Ms. DaCruz stated that the school's attorney, Mr. Izzy put togheter a letter that will be send to RIDE in response to the Major Ammendment hearing. In the letter we are asking them to establish a clear process of conversion from Mayoral to independent charter by August 2025. Additionally, we are asking for the second installment of the payment for the addition of the upper academy, the CSP grant.  In the letter, Mr. Izzy is asking for transparency regarding other charter schools who received the funds and to identify the criteria that made them eligible. Ms. Waller stated that the school submitted an application at the same time when the application was submitted for the first round of funds. Mr. Izzy emphasized that RISE Prep always followed the guidelines and requests from RIDE during the Major Ammendment application as well as in any other matter since the school's opening. The entire board agreed with the context of the letter and proceeded to vote. 

Ms. DaCruz provided the updates regarding the process for joining the Retirement program, as RIDE provided the letter necessary. The employees were also surveyed and encouraged to express their feeling and concerns. Mr. Izzy recommended official reassurance for approval from the ERSRI.

Ms. Diaz suggested to make sure that the Woonsocket School District is aware of the fact the numbers regarding the local shares are not yet real and that WSD was not supposed to get the extra funding this year anyway.

Ms. DaCruz informed the board that the school was awarded the $50,000 grant for the PowerSchool Student Info. System Implementation through the Wardwell Family Foundation for the academic year 2025-2026.

Ms. Waller stated that the school got approval to use federal funding (Title I and Title IV) for the professional development part of PowerSchool program during the current school year as some of the teachers are doing that now and the funds help with the one-on-one training, etc.

Ms. DaCruz informed the board that they started the legal process with the students with chronic absentee. She emphasized that despite the efforts and logistics available there are a few cases that need extra attention and that are not the students at fault but the parents. Overall, the student absenteeism is down 5% this year and the teacher absenteeism took a big hit because of flu season. The metrics considered are the school's metrics and not the state's metrics.

Ms. DaCruz  stated that they are tracking the new legislation on the General Assembly this year, paying special attention to the pieces that might have an impact on the school. 

Ms. Hamilton : Mike Trayner is been working . Press releases -monthly

Ms. DaCruz - for enrollment, teachers recruitment and general info.

Next Tuesday- press conference , 10 am at 120 Spring St.  Will notify The City Council , The Governer Office, School Committee to be transparent.

Ms. DaCruz stated that the RFP will be brought back at the next meeting. 

Ms. DaCruz -recommended to work with KITE Arhitect .

Ms. DaCruz stated that more work with the architect should take place before the RFP, therefore it  will be released on early summer 2026.

  Ms. Waller stated that for the next meeting there will be available a budget draft with the goal to have the final budget ready for approval for the June meeting.