None

Dr. Webber commented that she attended the Science, Connect, and RISE graduation ceremonies.  The RISE ceremony was particularly touching, and the Science and Connect ceremonies were excellent.

Mr. Meath acknowledged everyone's hard work in a very challenging year.  He also acknowledged Dr. Mary Ring's retirement and his appreciation for her phenomenal work over the years for both Da Vinci and Wiseburn.  Dr. Brann concurred, saying that Dr. Ring has earned a long break after her many contributions.

Dr. Brann also commented on the Wiseburn Da Vinci Wolves appearing in the news for one of its 2021 graduates, who will be playing football for UCLA in the fall.

Mr. Boston commented that he was pleased to participate in the Da Vinci Design graduation ceremony, and to attend the Science ceremony.  Both went extremely smoothly, the students were excited to participate in the in-person ceremonies, and he thanked the staff for their excellent work.

Ms. Morgan noted that she concurred with each of the other board members, and encouraged staff to take a well-earned break.

Dr. Wunder thanked the entire leadership team and the board members for getting the schools through an extremely challenging year. 

He commented on the soccer field, the relationship between Da Vinci and Wiseburn Unified School District, and the board's request for a 2021-22 analysis. He spoke of the difficulty in hiring teachers, saying that staff will present a staffing report to the board in the summer.

Regarding independent study, only 18 Da Vinci families want full remote work due to medical or other needs, so the staff will work with them on a case-by-case basis rather than creating an expanded remote learning program.  Da Vinci is awaiting state guidance.

Dr. Wunder closed with a brief comment on the need to discuss a board retreat.

Mr. Amato presented the May financials, saying the PPP loan forgiveness has been received; the organization's cash position is strong, and will continue to gain in the next one to six months. 

Mr. Amato commented that timing of expenses were unknown due to the pandemic.

The Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual received minor updates on terminology and responsible parties, no material changes to the policies or procedures.

The CSMC agreement addresses the relationship with CSMC next year and into the future.  The agreement accomplishes major goals like establishing pricing for the next five years, keeping the core CSMC team, and creating safeguards in case of major changes.  Dr. Wunder added that Da Vinci has had a relationship with CSMC for 13 years.  Brief discussion on the relationship ensued.

CharterSafe provides Da Vinci's workers' compensation, employer liability, officer, property, and cyber insurance coverage, among others.  Changes to the policy reflect Da Vinci's growth and the increase in insurance premiums.  Next March, Mr. Amato plans to give CharterSafe notice of non-renewal, and will ask for bids from CharterSafe and other companies.  Mr. Boston inquired if there were statutory insurance limits that Da Vinci is required to keep.  Mr. Amato responded that some limits are imposed by contracts, and he will look at the limits in the 2022-23 renewal period.

Mr. Amato presented the FY 21-22 budget, saying that it is very different from the 20-21 budget, due to the increased expenses of return to in-person learning, enrollment growth, stimulus funds, etc.  Brief discussion on enrollment ensued.  

Mr. Amato proceeded to cover personnel expenses, materials & supplies, and services/operating expenses, all of which are reflective of a full year of in-person school.  Investments in capital assets were mentioned. Capital outlay includes depreciation and purchases over $5,000. Further brief discussion on step and column personnel expenses ensued.

CTE grant funds are now being spent.  After deferred maintenance of $170,053, the budget surplus is projected to be $981,809.  Risk factors are ADA percentages (Mr. Amato's 95% is a conservative estimate), Connect High School enrollment (Mr. Amato is prepared to adjust if the enrollment numbers do not reach a target).  Mr. Denniston added that variable special education expenses are another risk factor.

Dr. Brann pointed out that the Connect High School is a hybrid program, and so may require marketing, unlike Da Vinci Communications, Design, and Science.  He also spoke about the State's placeholder budget, which is undergoing changes, and the potential need to revise Da Vinci's budget when the State budget is finalized.  Mr. Denniston added that each year, there is potential for significant updates after the State's June budget is revealed.  This year, updates will occur later than usual, but should be better than what Da Vinci is currently assuming.

Dr. Brann briefly spoke of the staff's recommended reserve of 20% and the need for stability.  Dr. Wunder added that staff feels it wise to prepare for potential bad times and to look at an unrestricted endowment or rainy day fund for operational expenses.

Mr. Bravo spoke of the six graduation ceremonies (five for the Class of 2021, and one for just over 100 graduates from the Class of 2020).  

Connect High School, DVX, and RISE Hawthorne will be moving in the summer, requiring the facilities, IT, and staff teams to put in extra work.

New health guidelines from the T1 Appendix will be implemented next week, and the Appendix K guidelines for robotics summer camp will be implemented as well.

Other summer facilities usage includes robotics camp, summer school, athletics practices, a film shoot, and Black Box Theater rental by a church.

Dr. Wunder shared that expenditures for weekend rentals will need to be examined.  Energy, custodial, security, and specialized technology support are costly expenditures, and the rental fees may not cover all of our expenses.  He acknowledged Mr. Bravo's expertise in balancing Da Vinci's needs with those of outside parties.

Deferred until after Closed Session to give board members time to consider.

Dr. Hawn explained that both the updated Grades and Achievement policy and Updated Graduation Requirements incorporate Connect High School.

Dr. Hawn explained that both the updated Grades and Achievement policy and Updated Graduation Requirements incorporate Connect High School.

Dr. Hawn explained that this additional position will work with the existing position for DVX and Connect High School.  Dr. Wunder added that thanks to Ms. Levenson's work, the Strong Workforce Partnership grant may be used for this.  Ms. Morgan expressed her enthusiasm for the program.

Further discussion on the topic of STEM education and the workforce pipeline and partnerships ensued.

Dr. Brann expressed his dismay at the report that Wiseburn believed that the high school campus was delivered to Da Vinci completely finished.  He takes issue with the fact that the District expects Da Vinci to pay for half of the cost of the soccer field completion when Da Vinci hasn't been given credit for the millions that it has already invested in the campus.  He also commented on safety concerns with artificial turf.

Mr. Meath shared that he feels comfortable moving forward with the expected $500K, up to $700K, to complete the field for the students, although he sympathizes with Dr. Brann's frustration.

Dr. Webber acknowledged that she has not been present for the entire history of the facilities, but that for the students' sake, the field should be installed.  As an AYSO coach, she is familiar with the artificial turf and reminded the group of the cost of maintaining a natural turf field.

Dr. Wunder asked Mr. Bravo to do research into natural vs. artificial turf.
Ms. Morgan asked which organization is to make the decision on what type of turf to install. Dr. Webber noted that she believes it is Da Vinci's decision, especially as Da Vinci is offering the district an olive branch by agreeing to pay for 50% of the cost.  Dr. Wunder commented that it is a Wiseburn facility and that Mr. Bañuelos and Mr. Martinez, being in the school construction business, would probably want to be involved in the project. 

Further discussion ensued.
Discussion on tabling the item ensued.  

The Board supports moving forward with the soccer field, and is willing to try to work for a solution that would achieve consensus.  Dr. Brann directed Dr. Wunder and staff to bring back the item in early July.

The item was deferred until after Closed Session.

Closed Session entered at 8:39 p.m.

The board reconvened for public session at 9:28 p.m.
Dr. Brann reported that no action was taken in Closed Session.
Brief discussion of the Superintendent's contract ensued. Dr. Brann, Dr. Webber, and Mr. Meath will work on the contract for approval at the July meeting.

 

The five-year 550 Continental Lease agreement for Connect High School and DVX was discussed.  Dr. Brann requested he and Dr. Wunder work to clarify certain aspects of the contract such as total square footage, prior to board approval.  Staff is working on a transition plan in the event construction is not complete by the beginning of the school year.

Dr. Brann requested a motion on the lease.

Regarding the proposed CSMC contract, Mr. Meath acknowledged the quality work CSMC has done for Da Vinci and the generous discount they have offered, but would like to have the option to alter the contract after three years.  He requested Mr. Amato, Mr. Denniston, and Dr. Wunder return a shorter term contract to the board.  Mr. Meath would like to see Mr. Amato's long term thinking.  Dr. Webber agreed that the term should be three years.  Dr. Brann asked staff to bring back a modified contract in the July 21 meeting.