Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday April 28, 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:
- Teleconferencing will be conducted through Zoom. Join Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/93339409350, Meeting ID: 933 3940 9350, or dial (669) 900-6833.
- Agendas are available to all audience members on the Da Vinci Schools website at www.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. Please contact the CEO's office at 310-725-5800.
Trustees Present
B. Meath (remote), D. Boston (remote), D. Brann (remote), J. Webber (remote), R. Ochoa (remote), R. Santiago (remote)
Trustees Absent
J. Morgan
Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened
D. Boston
Guests Present
A. Wohlwerth (remote), Aaron Diaz (remote), B. Silvers (remote), C. Levenson (remote), Carisma De Anda (remote), Daniela Torres (remote), E. D'Souza (remote), E. Green (remote), Franki Johnson (remote), J. Hawn (remote), K. Toon (remote), Leilah Harper (remote), M. Amato (remote), M. Denniston (remote), M. Rainey (remote), M. Ring (remote), M. Wunder (remote), Mathew Silver (remote), Noah Chan (remote), S. Wallis (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 Apr 28, 2021 at 6:02 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Approval of Agenda
B. Meath made a motion to approve the agenda.
J. Webber seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Absent
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
D.
Public Comments
None
II. Information
A.
From the Board
Mr. Santiago thanked the staff including the administrative staff for their work.
Mr. Ochoa also thanked the staff for their work on the return to school plan.
Mr. Meath thanked the staff for enhancing the on-campus opportunities for students to come back and learn. He acknowledged the staff for carrying out the board's direction to increase the educational time on campus. He also hoped to hear the consultant's report on the relationship between Da Vinci and Wiseburn.
Dr. Webber thanked the staff for being responsive. She recognized the staff's situations with child care, high-risk family, and perhaps incomplete vaccinations, and credited the staff for pulling together to accomplish the updated plan.
Dr. Brann spoke of the Torrance USD's recent decision to not return to campus until the 2021-22 school year.
Mr. Santiago commented that he wanted to ensure that DV was maintaining health and safety protocols, saying that the Redondo Beach Union High School basketball team had a COVID incident.
B.
From the CEO
Dr. Wunder commented that Da Vinci staff have been working hard during the time of the year that is normally the busiest, but even more so after the past pandemic year.
He also shared that he, Dr. Brann, Dr. Goldman, and Dr. Silvers had met with consultants Dr. Kent Rhodes and Dr. Ann Feyerherm.
C.
Student Board Member Update
Dr. Hawn introduced Carisma De Anda and the student board members.
Dr. Wunder thanked Ms. De Anda and the student board members for their hard work.
Ms. De Anda thanked the board for the opportunity to share student views. Leilah Harper, Noah Chan, Daniela Torres, Franki Johnson, Aaron Diaz, and Mathew Silver gave the final student updates for the year.
Leilah Harper shared how Da Vinci Design students are engaging with each other on campus and through athletics.
Noah Chan spoke of the DVS events like weekly student-success days, testing, and in-person advisory days, and he also gave some students' feedback on remote learning and the return to campus.
Franki Johnson shared Da Vinci Connect High School's important events like the first day of in-person learning, college planning, sports tryouts, and the Open Forum for students to discuss current events. Ms. Johnson spoke of her appreciation for remote learning, and looking forward to returning to the campus in the Fall.
Aaron Diaz, also of Da Vinci Connect High School, shared that he, like many of his fellow students, appreciated the chance to meet in person. He also noted the 118 college courses completed by Connect High School students thus far.
Mathew Silver shared Connect K-8's student feedback on the past year of school. He shared that many students appreciated remote learning.
Daniela Torres gave the Da Vinci Communications report, saying that seniors appreciated Leadership's work in keeping the DVC culture alive, like the graduation cap decorating event and other virtual events. They feel that DVC is one school, whether or not students are remote or in-person.
Drs. Wunder and Brann thanked the student board members.
Dr. Webber expressed her appreciation for the student board members.
D. Boston arrived at 6:26 PM.
D.
Wiseburn Resident Enrollment Update
Ms. Levenson shared current Wiseburn resident enrollment (for Communications, Design, and Science). Overall, 42.6% of the total Da Vinci student body are Wiseburn residents. This year, just 8% of 9th grade applicants with no enrollment priority were enrolled.
In 2012-13, 35% of Wiseburn resident Dana 8th graders enrolled in Da Vinci. In 2020-21, 84% of those students enrolled. In 2020-21, Wiseburn residents made up 36.8% of new students enrolled, and of those, 28 returned to the District after having previously left Wiseburn schools. Three Wiseburn residents have left Da Vinci so far this year (.2% of 1,615 total students or .4% of 686 resident students). In total over the last five years,1.2% of 5,708 total students or 2% of 3,057 residents have left Da Vinci. Considering returning and exiting residents, Da Vinci achieved a net gain of 86 residents over the past five years.
Dr. Wunder commented that all schools and districts experience attrition, as all schools cannot be all things to all students, and some attrition is normal.
Dr. Wunder commented that all schools and districts experience attrition, as all schools cannot be all things to all students, and some attrition is normal.
Mr. Santiago inquired about the reasons students leave the district. Ms. Levenson shared that many of the students left because their families moved out of the area. She will share more detailed information with the board.
Mr. Ochoa inquired about the percentage of students whose parents work in aerospace around the campus. Ms. Levenson shared that as working in the area is not an enrollment priority, she doesn't gather that information. Dr. Wunder shared that the staff could probably find that information.
E.
Financial Update
Ms. Levenson shared that Da Vinci had just been awarded Career Technical Education grants totaling $756K in Round 6 of the CTE Facilities Program. This is in addition to the CTE Studio grant
Mr. Amato gave the financial report, saying that Accounts Receivable continue to grow as payments from the State are being deferred. Da Vinci is waiting for forgiveness of the PPP loan (expected at the end of May) which will convert the loan into a grant and therefore, revenue.
He also shared that Da Vinci is on track to achieve its year-end projections bottom line which had been detailed in the previous board meeting's 2nd Interim Report.
Mr. Amato also shared federal and state stimulus funds to be received near the end of June, a total for all sites' stimulus funds of just under $4.6MM. The State Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) funds require detailed information on spending and board approval.
Dr. Webber inquired about the four stimulus funds reflecting as revenue, and Mr. Amato shared that the revenue will be counted when the expenditures are incurred. Mr. Denniston commented that stimulus funds may be pushed into the next year, and ESSER III funds may be recognized in the year after that. Of the almost $4.6MM, $3.5MM of it didn't exist a month ago, so the situation is evolving quickly, making it difficult to make long-term plans.
Dr. Wunder pointed out that although these are very large one-time funds, they should not be used for ongoing expenses, and the Board will decide whether or not reserves should be adjusted. He also noted Da Vinci Connect is slated to receive disproportionately less funding because of its non-classroom based program. Mr. Denniston spoke briefly of Assembly Bill 1316, which would add a long list of operational burdens to charter schools' business obligations.
Brief discussion on 2021-22 LCFF revenue and the growth moratorium hold harmless ensued.
Mr. Amato shared the facilities and deferred maintenance analysis as of April 2021.
Total initial amount Da Vinci invested in the 201 N. Douglas campus: $52.7MM.
Total amount invested in the facility not completed on Move-in: $1.3MM
Total amount invested in areas that were inadequate/needed replacement: $54.6K
Total amount invested since move-in: $1,370,148
Total amount invested in Deferred Maintenance (maintenance/repairs related to what was originally included in the 201 site): $662,500.
Grand total Da Vinci has invested in the 201 N. Douglas St. campus: $54,732.662.
F.
Operations Update
Mr. Bravo shared the health and safety measures implemented such as air filtering systems and fans, cohort maintenance measures such as staggered schedules, separate entrances, etc. Different protocols for different areas are dictated by the CDC and county health department and are being closely followed.
Outdoor graduation ceremonies are being planned, as well as a possible blood drive.
A new Athletics Director has been hired, and will be introduced at the next Da Vinci and Wiseburn board meetings. The gym and other athletics areas have passed health inspection. Mr. Bravo thanked Raytheon for providing baseball and track facilities. Da Vinci will be competing in the Bay League in the Mulholland district. Girls' Volleyball athletes, who hadn't had the chance to start their season this year, got the opportunity to compete in a beach volleyball tournament and one pair of Da Vinci students (including Mr. Santiago's daughter!) were undefeated. Mr. Bravo thanked Raytheon for providing a venue for baseball and track. Mr. Bravo clarified that re-leaguing will be in effect in the 2022-23 school year.
In IT news, wireless headsets have been procured for teachers to keep them in touch with remote students while they concurrently teach in-person students. The IT team has also instituted a new cybersecurity protocol.
III. Second Semester Update
A.
Updates from Site Leaders
Ms. Toon shared that 72% (about 320) of Connect K-8 students will be returning to their hybrid on-campus program on May 4. She thanked the Facilities team for their work in getting the campus ready.
Ms. Rainey gave the update for Connect High School and DVX, sharing the high school programs' planned simultaneous teaching remote and on-campus students, as they have much smaller student bodies, since April 12. About 50% of students elected to remain in remote learning, and about 50% opted for on-campus learning. DVX students are remaining remote, as that is what the college partners are doing.
Ms. D'Souza noted that the 201 campus school leaders worked together to plan the return. Communications is proud of the social-emotional learning opportunities offered in April. Mr. Wallis shared that students were more focused working on campus than they were at home. Ms. Rodriguez spoke of the targeted academic support for students, including ESL students and small group counseling.
The principals shared the new schedule beginning May 4 for two days of on-campus instruction each week. Most of the teachers are returning for on-campus instruction; about 50% of the students have elected to return, and 50% of students elected to stay in remote learning. May 3 is a professional development day to help teachers meet the challenge of simultaneously teaching in-person and remote students. Ms. Rodriguez shared that all students have received their new schedules.
Dr. Wunder thanked the leaders, saying that they make it sound easy, although it has definitely been so.
IV. Action Item
A.
Approve Da Vinci Schools Full Reopening for 2021-22 School Year Based on Public Health Guidelines
B. Meath made a motion to approve the Da Vinci Schools Full Reopening for 2021-22 School Year Based on Public Health Guidelines.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
Dr. Brann noted the changing COVID-19 tiers and the only thing that could change Da Vinci's plans is the virus.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
V. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approval of Minutes of the March 25, 2021 Regular Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting
R. Santiago made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting on 03-25-21.
R. Ochoa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Minutes of the April 20, 2021 Special Da Vinci Schools Meeting
R. Santiago made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools Special Board Meeting on 04-20-21.
R. Ochoa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
VI. Consent Agenda
A.
Accept Da Vinci Schools Payment Register - March 2021
R. Ochoa made a motion to accept the Da Vinci Schools Payment Register for March 2021.
B. Meath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Contract Extension with Compass Group (Chartwells) for Food Services for the 2021-22 School Year
R. Ochoa made a motion to approve the Contract Extension with Compass Group (Chartwells) for Food Services for the 2021-22 School Year.
B. Meath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Proposal from TLS Choice for Portable Partitions
Discussion on the use of the partitions (which are heavy duty, wheeled, magnetic whiteboards) which can be used outdoors. Storage space has been identified.
Further discussion ensued on whether the partitions are still needed. The Board directed Mr. Bravo to query the principals and re-present the item to the Board in a future meeting if need be.
Dr. Brann and Mr. Boston withdrew their motions to approve.
D.
Approve Master Contract with New Haven Youth & Family Services for Special Education Services
R. Ochoa made a motion to approve the Master Contract with New Haven Youth & Family Services for Special Education Services.
B. Meath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
E.
Approve 2021-22 School Calendars for Da Vinci Connect, Communications, Design, and Science
Mr. Meath asked for input regarding summer offerings or perhaps a lengthening of the next school year. Dr. Hawn shared that the Extended Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) grants are for funding summer school programs, and conversation among the leaders has begun. She doesn't believe it affects the calendars.
Dr. Brann asked if conversations had been held around instructional minutes (lengthening the school day). Dr. Hawn shared that the principals and school data experts have ideas regarding afterschool intervention programming.
Mr. Meath noted that compensation for staff providing the programming would be in order.
B. Meath made a motion to approve the 2021-22 School Calendars for Da Vinci Connect, Communications, Design, and Science.
D. Brann seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
VII. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel
Closed session entered at 7:58 p.m.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Reconvene for Public Session & Closed Session Reporting
The board reconvened for public session at 10:26 p.m.
Dr. Brann reported that no action was taken in closed session.
Next meeting on May 26, may have a special
B.
Adjourn Meeting
B. Meath made a motion to adjourn.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:27 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
A. Wohlwerth