Da Vinci Schools

Minutes

Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday January 20, 2021 at 6:00 PM

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:
  1. Teleconferencing will be conducted through Zoom.  Join Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/96415958997, Meeting ID: 964 1595 8997, or dial (669) 900-6833.
  2. Agendas are available to all audience members on the Da Vinci Schools website at www.davincischools.org.
  3. Audience members who wish may 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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. Please contact the CEO's office at 310-725-5800.
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. Boston (remote), D. Brann (remote), J. Morgan (remote), J. Webber (remote), R. Ochoa (remote), R. Santiago (remote)

Trustees Absent

None

Guests Present

A. Wohlwerth (remote), Aileen Harbeck (remote), B. Silvers (remote), C. Levenson (remote), Carisma De Anda (remote), Daniela Torres (remote), E. D'Souza (remote), G. White (remote), J. Hawn (remote), Jaime King-Iseman (remote), Jennifer Gibb (remote), K. Toon (remote), M. Amato (remote), M. Denniston (remote), M. Rainey (remote), M. Ring (remote), M. Wunder (remote), Marla Zaslansky (remote), Mathew Silver (remote), Naomi Lara (remote), Neil Goldman (remote), Noah Chan (remote), S. Ayala (remote), S. Wallis (remote), Tania Newman (remote), V. Bravo (remote), V. Rodriguez (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

D. Brann called a meeting of the board of trustees of Da Vinci Schools to order on Wednesday Jan 20, 2021 at 6:05 PM.

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

C.

Approval of Agenda

J. Webber made a motion to approve the agenda as presented.
B. Meath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
B. Meath
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
D. Brann
Aye

D.

Public Comments

None

II. Information

A.

From the Board

Dr. Brann shared that he is humbled to serve on the Da Vinci Schools Board with such illustrious members, speaking of the Board member biographical information that will be sent out to the community.

B.

From the CEO

Dr. Wunder shared about the search for a new location for Connect High School.

C.

Student Board Member Update

Dr. Hawn gave a brief introduction, and student board coordinator Carisma De Anda and student board members Tania Newman, Noah Chan, Mathew Silver, and Daniela Torres introduced themselves.
Ms. De Anda gave an overview of the process and the work student board members have done to prepare to give their updates.

Ms. Tania Newman gave an update on Da Vinci Design, sharing that the students hope to put on a Valentine's Day socially distanced fundraising drive-in movie parking lot event for DVD, DVC, and DVS. She also shared some results of a student and staff feedback survey. The respondents praised the Diversity Council, and gave feedback about the amount of homework being assigned.

Mr. Noah Chan gave an update on Da Vinci Science.  He shared that a survey was given with the goal of discovering student feedback on motivation, important events, and rating communication at Science. Respondents said that grades and friends were motivators, that Community Dialogues (CDs) and distribution events were important, and that involving the entire DVS student body in CDs would improve communication. Other feedback requested the survey be kept open for further responses as students thought of them.

Mr. Matthew Silver gave an update on Da Vinci Connect.  He shared some of the student ideas that his survey gathered, such as adding math support groups, and more opportunities to give feedback.  The majority of 8th grade students enjoyed school, but had ideas for improvement during remote learning.

Ms. Daniela Torres gave the update for Da Vinci Communications.  She shared that the school grade level drive-by distribution events helped students feel more connected to their teachers and school. The All Star Awards was also a big motivator. The school is looking forward to Spirit Week (February 8-12) to help foster school culture. She also shared some students' concerns about Spanish and senior English classes.

Dr. Wunder thanked the students for their work.
Dr. Brann thanked the students on behalf of the board, saying that it added an appreciated dimension to the meeting.

D.

Presentation: DVC Computer Science Pathway Virtual Escape Rooms

Martha, Marcell , and Joselyn, Mr. Eric Marintsch's students in the Da Vinci Communications Computer Science pathway, presented their digital escape room project. The virtual escape room was created with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding languages.  https://diko9.csb.app/  Nine groups of students worked on nine different rooms in total, and the students presented their murder mystery room, which contained numerous puzzles to solve.  

Mr. Marintsch also shared that a different student group coded a leaderboard for the escape rooms.

Dr. Wunder and Mr. Santiago thanked the students.  Dr. Webber asked about the coding.  Mr. Marintsch explained the students used Sandbox, a browser-based environment where the students worked in JavaScript.  Each student had the opportunity to code in JavaScript.

E.

Presentation: Alumni Update, Net Promoter Score and School Accountability Report Card Update

Ms. Gloria White spoke of the parent and student surveys given to each Da Vinci site. A Net Promoter score for Fall 2020 is 75.8, our highest score in four years, and well above the benchmark for the Education industry.

Da Vinci used new student and parent surveys this fall:  Gallup Creativity in Learning (national), New Schools Venture Fund (grantor), and CORE District surveys (state). Student Gallup survey results show that our students and parents feel they demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills, have deep subject knowledge, and that they retain what they have learned.  Their lowest score was given for being prepared for standardized tests.

Almost 80% of student respondents feel that all of their teachers are respectful toward them, treat them fairly, and that they're given multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge.  Surveyed parents agree.

Students felt it most important to work on projects with real world applications, and topics with no right or wrong answers. Parents agreed about real world applications but also felt it is critical for students to come up with solutions on their own.

Students were also surveyed on Diversity and Inclusion.  New Schools Venture Fund survey was used for Cultural Awareness & Action.  Students responded that they have friends of different races, ethnicities and cultures, that teachers treated all students fairly regardless of race, ethnicity or culture, and that the school culture allows students to have honest dialogue about race and helps students speak out about racism.  

Alumni update:  2,384 students have graduated from Da Vinci Schools as of 2020.  Ms. White explained that alumni college enrollment & completion (persistence) data were known, but not college grades, employment or income beyond high school, or satisfaction.  This data does not track every Da Vinci alumnus.

Overall 84% of Da Vinci graduates are college-going, which is 20% above the State and 15% above the National averages.  More of Da Vinci students return for a second year of college.

The SARCs up for approval do not contain testing since there was no testing this past Spring. 

Dr. Brann thanked Ms. White for her report. Dr. Wunder noted that the high net promoter score during a pandemic speaks highly of the Da Vinci students and staff.

F.

Financial Update

Mr. Amato introduced Mr. Miles Denniston from CSMC, who gave an update on the Governor's budget proposal.  The budget is proposed in January, which is revised in May, then approved on June 15.  Usually, the budget covers the next fiscal year, however, there were several items which would apply to the current year:  1) A funding "carrot" to encourage schools to open for TK-2nd grade, ESL, and Homeless/Foster students, and then in a second round, grades 3-6.  The funding would require a board-approved plan.  2) LEAs would be incentivized to open summer instruction. 

For the 2021-22 school year, the proposed budget includes an LCFF funding COLA of 3.84% and removing most deferrals for next year (current year deferrals will remain).  Additionally, the STRS  retirement program employer rate would be 16%, and PERS would be 23%. The Governor looks forward to a more normal ADA for the next year (assuming the pandemic is controlled).

Mr. Amato discussed the December financials.  Cash position is healthy.  The PPP loan forgiveness application has been submitted.  The Year-to-Date actual financial summary for July through December 2020 were presented.  

Mr. Amato spoke briefly of the renewal of the line of credit at Banc of California.  Da Vinci is requesting a bit more ($2.5MM) in credit than in the previous year (none is borrowed at this point). There are no plans to use the line of credit.  There is no extra cost for the increased amount of credit.

Mr. Amato spoke of the second round of PPP loans, for which he does not believe Da Vinci will be qualified.  Mr. Meath, Dr. Webber, and Dr. Brann shared that they do not feel it necessary for Mr. Amato to continue to pursue the PPP funds.  Dr. Wunder reminded everyone that at the time of the first round of PPP loans, Da Vinci was expecting a sharp decrease in funding, large deferrals, and high borrowing costs, and therefore applied for the first round of loans.

Last, Mr. Amato discussed the government's 2021 stimulus package, which is being allocated differently than in the past year.  He estimates Da Vinci will see about $250K per school ($1MM) in funds.  Dr. Wunder shared that the State's view that all schools with hybrid programs such as Connect are non-classroom based is slowly changing during the pandemic.

Mr. Meath inquired about the $1MM federal stimulus funds, which Mr. Amato verified has not been included in any of his budgeting.

G.

Operations Update

Mr. Vicente Bravo gave an update on work being done on the gym (floor repair, a new storage room,and water filling station).  The Clippers have made a request for use of the gym by visiting NBA teams. NBA and LA County Department of Public Health health and safety protocols would be followed if this request is granted.

Da Vinci's partnership with UCLA EXOS for virtual conditioning is available for all students, not just the athletes. Mr. Bravo will be looking for a new Athletic Director and a new swim coach.  There is a CIF California COVID Tier map available as of January 19, 2021.  Da Vinci is bound to L.A. County health guidelines, which can and do differ from the State guidelines.

Meal distribution for 2020-21 update:  In August and September, Da Vinci served about 2,200 meals.  In October through December, a combined Da Vinci and Wiseburn distribution gave out over 42,000 meals.  All meals are free - Da Vinci is not claiming any state reimbursement.

Dr. Brann clarified for the board that the L.A. Clippers rented the gym in 2019 for about four months while their facility was being renovated.  Subsequently, the plan was to rent the gym to visiting teams during times when it was not otherwise in use.  The pandemic disrupted that plan.  

Dr. Brann also inquired of Mr. Bravo about the use of the Da Vinci 201 N. Douglas campus for vaccinations.  Mr. Meath inquired about any insurance that might be needed if a third party rents the gym.

III. Discussions

A.

Project Prioritization

Dr. Wunder introduced Jamie King-Iseman and Jennifer Gibb of King Consulting.  He spoke of Da Vinci's partnering with Wiseburn Unified School District, the need for Wiseburn to approve these projects as the schools' landlord, and the use of the project prioritization list in productive conversations with Wiseburn.

Ms. King-Iseman spoke of her team's ability to work creatively and strategically within funding constraints.  She presented a list of potential projects for the 201 N. Douglas Street campus, their potential funding sources, and projected costs.  For example, the Cooling Towers project would qualify for Facility Hardship (AB841) funds, and the next step for that would be to hire a mechanical engineer for assessments, which could use energy commission funding.  There is also potential for joint-use or CTE funding for the soccer field, kitchen, servery, and new restrooms. CTE funded projects have an approved plan deadline of mid-Fall 2022.  Project prioritization will continue to refine the funding sources and costs.  

The Sandbox would qualify for funding under Charter School Facilities new construction. 
Dr. Wunder commented on the variability of costs of the Sandbox project.

Mr. Meath clarified that Da Vinci would not seek a bond; that is in Wiseburn's purview.  Ms. King-Iseman concurred, saying that she was not referring to a local bond, but a State school facility bond. There are two bills being considered that would refill the coffers of the state's construction programs.  There is a possibility a State bond might require a local bond match.  

IV. Approval of Minutes

A.

Approval of Minutes of the December 9, 2020 Regular Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting

J. Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting on 12-09-20.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Brann
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Boston
Aye

B.

Approval of Minutes of the January 12, 2021 Special Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting

J. Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees Special Board Meeting on 01-12-21.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Brann
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye

V. Consent Agenda

A.

Accept Check Register - December 2020

B. Meath made a motion to accept the December 2020 check register.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Webber
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye

B.

Approve Renewal of Line of Credit with Banc of California

B. Meath made a motion to approve the Renewal of the Line of Credit with Banc of California.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Morgan
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
D. Brann
Aye

C.

Approve School Accountability Report Card (SARC) for Da Vinci Communications, Design, Science, and Connect

B. Meath made a motion to approve the School Accountability Report Cards (SARC) for Da Vinci Communications, Design, Science, and Connect.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Boston
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye

D.

Approve the Da Vinci Schools Strategic Plan

Dr. Brann saluted the staff for their work with Mr. Richard Greenberg on this project.  He appreciated the thoughtful process which included all staff.  He inquired as to the next steps to keep the Strategic Plan relevant and alive, and continually useful.  

Dr. Wunder commented on the Vision and Mission having long shelf lives, saying that Dr. Neil Goldman has experience with strategic planning.  The plan will be in the DV Impact Report, and in each school's website.
D. Brann made a motion to approve.
B. Meath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Webber
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye

E.

Approve Da Vinci Connect Application to Join El Dorado SELPA

B. Meath made a motion to approve the Da Vinci Connect Application to Join the El Dorado SELPA.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Morgan
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
D. Brann
Aye

F.

Approve Revised Master Contract with S.T.A.R. of California

B. Meath made a motion to approve the Revised Master Contract with S.T.A.R. of California.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Morgan
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye

G.

Approve Revised Webmaster Salary Scale

B. Meath made a motion to approve the Revised Webmaster Salary Scale.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Webber
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
B. Meath
Aye

H.

Approve Term Renewal for Da Vinci Schools Board Member Raul Ochoa

B. Meath made a motion to approve the Term Renewal for Da Vinci Schools Board Member Raul Ochoa.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Ochoa
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye

I.

Approve Term Renewal for Da Vinci Schools Board Member Raynaldo Santiago, Jr.

B. Meath made a motion to approve the Term Renewal for Da Vinci Schools Board Member Raynaldo Santiago, Jr.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Boston
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
B. Meath
Aye

VI. Closed Session

A.

Conference with Legal Counsel

Closed session entered at 8:03 p.m.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Reconvene for Public Session & Closed Session Reporting

Public session was reconvened at 8:54 p.m.
Dr. Bran reported that no action was taken.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

J. Morgan made a motion to adjourn.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Webber
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Brann
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
A. Wohlwerth