Da Vinci Schools

Minutes

Da Vinci Schools Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday April 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Location

201 N. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245

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:

  1. The meeting is accessible online at https://zoom.us/j/99093324547, or dial (669) 900-6833 and use Webinar ID: 990 9932 4547.
  2. Agendas are available to all audience members on the Da Vinci Schools website at www.davincischools.org.
  3. 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 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

The agenda and documents in the agenda packet will be made available, if requested, in appropriate alternative formats to any person with a disability as required by the ADA, 42 USC section 12132, and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. To request a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, you must contact the CEO's office at 310-725-5800 at least 48 hours before a regular meeting, and at least 12 hours before a special meeting. (Government Code ยง 54954.2(a)(1).)

Trustees Present

B. Meath, D. Boston, J. Webber, L. Heimov, R. Ochoa, R. Santiago

Trustees Absent

D. Brann

Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened

B. Meath

Guests Present

A. Johnson (remote), A. Wohlwerth, Anthony Pur (remote), C. Levenson (remote), C. Miller (remote), C. Rodriguez, G. Long (remote), J. Hawn, K. Toon (remote), L. Rodriguez (remote), M. Amato, M. Denniston (remote), M. Rainey (remote), M. Wunder, R. Stoll (remote), S. Wallis, Saya Wai (remote), T. Christopher (remote), V. Bravo

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

B.

Record Attendance and Guests

C.

Approval of Agenda

D. Boston made a motion to approve.
L. Heimov seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
D. Brann
Absent
B. Meath
Absent
R. Santiago
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye

D.

Public Comments

None

II. Information

A.

From the Board

Mr. Boston commented that he had joined the Robotics team in Houston, and credited the industry volunteer mentors' countless hours working with the team, the parent support group, and the staff for not only the Houston event but for hosting the FRC tournament at Da Vinci Schools.

 

Mr. Boston also thanked the Spanish teaching team for taking students on a spring trip to Belize. He noted that what students experience, where they go, the activities they engage in, and what they learn from other students is as important as what they learn in a classroom. We are extremely fortunate to have those extended opportunities.

 

Ms. Heimov noted the staff wearing denim for Denim Day in recognition and support of survivors of sexual violence.

 

Mr. Santiago shared that the Boys' volleyball team advanced in the playoffs and was heading to Avalon for the second round of playoffs.

 

Dr. Webber noted the middle school dance and other events are only possible with the efforts of the staff.

B. Meath arrived at 6:13 PM.

B.

From the CEO/Superintendent

Dr. Wunder noted the unexpected passing of former Da Vinci Schools trustee Kenneth A. Brown, who was instrumental in working to position a RISE cohort at El Camino College, whose board he chaired.

 

Dr. Wunder also shared that State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visited Da Vinci Communications' College and Career Readiness class on the past Monday in recognition of the Financial Literacy work the students are doing. The students and other adults were treated to Mr. Thurmond's authentic, inspiring story. He was impressed with the culture and work of Da Vinci Schools students and staff.

 

Dr. Wunder added that officials from the L.A. County Office of Education Board and Charter School Office made an important visit to Da Vinci Schools.

C.

From the COO/Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Hawn shared that Superintendent Thurmond's visit truly impressed the students and staff. Da Vinci has focused on financial literacy for over six years, and is why Superintendent Thurmond visited. The course is required of Da Vinci seniors; the first semester focuses on financial aspects of affording college and post-high school opportunities, and the second semester focuses on personal finance. Superintendent Thurmond's initiative is about personal finance and building generational wealth.

 

Dr. Wunder read some statistics on financial literacy.

D.

Student Board Member Update

Seniors Daniela Torres, Emma Enriquez, and Alvin Liu shared their post-high school plans.

 

Emma Hattne gave the report for Science, sharing the Exhibition Night events, Muses Women of the Year Luncheon, Physics and Art projects, FRC Championships, Spanish Fashion Show and Autism Awareness Community Dialogue. Seniors have been sharing their college acceptances.

 

Olivia Griffin shared the update for Communications noting 10th grade college visits, 11th grade SAT testing, the Photography class photo exhibit at the El Segundo Public Library, 11th grade CAST Testing, DECA Conference, and the Ethnic Studies Field trip to Homeboy Industries, China Town, and Olvera Street to study ethnic enclaves and the impact of homelessness.

 

Amelia Griffin spoke of the Design Senior Projects, which reflect four years of learning, 11th grade college field trips to LMU, Pepperdine, and Otis, Earth Day-inspired waste disposal and recycling program, CAST and CAASPP testing, and Archery Nationals.

 

Milissa Sutton gave the Connect High School update, noting the preparations for Exhibition, college acceptances for seniors, Spring MAP and CAASPP testing, and the KELVIN surveys, which look at socio-emotional well-being of students.

 

Quinn Schell shared the April events at Connect K-8, commenting on State fitness, math, and science testing, Exhibition projects, the STEAM Carnival, and the middle-school dance. He also noted the E-Sports event, and upcoming talent show in May.

 

Dr. Webber thanked the student board members, and noted that the Communications photo exhibit is still going on in the El Segundo Public Library. She also enjoyed the photo of the College Board during Connect High School's update.

 

Mr. Boston noted that the student board reports are always the best part of the meetings.

E.

Presentation: Institute Update

Ms. Megan Martin shared that the Institute's purpose is to help educators prepare students to innovate and thrive in the modern world. Over 3,000 educators from all over the country and the globe have visited to study Da Vinci Schools' best practices. The Institute has hosted the Transforming Learning Conference (TLC) since 2015. Da Vinci staff collaborate with a growing network of partners.

 

Dr. Steve Wallis shared that the Da Vinci CTE (Career Technical Education) Pathways have expanded to include Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, Business management, Civil Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Media Production, and Multimedia Journalism. Each pathway has its own advisory board of industry professionals that it meets with twice a year. Industry professionals come to Da Vinci to speak to and give feedback on student projects to both students and teachers. Pathway Coordinators meet regularly to collaborate and share information.

 

The Institute is gathering CTE Pathway data. Dr. Wallis thanked Mr. Chris Miller, Da Vinci's Director of Data and Equity for creating a CTE Dashboard. 85.4% of Da Vinci seniors are on track to complete their CTE pathway work, as compared to the State of California's 16.3% CTE completion rate in 2021. The Institute is currently working on a CTE website with separate pages for each pathway.

 

Ms. Crissel Rodriguez, Director of Real World Learning, shared that she has been working on a RWL Data Dashboard with Chris Miller. 1,128 Da Vinci students have engaged in RWL, and 190 industry partners are participating in the program. Ms. Rodriguez is constantly looking to engage with industries that are underrepresented, and the data dashboard helps by tracking the current number of Da Vinci's industry partners.

 

At Da Vinci Design, Architecture and Entrepreneurship RWL projects have centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion, sustainability, entrepreneurship, STEM, design, virtual reality, and marketing. Local business leader and partner participation has been increasing, participating industry partners and leaders are increasingly reflective of Da Vinci student demographics, and increasing numbers of students are interested in RWL opportunities.

 

Teachers have reported strong positive experiences with industry partners, and have revised curriculum to match industry trends and workforce skills and are integrating emerging technologies in the classroom.

 

Ms. Rodriguez also shared work-based learning experiences with industry partners, and summer career training programs like the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools grant to pilot a summer trades welding program at Da Vinci, Stellar Camp with the U.S. Air Force, aviation with Giving Kids Wings, Biz Camp with the L.A. Urban League, and a career exploration program from Teach for America.

 

Mechanical Engineering Pathway Coordinator Mr. Steven Eno is working on development of the Project Leo project-based learning management tool, which will use artificial intelligence to help teachers manage the multitude of student projects and give students the opportunity to build a meaningful, personalized portfolio. The tool will benefit students, teachers, parents, and industry professionals. Students will input their interests, teachers will define content skills, industry professionals will define industry needs, and the software will use artificial intelligence to generate project ideas.

 

Dr. Webber commented that she was amazed at the number of industry partners participating in Da Vinci pathways and programs like real world learning and robotics.

F.

Financial Update

Mr. Amato gave the update, sharing the consolidated Da Vinci Schools balance sheet and profit and loss statements. Net assets are tracking as projected in the Second Interim report. Accounts Receivables are lower. Although Federal special education revenue has been collected, Wiseburn didn't pay out the In Lieu Of Property Taxes until mid-April. 

 

Mr. Amato noted that the State's Hold Harmless figures have been released, and Da Vinci's apportionment exceeded projections. The extra funds will be held in reserves.

 

P2 Attendance reports have been submitted to the State. The actual ADA numbers exceeded Mr. Amato's conservative projections. 

 

Brief discussion ensued on banking and the fully protected cash sweep account in which Da Vinci funds are stored. 

G.

Facilities Update

Mr. Bravo gave the update on the coffee bar, saying that it is up and running, and an ordering app exists. Operations are being fine-tuned, and Entrepreneurship pathway involvement will be expanded.

 

The cooling tower was replaced during Spring Break and both towers are fully functioning.

 

In the event soccer field construction is underway in early June, graduation ceremonies will be held in the Gym. If not, the West Plaza will be used. Ceremonies for Communications, Design, and Science are Thursday, June 8. Connect High School and RISE events will be held on Wednesday, June 7. Connect TK-8 promotion will be held on Friday, June 9.

III. Approval of Minutes

A.

Approval of Minutes of the March 22, 2023 Da Vinci Schools Regular Board Meeting

R. Ochoa made a motion to approve the minutes from Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting on 03-22-23.
B. Meath seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Ochoa
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Boston
Abstain
B. Meath
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
L. Heimov
Aye
J. Webber
Aye

IV. Consent Agenda

A.

Accept Da Vinci Schools Payment Register - March 2023

L. Heimov made a motion to accept the March 2023 Da Vinci Schools Payment Register.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Heimov
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
D. Brann
Absent

B.

Approve Revised Pay Scale for Grants Finance & Accounting Manager Position

L. Heimov made a motion to approve the Revised Pay Scale for Grants Finance & Accounting Manager Position.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Santiago
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
B. Meath
Aye
D. Boston
Aye

C.

Approve Revised Pay Scale for Senior Manager of Finance & Accounting Position

L. Heimov made a motion to approve the Revised Pay Scale for Senior Manager of Finance & Accounting Position.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
B. Meath
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
R. Santiago
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye
J. Webber
Aye

D.

Approve Revised Pay Scale for IT II, Webmaster, Full-Stack Developer Positions

L. Heimov made a motion to approve the Revised Pay Scale for IT II, Webmaster, Full-Stack Developer Position.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Webber
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
B. Meath
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye

E.

Approve Doctoral Stipend for Administrators

L. Heimov made a motion to approve the Doctoral Stipend for Administrators.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Santiago
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
B. Meath
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye

F.

Approve Service Agreement with Non-Public Agency Champions Services Inc. for the 2023-24 School Year

L. Heimov made a motion to approve the Service Agreement with Non-Public Agency Champions Services, Inc. for the 2023-24 School Year.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
B. Meath
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
R. Santiago
Aye
J. Webber
Aye

G.

Approve Varsity Boys' Basketball Overnight Tournament Trip Request

L. Heimov made a motion to approve the Varsity Boys' Basketball Overnight Tournament Trip Request.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
B. Meath
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
D. Boston
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye

H.

Approve 2023-2024 Calendar for Da Vinci Communications, Design, Science, and Connect

L. Heimov made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 Calendar for Da Vinci Communications, Design, Science, and Connect.
D. Boston seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Heimov
Aye
D. Brann
Absent
D. Boston
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
J. Webber
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye

I.

Approve Career-Connected Learning and Dual Enrollment Programs

Pulled by Dr. Wunder prior to the vote.

V. Action Item(s)

A.

Approve Recommendation for Salary Increase for Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Superintendent

R. Santiago made a motion to approve.
R. Ochoa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Webber
Aye
R. Santiago
Aye
R. Ochoa
Aye
B. Meath
Aye
D. Boston
Aye
L. Heimov
Aye
D. Brann
Absent

VI. Closed Session

A.

Conference with Legal Counsel

Closed session was entered at 7:31 p.m.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Reconvene for Public Session & Closed Session Reporting

Public session reconvened at 9:28 p.m.

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

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
A. Wohlwerth