Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High)
Date and Time
Wednesday February 17, 2021 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 will be held through Zoom. Join the Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92547611198 , Meeting ID: 925 4761 1198, or dial (669) 900-6833.
- Agendas are available to all audience members online at https://dvrise.davincischools.org.
- 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.
- 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. For more information call the CEO's office at 310-725-5800.
Trustees Present
A. Montes-Rodriguez (remote), C. McCullough (remote), C. Taylor (remote), J. Morgan (remote), L. Jennings (remote), T. Johnstone (remote)
Trustees Absent
None
Guests Present
Chris Howell (remote), Delia Castillo (remote), E. Funes (remote), E. Salango (remote), E. Whalen (remote), J. Hawn (remote), M. Amato (remote), M. Ring (remote), M. Wunder (remote), Naomi Lara (remote), R. Robertson (remote), Rosalind Mickels-Miller (remote), S. Ayala (remote), V. Bravo (remote)
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 Feb 17, 2021 at 6:02 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Approval of Agenda
J. Morgan made a motion to approve the agenda.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
D.
Public Comments
None.
II. Information: Board Comments and/or Administrative Reports
A.
From the Board
Dr. Johnstone greeted everyone in attendance.
Dr. Jennings shared her gratitude and enthusiasm regarding the panel discussion about educational disparities in the time of COVID. Principal Erin Whalen was a panelist, and Board member Dr. McCullough facilitated.
Dr. Jennings recommended and requested to start a 3-person fundraising workgroup. Dr. Johnstone, Dr. McCullough, and Dr. Jennings have volunteered. They will approach the Board with recommendations as they are not a decision-making group.
Dr. Jennings shared that filling recruitment for a new Board member is still on pause.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez expressed her gratitude to Dr. Johnstone, Dr. Jennings, and Dr. McCullough for taking the lead on the fundraising committee and offered her support.
B.
From the CEO
Dr. Wunder acknowledged and thanked Dr. Delia Castillo at LACOE for her ongoing support.
Dr. Wunder indicated that Dr. Ring will be communicating with our authorizer, LACOE, and the Board regarding the Wiseburn Dana campus and potential Richstone Center site move.
C.
From the Executive Director
Dr. Ring echoed Mr. Wunder's sentiments and shared her appreciation for the LACOE Charter School office, and specifically Dr. Delia Castillo's support of RISE in the A-Game project.
Dr. Ring presented a powerpoint including guidance from the L.A. County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health, and California Department of Education. She reviewed RISE's reopening plan and timelines for educator vaccinations, operation audits, and the COVID safety plan, planning for 4th Quarter phase options, town hall meetings, stakeholder and student input, surveys, external communications, and the learning loss mitigation funding review.
Dr. Ring and site administration recommended resuming 1-1 appointments on March 1st for specialized services, including supervised mandated testing and staff support for students in accordance with L.A. County Department of Public Health. She will be proposing an April 12th Quarter 3 update to review at potential options beyond 1-1 appointments, such as cohorting, small groups, and outdoor education opportunities at each learning site per guidance from L.A. County Department of Public Health.
Dr. Ring provided the monthly ADA update data and discussed the ongoing RISE tiered intervention approach to support student engagement per the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan. Dr. Ring shared that the administration will continue to schedule and collect data on specialized service appointments, review reopening plan options including stakeholder input, and develop a phased reopening plan. The team is actively preparing for returning students for instruction on each learning site. She affirmed that the team is currently reviewing options for partnership input and facility adjustments for the upcoming school year.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked about student and parent feedback regarding interest in partial or full-time attendance for onsite and/or continued distance learning. She commended the staff for their efforts in incentivizing student attendance. Dr. Ring replied that there is overwhelming stakeholder communication and outreach asking about school-site reopening for in-person learning. Mr. Whalen agreed and commented on the large impact on student regression. Dr. Ring shared that options are being considered for direct instruction and supervised learning opportunities.
Mr. Taylor inquired about the RISE school calendar. Dr. Mary Ring reported that RISE runs an intercession model for year round instruction. With possible Learning Loss Mitigation funding, the team is reviewing an extended June/July intercession for additional support sessions for students. These recommendations will be brought forth at the next meeting.
D.
RISE High Update
Mr. Whalen provided a presentation including February data and demographics. He shared a breakdown of the number of foster youth, probationary youth, housing unstable (which changes weekly), and parenting youth across the RISE sites. He also highlighted data pertaining to services provided.RISE is currently serving 223 students, 44.4% of whom are opportunity youth; ADA for January is 48.24%. All three sites have been approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (meal service) for the 2020-21 school year.
During the week of February 1st, 112 student-led conferences were successfully completed. Students were reflective on their efforts and learning as they continue to execute their goals regardless of campus closures.
Student surveys are launching the week of February 15th with priority-aligned questions pertaining to school culture, academics, and support services. Questions are also aligned to ensure that feedback will be useful to all departments and in alignment with LCP, A-Game, and other authorizing and oversight entities.
The upcoming School-Site Council meeting will address consensus and alignment of instructional practices, implement data-informed decision making, and increase engagement and access to student culture-building opportunities and advisory workshops. The upcoming ELAC meeting will address creating specific professional development to support EL managers, conducting an EL needs assessments survey for students and staff, and review attendance awareness for stakeholders.
New Earth Update - New Earth Arts and Leadership Center continues to offer on-site services and resources to students. 22 RISE students received groceries through the New Earth Market. All students continued to receive case management services. 25 RISE students participated in New Earth programming that supports them in earning academic credits.
APCH Update - APCH's Opportunity Youth Program, IMPACT, has collaborated with RISE staff to offer credits to RISE students. To date, 14 students have attended. Thirty-four students have participated in APCH programs and/or services from January 27th through February 12th. Financial literacy workshops are being offered covering topics such as opening a bank account, setting financial goals, and paying for college and cars.
The Mis-information Project will be launching in the 4th Quarter. The driving question addresses the role of media in our society and how we can become responsible consumers and producers of news and information in the digital age. The project's core competencies will address speaking and listening, analysis, and evaluation, and critique. The culminating event will be a discussion-based salon night.
Mr. Whalen announced that behavior interventionists at Da Vinci RISE, Mr. Scott James and Mr. Anthony Gay, will be presenting at the next board on March 24th.
Dr. Jennings and Mr. Taylor expressed appreciation regarding RISE's progress during this extraordinary time.
E.
Financial Update
Mr. Amato provided information regarding the final Fiscal Year 2019-20 annual audit report, year ending June 20, 2020. It was a 100% clean audit report, unqualified opinion, with no deficiencies or weaknesses identified by the auditors. He reiterated the adjustment to the 2019-20 results regarding the reclassified LCFF income of $98,500 for Fiscal Year 2018-19. This does not impact the ending fund balance for the organization.
Mr. Amato presented the Fiscal Year 2019-20 tax return. He shared his appreciation for Gary Wayland, member of the Board for the Da Vinci Schools Fund Organization, whose CPA firm processed the Fiscal Year 2019-20 tax return pro-bono. Ms. Morgan asked if the 2019-20 tax return is for the 2019 year, and Mr. Amato clarified that the tax return is titled 2019-20 because the IRS tax form is based on when the year starts.
Mr. Amato reviewed the consolidated balance sheet and profit & loss data for the year-to-date ending in January (the second interim financials) due to LACOE. The January year-to-date financials reflect the current budget, noting no revisions to the current budget were made for the second interim report. Revenues are up through January due to XQ funding. The State Deferral period from February to June will not impact RISE because there is enough money to withstand deferral payments. The bottom line income of $1.33 million through January is from the timing of XQ funds, and RISE is still on track to meet the bottom-line year end projection of $140,000.
Mr. Amato introduced Ms. Sabrina Ayala, who provided an update of the XQ agreement with DVSF. Ms. Ayala shared that in March 2021, Da Vinci Schools Fund (“DVSF”) will submit a Fiscal Sponsorship application to XQ to be the Fiscal Sponsor on behalf of Da Vinci: L.A. County and RISE (“DVLAC”). $1.385 million will transfer from XQ to DVSF. DVLAC asks that DVSF be the Fiscal Sponsor to allow DVLAC continued access to the XQ Grant when it terminates on June 30, 2022, as unused funds would be forfeited.
By asking DVSF to be the sponsor, the remaining XQ funds will be housed at DVSF with full access by DVLAC. There will be no changes to how funds are used, and the purpose and uses are to follow the original XQ grant proposal. Some flexibility in access to funding is considered if more than biannual transfers of funds are preferred. The agreement indicates an annual report will be required by DVSF. In turn, DVSF requests that direct costs incurred to manage the funds (e.g., audits, banking, etc.) are reimbursed. Ms. Morgan asked if there will be a separate line item for RISE, and Ms. Ayala shared that there will be a separate account to make sure the funds do not co-mingle.
Mr. Amato also noted that RISE would be receiving $180,000 in the next 30 to 60 days from the Federal Stimulus Package passed in December for the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2021. The money will be used on things related to learning loss, COVID, reopening schools, supporting students, etc.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked about the selection of the auditors, deferred compensation contributing to retirement, and Board term allowances and renewals. Mr. Amato shared that Christy White and Associates are the auditors for Da Vinci Schools and RISE and have done RISE's audits since its inception. Dr. Johnstone commented that they are also the auditors for Wiseburn. Regarding deferred compensation, Mr. Amato stated that RISE does not have any deferred compensation for anyone since RISE employees are all from Da Vinci School.
Dr. Ring proposed that Ms. Salango will provide Board terms for review at the next meeting.
Dr. Wunder applauded the audit and provided information about current year finances. RISE did not receive enrollment growth dollars due to COVID. The $2 million originally planned from XQ funding for the year has been increased to $3 million due to the amount the state is paying RISE for enrollment and attendance is lower. Mr. Amato noted that the finances Dr. Wunder is referencing are current year numbers starting July 1, 2020, whereas the audit report is last year’s audit numbers ending June 30, 2020. He agreed that the issue is due to lack of enrollment funding from the state, spending for the new New Earth Site, and other expenses. This year, RISE is expected to use up to $2 million in XQ funding. However, due to state funding issues, the amount increased to $3 million.
F.
Facilities Update
Mr. Bravo shared an update regarding the New Earth and Washington Complex. Staff are evaluating and assessing current options. He also commented on the status of the Richstone partnership proposal which is currently in discussion stage. Facility layout details and partnership opportunities will be brought forward at the upcoming meeting.
On February 25th, there will be a webinar for staff, community members, parents, and students regarding athletics. General information will be provided regarding re-leaguing as the official process starts on March 24th.
LACOE conducted two visits to APCH and Hawthorne locations. The inspection went well, and everything is in great condition considering the age of the Hawthorne site. APCH had no issues. Furthermore, staff are finalizing indoor air quality options for sites, and more information will be provided at the next meeting.
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approve Minutes of the January 27, 2021 Regular Board Meeting
T. Johnstone made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High) on 01-27-21.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
IV. Action Items
A.
Accept January 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management
T. Johnstone made a motion to accept January 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management as amended.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
Ms. Jennifer Morgan requested discussion on information in the transactions. Explanation was provided by Mr. Michael Amato, and an amendment to the initial motion was made by Mr. Chris Taylor to approve with corrections on payroll dates. Motion accepted and seconded by Dr. Carla McCullough.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
B.
Approve FY 19-20 Annual Audit Report
T. Johnstone made a motion to approve FY 19-20 Annual Audit Report.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
C.
Approve FY 19-20 Tax Return
J. Morgan made a motion to approve FY 19-20 Tax Return.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Second Interim Report to LACOE (January 2021 Financials and Unrevised Budget)
T. Johnstone made a motion to approve Second Interim Report to LACOE (January 2021 Financials and Unrevised Budget).
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
V. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Estate Negotiations/Lease Agreements
Entered at 7:10 p.m.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Reconvene to Public Session and Closed Session Reporting
The Board reconvened for public session at 8:51.
Dr. Jennings reported that members reviewed current agency and site agreements of possible transactions. No action was taken and no decisions were made. Board members asked that staff follow up with additional analysis and scheduled a follow-up Special Board Meeting for March 3rd at 6:00p.m.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
E. Salango