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Dr. Wunder shared that about a dozen Da Vinci staff members expressed gratitude to him and Dr. Hawn for the Board's decision to give the salary increases approved at the previous board meeting. He also shared that he just learned that Erin Whalen raised $200K for Da Vinci RISE which opened up other funding opportunities. Also, the Keck Foundation awarded Da Vinci Schools $500K for the CTE Studio. The State is awarding $133K for the CTE Studio and $700K for general career technical education.

Dr. Brann noted it was nice to get the feedback from staff.

Dr. Hawn noted the launch of the Da Vinci Choir course, saying students have started signing up for the second semester launch.  The initial course will take place after school, but the best timing will be determined after canvassing Da Vinci students and Dana students.

She also expressed gratitude to the Board for the salary increases already given, and the items being presented for approval that will help retain great Da Vincians. Dr. Hawn then wished everyone happy holidays.

Dr. Wunder added that the Enrollment Coordinator shared with him that Da Vinci has already received over 800 unique applications for the next school year.

Emma Enriquez introduced the update, and noted the upcoming STEAM Day, hosted by the Society of Women Engineers and Da Vinci Robotics' Team 4201.

Emma Hattne gave the Science update, sharing the Winterfest event,  CEA Honors Gensler field trip, Presentations of Learning (POL's), and Psychology Honors project.

Alvin Liu gave the Communications update, saying that POL's consumed much of the students' time in December. He also shared that DVC had two finalists for the POSSE scholarship, and one POSSE Scholar this year. The scholarship is highly competitive, as it supports winners with by paying their full tuition.

Amelia Griffin gave the Design update, speaking of POLs, A-G and Pathway classes. The 12th grade Government class held a POL debate a law before a "Supreme Court" made up of nine students and teachers.

Milissa Sutton gave the Connect High School update, sharing the 10th, 11, and 12th grade Exhibition event, World AIDS Awareness Spirit Day activities, and the 9th Grade Exhibition where students debuted their documentary films for their families in a red carpet event.

Quinn Schell gave the Connect K8 update. He shared the Exhibition event, where each grade level showcased a different project focusing on anatomy and human body systems.

CFO Michael Amato spoke about the First Interim report, which entails October and preliminary November financial results, and budget revisions. Enrollment has exceeded original budget expectations. Average Daily Attendance fluctuates but is projected to be lower than originally expected, which may impact funding, since LCFF revenue is tied to ADA. Cumulative final results will be known in April. 

The State 12.26% COLA has been factored into the 22-23 budget.  The other one-time state grants of $1.5M and $2M are being planned to be used in the future. In addition, the State's Hold Harmless funding will give Da Vinci an extra $600K above original budget. Mr. Amato anticipates $1.9M over originally-budgeted revenue due to all of these factors. The $1.9M additional revenue will support expenses such as personnel salaries, stipends, and benefits, payroll taxes, etc., which are $1.3M higher than originally budgeted. 

New Schools Venture Fund is providing $150K for the Da Vinci Institute.

Mr. Amato has removed the soccer field's projected $600K funding, in order to maintain a conservative budget.

Da Vinci has experienced large increases in special education, transportation, and utility bill expenses.  Savings were gained by switching telecommunications and copier vendors (Mr. Amato thanked Mr. Jesse Corral for his work there).

Revenue increased approximately $2M, but expenses also increased approximately $2M. 

Mr. Amato presented the 2022-23 revised budget. Da Vinci recently learned of the Keck Foundation's support of $500K and the CTEIG State grant of $133K for the CTE Studio project, which frees up $633K from reserves. He projects net cash reserves of $7.7M. 

Regarding ADA, Dr. Wunder commented that Da Vinci Connect trends higher than the 92% average daily attendance for independent study. Dr. Hawn shared that Da Vinci convened a committee to discuss recommendations for improving policies and practices to increase ADA.

Dr. Brann reminded everyone that ADA never equals enrollment, but the discrepancy leaves money on the table that could be collected if every student was in attendance every day. While you don't want sick people in class, increasing the ADA percentage from 92 to 93 or 94 percent represents real money. Da Vinci has always worked on increasing ADA since before the pandemic, when ADA was 95 or 96%.

Ms. Heimov inquired what the staff thinks of the impact of the lingering pandemic on ADA. Dr. Hawn agreed that there is anxiety around attending when sick.  Dr. Wunder noted that one site experienced 149 students out at the same time one day last month.

Dr. Wunder thanked Mr. Amato for his work on the incredibly complex financial situation across Da Vinci Schools. Dr. Brann and Dr. Webber concurred.

Mr. Amato shared that he is maintaining a conservative outlook and so overall ADA is actually higher (93%) than he shows (92%), as he's taking into account the fluctuating numbers. 

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Closed Session entered at 6:54 p.m.

Public session reconvened at 7:23 p.m.

Dr. Brann reported that no action was taken in Closed Session.

Dr. Wunder commented that Chet Pipkin, who has supported Da Vinci Schools from inception, is giving Connect students the opportunity to use the the Belkin campus; Dr. Wunder will give more details in January.