Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday October 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Location
Zoom videoconference
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/98153283986 Meeting ID: 981 5328 3986, 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 each and total time allotted for public comments is subject to the Board Chair's discretion. 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. Morgan (remote), J. Webber (remote), R. Ochoa (remote), R. Santiago (remote)
Trustees Absent
None
Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened
R. Santiago
Trustees who left before the meeting adjourned
B. Meath
Guests Present
A. Johnson (remote), A. Wohlwerth (remote), C. Levenson (remote), J. Hawn (remote), M. Amato (remote), M. Denniston (remote), M. Rainey (remote), M. Wunder (remote), N. Morrison (remote), Samuel Renteria (remote), V. Bravo (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 Oct 27, 2021 at 6:01 PM.
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Special Board Action - Approve and Adopt Resolution for Teleconference Board Meetings Pursuant to Special Rules in Government Code Section 54953(e)
J. Webber made a motion to approve.
J. Morgan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Absent
|
D.
Approval of Agenda
B. Meath made a motion to approve the agenda as revised.
J. Webber seconded the motion.
Dr. Brann announced revisions to the agenda. The Governance Training is postponed to the following month. The Badging presentation
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Santiago |
Absent
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
R. Santiago arrived at 6:06 PM.
E.
Public Comments
None
II. Special Board Action
A.
Approval of New Student Board Member from Da Vinci Connect TK-8
J. Morgan made a motion to approve Zirak Engineer as the new Student Board Member from Da Vinci Connect TK-8.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
B.
Installation of New Student Board Member
Dr. Brann administered the Oath of Office to Zirak Engineer.
The Board congratulated the newest Student Board Member.
III. Special Presentation
A.
Charter School Governance Training
This section was postponed to a subsequent meeting date.
IV. Information
A.
From the Board
Ms. Morgan thanked the Wiseburn Ed Foundation and Liza Somilleda for the Bike Safety class. She also commented that she visited Da Vinci Communications for a student presentation on application marketing.
Dr. Webber wished the Da Vinci Girls' Volleyball team good luck as they were playing that evening in Moreno Valley.
Dr. Brann commented that the old Dana site was undergoing demolition, and spoke of the history of the site.
B.
From the CEO/Superintendent
None
C.
Presentation: Badging and Certifications
Ms. Natasha Morrison, Director of Real World Learning, spoke of Da Vinci's program to connect students to industry and real world learning experiences. She spoke of the Strong Workforce Grant that Da Vinci has been awarded, one part of which is for badging and certifications. Claire Fisher, of The Arena, has been working with Da Vinci on researching badging and certifications for students.
The Arena is a non-profit consultancy reimagining the school-to-work pipeline. Ms. Fisher spoke of the students who fall through the cracks in the transitions between learning and working. The Arena works with schools and districts on career-oriented trainings to position students to succeed.
Three areas to improve career-readiness are:
Badging - the smallest "chunks" of career learning that can be embedded in high school coursework. The Arena has narrowed to 10 badging providers.
Credentialing - "last mile" training, similar to a degree - these are pathways that would lead students to full-time jobs. The Arena works with 11 organizations that they have vetted.
Dr. Webber inquired about how The Arena and Da Vinci can fit into such a rapidly evolving space.
Ms. Fisher spoke of the newness of badging and how The Arena works to become the expert on knowing the landscape and which badges are valuable and easily embeddable into high school. Dr. Brann commented that he believes employers need to see the value of badging.
The next steps are refining the program model and brokering partnerships with providers. Ms. Morrison shared that Ms. Fisher has been helping to discover which badges can be incorporated into Da Vinci's programming.
Ms. Fisher noted that schools, especially Da Vinci, are in a position to think about providing students a path toward a successful real life instead of just a college degree.
Dr. Brann thanked Ms. Fisher for her work on such an important topic for Da Vinci Schools. Ms. Morgan asked if there are other neighboring high schools doing this work. Ms. Fisher shared that she knows that there are a few schools providing more of the soft skills. Ms. Morrison commented that there are not many schools doing the work - many are talking about it, but no high school is doing the work of embedding the program at scale.
Dr. Wunder shared that when Da Vinci started 13 years ago, the goal was "college for all," then "accessible and affordable college," but now, the realization is that there are other pathways for students, including trades, trainings, and college. The true goal is for students to lead happy, successful lives.
Mr. Ochoa commented that he believes aerospace companies could benefit from students who have skills, not necessarily degrees.
D.
Student Board Member Update
Dr. Hawn introduced the student board members presenting: Victoria Jackson from Design, Chiamaka Offokansi from Science, Aaron Diaz at Connect High School, Zirak Engineer from Connect TK-8, and Christian Salinas from Communications.
Ms. Jackson spoke of the Student Led Conferences held at Design over Zoom, which she felt were effective. There were also fundraisers, the Senior Bonfire, Spirit Week, and Halloween-themed Community Dialogue.
Ms. Offokansi shared that SLCs and Spirit Week were also held at Science, college representative visits, and Human Body Systems projects featuring interactive labs and Civil Engineering visiting Downtown L.A. to study buildings.
Mr. Diaz spoke of the SLCs at Connect High School, the Southern California College Fair, HCBU Virtual Information Sessions, the Western Harvest Festival.
Mr. Engineer spoke of the SLCs, Cultural Fair, and commemorating the passing of middle school teacher Melvin Johnson.
Mr. Salinas shared that SLCs, Latinx Heritage Month-focused Community Dialogue, fun events like the Senior Bonfire, Fall Kickback, Volleyball playoffs, and Spirit Week have helped students balance the work and stresses of high school.
Dr. Webber commented that she has been enjoying the creativity students have displayed during Spirit Week.
E.
Financial Update
Mr. Amato shared the September financials, saying that Da Vinci's cash position remains strong. Federal, State, and Local revenue are on all target. Personnel expenses have been impacted by the timing of hiring; some positions have been filled later than expected. Non-capitalized student equipment costs (hotspots, Chromebooks, etc.) are running high due to unanticipated equipment replacements. Mr. Amato is awaiting the word on a grant which could offset those costs.
Mr. Amato also shared that electricity bills are higher than anticipated. Mr. Bravo and his team are working on verifying accurate billing and efficient usage.
Brief discussion on deferrals ensued; Da Vinci has been repaid for all prior deferrals.
Mr. Amato went on to share enrollment and ADA data vs. projections for each school site.
Ms. Rainey spoke of the unexpected transiency of the Connect student population, which has impacted staffing.
Dr. Brann shared his view that this is happening all over the country, and that Da Vinci's ADA budgeting should be kept conservative.
Ms. Levenson shared that all waitlisted 9th grade students who chose Connect High School as their first choice have been offered a space. The enrollment team continues its outreach to all Connect families and area middle schools. Ms. Rainey added that Connect has a staff member solely dedicated to supporting families in asynchronous learning. She shared that having an actual facility to show families will help boost enrollment. She has been conservative in adding staff positions due to lower enrollment, considering only what is currently needed as opposed to staffing for growth.
Mr. Amato shared the data for Communications, Design, and Science. Mr. Denniston commented that about half of CSMC's clients are experiencing a significant enrollment drop. In his research, districts statewide are losing students, and turning to marketing efforts.
Dr. Brann feels that declining enrollments have been hidden behind the hold harmless, and that for the next 10 years, declining enrollments will be an issue for many districts.
There were no questions from the Board on the ESSER III reports, so Mr. Amato turned to the auditor agreement with Christy White, saying that the agreements are for one year, although the pricing is valid for three years. Dr. Brann commented that Da Vinci is obligated to use the same auditor as its authorizer.
F.
Operations Update
Mr. Bravo shared that the Girls' Volleyball team won their match in Moreno Valley. Dr. Webber asked for logistical information on the games; Mr. Bravo promised to have the Athletic Director send the information to the Board.
Mr. Bravo spoke of the "big ticket" items like the soccer field, the cell phone enhancer, cooling tower, and Sandbox. Sandy Pringle and Associates is being retained to assist with obtaining DSA approval for Da Vinci's construction projects.
Mr. Bravo also shared that a new policy at the L.A. County Parks and Recreation requires the Board to approve an agreement for the use of Del Aire Park facilities.
He briefly spoke of ongoing safety and security maintenance efforts.
He thanked the Hawthorne Police Department, Liza Somilleda and the Wiseburn Education Foundation, and the El Segundo Police Department for the bike safety class. He hopes it will become an annual event early in each school year.
Mr. Bravo spoke of WattStoppers, a company Da Vinci has retained which has already discovered issues that have affected Da Vinci's electricity bills.
V. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approval of Minutes of the September 29, 2021 Regular Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting
D. Boston made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools Regular Board Meeting on 09-29-21.
J. Webber seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
VI. Consent Agenda
A.
Accept Da Vinci Schools Payment Register - September 2021
B. Meath made a motion to accept.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
B.
Approve ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Communications
B. Meath made a motion to approve the ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Communications.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
C.
Approve ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Design
B. Meath made a motion to approve the ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Design.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
D.
Approve ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Science
B. Meath made a motion to approve the ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Science.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
E.
Approve ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Connect
B. Meath made a motion to approve the ESSER III Expenditure Plan for Da Vinci Connect.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
F.
Approve Auditor Service Agreement with Christy White Inc.
B. Meath made a motion to Approve the Auditor Service Agreement with Christy White Inc.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
G.
Ratify Memorandum of Agreement with L.A. County Parks & Recreation Department for Use of Del Aire Park Facilities
B. Meath made a motion to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement with L.A. County Parks and Recreation Department for Use of Del Aire Park facilities.
R. Santiago seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
VII. Action Items
A.
Public Hearing and Potential Action on Independent Study Board Policy
Dr. Hawn spoke of the policy revision, saying that the law has changed several times. The latest change occurred on October 11, 2021.
J. Morgan made a motion to approve.
R. Ochoa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
VIII. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel
Closed session entered at 7:49 p.m.
IX. Closing Items
A.
Reconvene for Public Session & Closed Session Reporting
B. Meath left.
Public session reconvened at 9:34 p.m.
Dr. Brann reported that no action was taken in Closed Session.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
J. Morgan made a motion to adjourn.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Morgan |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:36 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
A. Wohlwerth