Ms. DaCuz shared that both schools were fully hired teaching for staff for this year. She reminded the board that last year staffing shortages and coverages were difficult due to being significantly underfunded due to the trigger clause in the funding formula. Ms. DaCruz noted that special education at the Upper Academy was fluctuating between 30-40% of the scholar population noting that a growing group of scholars who are joining the Upper Academy in 9th & 10th grade from schools outside of RISE are well below grade level.  Much of the focus is on grade level proficiency and gap closing interventions.

Ms. DaCruz shared that many families have been experiencing foot scarcity and other essential needs gone unmet during the summer months. She asked the board to support in sharing community resources that could be pushed out to families.

Charter conversion was on the Council Agenda and RISE Prep still plans to pursue when the pathway is approved and made public.

Ms. Hamilton and Ms. DaCruz shared that they went on WNRI at the end of July and had a very positive conversation with the host. The goal was to share more about the Upper Academy project proactively. No one called in to ask questions about the project but there were a few calls to share that they thought having a Mayor as a Board Chair was a conflict of interest. Hamilton and DaCruz shared with callers that the board was hopeful to successfully apply and be granted charter conversion to an independent charter school to avoid future perceptions of conflicted interest.

Ms. Hamilton stated that "RISE with Us" is the name of our broader community quarterly newsletter which was slated to come out in mid-September.

Ms. DaCruz provided an update that the Stage II SBA application is well underway and that the team is on track for a 9/15 submission to RIDE SBA.

Ms. Waller shared that this is a preliminary EOY financial review as there were still some outstanding invoices coming in. She noted that the cash looks high because of ERC money but will be used to rebuilt the reserves that needed to be used during the significant funding reduction during the 24-25 school year. Ms. Waller also confirmed that the federal application was submitted. 

No votes were taken during Executive Session.