Dr. Brann reversed the order of the items and put the Consent agenda item first, to be followed by the Disucssion of Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

Dr. Brann also noted that he would offer time for public Input on the Level Increases first, then an additional time for public comment before the diversity discussion.

Ms. Janee Gerard gave a comment on transparency around faculty compensation and the equity of step and column levels.  Dr. Brann asked Ms. Gerard for her written comments.

Dr. Brann spoke of the freeze on pay level increases in May, due to financial uncertainty at the start of the pandemic.  Recent financial adjustments would allow the board to reinstate the pay level increases.  Mr. Meath commented that although the situation is not great, it is not as bleak as previously feared, and that he supports reinstating the increases.

The increases would total be a $550-$570K expense.

Dr. Wunder thanked the board for their stewardship.

Dr. Brann offered the opportunity for public comments on this topic; there being none, Dr. Wunder began the update.

Dr. Wunder spoke of Da Vinci's work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, saying there is much yet to do and much to acknowledge has already been accomplished. 

Summer professional development meetings for staff input, as well as meetings of the DEI/Anti-racism committee (giving input on the solidarity commitment, student handbook revisions and Dehumanizing Language policy all with legal guidance), and ongoing staff Chats with Matt are all evidence of work done and continuing. One request was for Da Vinci Schools to give money to certain causes to show solidarity with the community.  Da Vinci is a non-profit organization and so cannot legally donate funds directly, but Da Vinci leadership have pursued grants for targeted philanthropic giving by the Da Vinci Schools Fund.

Dr. Wunder also mentioned further anti-racism professional development work, such as the organization-wide reading of How to be an Antiracist being led by Dr. Allegra Johnson, and the UCLA Center X professional development spearheaded by Ms. Veronica Rodriguez.

The Central Office team is developing metrics and tools to measure progress and success in this area. Examining grading with an equity lens is ongoing, and equity/access professional development is scheduled for October and will be ongoing. Organization-wide forums for staff, students, and parents are scheduled.

Michelle Rainey, Connect K-8, Connect High School and DVX principal and parent, spoke of her commitment to Da Vinci's diverse-by-design model, which while not perfect, is remarkable.  She spoke of the organization's belief that shame works against social justice and progress, and the beliefs in the power of social emotional learning for students and adults, problem solving through open dialogue, and real-world and project-based learning which are proven social justice strategies. She is confident Da Vinci will continue its work to provide equitable educational opportunities to students.

Erin D'Souza, principal of Da Vinci Communications, spoke of her commitment to the collaborative work done at Da Vinci Schools. The collaborative work being done by stakeholders to solve complex problems may be messy and slower than one would wish, but she is confident that the work will reflect the efforts of the team. She is also certain that the organization is collectively examining how institutional racism influences practices, policies, and curriculum, and is committed to ensuring that the work is a true commitment rather than a reflection of the times or of pressure to react. 

Veronica Rodriguez, principal of Da Vinci Design, spoke of the urgency to commit to the ABAR (Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist) work. As a school leader, she is committed to providing a space for students to discuss the work, and is proud of the Da Vinci team's commitment, no matter how hard or uncomfortable the work. She noted the need to take the time to reflect and plan in order to effect long-term change; time and space is necessary to accept our own positional and implicit biases in order to fully understand our role in perpetuating systemic racism.

Steve Wallis, principal of Da Vinci Science and parent, commented that at Da Vinci's inception, the mission was to create schools where each student is known and valued for themselves and their experiences.  He is proud of the dedicated teachers and staff who know that their work is never done, but who are always seeking to grow, including the work for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is grateful for the the support and leadership of the board and Matt Wunder in giving the staff that space to grow.

Dr. Wunder wrapped up the presentation by pledging his commitment and the organization's commitment that this will be a marathon and not a sprint, the continuation of a long-standing commitment and targeted approach.

Dr. Allegra Johnson added that she is encouraged by the overwhelming spirit of commitment of the faculty and leaders that this work will be sustained, and is looking forward to the conversations about equitable, responsible grading practices and pedagogies, and to the Central Office forums that will be conducted for staff, students, and families to reflect on practices.

Dr. Brann offered the opportunity for further public comments.

Mr. Boston thanked the staff for their passion and intention to stay with the work and evaluating what everyone brings to the table in terms of intentions, biases, and challenging themselves to do better.

Mr. Meath thanked everyone for their thoughtful comments, saying that he shares Mr. Boston's and Dr. Wunders observations that this is not a sprint but a marathon.  He asked Dr. Wunder how the board will be receiving periodic updates.  Dr. Wunder responded that the board may be given summaries of notes as the work is done, or when the board requests, or quarterly.

Dr. Brann inquired about the Chats with Matt. Dr. Wunder spoke of the monthly meetings that have been set up for each site. At RISE High, Dr. Ring or Ms. Croft may be the one heading the chats.  He spoke of the fact that communication and coordination among school sites is a challenge. 

Dr. Brann commented that he would like to see the student demographics for the 2020-21 school year.  Dr. Wunder commented that Da Vinci reflects the demographics of California, saying that the demographics are not the same at each school site.  He is happy to share more information with the board in the future.

Dr. Wunder acknowledged Ms. Kari Croft for her work on diversity and inclusion at RISE.

None held.

Not necessary