Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High)
Date and Time
Wednesday March 11, 2020 at 6:00 PM
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 options are being explored by administration in collaboration with Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County authorizer LACOE.
- Agendas are available to all audience members at the door to the meeting.
- "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 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.
Trustees Present
A. Montes-Rodriguez, J. Morgan, L. Jennings, T. Johnstone
Trustees Absent
N. Whiteman, P. Escala
Guests Present
A. Wohlwerth, Chris Howell, K. Croft, M. Ring, M. Wunder, Miles Denniston
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
L. Jennings called a meeting of the board of trustees of Da Vinci Schools to order on Wednesday Mar 11, 2020 at 6:01 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Approval of Agenda
T. Johnstone made a motion to approve the agenda.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Public Comments
None
II. Information: Board Comments and/or Administrative Reports
A.
From the Board
Dr. Jennings welcomed everyone, and spoke of attending the Oprah Winfrey 2020 Vision Tour.
Dr. Johnstone commented that he and his son had spent two weeks in Oaxaca, Mexico, building a bakery with handmade adobe bricks, installing 30 solar panels in a town with no electricity, and converting a jail into a library, which is why Dr. Johnstone missed the previous board meeting.
Ms. Morgan asked for a facilities update.
Dr. Johnstone commented that he and his son had spent two weeks in Oaxaca, Mexico, building a bakery with handmade adobe bricks, installing 30 solar panels in a town with no electricity, and converting a jail into a library, which is why Dr. Johnstone missed the previous board meeting.
Ms. Morgan asked for a facilities update.
B.
From the CEO
Dr. Wunder and Ms. Croft shared that the independent study auditor told them that Da Vinci RISE High was one of the most organized schools she'd seen. Ms. Croft credited the work of Mr. Christian Navarro, RISE High's Attendance and Enrollment Coordinator.
C.
RISE High Update
Ms. Croft gave the update, saying that RISE High is still growing.
Enrollment is currently 192 (6 more since the February board meeting). IEP numbers had increased significantly across the two sites. Dr. Johnstone asked if the IEP students were newly identified, or if they enrolled with IEPs. The response was that it was a mix. Dr. Ring commented that the students' previous housing and school instability makes it unsurprising that students would be newly assessed, or perhaps an early assessment in their history fell off their records due to the school instability. Consultant Peggy Mazzarella has been supporting the team's increased enrollment and IEP assessments.
Ms. Morgan asked how much time passes between assessment and services. 60 days is the window allowed by law.
ADA is increasing. Mr. Christian Navarro, RISE High's Attendance and Enrollment Coordinator, is working hard to track down students.
Ms. Croft spoke of the Da Vinci Science and RISE High joint staff professional development event. The topics covered were credit tracking, a Tiny House project update, and project-based learning project sharing. Mr. Steve Wallis and Ms. Grace Long, Principal and Assistant Principal at DVS, approached Ms. Croft with the idea to conduct a joint staff PD. The event was so successful that it will be repeated in the future.
Annual Milestones & Compliance Metrics:
The Independent Study Attendance Audit was completed.
The XQ Milestones (Interim Report) were also completed.
The Annual LACOE Oversight Visit is scheduled for April 29, 2020.
Dr. Jennings asked if LACOE would like Board members in attendance at the oversight visit. Ms. Croft spoke of the previous year's oversight visit's busy schedule, and said she would inquire of LACOE if they would like Board member participation.
Graduation is slated for June 10.
Intersession begins the week of March 23. Brief discussion of intersession course offerings ensued.
Enrollment is currently 192 (6 more since the February board meeting). IEP numbers had increased significantly across the two sites. Dr. Johnstone asked if the IEP students were newly identified, or if they enrolled with IEPs. The response was that it was a mix. Dr. Ring commented that the students' previous housing and school instability makes it unsurprising that students would be newly assessed, or perhaps an early assessment in their history fell off their records due to the school instability. Consultant Peggy Mazzarella has been supporting the team's increased enrollment and IEP assessments.
Ms. Morgan asked how much time passes between assessment and services. 60 days is the window allowed by law.
ADA is increasing. Mr. Christian Navarro, RISE High's Attendance and Enrollment Coordinator, is working hard to track down students.
Ms. Croft spoke of the Da Vinci Science and RISE High joint staff professional development event. The topics covered were credit tracking, a Tiny House project update, and project-based learning project sharing. Mr. Steve Wallis and Ms. Grace Long, Principal and Assistant Principal at DVS, approached Ms. Croft with the idea to conduct a joint staff PD. The event was so successful that it will be repeated in the future.
Annual Milestones & Compliance Metrics:
The Independent Study Attendance Audit was completed.
The XQ Milestones (Interim Report) were also completed.
The Annual LACOE Oversight Visit is scheduled for April 29, 2020.
Dr. Jennings asked if LACOE would like Board members in attendance at the oversight visit. Ms. Croft spoke of the previous year's oversight visit's busy schedule, and said she would inquire of LACOE if they would like Board member participation.
Graduation is slated for June 10.
Intersession begins the week of March 23. Brief discussion of intersession course offerings ensued.
D.
Facilities Update
Dr. Wunder spoke with some of his contacts to look for rental space in the area.
Dr. Wunder also spoke of a conversation he had with Dr. Blake Silvers, Wiseburn Superintendent, who spoke of finding a space for RISE on a Wiseburn property.
Dr. Wunder commented that time is running out, and that the decision will be made based on what comes available, and what is best for students.
Ms. Morgan said that the target date to find a location was April 1 or 15. Dr. Wunder said that the new space must be moved into by July 1. The Board members offered to help.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked if the lease term in a private space would be an issue. Some commercial spaces prefer longer term leases. Dr. Wunder spoke of the partners and friends who would help provide guidance.
Ms. Morgan commented that any neighbors would have to be kept in mind.
Dr. Jennings asked for verification on the cost to RISE High in moving into either a commercial space or a District space. Dr. Wunder responded that a District space would be cost more in preparation costs, but have lower rent. Commercial might be the opposite. Every dollar not spent on facilities would be spent on providing services to the students.
Discussion on the Weingart Foundation grant ensued.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez commented on soft costs vs. hard costs; sometimes foundations have more flexibility around soft costs.
Dr. Wunder also spoke of a conversation he had with Dr. Blake Silvers, Wiseburn Superintendent, who spoke of finding a space for RISE on a Wiseburn property.
Dr. Wunder commented that time is running out, and that the decision will be made based on what comes available, and what is best for students.
Ms. Morgan said that the target date to find a location was April 1 or 15. Dr. Wunder said that the new space must be moved into by July 1. The Board members offered to help.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked if the lease term in a private space would be an issue. Some commercial spaces prefer longer term leases. Dr. Wunder spoke of the partners and friends who would help provide guidance.
Ms. Morgan commented that any neighbors would have to be kept in mind.
Dr. Jennings asked for verification on the cost to RISE High in moving into either a commercial space or a District space. Dr. Wunder responded that a District space would be cost more in preparation costs, but have lower rent. Commercial might be the opposite. Every dollar not spent on facilities would be spent on providing services to the students.
Discussion on the Weingart Foundation grant ensued.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez commented on soft costs vs. hard costs; sometimes foundations have more flexibility around soft costs.
E.
Financial Update
Mr. Miles Denniston spoke of the previous Second Interim Report which has been submitted.
Mr. Denniston said that RISE High had been put on the list of potential entities which could possibly be chosen for a deep federal audit. The entities are randomly chosen for the list. Mr. Denniston feels that RISE High would be in good shape if chosen. Dr. Johnstone commented that the process would take up much time and energy that could be spent on students.
Mr. Denniston reported that the Nonclassroom-based Funding Determination Form is being processed.
Dr. Jennings thanked Mr. Denniston.
Mr. Denniston said that RISE High had been put on the list of potential entities which could possibly be chosen for a deep federal audit. The entities are randomly chosen for the list. Mr. Denniston feels that RISE High would be in good shape if chosen. Dr. Johnstone commented that the process would take up much time and energy that could be spent on students.
Mr. Denniston reported that the Nonclassroom-based Funding Determination Form is being processed.
Dr. Jennings thanked Mr. Denniston.
Dr. Jennings asked Ms. Croft about coronavirus preparations.
Ms. Croft responded that the hybrid nature of RISE High's program would allow students to access their learning if the school shuts down. Wi-fi hotspots and other equipment could be checked out if necessary.
25% of RISE High students with IEPs who need more support would be able to access that support.
Faculty would work the same number of hours, but online.
The issue of those students who have to be out of a group home during the day, or who get their meals at school was discussed. The staff had spoken with Hop Skip Drive concerning providing students with transportation or meal delivery if necessary.
Dr. Ring spoke of the website being updated. She thanked Dr. Wunder for his leadership on this issue.
Mr. Denniston commented that there is a well-defined process for applying to the State for waivers (J13A form) in case of a shut down. There would not be a financial impact to Da Vinci RISE High in case of closure.
Ms. Croft noted not every student can self-quarantine; some students live in group shelters with their families.
Ms. Morgan asked if the decision to close would be made if we had a COVID-19 case, or if there are other factors. Dr. Wunder responded that he believed a diagnosis would be made by a doctor, the CDC would investigate, then an order to close would be made by the CDE or other government entity.
Mr. Denniston commented that a minimum of 64,800 minutes and 165 instructional days must be offered by end of the fiscal year; there should not be a financial impact if those benchmarks are met.
Dr. Robertson commented that the President of the U.S. had just said in a public address that the government will prevent all travel from Europe beginning Friday, 3/13/2020.
Ms. Croft responded that the hybrid nature of RISE High's program would allow students to access their learning if the school shuts down. Wi-fi hotspots and other equipment could be checked out if necessary.
25% of RISE High students with IEPs who need more support would be able to access that support.
Faculty would work the same number of hours, but online.
The issue of those students who have to be out of a group home during the day, or who get their meals at school was discussed. The staff had spoken with Hop Skip Drive concerning providing students with transportation or meal delivery if necessary.
Dr. Ring spoke of the website being updated. She thanked Dr. Wunder for his leadership on this issue.
Mr. Denniston commented that there is a well-defined process for applying to the State for waivers (J13A form) in case of a shut down. There would not be a financial impact to Da Vinci RISE High in case of closure.
Ms. Croft noted not every student can self-quarantine; some students live in group shelters with their families.
Ms. Morgan asked if the decision to close would be made if we had a COVID-19 case, or if there are other factors. Dr. Wunder responded that he believed a diagnosis would be made by a doctor, the CDC would investigate, then an order to close would be made by the CDE or other government entity.
Mr. Denniston commented that a minimum of 64,800 minutes and 165 instructional days must be offered by end of the fiscal year; there should not be a financial impact if those benchmarks are met.
Dr. Robertson commented that the President of the U.S. had just said in a public address that the government will prevent all travel from Europe beginning Friday, 3/13/2020.
F.
Board Member Selection Process
Dr. Ring spoke about board member selection process.
Dr. Wunder spoke of the process to find board members for the Da Vinci Schools Board, saying that the process would be duplicated for Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County's Board.
The call for new members would go out to the entire Da Vinci Schools database, and to Da Vinci Schools industry partners and friends of Da Vinci.
Dr. Wunder spoke of commitment to LACOE that the board would be comprised of a diverse group of qualified members who also represent the communities which RISE High serves. He mentioned the charter material revision to add a third site in Culver City, and finding a board member to represent that area. Ms. Croft said that LACOE recognizes that RISE High students come from all over L.A. County, and that board members who understand the student population would be beneficial.
Dr. Wunder asked the Board members to encourage people they think would be good candidates to apply.
Ms. Morgan clarified that the process would include an application, and a working group to evaluate the applications. Dr. Ring asked for direction from the Board on application questions to ask the candidates.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez: a strong candidate may be someone who has experience with students.
Discussion ensued around the Board Candidate Analysis Grid.
Dr. Wunder would rather have strong thought partners than a board member with deep pockets. He would not want to dissuade an otherwise strong candidate from applying.
Ms. Croft shared that XQ strongly recommended that RISE High form an advisory board that could focus on mission/vision and funding support.
Dr. Jennings commented that it can be difficult to work with two different boards, advisory and governing, the way she does as the Executive Director of Teach for America Los Angeles.
The Board agreed that further discussion will be held at a later date. The staff will write the application, gather applications, organize them, and pass all to the Board for review, working toward a target date of April 22 to vote on the new member(s).
Dr. Wunder spoke of the process to find board members for the Da Vinci Schools Board, saying that the process would be duplicated for Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County's Board.
The call for new members would go out to the entire Da Vinci Schools database, and to Da Vinci Schools industry partners and friends of Da Vinci.
Dr. Wunder spoke of commitment to LACOE that the board would be comprised of a diverse group of qualified members who also represent the communities which RISE High serves. He mentioned the charter material revision to add a third site in Culver City, and finding a board member to represent that area. Ms. Croft said that LACOE recognizes that RISE High students come from all over L.A. County, and that board members who understand the student population would be beneficial.
Dr. Wunder asked the Board members to encourage people they think would be good candidates to apply.
Ms. Morgan clarified that the process would include an application, and a working group to evaluate the applications. Dr. Ring asked for direction from the Board on application questions to ask the candidates.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez: a strong candidate may be someone who has experience with students.
Discussion ensued around the Board Candidate Analysis Grid.
Dr. Wunder would rather have strong thought partners than a board member with deep pockets. He would not want to dissuade an otherwise strong candidate from applying.
Ms. Croft shared that XQ strongly recommended that RISE High form an advisory board that could focus on mission/vision and funding support.
Dr. Jennings commented that it can be difficult to work with two different boards, advisory and governing, the way she does as the Executive Director of Teach for America Los Angeles.
The Board agreed that further discussion will be held at a later date. The staff will write the application, gather applications, organize them, and pass all to the Board for review, working toward a target date of April 22 to vote on the new member(s).
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approve Minutes of the February 26, 2020 Regular Board Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High) on 02-26-20.
A. Montes-Rodriguez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
IV. Action Items
A.
Accept February 2020 Check Transactions Per Management
A. Montes-Rodriguez made a motion to accept the February 2020 Check Transactions.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Accept Resignation of Board Member
T. Johnstone made a motion to accept the resignation of Nichol Whiteman from the Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board of Directors.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
C.
Approve the Renewal of the Contract with Christy White Associates for the 2019-2020 Audit
J. Morgan made a motion to approve the renewal of the contract with Christy White Associates for the 2019-2020 audit.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Approve Updated Board Calendar for Remainder of 2019-2020 School Year
Discussion on meeting dates ensued.
Board members agreed to move the April date and suspend decision on the June date.
Board members agreed to move the April date and suspend decision on the June date.
L. Jennings made a motion to approve April meeting date from 4/8 to 4/22.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
V. Closed Session
A.
Closed Session
On a motion by L Jennings, seconded by T. Johnstone, closed session was entered at 7:25 p.m.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Reconvene for Public Session and Reporting
The Board reconvened for Public Session at 8:19 p.m.
Dr. Jennings reported that no action was taken.
Dr. Jennings reported that no action was taken.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
T. Johnstone made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
A. Montes-Rodriguez 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 8:20 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
A. Wohlwerth