Ralph Byrne made a comment inquiring about the repair of the pool.  Ms. Morgan directed the staff to respond to Mr. Byrne.

LaShawnda Keys made a comment about the treatment of African American students.

Dr. Nicole Johnson, parent, also made a comment about the treatment of African American students.

Brooklyn Bennett's mother also made a comment about the treatment of African American students.

Mr. Griffin made a comment informing the audience about the Uniform Complaint process.

Mr. Boston commented that he had learned about the two racial incidents at the high school and Connect K-8, saying that this behavior is at the very least completely inappropriate, and totally not in keeping with Da Vinci values. He asked the staff take this very seriously and move forward with appropriate action.  He suggested discussion with not only the students but also with the families; as children do not learn this type of behavior or change this type of behavior on their own. Families need to be involved in terms of guiding the students and perhaps changing their own behavior, if they want to be part of the Da Vinci community. Mr. Boston asked the staff to redouble its efforts to provide the students with a better understanding of how to behave in keeping with Da Vinci values of community, diversity, and inclusion. These are values which must be maintained daily across our schools.

Mr. Santiago commented that the staff wanted to meet with the parents right away, but since he was not available, he is part of the delay in the scheduling of the meeting.  He really wanted to be present at the meeting.

Mr. Ochoa agreed with Mr. Boston and Mr. Santiago on the unacceptable behavior and the seriousness of the issue.

Dr. Webber also concurred, saying that the behavior doesn't reflect Da Vinci values, doesn't normally start with the children, and is not what we want for any of our children.  She thanked the parents for coming forward.

Mr. Meath agreed with all comments made.

Dr. Brann thanked the parents for sharing their comments.  He also reminded the board of the CARnival event happening on Saturday, March 26, and congratulated Science principal Steve Wallis on achieving his doctorate.

Ms. Morgan shared that the working groups have been formed with two Da Vinci and Wiseburn board members in each group.

Dr. Wunder shared that staff is happy to help coordinate meetings should the board need, but if the trustees would like to reach out to the Wiseburn counterparts, they may do so. He leaves it up to the board for their direction. 

Mr. Meath commented that he had not had the chance to coordinate with his co-representatives as to whether or not to use staff assistance in scheduling.  Mr. Santiago shared that he believed Dr. Silvers indicated a follow-up email to schedule meetings was forthcoming, but Mr. Santiago feels that the Da Vinci trustees can drive the process if need be.

Dr. Wunder thanked the parents for stepping up and into the issues surrounding respect for all students regardless of race, and said that he shares the concerns and feels this is an opportunity to do better and be stronger as a result.

Dr. Hawn introduced Ms. Crissel Rodriguez, Da Vinci's new Director of Real World Learning, saying that the rigorous interview process highlighted Ms. Rodriguez' depth of knowledge and experience in career-connected learning. 

Ms. Rodriguez thanked Dr. Hawn, and shared that the career pathways are great for exposing students to different careers. Talking to students, she finds many of them would like to explore other industries. Ms. Rodriguez is working to set up numerous summer internships across a wide range of industries, including law and technology, and a number of summer fellowships with UCLA and USC.  She is also developing career competencies and certifications to guide the career pathway work. 

She is also looking to utilize a software system called Imblaze to capture data and demographics related to mentorships and career-connected learning activities.

Ms. Carisma De Anda  introduced the student board member report.

Ms. Tania Newman shared the Da Vinci Design update, speaking of Black History Month Spirit Week, Community Dialogue, Senior Grad Night, and college acceptances. Ms. Newman noted that the racial incident that occurred at the Community Dialogue was proof of the crucial need for student representation and cultural clubs like the Black Student Union to exist to advocate against persistent historical prejudices.

Ms. Emma Enriquez gave the Science update, speaking of the Semi Formal dance, thanking the DVC team that organized the event; the Cal Poly SLO trip; the FRC Robotics Orange County Regional competition, Student-Led Conferences, the Black Student Union and National Society of Black Engineers-sponsored Community Dialogue, and CARnival.

Mr. Zirak Engineer gave the Connect K-8 update, speaking of the Sex Ed classes for 7th and 8th grades, Exhibition prep, Student-led Conferences, and yearbook photos at the Manhattan Beach pier.

Ms. Franki Johnson shared the Connect High School update, saying that Student-led Conferences are spaces for students to share their work with their parents.  Black Student Union hosted a Battle of the Advisories and a Game Night.  Connect High Schools students have completed 56 college courses so far.

Ms. Daniela Torres gave the Communications update, sharing that the Semi-Formal dance was well-attended, 11th grade students undertook CAASPP English testing, students are looking forward to the upcoming Exhibition, and have gone on a farm field trip. 

Mr. Santiago thanked the student board members, and challenged them to mentor younger students to continue the student board member program.

Mr. Michael Amato shared the FY 21-22 Second Interim Year-end Projections, giving State LCFF revenue figures, Federal revenue like the $616K Electronic Connectivity Fund Grant for technology expenses which has been awarded, and COVID relief, CTEIG, and Strong Workforce grants.  Other donations from Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Chevron, etc. were also reflected.

Mr. Amato also shared personnel, materials & supplies, and other operating expenses. Personnel expenses were reduced but partially offset by an increase in substitute hiring expenses.

Second Interim Year-End projections show a surplus of $757K, which is a difference from the First Interim budget, which showed a deficit of $334K. The changes were due to a reduced LCFF revenue, the ECF grant finally being awarded, funding increases for COVID testing and other state and Federal funding, reduced personnel expenses, and CTEFP Round 5 grant expenses.

Dr. Brann asked for verification of the end of the Second Interim being March 15th.  Brief discussion with Mr. Miles Denniston ensued.

Mr. Amato went on to share the unrestricted reserves data, saying that some of the reserves are designated for deferred maintenance, economic uncertainty, construction projects ($1.5M for the soccer field), and the CTE Studio project.

Future year projections, also required in the Second Interim Report, were summarized as a surplus of $562K (2022-23). Conservative fiscal year 2023-24 projections reflect uncertainty in Federal funding, unanticipated expenses, and a lower COLA estimate.  

Ms. Morgan inquired about the DVC FY 22-23 negative projection.  Mr. Amato discussed the Special Education expenses lodged at Da Vinci Communications.  DVC receives federal and state funds for special education, but because of the special education FUTURES program's high expenses, it impacts DVC's projection. 

Mr. Amato closed by commenting that the board-approved letter of potential withdrawal from CharterSafe, the insurance company, is required for the bidding process.  A change in company or cost would begin in 2022-23.

Dr. Wunder reminded the board that Dr. Hawn negotiated a 0% increase in health benefit costs from last year.

Mr. Vicente Bravo shared that he is acquiring estimates for the soccer field turf.

Mr. Bravo is also acquiring feedback from coaches, student athletes, and other districts on types of turf.  Mr. Bravo's office is looking into the project's DSA approval status Soil testing is required for the soccer field; so far, no issues have been uncovered.  Additional expenses would be bleachers, scoreboard, a running track, fencing, storage, and maintenance.

Connect High School's move to 550 Continental went smoothly. Mr. Bravo thanked Belkin for their donations of furniture.  The Connect High School staff and students have been good neighbors to the other businesses in the building.

CARnival and FRC Southern Regionals are coming up.  Four International teams from South Africa, Turkey, Colombia, and Chile will be some of the 44 teams competing. Unfortunately, no spectators will be allowed.

The last Tiny Home has been deployed at Da Vinci RISE High's Richstone site.  It is the first solar-powered tiny home built by the Da Vinci students.

Office pods are being installed in the Sandbox.

Da Vinci's high school graduation ceremonies will be held on June 9, Connect K-8 will be on June 8, and Alder University's regional ceremony will be held at Da Vinci on June 5.  All ceremonies will be outdoors.

Mr. Bravo spoke of the pool repairs being conducted by the City of El Segundo, who maintain and operate the pool.  Da Vinci's athletes will be practicing at the Mira Costa pool.

Brief discussion on the timeline of the soccer field completion ensued. 

Dr. Hawn clarified that the increase would be for all staff except for the Cabinet employees Dr. Wunder, Dr. Hawn, Mr. Bravo, and Mr. Amato.

Ms. Morgan inquired about the necessity for this policy.  Dr. Hawn shared that in an internal review of Da Vinci policies, this policy is required.  The leadership team reviewed the policy. All Da Vinci schools will follow the policy.

Closed session entered at 7:35 p.m.

Public session resumed at 8:39 p.m.

Ms. Morgan stated that no action was taken in Closed Session.