None

Mr. Boston shared that the FIRST Robotics Competition was held at Da Vinci, and it was a highly popular, well-attended event. He commended the staff, students, and families who worked to produce the event, volunteered as mentors, provided meals, and stayed late to clean up. He especially noted the parent group, Booster Bots, who provided meals twice a week for months to support the team during the season and at the tournament.

He also mentioned the memo Dr. Wunder sent out to all staff regarding budget tightening and he commended the team for taking a hard look at expenses in this period of uncertainty.

Ms. Heimov recognized the students and staff who entertained everyone with their amazing performance of "Grease."

Mr. Santiago concurred, and also commended robotics Team 4201.

Dr. Wunder thanked Ms. Veronica Rodriguez for leading and doing the front end work for the Educator Advisory Council (EAC) meetings, for teachers, counselors, and staff to have their concerns heard.

He also commented on the "3x3" meeting with Wiseburn trustees Dr. Neil Goldman and Mr. Roger Banuelos, Wiseburn Superintendent Dr. Blake Silvers, Da Vinci Board President Dr. Jo Webber, Vice President Mr. Ray Santiago, and himself. They discussed Connect TK-8, building a high-school regulation baseball field there, among other topics.

He also noted the schools' fiscal responsibility during a time of uncertainty with the federal government. DV's federal funding is about 2.25%. Although that is a relatively small amount of the budget, the team will be closely monitoring the programs it funds. The uncertainty will have an impact on students regarding college financial aid and choices for college.

Ms. Heimov commented that she has made it to a few Educator Advisory Council meetings, and she was impressed by the way staff have equal concern for the well being of staff, students, and the organization, and they understand the connection. She remarked that in her experience running a staff of 540 people, you don't always see that. Their overall focus on the good of the community was very apparent, and speaks to why Da Vinci's students thrive.

Ms. Rodriguez thanked the staff, Assistant Superintendents, and Board members who participated in the EAC meetings; saying it has been a good experience.

Sydney Parsons introduced the update given by Angelina Fernandez, Zion Broadnax, Awishkar Srestha, William Bleier, and Elyssa Chaidez.

Angelina Fernandez gave the Communications update, speaking about DECA's marketing competition in Anaheim, the Performing Arts musical production "Grease," Student-Led Conferences, a Journalism field trip to Venice Beach, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visit.

Zion Broadnax gave the Connect TK-8 update, sharing the results of the Book Donation drive to benefit Palisades Elementary, whose books were damaged by the Palisades fire, the Odyssey of the Mind State Finals, where Connect TK-8 was one of six teams competing, the Chicas Verdes produce giveaway, and the STEAM Carnival where science projects were displayed.

Awishkar Shrestha gave the Science update. He shared that the FIRST Robotics tournament hosted at Da Vinci included not only Southern California teams, but teams from France, Turkey, and Singapore. He also noted that the Human Body Science class conducted heart dissections, the Biomedical Pathway seniors worked on diagnosing patients for four weeks, then held Medical Interventions Grand Rounds, presenting to a team of doctors. The Mechanical Engineering Pathway students built stereos for a digital electronics project, Student-Led Conferences were held, and the Civil Engineering & Architecture students worked with their Cal Poly SLO mentors.

Coordinator William Bleier gave the Connect High School update, commenting on the sophomores' English 10 field trip to the Natural History Museum doing research for their Exhibition project, the CCSA conference, where Connect HS teacher Kevin Gray gave a presentation on Exhibition as it's executed at Da Vinci, the Career-Connected Learning Gathering, where students spoke about the CTE Entrepreneurship class and internships. Community Aviation Day was a well-attended event for the community to learn about aviation and careers in the industry.

Elyssa Chaidez shared Design's Architecture field trip, the junior field trip visiting the designers of the Great Wall of L.A., the sophomores' Cal State Fullerton field trip, Graphic Design's field trip in Glendale, Movie Night, and Diversity Spirit Week.

Mr. Boston thanked the students for an excellent job, saying it is great to hear what's happening in the schools.

Ms. Michelle Rainey, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, spoke about the 2024-25 priorities for the Assistant Superintendents of Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Services, and Student Services:  Cross-School Collaboration, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Financial Sustainability.

Ms. Rainey oversees development, implementation, and improvement of academic programs across all Da Vinci Schools, collaborating with school leaders, teachers, and educational partners. This year, Ms. Rainey has worked on the charter petition renewals. She thanked Wiseburn's Board and staff for honoring Da Vinci with their 5-year renewals. She is now working on the RISE renewal. As part of her role is compliance, she has worked on a successful Independent Study audit and short-term independent study attendance recovery (for Communication, Design, and Science). In addition, ongoing collaboration and calibration like aligning WASC goals across the organization, articulation and collaboration with Wiseburn USD, focusing on Math and ELA outcomes, intervention support, and integration of future-ready skills beyond high schools keeps Ms. Rainey and the Leadership team busy.

Dr. Steve Wallis, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, oversees programs such as real-world learning, industry partnerships, career education and pathways, and collaboration with school leaders, industry experts, and community partners. Dr. Wallis spoke about Career Technical Education (CTE) at Da Vinci. Da Vinci was able to join the Charter School Growth Fund's Alumni Early Career Outcomes study, in which 40 schools across the country surveyed alumni five to seven years beyond high school. Both academic excellence and career preparation combined have the most impact on students' early career success. Students need to be educated on their options, including college, certifications, and career possibilities. Interactions with professionals in the industries have an impact on students.  Da Vinci was one of four schools in the study with higher-than-average early career outcomes. Da Vinci students are expected to take and complete CTE coursework. Cross-site collaboration among teachers has resulted in solid career preparation skills for students woven throughout the curriculum.

The Career-Connected Learning Gathering hosted at Da Vinci allowed staff from charter schools across the country, all South Bay public school districts, nonprofit supporters, and professional industry partners to share CTE practices and learn from each other. The second annual Community Aviation Day was a well-attended success, where students and the community got to learn that there's a lot more to aviation than being a pilot.

Ms. Schaefer inquired about the data on income variation across postsecondary pathways over time. Students are informed about not just their early career, but their career trajectory. Sometimes college is not right for students right now, but could be right later. Students need to plan for facing the ceiling in industries without a college degree. 

Mr. Santiago commented that the best outcomes come from the degree and the certificate.

Ms. Heimov inquired about the financial aspects of student early career success when students have student loan debt. She has seen job applicants whose debt precludes them from taking a job in public interest that they may want, but forces them to take a higher-paying corporate job. Brief discussion ensued. Dr. Wallis will send the Early Career Outcomes report to the trustees.

Mr. Amato spoke about 2024-25 second interim financial projections, sharing the 7.3 overall increase in ADA from what was budgeted in first interim, and thus revenue is up $216,000.

Dr. Wunder commented that Design went from 92% to 95% ADA; 1% is $70,000, that is $210,000 projected better this year than last year.

Not much has changed for Federal revenue; a slight increase in title funds is projected. The State funds, including grants, are actually less than budgeted in the first interim. This is not because of losing revenue, but because of increased revenue in other areas, some grant revenue was able to be moved from planned use this year into next school year.

In personnel expenses, the benefits year begins on January first, and Mr. Amato and the team made decisions regarding the health benefits cost increase. Those increases are now reflected in the numbers, and the total personnel expense is $29.8M for the year. Services and other operating expenses include legal settlements, professional and educational consultants and transportation services approaching $9.73M. Overall, Da Vinci has just over $90,000 in surplus.

This year there is a unique one-time item in the expense-free release of $435,000 restricted funds to unrestricted funds. These funds are the CTEFP grant dollars from three years ago to reimburse construction expenses for prior projects. The Board had decided to use the funds on the CTE Studio, but as that project is no longer being pursued, the funds get released into unrestricted net assets.

Any equipment, software, etc., large purchases over $5K are capitalized. Net operating reserves are projected at just under $13M. Deferred maintenance changes every year. Each year, Da Vinci puts in 1% of LCFF funds, which this year is $211,000. Deferred maintenance expenses are taken from that amount. Economic uncertainty funds are $8.4M, which board policy dictates is 20% of Da Vinci's gross operating expense. These numbers are projections and can change by the end of the year. Dr. Wunder reminded the Board that as a charter school, Da Vinci needs high reserves for cash flow, as it is unable to borrow at low rates the way that public school districts can if State funding decreases. 

Mr. Amato briefly discussed the IT capital project, two large parts of which were up for approval.

Mr. Bravo gave the update, speaking about graduation ceremonies, which will be held in the Gym. The brand new soccer field cannot withstand a full eight days of the graduation setup, with the stage and chairs for 2,000 people. The gym is climate controlled and the IT setup is easier.

The Cafe update DSA backcheck is expected soon. The backcheck is the final DSA plan review process where the DSA reviews corrected plans and specs to ensure code and regulations compliance approval prior to construction.

The one major DSA comment was the need to drop the ceiling in the kitchen area. The architecture firm will work on the plans to move the sprinklers, lights, fire alarms, electrical, etc.

Ms. Heimov inquired about Yom Kippur vs Rosh Hashanah holidays on the calendar. Ms. Rodriguez shared that Yom Kippur was a CLD day last year, but as the holiday is on a different day this coming year, CLD day could not be put on Yom Kippur. She has received requests to consider other holidays such as Eid; there are many holidays competing with the required number of instructional days for students.

The item was pulled from the consent agenda. Dr. Wunder mentioned that the calendar will be brought back for approval; a special meeting may be needed. Brief discussion ensued on floating holidays and other possible solutions.

Mr. Santiago stated:

Pursuant to Government Code section 54953, subdivision (c)(3), the Board
provides this oral summary of the salary and fringe benefits as set forth in the
proposed Chief Financial Officer Employment Agreement between Da Vinci
Schools and Michael Amato.

• Contract term effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Annual salary of $245,825.44 effective July 1, 2025.
• Annual salary increase of 3%.
• Annual retention bonus in the amount of $37,500.
• 9.5% in contributions towards a retirement plan.
• Paid medical benefits on same terms as other management employees.
• 20 days of annual vacation with pay, exclusive of holidays.
• 12 days of annual sick leave.
• The School shall pay for necessary expenses associated with professional growth
  activities approved by the Board.

Mr. Santiago stated:

Pursuant to Government Code section 54953, subdivision (c)(3), the Board
provides this oral summary of the salary and fringe benefits as set forth in the
proposed Chief People Officer Employment Agreement between Da Vinci Schools
and Veronica Rodriguez.

.

• Contract term effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Annual salary of $222,861.06 effective July 1, 2025.
• Annual salary increase of 3%.
• Paid medical benefits on same terms as other management employees.
• 20 days of annual vacation with pay, exclusive of holidays.
• 12 days of annual sick leave.
• The School shall pay for necessary expenses associated with professional growth
  activities approved by the Board.

Closed session entered at 7:23 p.m.

Public session reconvened at 8:38 p.m.

Mr. Santiago stated that no action had been taken in Closed Session.