Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High)
Date and Time
Wednesday March 24, 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/91229063738, Meeting ID: 912 2906 3738, 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
Anthony Gay (remote), Ashley Oku (remote), Chris Howell (remote), E. Funes (remote), E. Salango (remote), E. Whalen (remote), Ivonne Alarcon (remote), J. Hawn (remote), M. Amato (remote), M. Ring (remote), M. Wunder (remote), Meika Nwaomah (remote), Naomi Lara (remote), R. Robertson (remote), Sabrina Ayala (remote), Scott James (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 Mar 24, 2021 at 6:07 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 | |
|---|---|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
D.
Public Comments
None.
II. Information: Board Comments and/or Administrative Reports
A.
From the Board
Dr. Johnstone commented on his understanding regarding the challenges of decision making in reopening schools. He offered thoughts and prayers and encouraged everyone to work collaboratively. Dr. Jennings shared her agreement with his sentiments and thanked Dr. Wunder and the staff for all of their efforts.
Dr. Jennings provided an update from the funding group. They discussed fundraising options and plans. The group has a 6 month goal of raising $250,000, and they are open to ideas on how Board members and others can be involved. They will be reconvening in two weeks.
B.
From the CEO
None.
C.
From the Executive Director
Dr. Ring provided an update regarding the HG Clay Foundation Grant Award- Field Experience Fellows Program. RISE was awarded a $20,000 grant to support students from January through December 2021. Twenty students across the learning sites will receive up to $500 each for activities relating to their college, career, or vocational areas of interest. Three RISE teachers will receive stipends for supporting the fellows during this activity, and students will have the opportunity to earn credits in English Language Arts. Upon completion, an opportunity for students to share their experiences with classmates and stakeholders will occur.
Dr. Ring shared processes that have been utilization by administration in developing the proposed RISE returning to school/reopening plan for Quarter 4. All three school sites have plans for student/staff instruction based on DPH guidance for instruction on our sites. Guidance and input were collected from stakeholders through Zoom meetings, interviews, surveys, and committee input (ELAC, PD, SSC). School staff input was gathered at a design session. RISE student surveys and input for "voice" were collected. Data was also received from the Da Vinci Schools Town Hall. Guidance LA County Department of Public Health has provided changes and is being provided biweekly to school administration.
Mr. Whalen provided information relating to areas of focus for the reopening plan, including onsite capacity, availability of staff, focus population, modifications, and weekly schedules. A 3:1 ratio of student/staff is expected, and onsite services are offered on asynchronous days. For any changes and modifications, RISE admin will provide at least 2 weeks notice regarding the reopening schedules, rosters, and program adjustments. Mr. Whalen provided the phased returning to sites and detailed schedules for each school site: Hawthorne, New Earth, and A Place Called Home.
Dr. Jennings complimented staff for all the work they've done regarding collecting data and reopening sites. Ms. Morgan inquired about starting dates for the school sites, and Mr. Whalen verified the April 12 start dates for Hawthorne and New Earth and April 19 for A Place Called Home.
Dr. Ring concluded by stating that RISE is offering more opportunities for students to attend in-person learning in a secure, graduated manner to ensure safety by following protocols put in place. This phase has been thought out and reflected upon with training and support. Plans will be reviewed every two weeks so administration and staff can regroup and refine as needed. An update will be provided at the next Board meeting.
D.
RISE High Update
Mr. Whalen provided a presentation including March data and demographics. RISE currently serves 223 students, 41.7% of whom are opportunity youth; ADA for February is 48.24%, and current March ADA: 53.75% (+5.51%). All three sites have been approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (meal service) for the 2020-21 school year. 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 on services provided during the second semester (January - March).
Mr. Whalen shared priority-aligned questions and responses from the first round of the student survey share-out. The data is positive and continues to help staff learn and adjust to student needs.
Mr. Whalen shared feedback from the March School Site Council Meeting. Staff and stakeholders discussed the reopening planning process and safety guidelines. Staff facilitated opportunities for stakeholders to provide input, ask questions, share concerns. At the upcoming April meeting, staff will discuss the SpringPoint Observation report findings and revisit the reopening plans for Q4. As part of the next steps, staff will be rolling out a virtual suggestion box to gather feedback and support SSC student members in gathering student feedback on reopening plans.
March ELAC meeting provided updates to the current secretary's resignation, review of EL data from needs assessment, and staff communicated and gathered feedback regarding the reopening plan. At the next meeting, staff will review the Spanish Family Survey results of the reopening plan and establish onsite and virtual protocols.
New Earth Update - All RISE students at New Earth are offered programming and services as they earn academics credits. The Career Center is now available for training and support a few days a week. In collaboration with all RISE sties, NE is offering a weekly food market to all RISE students/families, as well as baby supplies and resources and assistance with housing resources. The New Earth girls group is open to all RISE sites, and the campus is available for a few APCH and Hawthorne students that need a space for learning.
APCH Update - 46 students have been serviced from February 17th through March 22nd. The upcoming LA LGBT Center Workshop Series will be taking place from March-June covering various topics, including student activism 101, coming out and safety planning, and more. The Professional Readiness and Employment program will be recruiting RISE members for internships. Student participation in workshops and classes is steady.
Mr. Whalen shared that 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 provided feedback from SpringPoint Observation Week. Areas of 'Grows' include teaching and learning for deep understanding (rigor) and meaningful, engaged learning (differentiation). 'Glows' included flexible interdisciplinary learning and belonging powered by relationships and relevancy.
Mr. Whalen introduced Mr. Scott James and Mr. Anthony Gay, Behavior Interventionists at RISE, and spoke of their roles and their work at the school sites.
Mr. James and Mr. Gay shared their experience, education, and history with RISE and various programs and services they are providing the RISE students and staff both during virtual learning and on site activities. Outreach includes phone contact, texting students, meeting them through break outs in Zoom meetings and hosting weekly sessions, Teen Summit.
The BI philosophy at RISE is 'Reach them to teach them'. Care for the student is holistic, not just academic-based. BI's lead PD sessions for staff, train on conflict management strategies, NCI techniques, provide trauma-informed care and PBIS strategies, and lead the mentorship program. Board members were invited to visit school sites to observe them in their roles and see how they work to prevent the school-to-prison pipeline.
Dr. Johnson shared his gratitude for their presentation and requested and received clarification of the acronyms NCRP and NCI. Mr. James explained that NCRP stands for Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding, and NCI is Nonviolent Crisis Intervention.
Dr. Jennings shared her gratitude and complimented Mr. James and Mr. Gay on their dedication to the students. She also asked about the process of support in virtual classrooms. Mr. James shared that virtual interactions are on the phone, text, email, or their PLP. They ask teachers and staff to give them access to breakout rooms to support students. Mr. Gay added that they are in and out of classroom Zoom sessions helping to support instruction so that students are aware that they offer support even when there are no behavior concerns.
Mr. Taylor shared his appreciation for Mr. James and Mr. Gay in their authenticity and dedication. Ms. Montes-Rodriguez also expressed her gratitude and shared her interest in continuing to uplift the role and the process of preventive and holistic supports for students. Ms. Morgan shared that their roles are needed in the world and was grateful to be educated in the process. Dr. McCullough echoed the other board members' sentiments and shared her gratitude for the work they do.
E.
Financial Update
Mr. Amato reviewed the February 2020 financials. Balance sheet detail shows that cash in bank is just under $2.5 million, representative of XQ funding, and the state is deferring LCFF payments. Liabilities due to Da Vinci are high due to a timing issue. Da Vinci pays for bills on RISE's behalf, and DV RISE is a month past due in payment. Profit/loss YTD is $1.2 million, which is high but only through February. The target profit for the year is $140,000. Currently, DV RISE is in a period of high cash, which will be spent down during the remainder of the year.
Mr. Amato reviewed the YTD P&L through February. Revenues and expenses are tracking towards budget. DV RISE received more Title 1 and 2 funding than planned, about $20,000 above the original budget and $20,000 from the HG Clay Grant. There are no concerns about planned spending as far as meeting the target year-end budget. DV RISE is currently under budget in expenses by $161,000 as a result of the timing differences through the end of February and still expects to meet the bottom line of $140,000.
Mr. Taylor asked if the $160,000 under-budget is relative to the plan at the end of the year. Mr. Amato clarified that it is relative through February due to timing differences. With students coming back, expenses will start to ramp up. RISE plans to hit the targeted $4.76 million in expenses.
Mr. Taylor also asked if Mr. Amato foresees any deviations in the plan in the upcoming months. Mr. Amato responded that everything is on track. There is cushion in the expenses concerning students returning and reopening plans.
Mr. Amato provided an update to the federal stimulus dollars. In our current year, DV RISE was granted $46,000 from the original stimulus passed in Summer 2020. In December 2020, $180,000 from the second round of stimulus dollars was approved. This money has yet to arrive and is projected in next year's preliminary plan available to use for any activity, including summer school. More recently, another round of stimulus package money was passed. An amount has not been disclosed, but it is expected to be the same as the last amount, possibly more. More information will be presented once details are provided. Lastly, Mr. Amato discussed the CA Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant, which that RISE might qualify for. More information will be provided at upcoming Board meetings.
F.
Facilities Update
Mr. Bravo shared updates and potential changes at the school sites.
A Place Called Home has made renovations to the outside of the building. Mr. Bravo encourages staff to visit. No other changes to report.
There are fluid developments at New Earth. With the Washington Complex no longer being an option, it is a possibility that RISE will be expanding into the first floor. RISE is currently operating on the second floor.
The Hawthorne - Wiseburn Complex (Old Dana) is on lease until June 2021. The Richstone Family Center is a proposed option for relocating students. Richstone has various indoor and outdoor spaces that can be utilized for in-person instruction.
Ms. Morgan asked if there was a follow up discussion with LACOE regarding proposals and rent. Mr. Bravo replied that there multiple on-going discussions taking place, and more work needs to be done with our New Earth partners regarding a lease and the certificate of occupancy. Once these items are obtained, staff can continue to update the material revision. Dr. Ring shared that we are still in the conversation stage with the lease agreement, and more information will be provided at the next Board meeting.
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approve Minutes of the February 17, 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 02-17-21.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Minutes of the March 3, 2021 Special Board Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Special Board Meeting (RISE High) on 03-03-21.
A. Montes-Rodriguez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
IV. Action Items
A.
Accept February 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management
J. Morgan made a motion to accept February 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
B.
Approve FY20-21 Audit Engagement Letter
J. Morgan made a motion to approve FY20-21 Audit Engagement Letter.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Phased Reopening Plan for Onsite Learning Opportunities (April 12, 2021 - June 11, 2021)
T. Johnstone made a motion to approve Phased Reopening Plan for Onsite Learning Opportunities (April 12, 2021 - June 11, 2021).
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
D.
Approve DV:LAC - DVSF Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement - XQ Grant
J. Morgan made a motion to approve DV:LAC - DVSF Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement - XQ Grant.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
V. Closed Session Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Estate Negotiations/Lease Agreements
A.
Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Gov. Code ยง 54956.8) New Earth and Wiseburn Unified School District/RISE Hawthorne
Closed session was entered at 8:03.
B.
Reconvene for Public Session and Closed Session Reporting
The Board reconvened for Public Session at 8:34
Dr. Jennings reported that no decisions were made.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to adjourn.
A. Montes-Rodriguez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
E. Salango