Ms. Morgan shared that she was absent at the previous meeting but had read the minutes, and would like to note her approval of Dr. Wunder's employment contract.

Dr. Brann commented that last year, there had been considerably more input from the community than in past years, and that on a few occasions, there was confusion as to where the messages were directed (to the CEO or the staff, only to the board).  Dr. Brann commented that customer service is paramount. He directed the board and the staff to come up with a procedure to prevent any community messages from going astray. He would like to hear about a system at the next board meeting.

Dr. Wunder commented that he had been communicating with Dr. Blake Silvers on reopening plans.  Dr. Wunder also shared that he met with Dr. Webber, Dr. Silvers, and Wiseburn Board member Ms. JoAnne Kaneda regarding Wiseburn + Da Vinci coordination efforts on reopening, facilities, technology, and human resources.  He added that Dr. Emily Green, Da Vinci's school nurse, is also available to lend her expertise to the District, so things are going well between Wiseburn and Da Vinci, and he will give the Board further information at the next board meeting.

Dr. Brann shared that the Board was considering the cost of living increase of 3.75% for staff for the 2021-22 school year.  The State is providing a 5.07% cost of living allowance, which it had not done in the previous year.  The reason the Board is not considering the full allowance is that there are other costs to the employer, and the Board would like to have a cushion for funding those costs (retirement, worker's compensation, etc.).  The Board has a history of rewarding the staff when it is prudent.

Dr. Wunder and Dr. Hawn shared the history of salary increases from 2020 to 2021, including one-time bonuses and the approximately 3% annual salary level increases. The impact of the 2021-22 increase would be just over $714K, and would necessitate a $267K adjustment to the Da Vinci budget.  Da Vinci spends $15MM of a slightly more than $30MM budget on salaries (not including RISE).

Clarifying discussion that the increase would apply to all staff except for Dr. Wunder and the Cabinet ensued.  Dr. Hawn reminded the Trustees that a salary increase for the Cabinet would have to be considered in a regular, not special board meeting.

Mr. Boston shared that he is strongly in favor of the proposal, saying that the staff is the foundation of the schools, they are incredibly talented, and work incredibly hard for the students.  Da Vinci Schools are a huge benefit to the community with a reputation such that educators come from all over the world to learn from the organization, which has contributed to increased home values in Wiseburn. The staff who have put together these world class schools deserved to be recognized and supported.

Dr. Brann thanked Mr. Boston, and added that spending about half of the budget on people in a people business is not unusual.  

Mr. Meath concurred in his support for the increase.  Dr. Brann thanked him for working with the staff on the compensation item.

No closed session was needed; Dr. Brann called for a motion to adjourn.