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Closed session began at 6:16 PM and concluded at 6:47 PM. No action was reported from the closed session.

Naomi Lara presented a comprehensive overview of the 2024-25 LCAP outcomes and outlined the strategic priorities for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

2024-25 LCAP Outcomes - Bright Spots:

Graduation Rates: While still below target, significant positive momentum was observed. On the DAS alternative rate report, 72% of 44 identified seniors in 2023-24 graduated within the same school year, marking a 48% increase. The CDE dashboard rate, which tracks 4 and 5-year cohorts, showed 30.6% of students graduating within their cohort, an increase of 14.6%.

Average Daily Attendance (ADA): High-level statistics indicated strong performance, with 57% of students enrolled for more than 30 days achieving an ADA greater than 94%. Furthermore, 51% (128 out of 228) of these students improved their attendance rate from the previous year, resulting in an overall 26% increase.

CASP Completion Rates: There were substantial gains in CASP completion rates, with over 70% participation for both ELA and Math, a significant increase from 36% in the previous school year. This improvement aims for more equitable assessment practices and better data capture.

Areas of Focus for 2025-26:

Improving ELA and Math Proficiency: Recognizing that dashboard ratings for these subjects are currently "red," the focus will be on ensuring more consistent access to varied instructional materials, aligning professional development (e.g., through summer PD with Tiger Woods Foundation's STEM Studio, Springpoint training for financial literacy units, and a 5-part California literacy series with Da Vinci teachers through LACO). The implementation of "IXL," an adaptive program that personalizes skill development based on NWEA MAP scores, will also be key.

Increasing Post-Secondary Readiness: Progress is being made in launching CTE pathway development. A strong advisory board of industry professionals for both pathways (Digital Media and Mental Health) has been established. Exploratory units and curriculum will be piloted in advisory sessions in Quarter 1 of the next school year to provide foundational concepts and help students choose a pathway.

Expanding Family Engagement: Goals include increasing attendance at S.S.E. parent advisory committees and ELAC meetings. The team also plans to incorporate more culture-building events and workshops for supporting learning at home, in response to feedback from parents and caregivers.

Changes Contributing to Engagement:

Improved assessment coordination, including eliminating the winter MAP test to focus on fall and spring NWEA, and maximizing the CASP and ELPAC testing windows, led to significant gains in participation.

Board members expressed their appreciation for the detailed LCAP report and commended the team's hard work. They specifically acknowledged the recent commencement ceremony as an "amazing experience" and "fabulous," highlighting the honor of awarding the Johnstone College scholarship. The board also noted the positive alignment of RISE's goals with other Da Vinci schools, fostering forward movement and synergy. They expressed excitement for the upcoming year and the continued dedication of the staff, especially regarding the bravery displayed by a student singing at graduation.

Erin Whalen shared an exciting update regarding collaboration with all Da Vinci schools on reimbursement through medical billing. She highlighted that work performed by RISE staff, such as reaching out to families for events, could be considered "community health work" and potentially be reimbursable. This new program, once staff members are certified, could lead to "steady reimbursement dollars" for RISE, as it's a new development in her experience. The team, particularly case managers, has been receiving training, and the plan is to get RISE staff certified and implement the program at the top of the next school year.

Michelle expressed immense gratitude and appreciation for the hard work of Jonathan and the team. She specifically lauded the graduation ceremony as "absolutely beautiful" and acknowledged the devotion put into addressing the "hardest places" in their work. Michelle also commented on the student who sang at graduation, describing it as a "redefining of bravery."

Naomi Lara provided further details on student demographics and engagement initiatives.

Enrollment Updates: The school currently has an enrollment of 184 students, with the Class of 2025 being particularly large. A significant "enrollment push" is underway for the summer, involving communication with current contacts, connecting with group homes, attending middle school information nights, participating in community events (e.g., "National Night Out" on August 5th in Wiseburn, Friday Night Lights in LA City, community fairs at community centers, boys and girls clubs, and libraries), reaching out to waiting lists of surrounding schools, and making presentations to social worker teams. Alumni will also be contacted for referrals.

Attendance: The school closed the year with an average daily attendance (ADA) of 72.19%. Efforts are focused on making this consistent and stronger through better communication with parents, providing support for independent study days, and leveraging the new peer-to-peer mentor group (friend support program) to coach students on planning their days and setting goals.

Assessment Completion Rates: Final CASP completion rates averaged 73%, with a higher percentage in English Language Arts compared to Math, indicating a need to focus on Math assessment hesitancy for the next school year. ELPAC completion rates reached an impressive 98.7%, with students showing increased effort and intentionality during the speaking portion of the test, attributed to intentional ELD building and pep talks.

Testing Incentives: A successful incentive program involved trips to Topgolf, facilitated by Sebastian and Jonathan. Students had to complete all assessments to sign up. 15-17 students attended each of the 3-4 trips, totaling at least 45 students. Many had never golfed before, and some displayed natural talent, leading to discussions about potentially forming a Da Vinci golf team. The trips fostered positive student engagement and enjoyment.

CTE Pathway Development: Significant progress was shared. A partner from Academics Beat Lab conducted feedback sessions with students interested in the digital media pathway, leading to a joint field trip to the Beat Lab space. Industry partners, including representatives from Sketch and mental health professionals (Dr. Steven Moyo, Dr. Ressa from Kaiser Permanente, Cameron), engaged with students at an exhibition. These partners subsequently met at the Beat Lab for a brainstorming session on integrating introductory content from both pathways into a Quarter 1 advisory unit, potentially under the umbrella of a "Who Am I" project focusing on essential skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Exhibitions at Rise: The report highlighted successful exhibitions at both APCH and Richtone. Parents, family members, and partners attended, surprising students and witnessing their presentations with pride. A video showcasing the Richtone exhibition was played.

Michael Amato provided a detailed financial overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Budget Surplus: The overall budget projects a positive outcome, with a planned surplus of just over $19,000.

Key Funding Sources for 2025-26:

State Funding (LCFF): The largest source, based on enrollment and ADA. The budget is conservatively based on 185 enrollment and 70% ADA, with hopes for higher numbers.

CSI Funding: A federal program via LACO aimed at improving graduation rates. For 2025-26, this funding saw a significant increase, more than doubling to $421,000. It supports current expenses (e.g., partnership fees with Rise and EPCH) and new initiatives to boost graduation rates.

Prop 28 Funding: Supports performing arts expenses.

California Community Schools Partnership Grant: A 5-year grant, with the next year and the year after remaining.

Golden State Pathways Program Grant: A one-time grant supporting the implementation of new CTE pathways, concluding in the 2025-26 school year.

Medical Implementation Grant: New one-time funding provided upfront to help implement the Medi-Cal reimbursement program, supporting staff time.

Medi-Cal Reimbursement Program: A new, ongoing funding source with unknown but potentially large returns (estimated $100,000-$200,000 from staff time). Conservatively budgeted at $25,000 for 25-26, with anticipation of growth.

Other Grants & Foundations: Includes XQ money, which supports new programs and initiatives rather than direct bottom-line expenses.

ERC Money: Approximately $260,000 will be transferred to Rise in 2025-26, with an additional $200,000 in 2026-27 and $67,000 thereafter.

Future Outlook and Risks: The CTE pathways will see their final implementation year in 25-26, with more expenses anticipated in 26-27 as pathways are in full swing, though new CTEIG state grant funding will help. The state budget also includes a new one-time discretionary grant ($40,000) for 26-27. While 25-26 looks solid, more work will be needed to build funding and grow enrollment in 26-27 to maintain stability. A significant risk highlighted was potential federal cuts, especially given the federal government's reliance on California's revenue. Michael emphasized the potential for cuts to programs like IDEA, Medicaid, and SNAP, which could indirectly impact state funding for education.

Vicente Bravo provided an update on the school's facilities and related operational aspects.

Facility Status: No major changes or facility moves are currently planned, which is a positive for stability.

Van Usage: The use of the vans has been "great" and "very handy," especially for student trips like Topgolf. The school utilizes its dedicated van and has access to two additional vans from other Da Vinci schools when needed, ensuring ample transportation for students. Regular maintenance, including tire checks and seatbelt checks, is being performed to ensure safety. The board was thanked for the decision to purchase the vans, which have been a "huge financial" benefit and a "godsend."

Safety Team & Trainings: The school will continue to work with its internal safety team and the safety team at Apch for joint safety trainings. Ongoing meetings will be set up to ensure alignment in safety protocols.

Cardiac Screening Event: Dr. Emily Green has initiated a coordinated event with the Saving Hearts Foundation for February 7, 2026, offering free cardiac screenings for youth (middle school and high school students). This initiative is significant as free cardiac screenings are typically only available after an incident. The school is reaching out to various local sports teams (Kings, Clippers, Lakers, Chargers, Angel City, Sparks), UCLA Exos, CIF, and SBAA to involve as many students as possible. There's a strong interest in having the Beat Lab DJ for the event and involving medical pathway students as volunteers. The event also links to new requirements for cardiac arrest language in comprehensive school safety plans.