None

Ms. Heimov shared that it was nice to see everyone.

Dr. Brann commented on the people he had seen on campus lately were happy, and he believes the Da Vinci culture is healthy. He also noted that Da Vinci has always had a long waitlist, which has always bothered him, since he believes all students would benefit from attending Da Vinci Schools. All Da Vinci sites have a capacity limit, which leaves many students on the waitlist, therefore Dr. Brann's idea is to hold a "second shift" at Da Vinci's high schools, providing time and space for more students. At Dr. Brann's direction, task force has been exploring this idea for the 2024-25 school year.

Dr. Wunder encourages everyone to spend time at Da Vinci during the summer, to see how much activity occurs on campus, such as summer camp, summer school, the welding program with partner Harbor Freight Tools, and the aviation program, etc.

Dr. Wunder noted that the Sandbox area of the campus is an ideal area for project-based and career pathway activities, and Dr. Steve Wallis has transformed the space over the summer to facilitate that type of use. In addition, the Da Vinci team will be working on a multi-year expansion of the performing arts program.

Dr. Webber commented on balancing the benefits of the small school dynamic and providing activities at scale that allow the schools to mix.

Dr. Brann shared that he experienced an award-winning arts program called Kaleidoscope 40 years ago which showed him that it's not just athletics that build students' self esteem and teach great lessons.

Mr. Amato shared changes to the State budget. The 8.22% LCFF COLA has been retained. Some cuts were made to two one-time grant programs:  the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant and Arts/Music Instructional Materials Block Grant have been reduced. Da Vinci didn't use those monies in 2022 when they were first announced, and Mr. Amato purposely budgeted conservatively. Thankfully, the cuts were not as deep as anticipated, and there is now more funding. The Learning Recovery grant will provide $345K more than Mr. Amato budgeted for, and $280K more from the Arts Instructional grant, which can actually be used for a broad range of items. 

The State also introduced a new source of ongoing funding for the Arts, The Arts Program Per Pupil Funding. Da Vinci will receive $350K, of which 80% must be used for staffing, and 20% for other arts expenses.

Dr. Webber asked how the amount of this contract compares to the previous year. The vendor is new, and Mr. Amato noted that he budgets according to historical spending. Da Vinci does receive reimbursements for up to 80% of the costs for many special education expenses. Dr. Lynn Rodriguez shared that costs are going up because schools are referring more students than ever after the pandemic shutdown, and the residential treatment centers (RTCs) are also charging more than ever for all services. Ms. Heimov shared that in her experience with foster youth and 24-hour, 12-month RTC care, the cost would be even higher than the rate Dr. Rodriguez has negotiated for this Wiseburn resident student.

Mr. Amato offered to send out more detailed projected final costs to the board.

Dr. Rodriguez shared that the bulk of the cost is for students whose behavioral needs require the services of a 1:1 Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA), as stipulated on their IEPs. Dr. Rodriguez and her team are working on reducing the cost. Dr. Webber inquired about the cost compared to the previous year, and Dr. Rodriguez shared that the vendor has increased their prices, but that she believes the costs are similar. Mr. Amato shared that he would send the projected costs to the board. 

Mr. Bravo shared that the contractors were interviewed by Wiseburn Unified School District program managers Noemi Zamudio and Sheere Bishop-Griego from NAZ Building Program Advisors. Ms. Bishop-Griego shared that the contracting firm recommended by the panel is Erickson-Hall.

She reported that she negotiated a reduction of $11,500, resulting in a $29,616 total pre-construction fee.  Wiseburn Unified School District, as owner of the property, is the holder of the Lease Leaseback contract.  The District will approve the contractor at their August meeting. 

Dr. Webber asked if the Lease Leaseback contractor usually goes on to become the general contractor, which Ms. Bishop-Griego confirmed. Brief discussion ensued.

Closed session entered at 6:55 p.m.

Public session reconvened at 7:43 p.m.

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