difficult, as so many reports are owed to so many different entities, and policy updates need to be made and communicated. He is working with the back office, but that adding staff is not necessarily the offer, as there is a steep learning curve and it takes time to get new staff to optimum output.
Dr. Wunder added that they are working on options and will bring them back to the Board. Dr. Ring commented on the new enrollment and attendance coordinator position that will help Mr. Mayotte gain real-time data more quickly.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked about the Weingart Foundation grant. Dr. Wunder responded that $200K will cover most of RISE high's proportional share of the costs to move the Del Aire/Hawthorne site.
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approve Minutes of the June 26, 2019 Special Board Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to approve minutes from the Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Special Board Meeting on 06-26-19 Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Special Board Meeting on 06-26-19.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Approve Minutes of the June 26, 2019 Regular Board Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to approve minutes from the Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Regular Board Meeting on 06-26-19 Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Regular Board Meeting on 06-26-19.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
IV. Action Items
A.
Accept June 2019 Check Register as Presented by Management
T. Johnstone made a motion to accept the June 2019 Check Register.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| B. Freiberg |
Aye
|
| N. Whiteman |
Absent
|
| P. Escala |
Absent
|
B.
Extension of Term for Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board of Directors
J. Morgan made a motion to extend Dr. Thomas Johnstone's Board term through August 30, 2022.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| P. Escala |
Absent
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| N. Whiteman |
Absent
|
| B. Freiberg |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
C.
Verification of Board Review of LACOE MOU and Fiscal Requirements
Brief discussion on the LACOE requirement to review the MOU and fiscal requirements.
D.
Approve Start Time of Regular Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meetings
J. Morgan made a motion to approve the start time of Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board meetings.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Freiberg |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| P. Escala |
Absent
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| N. Whiteman |
Absent
|
V. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
T. Johnstone 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 8:49 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
A. Wohlwerth