At Dr. Wunder's suggestion, the meeting commenced informally at 6:05 p.m. with informational items (section III. A. onward), as the agenda was long and a quorum had not yet been established.

None.

Dr. Webber noted that the Da Vinci Board approved the nomination of 

Dr. Webber administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Laura Schaefer.

Mr. Boston commented that there are new posters in the Atrium that celebrate DV programs and activities like Performing Arts, Youth & Government, etc.. The posters have created a buzz among students and new interest in participating. Dr. Wunder thanked Mr. Boston for his leadership on the initiative.

Ms. Heimov shared her excitement about the WDV Performing Arts production of "Grease" opening soon.

Dr. Wunder shared comments on the Da Vinci Design WASC committee visit, saying that he anticipated Design will receive a full six years of accreditation. He thanked Mr. Russell Stoll and the Design team for their work in leading the school to this moment.

Ms. Rodriguez shared that the Educator Advisory Council (EAC) meeting went well, and that the Edgility team came in to speak about compensation to the group.

A staff survey went out regarding State disability insurance.

The latest Community Learning Day received positive feedback from students, families, and teachers. The enthusiasm for the workshops has grown with each successive CLD.

Sydney Parsons and William Bleier introduced the Student Board Updates.

Liya Nartey gave the Connect HS update, speaking about the Spring Club Day, and the first DV Connect international trip to Costa Rica, two students qualifying for the Future Business Leaders of America State competition Liya and two fellow students will represent DV Connect's Entrepreneurship Pathway at the CCSA Conference Pitch Competition in Sacramento in March. She also shared student ambassador tours for prospective students, the PUP visit from emotional support dogs, and athletics Senior Nights and playoffs.

Josiah Moody gave the Design update, sharing the Neuro-Diversity Celebration week activities to increase awareness, and Valentine Spirit Week activities like the "Get a Crush for Your Crush" fundraiser, On Wednesdays We Wear Pink, Love to Be Comfy Thursday, and Friendship Friday.

Angelina Fernandez shared the Communications update, speaking about Senior field trips to the Reagan Library where they participated in a simulation for Economics class, USC, Cal Poly and LMU to learn about the colleges, and fun Spirit Week activities like dressing for Hippie Day and Barbecue Dads vs. Soccer Moms Day.

Lincoln Nartey gave the Connect TK-8 update, commenting about the Red Card distribution to spread awareness of immigrants' rights in the face of ICE investigations, MAP testing, Speakers' Jam, and animal shelter and book donation drives for wildfire relief.

Sydney Parsons gave the Science update, stepping in for Benjamin Chan, sharing Valentine's Day activities, Black History Month CD (Community Dialogue), Civil Engineering field trips to the Gensler architecture firm, and the Sail Project kickoff for Junior CEA students, and Youth & Government conference trip to Sacramento.

Dr. Webber thanked the students, saying that it seemed like a busy start to the year. The Board appreciates the students' work.

Dr. Emily Green spoke about LifeLaunch, the initiative Da Vinci has started to help students (especially first-generation and low-income) achieve happy, purposeful lives and careers. The post-12th grade initiative includes three elements: Rivet School, for college coursework; Futures PLUS, for students currently in the Futures program; and CareerLaunch, a free post-12th grade program specifically for students seeking direct paths to careers after high school graduation. Students will be in a supported cohort with the ability to complete both transferable El Camino College courses and obtain a strong early job credential in high-demand, high-growth careers. The cohort will receive wraparound supports to help ensure completion.

The program will be soft-launched in August 2025 for 30 students in Healthcare and Aviation. There is strong interest across all the Da Vinci high schools. The healthcare offerings will be Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Pharmacy Technician, and either Emergency Room Technician or Emergency Medical Technician.

Possible Aviation offerings could include Flight or UAV (drone) piloting. The team is starting feasibility studies for IT and Construction.

Ms. Schaefer inquired about the cost of programs to students. Dr. Green shared that the programs will be free for the students. Students do not have to be 18 to participate, but will need to be 18 to take their credential exam. 

Dr. Wunder shared that under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), by State law, Da Vinci can retain students through age 21 and receive attendance funding for them, which will pay for the program's costs. He noted that the Board will be voting on the pay scale for an Executive Director of LifeLaunch, who will also oversee integration of the program throughout Da Vinci.

Mr. Boston commented that the supportive coaching model works with the college pathways as well. He would like to see if these supported cohorts can also be offered to college-bound students. Dr. Green noted that the supported work can be widely applied. 

Dr. Wunder read a quote from the Making Waves Foundation:  "Half of employed college graduates work in roles that don't require their degree, and only half of young adults in their early 20s hold 'strong early jobs' ... Educational attainment and work experience are the biggest predictors of economic mobility, yet schools rarely prepare students with career-connected learning or the durable skills like creativity, collaboration, and complex problem-solving that employers increasingly demand." Da Vinci is trying to address a segment of students for whom this is a valuable opportunity, and not saying, "the college pathway is not for you."

Mr. Ochoa commented that healthcare is currently the strongest job field. He inquired if there is a list of industry partners, and perhaps other aviation fields being explored.

Dr. Green shared that those with pilot's licenses have an advantage in gaining any job in an airport or aviation field. Dr. Wallis commented that industry partners will prioritize hiring of people in the areas impacted by the expansion of the airport.

Mr. Boston commented that there is an element of privilege in the statement, "College is not for everyone." He would like to ensure equal supports for both the students who do not want to attend college and those who do. Dr. Wunder noted that Da Vinci can help students figure out options and provide extra support to low-income students in order to complete college, supports that privileged students already have. The intent is not to dissuade any student from going to college.

Mr. Ochoa noted that in his experience, aerospace companies require a college degree across many different areas of the industry. Further brief discussion ensued.

Dr. Webber commented that first generation students are disadvantaged because of the lack of a network. She also shared that she encountered a school in Bentonville, Arkansas working on a similar program called Ignite Professional Studies that she feels would beneficial to connect with Da Vinci. Dr. Webber will connect Dr. Green with them.

Ms. Gloria White and Mr. Chris Miller gave the data update, speaking of tracking Demographics, Attendance, GPA, three years' worth of MAP scores, Grades, CAASPP, MAP, PSAT, and SAT scores. The team uses the data to determine interventions and supports for students.

The Charter Schools Growth Fund has sponsored an alumni survey for Da Vinci college graduates six years out from high school (2019-2016). The team just launched a survey for recent graduates (2024-2020). The recent graduates are optimistic that they are working on their best lives even so recently out of high school.

Dr. Webber inquired if only the graduates who are doing well are responding to the survey. Ms. White responded that the team is working with the alumni coordinators to get higher participation rates.

Dr. Wunder thanked Mr. Boston for doing deep data dives with the team.

Ms. White introduced the Mid-year LCAP update.

Principal Ms. Kaitlin Toon gave the Connect TK-8 mid-year highlights, sharing increases in student satisfaction in Diversity & Inclusion and School Culture & Safety. Chronic absenteeism and suspension rates have. decreased. Connect TK-8 students have shown declines in ELA and Math; the Connect team is addressing this with new ELA and Math curriculum.

Connect TK-8 held Parent Educator Conference #2, and industry partner Chicas Verdes has been working with students weekly in the garden and cohosting monthly produce giveaways.

Mr. Robert Anthony, Connect HS Assistant Principal, shared an increase in college credits prior to graduation among Connect HS students, an increase in College and Career readiness, and a 5-year graduation rate of 98.8%.

Addressing declines in ELA and Math scores, Connect HS staff are holding a yearlong ELA PD through LACOE, introducing IXL for Math, and either recommending or requiring office hours for students who need it (including in the Independent Study Education Agreements). Also peer-to-peer observations.

Mr. Russell Stoll shared that the WASC accreditation committee completed their visit to Design. The WASC goals align with LCAP goals. The committee was impressed with Design's governance/vision and purpose, instructional practices and PBL, and MTSS and SEL to create a culture of care. Design students and parents gave increased favorability scores in all criteria in the Fall 2024 surveys. CAASPP Math scores decreased, which the team is addressing. A-G eligibility has increased. The number of ELL students has steadily increased; the team is increasing Tier 1 strategies for support, and has created an ELAC team.

Design's new CTE Fine Arts pathway is planning a trip to the Cal Poly SLO Fine Arts department; The CTE Architecture students are working on a Western Museum of Flight redesign; the CTE Entrepreneurship & Graphic Design students are working with the State Treasurer's Office on a CALKids Scholarship project.

Ms. Erin D'Souza shared the Communications update, commenting that attendance has increased, suspensions have decreased, and EL students making progress has experienced a huge increase. CTE Pathway completion and A-G eligibility rates have increased. Math and ELA scores have declined, so the team is implementing focused interim assessment blocks for all grade levels, math-specific professional development. The team is working on Literacy PD and working in Professional Learning Communities focused on vocabulary and literacy development.

Communications' CTE Pathways include Computer Science, Media Production, Multimedia Journalism, and Marketing. Students take advantage of practices like "Leaving to Learn" field trips, even if just to the downstairs CTE computer lab, and creating silent films and news shows in Media Production and Multimedia Journalism, and attending the DECA conference marketing competition.

Ms. Grace Long gave the Science update, sharing increases in attendance, positive responses in the Diversity & Inclusion survey, positive responses in parent involvement in decision-making, and positive responses from staff on Professional Learning practices. Science has a 100% graduation rate and 97.8% College & Career Readiness score as well as increased access to dual enrollment courses like Calculus and Spanish 3 and 4.

Science anticipates a significant increase in CTE completion due to working with CTE Pathway coordinators Emily Green and Crissel Rodriguez, and also having all three pathways credentialed. CAASPP Math and ELA scores have declined, which the staff is addressing with interim assessments, Math teacher collaboration, and promoting a positive Math culture.

Additional priority areas for the Science team is using data, research-based academic interventions.

Ms. Heimov inquired about parent participation in SLCs - what do the teams do when parents do not show up? The teams call families, offer Zoom, accept videos of students and families talking at home, and offer the students the opportunity to give their presentation to staff.

Mr. Amato shared December's balance sheet and P&L statement, saying that December was a light month due to having just completed the first interim reports. The total cash amounts are healthy with normal levels of accounts receivable for the time of the year. The revised budget will target a surplus for the year. 

The summary P&L shows few variances due to the recently revised budget. Mr. Amato's team is working on the second interims. 

The 2023-24 Tax Return is up for approval. There are no material changes from the prior year. Mr. Amato thanked Mr. Gary Wayland for his annual pro bono tax preparation.

The new three-year (FY2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27) agreement with the Auditor is up for approval. An auditor engagement is required by the CDE every three years, but it is a series of one-year agreements that are approved by the Board each year, allowing for the opportunity to make changes in any given year.

Mr. Bravo shared that the public hearing for the Comprehensive School Safety Plans was held. The school sites reviewed the plans with their stakeholders.

The soccer field and gym will be submitted as potential practice facilities for the Olympics.

FIRST Robotics Los Angeles Regionals competition will be held on March 14 through 16 in the Gym. Along with regional teams from the area, two Chinese teams and one French team will be competing.

Closed session entered at 8:11 p.m.

Public Session reconvened at 9:25 p.m.

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

The Board took a vote on item J. prior to adjournment.