Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools: L.A. County Board Meeting (RISE High)
Date and Time
Wednesday October 20, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Location
Board Room, 201 N Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
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/94247038337 Meeting ID: 942 4703 8337, 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), L. Jennings (remote), T. Johnstone (remote)
Trustees Absent
J. Morgan
Guests Present
Anthony Gay (remote), Ashley Oku (remote), Christian Navarro (remote), E'bow Morgan (remote), E. Funes (remote), E. Salango (remote), E. Whalen (remote), Irma Hadley (remote), Ivonne Alarcon (remote), J. Hawn (remote), Kari Croft (remote), Kevin Hunley (remote), M. Amato (remote), M. Denniston (remote), M. Wunder (remote), Mario Sazo (remote), Meika Nwaowmah (remote), Naomi Lara (remote), Noemi Villasenor (remote), Ravenna Smith (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 Oct 20, 2021 at 6:04 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Approval of Agenda
C. McCullough made a motion to approve the agenda.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
D.
Public Comments
II. Special Board Action
A.
Special Board Action: Approve and Adopt Board Resolution Authorizing Remote Teleconference Meetings for the Period October 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021
L. Jennings made a motion to Approve and Adopt Board Resolution Authorizing Remote Teleconference Meetings for the Period October 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
A. Montes-Rodriguez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
III. Information: Board Comments and/or Administrative Reports
A.
From the Board
Ms. Kari Croft shared that the proposals for the Drown Foundation and Reinvention Lab have been submitted. The STOP award deadline has been extended to October 31st and will be submitted after feedback from the working group and any final revisions if needed. Ms. Croft is currently working with Dr. Wunder for the Ahmanson proposal and is collaborating with partners (Val Green, Emerson, CAA) on ongoing opportunities for connections to funding opportunities.
Ms. Croft also shared an update on the Giving Campaign, which has raised $42,000 during its first round with 88 individual donors. The next advisory committee meeting is scheduled for November 9th.
Dr. Jennings shared her appreciation to Erin and the staff for doing great work with students, especially during this transitional time with COVID and the ongoing challenges.
B.
From the CEO
None.
C.
From the Principal/Executive Director
RISE 2021-22 Priorities: Data-driven, campus culture, college and career.
September Data and Demographics Data Update
RISE serves 212 students, 47% of whom are opportunity youth. ADA from 9/6 - 10/1 was 61% at Hawthorne, 52.3% at APCH, and 51.3% at New Earth. School-wide ADA is 56%. 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 first quarter from all three school sites.
XQ SL Student Survey Results
Number of surveys completed: 91/191 (48%). The questionnaire consisted of 19 SEL-related questions followed by questions regarding student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results showed strengths as a sense of belonging, and an area of focus is engagement.
Next steps include further review and analysis of trends and patterns from survey results with the Admin and SSS team, the creation of an action plan to help support our identified areas of focus, and the administration of the second SEL Survey in January 2022.
Number of surveys completed: 91/191 (48%). The questionnaire consisted of 19 SEL-related questions followed by questions regarding student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results showed strengths as a sense of belonging, and an area of focus is engagement.
Next steps include further review and analysis of trends and patterns from survey results with the Admin and SSS team, the creation of an action plan to help support our identified areas of focus, and the administration of the second SEL Survey in January 2022.
NWEA Map Data
NWEA Map data shows completion Rates as of 10/18/21. New Earth is tracking 28% in Math and 40% in Reading. APCH is tracking 48% in Math and 43% in Reading. Richstone is tracking 49% in Math and 50% in Reading. The Fall 2021 Testing Window closes on November 15th.
NWEA Map data shows completion Rates as of 10/18/21. New Earth is tracking 28% in Math and 40% in Reading. APCH is tracking 48% in Math and 43% in Reading. Richstone is tracking 49% in Math and 50% in Reading. The Fall 2021 Testing Window closes on November 15th.
Partnership Updates
New Earth: RISE students are engaging in daily programming; Meditation, Down to Earth, Boxing, F.L.O.W. New Earth has opened up its in-house Career Center to support with career expiration, job attainment, and college applications processes.
New Earth: RISE students are engaging in daily programming; Meditation, Down to Earth, Boxing, F.L.O.W. New Earth has opened up its in-house Career Center to support with career expiration, job attainment, and college applications processes.
APCH: 22 RISE students have attended and earned credit in Advisory Workshops facilitated by A Place Called Home staff on-campus in the areas of Cooking, Music, Art, Athletics, PREP, Social Enterprise and Community Building. 14 RISE students have received personal hygiene bags, including masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other personal hygiene items. APCH Fall internships are starting where students are able to earn $599 after completing 60 hours of work as an intern.
Richstone: Partnership Development Timeline at a Glance. As of October, Staff has reviewed partnership development areas regarding services for students and families. In November, staff plan on meeting to determine joint and individual organizational resources for partnership services, conduct fiscal analysis of needs and review and discuss budgetary options for anticipated programs.
APCH - Vaccination Update
Staff must have their first shot by November 15th, 2021, and the second by December 23rd, 2021. Exemption and accommodation applications are to be submitted as soon as possible to give time to review and allow staff to get the first shot by November 15th if application is denied.
Staff must have their first shot by November 15th, 2021, and the second by December 23rd, 2021. Exemption and accommodation applications are to be submitted as soon as possible to give time to review and allow staff to get the first shot by November 15th if application is denied.
Students must have full vaccination with proof by January 10th, 2022. This poses a challenge in regards to RISE attendance and enrollment. Many families within the RISE community are reluctant to access the vaccine. APCH staff do not fully return to site until January 10th.
Staffing Updates + Partnership
Richstone - The Office Manager and Math Teacher teacher positions have been filled. The SPED position remains open. APCH - English teacher position has been filled. Currently, Edward Gray, English teacher, and Tina Maokhampio, Math teacher, are supporting both Richstone and APCH.
Seven New Earth staff have resigned from their positions thus far. In turn, RISE has had to increase support to students and staff during New Earth staff transitions.
Richstone - The Office Manager and Math Teacher teacher positions have been filled. The SPED position remains open. APCH - English teacher position has been filled. Currently, Edward Gray, English teacher, and Tina Maokhampio, Math teacher, are supporting both Richstone and APCH.
Seven New Earth staff have resigned from their positions thus far. In turn, RISE has had to increase support to students and staff during New Earth staff transitions.
Fall Intersession: October 11th - October 14th
Student Participation: 62 Students signed up and participated in Q1 Intersession for additional learning opportunities. Academic Focus: English, Science, and Math. Enrichment Opportunities: Teen Summit, Art Workshop, and Crafts & Arts. On October 14th, APCH intersession went virtual due to police activity in the area. Even with the in-person closure, APCH maintained 88% attendance for enrolled students.
Student Participation: 62 Students signed up and participated in Q1 Intersession for additional learning opportunities. Academic Focus: English, Science, and Math. Enrichment Opportunities: Teen Summit, Art Workshop, and Crafts & Arts. On October 14th, APCH intersession went virtual due to police activity in the area. Even with the in-person closure, APCH maintained 88% attendance for enrolled students.
D.
Financial Update
Mr. Amato reviewed the September balance sheet. Cash is healthy at $911,000, and RISE has received the first transfer of the XQ funds for the year. Accounts receivable due from grants or governments are normal. Receivables from state and federal agencies for LCFF and other federal funds are expected to be paid in the coming months. The deferred revenue of $22,538 is the first payment of the ESSER III funds. These funds will be used next year starting July 1st. Weingart funds will be used this year to support the budget.
Mr. Amato shared the Profit and Loss statement, which are the results of the first three months of the year through September 30th. The last column shows the year-end projection based on trends. Currently, the only overage on the budget for revenue is from LACOE for COVID funding. ADA is at 56% for the first couple of months and is trending lower than the budgeted 60%. Enrollment is down from 230 to 212. There is a risk here. ADA funding is over the whole year, and RISE is currently working on increasing these numbers. Projections will be updated in the coming months as trends solidify. The foundation line represents fundraising and is also at risk until we receive the commitments. More solid projections will be made over the next couple of months and when we receive information from the grants that we have applied for.
Mr. Amato reviewed expenses. Projections are different than the budget in Personnel costs. RISE is currently projecting over budget by $10,000. Three key areas that impact the projections for the budget are personnel (Boeing grant in which RISE received $50,000 instead of the $100,000 protected), the salary increase at the beginning of the year, and transitions and staffing/open positions. Under books and supplies, RISE is awaiting ECF grant funds to support the purchase of Chromebooks. This area is tracking $35,000 under budget.
Other areas where projections are different than budgeted are transportation and spending for HopSkipDrive. The program is essential and valuable but also expensive. At the beginning of the year, staff anticipated spending $75,000, but we are currently tracking and projecting spending at $225,000. More students are taking advantage of the program than originally budgeted, but staff is working on various strategies to lower this amount. The overall bottom line is projecting a $100,000 change in unrestricted funds, which is a current deficit. Mr. Amato shared that these numbers will continue to change as more information comes in and further trends are projected.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked if HopSkipDrive expenses are trending similarly to the time before school closures and if the Metro TAP cards approved last Board meeting will support a change in transportation costs. Mr. Amato shared that HopSkipDrive was not utilized as much in prior years because we currently have more students now than we did pre-COVID. Also, more students in total are using the service, which is driving up the cost. Mr. Whalen shared that there are currently 52 students using HopSkipDrive, and many who request this service will actively not take the bus. When students have been encouraged to use the bus, often, they will not come in. Staff is working on looking at changing the policy, which could support lowering costs. Staff is also seeking information regarding support of transportation from student group homes.
Dr. Jennings asked for clarity regarding raising $150,000 on top of the $420,000 that needs to be raised. Mr. Amato shared that the current projections assume we will meet the $420,000 goal for fundraising and grants.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked for clarity around ADA. Mr. Amato shared that his current projections assume we will meet the original ADA budget built off an enrollment of 230 and ADA of 60%. Currently, enrollment is at 212, and ADA is 56%. These two accumulate into the funding formula the state provides for ADA. We are only two months in, and it is early, but if we are able to exceed these numbers, RISE would have more funding. ADA and funding are for overall numbers. New Earth is at 50, which is where we thought it would be, APCH is lower in enrollment, and Richstone is lower in enrollment than projected. Ultimate funding is not determined until a whole year of attendance and enrollment is completed because it is calculated on an average.
Dr. McCullough asked if it would be better to increase ADA as opposed to enrollment based on capacity of staff. Dr. Wunder shared that there are two ways of thinking of capacity. One is increasing the staffing to student ratio, and the second is taking care and supporting people. Discussion ensued.
Dr. Jennings asked Mr. Amato if alternate scenarios can be provided that do not include the money needed to be fundraised in the projections. Mr. Amato shared he will provide this at the upcoming meeting.
E.
Facilities Update
Mr. Bravo provided updates to the status of the certificate of occupancy at both Richstone and New Earth. At New Earth, Culver City has deemed RISE as a private school. Staff have engaged legal counsel in providing a statement that indicates RISE is not a private school. The City has yet to reply or make a decision. If RISE does have to apply for the certificate of occupancy as a private school, it could possibly lead to an additional cost of $25,000. At Richstone, architectural plans have been submitted to the City of Hawthorne. With the promise of zero wait time from Council members, we are hoping for a quick review and approval quickly after that. The final step after that is a visit to the site by the city and fire inspector.
IV. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approve Minutes of the September 22, 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 09-22-21.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
Dr. Johnstone requested a formatting fix to the minutes. The minutes were approved as amended.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
V. Action Items
A.
Accept September 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management
A. Montes-Rodriguez made a motion to Accept September 2021 Check and EFT Transactions Per Management.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
B.
Approve ESSER III Expenditure Plan
T. Johnstone made a motion to Approve ESSER III Expenditure Plan.
L. Jennings seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
C.
Ratify Agreement between Social & Emotional Wellness Initiative (SEWI) and Da Vinci RISE High
T. Johnstone made a motion to Ratify Agreement between Social & Emotional Wellness Initiative (SEWI) and Da Vinci RISE High.
C. McCullough seconded the motion.
Dr. Wunder shared that this wife is the president of SEWI. There is no compensation or costs to RISE or DV.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
D.
Public Hearing and Potential Action on Independent Study Board Policy
T. Johnstone made a motion to Approve Public Hearing and Potential Action on Independent Study Board Policy.
A. Montes-Rodriguez seconded the motion.
Dr. Johnstone requested a section highlight where the change is made for ease in zeroing in on the edits and changes. Dr. Hawn shared that the change is in communication around synchronous learning. She offered to provide a more detailed explanation following the meeting.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
VI. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Estate Negotiations/Lease Agreements
Closed session was entered at 7:18p.m.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Reconvene for Public Session and Closed Session Reporting
The Board reconvened for public session at 8:27p.m.
Dr. Jennings noted that no action was taken and no decisions were made. A meeting will be scheduled in the near future to talk about long term financial challenges and solutions for RISE.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
C. Taylor made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
T. Johnstone seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Absent
|
| L. Jennings |
Aye
|
| C. McCullough |
Aye
|
| T. Johnstone |
Aye
|
| C. Taylor |
Aye
|
| A. Montes-Rodriguez |
Absent
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
E. Salango
Ms. Meika Nwaomah asked for transparency and justification around LCAP and ESSER funds to support students, particularly within the systems and platforms being used. She also inquired about funding different positions and offering training to best support traveling teaching staff and students. Ms. Nwaomah shared some urgent and important needs such as technology needs, social-emotional, nutrition, and support for A-Game metrics. Lastly, she requested information and transparency around financial sustainability.