Dr. Brann commented that Mr. Boston was replacing Mr. Brown on the Board of Trustees.  Mr. Derrick Boston took the Oath of Office and was sworn in as a member of the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees.

None

Ms. Morgan welcomed Mr. Boston to the Board, and asked for an update on Da Vinci Schools graduation plans.

Mr. Meath also welcomed Mr. Boston, saying that he looked forward to working with him.  He also thanked Drs. Brann and Wunder in their leadership in launching the Connect High School.

Dr. Brann thanked Mr. Meath for his support in the Connect High School effort.

Mr. Boston thanked the Board for the warm welcome.  He spoke of the hardworking, dedicated Da Vinci Schools staff, and his admiration of the schools' quick pivot to distance learning.

Dr. Wunder thanked Mr. Boston for joining the Board.  He spoke of the enormous challenges facing education in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.  Yet he is encouraged by the extraordinary team running and supporting Da Vinci Schools.

Dr. Brann spoke of the 2020-21 employment contracts and letters of assurance that would ordinarily be sent out at this time of the year.

Dr. Wunder spoke of the state taxes delayed until July 15, 2020, and the subsequent delay in the release of the Governor's budget.  Dr. Wunder spoke of the 2 to 10% reduction in per pupil funding that is estimated to appear in the state budget.  Additionally, without a vaccine, the schools face uncertain enrollment in the future, which affects Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funds.  Dr. Hawn will issue employment contracts and notices, however, Dr. Wunder is proposing a pay freeze rather than giving the 3% year-over year increases.

Dr. Hawn clarified that contracts go to salaried staff, and the notices of reasonable assurance are sent to hourly staff.  Contracts and notices must go out within 30 days of the end of the school year or will trigger unemployment claims.

Dr. Brann spoke of the pay freeze being applied across the board; however, he spoke of the hourly staff who could perhaps make more money by filing for unemployment.  Dr. Hawn clarified that hourly staff who are given a letter of reasonable assurance could still apply for unemployment even if they do not work during the summer, due to changes in law resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr. Meath spoke of considering the CARES Act funding that could help preserve some positions, and his agreement that the 3% step increases be frozen.  Dr. Wunder considers the CARES Act funding as a 1% loan if it is not forgiven.

The Board supported the CEO's plan to suspend the 3% pay increase and send the contracts and notices of reasonable assurance.

Mr. Steve Wallis presented the Da Vinci Schools remote learning proposal that the Design, Communications, and Science principals, Dr. Jennifer Hawn, and Ms. Michelle Rainey have been working on.

"Remote" learning occurs in different physical spaces, and could be synchronous or asynchronous.
"Hybrid" learning is a combination of remote and in-person learning.
"Blended" refers to the use of online platforms and resources in addition to traditional paper and pencil methods, which Da Vinci already does.
"Virtual" can connote "not real," therefore the Da Vinci administrators avoid using it.

"Remote" and "Hybrid" are the preferred Da Vinci terms.  Da Vinci Connect is a hybrid program in which students earn an AA or BA while earning their high school diploma.  The administrators propose a DV remote learning program in which students from Science, Communications and Design participate together in classes taught by teachers from all three schools via remote instruction.  These students would be on independent study contracts, and would complete the A-G requirements for UC and Cal State admission. Teachers in the program would teach an extra section of the subject they are already handling.  Students join advisory groups to meet in person, and other in-person activities like athletics are encouraged.

Timeline:  Implementation approval, participant invitations, and recruiting/selection of staff applicants occurs in May; enrollment and professional development planning occurs in June; best practices training occurs in July; and full instruction begins in August.  There would be space for new students in an independent study program.  

10-15% of the student population would be in the program.  Up to 200 students could eventually be served.  Dr. Wunder commented that the 20% independent study cap would probably be relaxed due to the social distancing and remote learning forced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms. Morgan asked how the DV Remote Learning program differs from the new Da Vinci Connect high school.  Ms. Rainey spoke of the added value of the DV Remote Learning program serving students who wouldn't necessarily want the college portion of the DV Connect program.  The range of options being offered would be increased.

Dr. Wunder thanked Ms. Carla Levenson for her work on clarifying and simplifying the communication around Da Vinci Schools' programs.

Mr. Boston asked what the demand is for remote learning from the people on the enrollment waitlists.  Surveying waitlisted students will be executed.  Mr. Wallis added that the remote learning program will break even when the 10th student is enrolled.  Priority for existing Da Vinci students was discussed.

The Board directed the administration to pursue the remote learning plans.

Brief discussion around graduation plans ensued.  Each school is doing something different.  In-person ceremonies will be held when allowed.  In the meantime, virtual graduations for all the high schools at 201 N. Douglas St. will be held on Thursday, June 11, the originally scheduled day for the ceremonies.  

Closed session was entered at 7:16 p.m.

Public session reconvened at 8:01 p.m.
Dr. Brann reported that no action was taken.