Da Vinci Schools
Minutes
Da Vinci Schools Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday May 30, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Location
Black Box Theater, 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:
- The meeting is accessible online at https://zoom.us/j/99093324547, or dial (669) 900-6833 and use Webinar ID: 990 9932 4547. Meeting access will also be available at 1001 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22209.
- 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 to non-agenda items will not exceed twenty (20) minutes. Non-English speakers who use a translator shall have six (6) minutes in which to address the Board. If audience members wish to give comments online, they must join via a browser or the Zoom app. Dial-in attendees can only listen.
- 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.
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 § 54954.2(a)(1).)
Trustees Present
B. Meath, D. Boston, D. Brann, J. Webber, L. Heimov, R. Santiago
Trustees Absent
R. Ochoa
Guests Present
A. Johnson (remote), A. Wohlwerth, C. Levenson, E. D'Souza, J. Hawn, M. Amato, M. Rainey (remote), M. Wunder, R. Stoll (remote), S. Wallis, V. Bravo
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Approval of Agenda
D.
Public Comments
- Grace Bader gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Jeanne Ogar gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Helen Martinez gave a comment in support of Wiseburn Unified regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Harley Hoff gave a comment in support of Wiseburn Unified regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Larry Hubler gave a comment in support of Wiseburn Unified regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Renee Hubler gave a comment in support of Wiseburn Unified regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Gloria Gutierrez gave a comment in support of Wiseburn Unified regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Tom Schulte gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Julie Haubner gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Sarah Lalau gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Jen Delaney gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Amy Sy gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Christina Joubert gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Erin D'Souza gave a comment clarifying the delivery of a communication to the DVC community.
- Greg Goldfarb gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Saya Wai gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Kai Golston gave a comment in support of Da Vinci Schools regarding the dispute between Da Vinci Schools and Wiseburn Unified School District.
Dr. Brann thanked the members of the public for their comments.
E.
Public Comments on ESSER III Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plans
Dr. Brann opened the floor for public comments on the ESSER III Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plans posted on the Da Vinci Schools website. There were none.
II. Information
A.
From the Board
Ms. Leslie Heimov shared that she had attended the Wiseburn board meeting, and is encouraged by the show of interest by the public.
Mr. Ray Santiago thanked Dr. Silvers, Mr. Nelson Martinez and Mr. Roger Bañuelos of Wiseburn Unified for their attendance at the board meeting.
Dr. Jo Webber thanked the Wiseburn Board members for their time in attempting to work through the issues. She also thanked the public for coming out and giving their ideas. She noted the State testing that Da Vinci students had just completed, POLs given by Connect 6th graders, the Connect talent show, and upcoming graduation ceremonies.
Mr. Brian Meath shared his amazement that the school year was almost complete. He is hopeful that the issues with Wiseburn can be resolved.
Mr. Derrick Boston thanked the public for their comments, saying that comments are welcome at any time. He noted that Da Vinci Schools is on the record in support of Wiseburn Unified School District's creation of a public high school. He commended Dr. Webber and Mr. Santiago in working with the District toward a resolution of the issue that will not take up legal fees and time.
Dr. Don Brann also thanked the public for their input, welcoming the public to continue attending board meetings. He noted that Da Vinci Schools aims to serve everyone, Wiseburn resident or not.
B.
From the CEO/Superintendent
None
C.
From the COO/Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Hawn spoke of the success of the first-ever Wiseburn Da Vinci Choir Concert.
She also shared that this is the last board meeting of the year for the Student Board Members. She thanked them all, and wished the senior members well as they go off to college.
D.
Student Board Member Update
Ms. Emma Enriquez, Senior at Da Vinci Science, thanked the student board members, Dr. Hawn, Dr. Wunder, and the trustees, and spoke of her appreciation for the opportunity to be a Student Board member and coordinator.
She then gave the update for Da Vinci Science, sharing the May 1, 2023 Decision Day event for graduating seniors, AAPI Community Dialogue, Senior Awards Night, Teacher Appreciation Week, ice skating field trip, Mental Health Awareness events, projects, and Presentations of Learning (POLs).
Mr. Alvin Liu, a Senior at Da Vinci Communications, gave his final update, noting the End of Ramadan potluck, College & Career Signing Day, Prom, Teacher & Staff Appreciation week, movie night, Friendship Club's Awards ceremony, DECA end of year ceremony, Northrop Grumman's High School Involvement Partnership (HIP) Program Showcase and Senior Awards Night.
Ms. Leilani Pineda gave the update for Da Vinci Design, speaking of Teacher Appreciation Week, a musical AAPI Student Union Community Dialogue, Senior Awards Night, Latin Student Union Banda Night, Senior Showcase, yearbook distribution, and POLs. Seniors are looking forward to Grad Night and the final day of school on June 7.
Ms. Milissa Sutton gave the update for Connect High School, speaking about Exhibition nights, POLs, Prom, SAGE club's Pride Month decorations, Wall of Graduates, Black Student Union Cypher event with the Music Club, and Mental Health Awareness event.
Mr. Quinn Schell gave his final Connect TK-8 update, sharing the Scholastic Book Fair fundraiser, School Site Council Meeting, POLs, Staff Appreciation Week, and Parent Educator Appreciation Week. He thanked Emma Enriquez, Daniela Torres, and Da Vinci Schools for the opportunity to participate as a Student Board Member.
Dr. Brann thanked the students, saying that the student reports have been one of the best things about being a Board trustee, and that he will miss the reports over the summer.
Mr. Santiago commented that he'd known Emma Enriquez since she was a lot younger, having been her softball coach, and that he was proud of her.
Dr. Brann called a 10-minute recess at 7:40 p.m.
E.
Financial Update
Meeting resumed at 7:50 p.m.
Mr. Amato gave the financial update, sharing the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss reports. Because of higher Hold Harmless funding, grant funding will be used in the future. Mr. Amato is working on the 2023-24 budget, which will be presented to the Board at the next meeting.
Brief discussion on P&L and ERC funding ensued.
Mr. Amato also spoke of the Governor's May Revision, saying that the strong COLA of 8.22% and increased enrollment at Connect will balance the decrease in one-time State and Federal funds. The State did decrease one-time grants that had already been announced, however the cuts will not affect Da Vinci's position.
Mr. Amato went on to explain the Banc of California line of credit renewal and extension; the Banc is a bit behind in their renewal process, so they are asking for approval of an extension of the current credit terms. Da Vinci will bring the renewal to the next board meeting.
Chartwells has been selected as Da Vinci's food service vendor. Other vendors declined to bid because Da Vinci does not have an in-house kitchen. Da Vinci has received grants totaling approximately $600K towards a kitchen. Dr. Wunder pointed out that thanks to Wiseburn, Chartwells uses Dana Middle School's kitchen. Mr. Amato noted that some equipment has been purchased to help Chartwells continue to serve Da Vinci students. Brief discussion ensued on the Federal requirements which school meal providers must follow and completing a kitchen.
F.
Facilities Update
Mr. Vicente Bravo gave the update, sharing that the Coffee Bar has been up and running, and that the Entrepreneurial Pathway teachers and Futures teachers will partner with Chartwells to include students in the café in the Fall.
Da Vinci hosted Project Lead the Way's summer STEM event last year, and will do so again this year. Other on-campus summer happenings include UCLA Math Project, summer camps, and summer school.
Graduation ceremonies will be held on June 7, 8, and 9: Connect High and RISE High on June 7 at 4 and 6:30 p.m.; Design on June 8 at 9 a.m.; Communications at 1 p.m.; Science at 5 p.m.; and Connect TK-8 on June 9 at 1 p.m.
Mr. Bravo encouraged the Board to take a look at the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander display in the Atrium.
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Approval of Minutes of the April 26, 2023 Da Vinci Schools Regular Board Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
IV. Consent Agenda
A.
Accept Da Vinci Schools Payment Register - April 2023
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Banc of California Line of Credit 90-Day Extension
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Staff Recommendation of Chartwells as Food Service Management Vendor
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Purchase of New Security Cameras/System
Item pulled from the agenda by Don Brann.
E.
Approve Revised Lactation Accommodation Board Policy
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
F.
Approve 2023-2024 Da Vinci Schools Board Meeting Calendar
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
G.
Approve Out-of-State E-Sports Trip to EGF 2023 National Championship
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
V. Action Item(s)
A.
Approve Recommendation for Chief People Officer/Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Hawn noted that the salary for the position is $190K.
Mr. Boston inquired about the termination without cause provision in the contract. Dr. Hawn confirmed that the most that would be paid out in such a case is three months' worth of salary, which is consistent with the contracts of the other staff at that level.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| D. Boston |
Aye
|
| B. Meath |
Aye
|
| R. Ochoa |
Absent
|
| D. Brann |
Aye
|
| J. Webber |
Aye
|
| R. Santiago |
Aye
|
| L. Heimov |
Aye
|
VI. Closed Session
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel
Closed Session entered at 8:16 p.m.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Reconvene for Public Session & Closed Session Reporting
Public Session reconvened at 9:28 p.m.
Dr. Brann reported that no action had been taken in Closed Session.
Dr. Brann called the meeting to order in honor of the late Kenneth A. Brown, President of the El Camino College Board, a former Da Vinci Schools Trustee and a great friend and supporter of Da Vinci Schools.