Da Vinci Schools

Minutes

Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High)

Date and Time

Wednesday May 19, 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:
  1. Teleconferencing will be held through Zoom.  Join the Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92534988887 Meeting ID: 925 3498 8887, or dial (669) 900-6833.
  2. Agendas are available to all audience members online at https://dvrise.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. For more information call 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 Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County (201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA) at 310-725-5800, ext. 1351 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

C. McCullough (remote), C. Taylor (remote), J. Morgan (remote), L. Jennings (remote), T. Johnstone (remote)

Trustees Absent

A. Montes-Rodriguez

Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened

C. Taylor

Guests Present

DR Moreland (remote), E. Funes (remote), E. Salango (remote), E. Whalen (remote), Ivonne Alarcon (remote), J. Hawn (remote), M. Amato (remote), M. Denniston (remote), M. Ring (remote), M. Wunder (remote), Meika Nwaomah (remote), Naomi Lara (remote), Noemi Villasenor (remote), R. Robertson (remote), Tori Grafeman (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 May 19, 2021 at 6:06 PM.

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

C.

Approval of Agenda

T. Johnstone made a motion to Approval the Agenda.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. McCullough
Aye
T. Johnstone
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
L. Jennings
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
C. Taylor
Absent

D.

Public Comments

None.

II. Information: Board Comments and/or Administrative Reports

A.

From the Board

Dr. Johnstone thanked Dr. Ring for the executive update for the Material Revision. 

Dr. Jennings confirmed graduation details and encouraged the Board to attend. She spoke highly of her experience at the previous graduation.

B.

From the CEO

Dr. Wunder acknowledged Mr. Erin Whalen's contributions as a panel member hosted by the Ballmer Group regarding data equity. He shared his gratitude for Mr. Whalen in his representation of RISE and our students. As RISE works towards having equitable funding, Dr. Wunder mentioned the Governor's proposed budget regarding community schools and wrap-around services.

Dr. Wunder acknowledged Ms. Kari Croft as she spoke on behalf of Da Vinci RISE at LACOE regarding legislation AB1316, which would be detrimental to RISE students, non-classroom based charters, and our most vulnerable students. He shared that the Ballmer Group and Capitol Advisors are great supports for advocacy and community funding/monies. 

Lastly, Dr. Wunder thanked Dr. Ring and the team for their work in orchestrating and negotiating RISE's relocation.

C.

From the Executive Director

Dr. Ring thanked the team for their support and collaboration this month and noted that Kari will be on the agenda in June to provide updates to the Board. 

Dr. Ring provided recent updates from LA County Department of Health. LA County is currently in the Yellow Tier, and as of June 15, there may be an easing of restrictions, but nothing has been indicated thus far in what that will be regarding the education sector. Updates and guidance are provided for performing arts classes and activities, updated cleaning requirements, allowance of specialized staff to interact with special education students in multiple classrooms, and a description of special testing requirements for student-athletes in the case of outbreaks associated with sports teams. 

There are currently no recommended changes to on-site learning. RISE will continue with on-site schedules 2-3 days per week with in-person instruction at 3:1 ratios. Dr. Ring shared that there is continued success with on-site student access to credit attainment services. Summer school operations are currently being reviewed based on student enrollment. A 5:1 student to staff ratio is being considered.

Dr. Ring reviewed the changes to the Material Revision. Changes in Element 1 - The Educational Program are: adding Richstone Family Center, moving Hawthorne to Richstone, and decreasing enrollment targets to 300 over the course of 5 years versus 500 as initially anticipated in the original petition. These changes meet fiscal and capacity needs. Changes in Element 4 - Location Change is the Richstone Family Center, Changes in Element 5 - Make-Up Board of Trustees are the seven-member board composition and school leadership. Changes in Element 6 - Employee Qualifications are the organizational chart and site staff. The next revision will be submitted in June 2023, but there is a possibility that the current charter petition with material revision will be extended two years.

Lastly, Dr. Ring reviewed a table featuring year estimated costs by site for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years detailing the differences in costs. 

Dr. Ring noted that the process of the Material Revision was extensive and a healthy process for RISE to look at the petition and review what is being done and where things are going. This supported the budget process and the forward planning of RISE as an examination of current practices and targets moving forward. Upon approval, LACOE, our authorizer, will review the revision and, within 60 days, review with their Board and call for a public hearing. 

D.

RISE High Update

Mr. Whalen shared that the visit with Dr. Castillo from LACOE went well. Dr. Castillo had the opportunity to visit New Earth in person and virtually visited classrooms across all content areas at all three sites. Staff had the opportunity to discuss data, metrics and measures, as well as success and areas of growth. 

Mr. Whalen presented April data and demographics. RISE currently serves 219 students, 46% of whom are opportunity youth; ADA for March is 53.75% (+5.51%), and current April ADA: 52%. All three sites have been approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (meal service) for the 2020-21 school year. Mr. Whalen 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 student support services provided during the second semester (January – mid-May).

Mr. Whalen shared a chart detailing RISE’s credit attainment by site and year. The yearly progression shows gains in the student’s abilities to progress and make growth and academic measures due the strengthening of partnerships. In working with our partners, teachers are able to assess different strategies to engage students. Hawthorne school site shows an increase in credit attainment during campus closures due to COVID. Mr. Whalen shared his gratitude to the staff for this achievement. 

Mr. Whalen highlighted Emerging Bilingual Student credit attainment earned in Q3. Students are earning just about the same number of credits as their native English-speaking counterparts. The credit differences between bilingual students and general education students at APCH (20 students) is -0.29, New Earth (3 students) is -0.7, and Hawthorne (4 students) is -3.8. Mr. Whalen thanked the team and the EL coordinator for ensuring teachers are prepared and that students are supported.

Next, Mr. Whalen shared credit analysis data for students with IEP’s. Data shows that students with IEP’s are earning just about the same number of credits as their general education counterparts. The credit differences between students with IEP’s and general education students at APCH (30 students) is -0.81, New Earth is +0.74, and Hawthorne is -2.40. Mr. Whalen thanked the team and ED specialists for supporting teachers and students. 

Summer School will be taking place June 12-July 2. RISE seeks to mitigate learning loss due to 2020-21 campus closures by providing students with continued academic and social-emotional enrichment opportunities and holistic support during a portion of the summer term. RISE will also provide staff with the rest and rejuvenation necessary to strategically and passionately plan, develop, and implement enhanced academic and social-emotional leadership. The learning opportunities afforded during summer school are learning across all content areas, embedded field trips and enrichment opportunities, college and career focus, opportunities for seniors to complete their outstanding credits, and mentorship. 

At the May School Site Council meeting, staff will present 2021-24 LCAP goals, share feedback insights from staff on LCAP ideas to improve outcomes, introduce Modern Classrooms, and gather input on Hybrid Scheduling for the 2021-22 school year. Staff want to ensure that they receive community input and provide opportunities to solicit staff, student, and stakeholder feedback on school improvement efforts to increase the voices of all stakeholders in the process of establishing and evaluating goals & priorities

At the May ELAC meeting, staff will present and review 20-21 bylaws, the 20-21 LCAP and review the ELAC testing process. At the next meeting, staff will present the second round of 20-21 bylaws, finalize the LCAP 2021, review EL student credit attainment and summer school attendance, and assess parent outreach strategies.  

New Earth Update – New Earth has made a new partnership with Safe Place for Youth (SPY). SPY team members will be onsite every Wednesday to support RISE at New Earth with housing supports for students. The Career Center is also available to students for training and support. 

APCH Update – APCH provided backpacks with school supplies to all RISE students returning to on-campus learning and gifts to senior students for senior day.

The 2021 DV RISE Graduation will be held on June 10th at 3:00 pm at 201 North Douglass on the west lawn/blacktop. A RISE alumna will be present a MC; students who could not participate in graduation due to COVID campus closure will also be in attendance. Dr. Ring noted that more information will be sent to the Board regarding graduation.

Dr. Johnstone thanked Mr. Whalen for the RISE report, particularly highlighting attendance and data. 

Ms. Morgan and Mr. Whalen discussed the Safe Place for Youth Housing partnership. 

E.

Financial Update

Mr. Amato presented the April 2021 balance sheet. Cash remains healthy at 1.6 million through the end of April. Accounts receivable is now at $315,000 and continues to grow monthly due to state deferrals of LCFF.  

Mr. Amato provided details of the April profit and loss statement, sharing that results are going well and everything is as expected. April actual results reflect timing differences as far as the year-to-date budget goes, with the bottom line of $655,000 being an inflated number. More money is being spent at this point in the year than there is money flowing in from the state so the bottom line will continue to shrink thru year end toward our projected year end result. Most of the prior money is from XQ. 

Mr. Amato spoke about the Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant Plan, in which RISE was awarded $120,616. The uses of the expenditures are helpful and broad. It supports categories of extending instructional learning time, integrated student supports, community learning hubs for credit deficient students, and additional training for school staff. The $120,616 will be part of next year's budget and will be spent in two key areas: paraeducator support and expenses with partnerships. Details are outlined in the grant plan. 

Dr. Johnstone asked if this money will fund summer school, which starts June 2nd. Mr. Amato replied that the extra financial support is not needed for summer school this year, and the full amount will be spent in next year's budget. Dr. Mary Ring shared that the monies will support services within the community learning partnerships and professional support for tutoring and other resources as aligned with stakeholder input. 

Mr. Amato reviewed the two-year budget plan that is part of the material revision. Projected enrollment for the 2021-22 school year at all three sites is 230, and 300 for the 2022-23 school year. ADA is at a conservative number of 60% as it can greatly impact funding. Due to COVID, RISE has seen a turn in ADA percentages and 60% is a solid target for RISE. If a higher ADA is achieved, funding will increase. Mr. Amato detailed State LCFF, Federal, other State, and local revenue projections that support the budget per year.

Dr. Wunder asked what additional revenue projections could look like if RISE were a classroom-based school based on SB740 additional funding of $1,250 per student. Mr. Amato shared that he currently does not have those calculations. 

Mr. Denniston briefly spoke about community schools to provide a sense of scale. A community grant was opened in October for $45 million. In January, the Governor proposed an additional $275. In May, the proposal increased to $3 billion for community schools to be spent over multiple years ($1 billion per year). RISE would not be eligible if the proposal were to become a reality since the current grant program excludes non-classroom-based charter schools. If the proposal happens, Mr. Denniston suggests considering how RISE could access the money for the students RISE currently serves. 

Mr. Amato clarified that these potential future amounts are not reflected in the two-year projected budget. 

Mr. Amato continued to review expenses in the two-year budget, providing details on the personnel plan, books and supplies, services, and other operating expenses, as well as capital outlay. Total expenses for the FY 21-22 are $4,327,770 and FY 22-23 are $5,319,984. The projected FY21 ending reserves is $782,215, FY21-22 is $844,018, and FY22-23 is $901,953.

Mr. Taylor asked if there are risks for revenue items to increase or decrease. Mr. Amato shared that key areas where revenue can change are ADA and fundraising. State and Federal revenues are secure. Mr. Taylor, Mr. Amato, and Dr. Ring discussed enrollment projections. Mr. Taylor thanked Mr. Amato for the financial presentation. 

Dr. McCullough asked where marketing falls in reference to the expense line. Mr. Amato shared that Ms. Kari Croft will be supporting marketing fundraising expenses under her new contract, nut additional marketing dollars for ideas like Dr. McCullough’s for radio spots and other ways to boost enrollment can be considered and added as the budget has some potential flexibility. 

Ms. Morgan asked about the $2.3 fundraising within two years. Dr. Wunder shared that Ms. Kari Croft will be working with legal counsel, Capital Advisors, and others to support this fundraising effort. He also mentioned looking to public dollars to support RISE as well as potentially becoming a community school to eliminate or close funding gaps. 
C. Taylor arrived at 7:03 PM.

F.

Facilities Update

Mr. Bravo recognized and introduced Ms. Tori Grafeman and Mr. DR Moreland. Ms. Tori Grafeman served as the Interim Athletics Director. Ms. Grafeman briefly shared her gratitude and experience in the role, and Mr. Bravo spoke highly of her contributions. Mr. DR Moreland shared his gratitude to the team for supporting him during the onboarding process. He also gave brief updates on the boys and girls sports teams.  

Ms. Morgan asked how many RISE students participate in sports. Mrs. Robertson replied that one student at Hawthorne participates in track and has received a medal this past weekend for the 100-meter race. She also commented that this opportunity encouraged and supported student engagement.  Ms. Robertson is looking forward to continued RISE student involvement in the future. Mr. Bravo shared that he is grateful to Erin, Rebecca, and Edith for their support in identifying interested students and encouraged continued student involvement.

Mr. Bravo provided updates to the Hawthorne to Richstone relocation, as well as new placements for the Tiny Homes. 

III. Approval of Minutes

A.

Approve Minutes of the April 21, 2021 Regular Board Meeting

J. Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High) on 04-21-21.
C. Taylor seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Jennings
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
C. McCullough
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
T. Johnstone
Aye
C. Taylor
Aye

IV. Action Items

A.

Accept April 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management

T. Johnstone made a motion to Accept April 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Jennings
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
T. Johnstone
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
C. Taylor
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye

B.

Approve Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant Plan (ELOP)

T. Johnstone made a motion to Approve Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant Plan (ELOP).
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Taylor
Abstain
C. McCullough
Aye
L. Jennings
Aye
T. Johnstone
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
J. Morgan
Aye

C.

Approve and Adopt Resolution Approving Submission of Request for Material Revision of the Da Vinci RISE High Countywide Charter Petition to the L.A. County Board of Education

J. Morgan made a motion to Approve and Adopt Resolution Approving Submission of Request for Material Revision of the Da Vinci RISE High Countywide Charter Petition to the L.A. County Board of Education.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Jennings
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
C. Taylor
Aye
T. Johnstone
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye

D.

Approve Memorandum of Understanding Between RISE High and New Earth (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) in an amount not to exceed $190,000

T. Johnstone made a motion to Approve Memorandum of Understanding Between RISE High and New Earth (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) in an amount not to exceed $190,000.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Johnstone
Aye
L. Jennings
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
C. McCullough
Aye
C. Taylor
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye

E.

Approve Memorandum of Understanding Between Da Vinci RISE High and A Place Called Home (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) in an amount not to exceed $235,000

C. Taylor made a motion to Approve Memorandum of Understanding Between Da Vinci RISE High and A Place Called Home (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) in an amount not to exceed $235,000.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Taylor
Aye
L. Jennings
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye
T. Johnstone
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
J. Morgan
Aye

F.

Approve License/Facilities Use Agreement Between Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Rise High & Richstone Family Center (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) in an amount not to exceed $125,000

J. Morgan made a motion to Approve License/Facilities Use Agreement Between Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Rise High & Richstone Family Center (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) in an amount not to exceed $140,000.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
Correction to draft license/facility use agreement typographical error for amount not to exceed from $125,000 to $140,000. The increase details collaborations, particularly partnership planning. Clause to expand allows opportunities for partnerships.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Johnstone
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye
L. Jennings
Aye
C. Taylor
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
J. Morgan
Aye

G.

Approve Consulting Contract for Kari Croft (May & June 2021)

J. Morgan made a motion to Approve Consulting Contract for Kari Croft (May & June 2021).
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
L. Jennings
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
C. Taylor
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye
T. Johnstone
Aye

H.

Approve Consulting Contract for Kari Croft (July 2021 - April 2022)

T. Johnstone made a motion to Approve Consulting Contract for Kari Croft (July 2021 - April 2022).
C. Taylor seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
T. Johnstone
Aye
L. Jennings
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
C. Taylor
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye

I.

Approve Principal/Executive Director

T. Johnstone made a motion to Approve Principal/Executive Director.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Jennings
Aye
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
C. Taylor
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye
T. Johnstone
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye

V. Closed Session Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code § 54957.6)

A.

Personnel Salaries (Gov. Code § 54957.6)

Closed session was entered at 7:55 p.m.

VI. Closing Items

A.

Reconvene for Public Session and Closed Session Reporting

The Board reconvened for public session at 8:41p.m. Dr. Jennings noted that no action was taken and no decisions were made.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

J. Morgan made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Montes-Rodriguez
Absent
T. Johnstone
Aye
J. Morgan
Aye
C. Taylor
Aye
L. Jennings
Aye
C. McCullough
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:41 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
E. Salango