Mike Trainor and Zach provided an overview of the current digital advertising campaign designed to increase public awareness of RISE Prep. They emphasized that limited awareness of the school allows opponents to shape the narrative, and that digital advertising is the most efficient and cost‑effective method to counter this.

Zach outlined the targeting framework used in the campaign:

- Ads are targeted by geography, behavior, and interests.

- Geo‑targeting focuses on RISE Prep’s sending communities, aligned with demographic data.

- Current campaign targets decision makers in households with young children, reflecting the focus on enrollment season, particularly for the Upper Academy.

Zach also reviewed six weeks of engagement metrics, noting:

- the click‑through rate (CTR) is above baseline, indicating effective targeting.

- total digital advertising spend to date: $11,700.

- video ads, especially on YouTube, are performing strongly due to the high quality of the video assets.

Board members raised concerns that the current ads are targeted toward families, as vocal opponents of the school often do not have children and they can't see them.

Mrs. DaCruz clarified that the present campaign is enrollment‑focused, which justifies the family‑targeted approach' however future advertising rounds will have different audiences and objectives. The campaign is grant‑funded in support of enrollment efforts.

Mrs. Diaz requested a comprehensive budget breakdown for the entire digital advertising campaign, including monthly recurring costs and one‑time or additional expenditures

Zach noted that many of the campaign assets are reusable, increasing long‑term value. Mrs. Diaz expressed that while the campaign appears well‑executed, return on investment is difficult to quantify.

Zach will provide a full budget breakdown for the digital advertising campaign at a future meeting. Mrs. DaCruz stated that she will continue to outline future advertising phases and target audiences.

Mrs. DaCruz provided an update on the Stage II submission process:

- stage II has been submitted, along with supplemental information filed on December 1.

- the school is currently awaiting placement on the Woonsocket Planning Board agenda.

- there will be one Planning Board meeting in January, as Beacon Charter is scheduled before the board in December.

Mrs. DaCruz also noted several municipal updates:

- John Ward has been appointed to the Woonsocket Zoning Board.

- Alan Fung is serving as the attorney for all Woonsocket special boards.

Mrs. DaCruz reported that the Mayor has requested that the school consider paying full taxes as part of a PILOT agreement. Mrs. Waller asked whom to contact for specific tax figures. Mrs. DaCruz advised reaching out to the Administrative Aide for detailed amounts and calculations.

Mrs. DaCruz stated that the RISE Prep's rating stayed the same, which was a pleasant surprise, as many charter schools dropped to 1 star, and many are facing 1-year renewals. 

Mrs. DaCruz reported that the school is currently developing plans for PSAT and SAT sets and RICAS as well. 

Mrs. Gassey inquired about open staffing roles. Mrs. DaCruz stated that hiring is ongoing.

Mrs. DaCruz informed the Board that there is currently one student outplacement.

In response to Mrs. Diaz's question about the SPED program, RD explained that the Lower Academy has a Dean overseeing SPED and a contracted supervisor oversees the SPED program school‑wide.

 Mrs. DaCruz stated that 0ne or two additional outplacements may be necessary in the Upper Academy due to behavioral needs. She noted that students transferred from Woonsocket High School are generally doing well, including those who had been involved in fights earlier in the fall.

Mrs. DaCruz shared that disaggregated RICAS data shows significant performance differences between the scholars who began their education at RISE or have been enrolled for multiple years, versus the recent transfers into the school.

Mrs. DaCruz reported that the recent food drive was successful, with 40–85 families participating each week. The school will continue to keep the food pantry open and is exploring partnerships with local industries to support and expand the initiative.

Mrs. DaCruz stated that the enrollment is open, and going well. 

Mrs. DaCruz reported that the proposed Inclement Weather Virtual Instruction Plan would allow the school to shift to virtual learning during severe weather.

The plan requires only one signature for approval and authorizes the school to provide live online instruction on days when in‑person attendance is not possible.

Mrs. DaCruz reviewed the remaining requirements for the Stage II application, noting the need for additional environmental testing. The proposed cost for this work is $83,000, to be contracted with Parr Engineering. Additional land surveys will also be required to complete the submission.

Mrs. Waller stated that this is primarily a cash‑flow timing issue, not a question of overall affordability.

Mrs. DaCruz reported that the School Building Authority (SBA) requires the project to include chevron‑style parking. The school would like to request a waiver of this requirement in order to create two dismissal lanes, which would improve traffic flow and student safety during pickup.

Mrs. DaCruz reviewed the full selection process for the Construction Manager role:

- the school received 7–8 proposals.

- Mrs. DaCruz and KCM independently scored all submissions.

- three finalists were selected for interviews: Consigli, AZ Corp, and Mill City.

Finalists were asked to complete pre‑work, deliver a presentation, and submit follow‑up materials.

Interviews were conducted by Mrs. DaCruz, KCM, and Mrs.Waller.

The Board is welcome to conduct an additional interview with the recommended candidate if desired.

Mrs. DaCruz reported that Consigli submitted the strongest proposal and follow‑up materials. Key strengths included:

- a highly qualified superintendent assigned to the project.

- use of the original project timeline, with confidence in meeting it.

- a proposal that, while more expensive, includes significantly more staffing capacity.

- extensive experience with RIDE SBA projects.

- positive references, all confirmed by KCM.

Mrs. DaCruz stated that the Board may motion to award the bid to Consigli or request an additional interview.

Mr. Leveille asked whether the price could be negotiated.

Mrs. Diaz suggested asking Consigli to narrow the gap between their bid and the next lowest bidder.

Mrs. DaCruz cautioned that negotiations should avoid removing elements that the school considers essential.

The Board discussed focusing negotiations on general conditions and general requirements.

Mrs. Diazs recommended a motion to approve Consigli, not to exceed the proposed contract amount, and make the approval contingent on the Executive Director negotiating the price downward.

The Executive Director would be required to request that Consigli reduce the price by half the difference between their bid and the next lowest bid, while retaining discretion to accept a smaller reduction depending on the services included.

Mrs. Waller reported that the annual audit may be delayed due to the unexpected requirement for a Federal Single Audit. This requirement was not anticipated during initial planning and may extend the audit timeline.

Mrs. DaCruz reported that the Champlin Foundation may be able to provide a small facilities grant, estimated at approximately $10,000. She noted that these funds would likely support asbestos‑related needs.

Mrs.Waller reviewed the status of the predevelopment loan, explaining that it will be issued after RIDE approval. Mrs. Waller noted that the RIDE approval meeting has not yet been scheduled, it is expected to occur in December, though it may shift to January.

Mrs. Dias asked whether RIDE has provided any recent updates. Mrs. DaCruz shared that a meeting with RIDE is scheduled for December 10 to discuss the project and next steps.

Mrs. Dias suggested moving the Financial Updates to the next meeting to allow sufficient time for review and discussion of the financial reports.

Mr. Waller will prepare and share the following materials at the next meeting: budget‑to‑actuals report, balance sheet and financial projections.

The Board agreed to move the meeting to January 13, 2026.