No public comments.

There was nothing to report from the board.

There was nothing to report from the CEO/Superintendent.

Assistant Superintendent Michelle Rainey reported that she is currently working with the rest of the executive team on identifying and planning the next steps for RISE as the map out charter renewal, with a clear focus on ensuring that all decisions and actions are centered on what is best for students. Her focus in this process has been  grounded in student needs and long-term outcomes, and she is approaching this phase thoughtfully and strategically. After the break, Michelle stated that the RISE instructional team will focus on developing and working on job-alike responsibilities, collaborating with others to align roles, priorities, and supports in a way that strengthens the program and advances RISE’s goals.

Executive Director of Special Education Lynn Rodriguez shared an update on special education, noting that the SPED population currently represents 23% of the student body. To support these students, the school has three SPED teachers in place who are providing specialized instruction, services, and collaboration with general education staff. This staffing structure is designed to meet a range of student needs while ensuring compliance with IEP requirements and maintaining a focus on inclusive practices and student success.

Assistant Superintendent Vicente Bravo informed the board that the facilities department has been focused on making sure that RISE has everything needed to ensure streamlined processes with facilities that lead towards student and school success.

Principal Naomi Lara updated the board that as of December 2025, RISE High serves a total enrollment of 156 students across the Richstone and APCH sites, with a student population that includes a high percentage of historically underserved groups: 18% current or former foster youth, 10% students experiencing homelessness, 6% current or former probation youth, and 23% students with IEPs. English Learners represent 22% of the student body, and 7% of students are identified as Pregnant and Parenting. Attendance data over multiple years highlights fluctuations impacted by external factors, with notable improvement in 2024–25, where the average attendance rose to 72.33%, and continued stability in the early months of the 2025–26 school year, maintaining averages in the low-to-mid 70% range. Principal Lara updated the board of the key instructional initiatives RISE staff have been focused on, including the CPPS Partnership for Teaching and Learning, Leave to Learn experiences, and End-of-Quarter Presentations of Learning, all of which are designed to deepen engagement, personalize learning, and strengthen student outcomes.

CFO Michael Amato provided an update to the board regarding the FY 2025–26 First Interim Revised Budget for Da Vinci RISE reflects updated enrollment and ADA assumptions across two sites (RS and APCH) and shows a modest decrease in total projected revenue from approximately $4.24 million to $4.04 million, primarily driven by lower ADA-based funding adjustments. Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) remains the primary revenue source, supplemented by federal funds, state revenues, special education allocations, and a notable increase in foundation grants and other local revenues. Total personnel expenses remain the largest expenditure category at about $2.37 million, reflecting staff market adjustments and step increases, while operating expenses decreased due to reductions in consulting, services, and other discretionary costs. Overall, the revised budget projects total expenses of roughly $4.03 million, resulting in a positive net change from operations and an improved ending fund balance with reserves exceeding the minimum required level, indicating a stable financial position for the school going into the remainder of the fiscal year. He additionally informed the board that the audit for the 24-25 school year was received and was overall positive.

The board moved into Closed Session at 7:16 pm to discuss anticipated litigation.

The board reconvened into Public Session at 7:38pm and stated there was nothing to report from Closed Session.