Robert and Annie Wong made a public comment inquiring about the Da Vinci Schools policy on verbal abuse of students. Dr. Brann asked staff to respond to the request in the next few business days.

Mr. Ochoa, Mr. Meath, and Mr. Boston wished everyone a happy holiday season. 

Dr. Brann thanked everyone for their service to students, and wished everyone happy holidays. He went on to share the percentage of female students (47%) at Da Vinci Science, and challenged staff to increase the percentage to 50%.

He also spoke of an exhibit at the Western Museum of Flight at Zamperini Field in Torrance. The exhibit, which opens on Friday, December 2, showcases women in aviation. Dr. Steve Wallis will join Dr. Brann at the museum's Media Day event on Friday, and Ms. Crissel Rodriguez hopes to arrange internships for Da Vinci students there.

Mr. Santiago reported that he had reached out to the Wiseburn board members; he anticipates being able to meet soon.

Mr. Meath commented that the Facilities & Finance working group meeting had to be cancelled due to work commitments, and the Governance group meeting had to be cancelled due to illness. He anticipates being able to meet in January at the latest.

Dr. Wunder spoke of having met with past Da Vinci Schools Board President Chet Pipkin, who along with his wife Jan has provided significant financial support to expand Da Vinci's programs, and offered students career-connect learning opportunities at Belkin.

Dr. Brann added that Chet Pipkin was a founder of Da Vinci Schools and president of its board for about 10 years.

Dr. Hawn commented on the proposed agenda items for the 5% staff salary increase and keeping the staff share of health insurance costs flat for 2023.

Pursuant to Dr. Brann's comments, she shared that women make up only about 27% of the STEM workforce, and that she and Da Vinci Schools are committed to gender equity. 

Dr. Wunder thanked Mr. Amato and Dr. Hawn for their work on the salary increase, and added that most Da Vinci employees will see a 10-11% year over year increase overall if the board approves the agenda items.

Coordinator Emma Enriquez shared that the cross-site WinterFest would be held on December 3, and the CARnival event will once again be held in the Spring.

Violet Pena-Gomez gave the Da Vinci Science update, speaking about Exhibition Night, the Youth & Government Conference, and Robotics' Beach Blitz competition. Students also made Gratitude Baskets for faculty and staff.

Olivia Griffin, of Da Vinci Communications, spoke about LAX and Northrop Grumman exploratory career events and Exhibition Night, which gives students the chance to creatively showcase their work.

Leilani Pineda gave the Da Vinci Design update, sharing that the Design students held a cardboard boat regatta in the pool, put on a successful Exhibition Night, and attended the cross-site LAX aviation career field trip.

Milissa Sutton, Connect High School student, shared that students hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness speaker and held a hygiene drive for Lava Mae, a nonprofit that turns buses into shower facilities for the homeless. She also shared each grade level's Exhibition night interdisciplinary work.

Quinn Schell gave the update on Connect K-8, noting the Fall Festival which showcased Día de los Muertos and Diwali, the advent of the Morning Running Club, the Garden Club, and 8th Grade Info Night, where students tour all four Da Vinci high schools.

Dr. Brann inquired about the status of the ERC credit. Mr. Amato shared that the application was filed with the IRS on October 2. It could take up to six months to hear back from the IRS; there is no website or contact office to check the status. Da Vinci's application is for about $3.5M. Mr. Amato recommends that the funds, if granted, be held for two and three years after the IRS audits whether or not the schools correctly applied for the credit.

Mr. Amato noted that the December 14 report to the Board will include the First Interims, October financials, and 2022-23 budget projection revisions.

Mr. Bravo spoke of the soccer field Division of State Architects process. 

The CTE Studio is proceeding well. The DSA Office has completed reviewing the Cooling Tower project and approval is imminent. The Cooling Towers have been built; the hope is that they can be installed during Winter or Spring Break.

Dr. Wunder commented that Chet and Jan Pipkin and Cindy and John Smet have contributed funds to pay for the first of two vans to shuttle students between Da Vinci sites and take athletes and work interns to some events. Brief discussion on legal and insurance ramifications ensued.

Mr. Bravo noted that the café is physically complete, and final logistics of staffing and supplies are being wrapped up. Chartwells has been a fantastic partner in this project.

Closed Session entered at 7:01 p.m.

Public Session reconvened at 8:18 p.m.

Dr. Brann reported that no action had been taken in Closed Session.