Meika Nwaomah commented that she was happy to see the new members who have joined the Board. She wants the RISE High students, families, and stakeholders to see the power of the Board to support them in rethinking education, and the impact that support has on their day-to-day experience.

Ms. Morgan shared that she is happy to support the staff and is excited to see the work being done.
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez shared that she has visited the APCH site, and looks forward to looking for opportunities to engage with the students and families.
Mr. Taylor commented that he didn't know about school boards when he was young, and that he is happy to support the work and students.
Dr. McCullough reiterated the comments of the others.
Dr. Jennings spoke of being thankful for the antiracist training her group has done at Teach For America.
Dr. Johnstone echoed Dr. Jenning's comments, sharing that as the head of the Westchester Rotary club, that group is also discussing equity.

Dr. Wunder shared that he is grateful for the national light that is being cast on the events of the day.
He then gave an update on funding, saying that policy can sometimes be one-size-fits-all, and RISE High students have been unintentionally marginalized with regard to funding.  He is working with partners on the possibility of a waiver for non-classroom-based schools.  The cost of educating each RISE student is twice what the state funds.  Dr. Wunder and the team are working with XQ on short-term funds, and XQ is reaching out to other partners for long-term sustainable funding.  Ms. Montes-Rodriguez and Ms. Croft have led a team (XQ, Emerson Collective, Capitol Advisors, Chet Pipkin, APCH, etc.) working on other funding strategies. Dr. Wunder added that he and the team need time to organize and prepare.  

Dr. Ring spoke about the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan, and the (new for charter schools) Single Plan for Student Achievement. Due to the pandemic, the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the accompanying LCAP report has been suspended. The new requirement is to submit a Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (LCP), which concerns gaps in learning, meaningful stakeholder engagement, the needs of unduplicated students, students with unique needs, and homeless students, among other issues.
An LCP Stakeholder Input meeting and a public hearing were held. In addition, a budget review for parents with a public hearing will be due to LACOE on December 15.

Dr. Ring also spoke about the SPSA (School Plan for Student Achievement) and the second part of the Consolidated Application which is due in February. There are multiple SPSA goals such as improved pupil outcomes, parental/stakeholder involvement and student engagement.

Dr. Ring added that the team is targeting students who are not engaged.  Ms. Morgan asked about students with IEPs; Dr. Ring responded that psychological assessments are being outsourced.  COVID transmission is a concern with face-to-face assessments.  Discussion of internet access, attendance during the pandemic, staff concerns, and plans in accordance with L.A County Department of Public Health followed, with contributions by Ms. Croft, Dr. Hawn, and Dr. Ring.  ADA requirements have not changed for non-classroom-based schools. Staff is aware of the need to strike a balance between student and staff needs.

A reopening recommendation with individualized appointments for student with ELL and Special Ed needs is being considered by leadership and will be outlined in the next Oct 21 meeting and in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines.

Mr. Erin Whalen presented the RISE update.  RISE High students are required to be held to the same pre-pandemic academic progress and time count requirements.  The pandemic-induced impacts on attendance (independent-study attendance is calculated by "time value of work completion" rather than seat time) are evident; for example, many more students have to work nearly full-time jobs, requiring RISE teachers to work varied hours to try to match student needs. 

The staff employs tiered Interventions. The orientation and enrollment process is critical; students who have a strong orientation experience will come back to school. Strong virtual instructional coaching is occurring across all sites.

Mr. Whalen shared the RISE Pathways for Resilient Learning, saying Resource Specialist Tiffany Edwards is the lead teacher for Independent Studies (remediation in a flexible schedule) and the expedited California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE).  Anthony Gay and Scott James, Behavior Interventionists, are providing a mentorship program, working closely with students who need increased executive functioning and accountability support and progress monitoring during the pandemic-induced closure.

RISE High has also deployed English Language Learning Coordinator and managers to support the 29 EL learners across the three sites.

Mr. Michael Amato covered the August Profit and Loss statement and balance sheet.  A revised budget will be presented to the board at the October board meeting.  RISE has no cash flow issues.

Regarding the XQ funding shown on the Dashboard, $4.37MM will be left in the XQ grant if current projections hold (taking $2.8MM instead of $1.5MM from the grant this year).  The remaining grant funds will allow two more years of revenue past the 2020-21 school year, assuming no state funding issues. The grant is given in two payments per year, July 1 and January 1.  Mr. Scott Warner added that LCFF funding is expected to go back to normal, and mentioned the "perfect storm" of the pandemic, LCFF revenue changes, ADA, among other things.

Ms. Morgan inquired if lower ADA has been factored into the finances.  Mr. Amato responded yes, but reminded the board that the state is paying RISE based on last year's ADA because the State has classified RISE as a non-classroom-based school. Therefore, approximately 50 students at the newer site will not be funded in 2021 unless something changes. ADA is expected to return to normal levels.  Discussion on ADA levels and ADA calculations ensued.

Dr. Ring relayed that according to Mr. Bravo, all PPE, facilities, COVID compliance preparations, internal air quality and ventilation are under control.

Dr. Johnstone asked why enrollment data percentages do not total 100. SPSA overall enrollment data did not correctly add up to 100%; a review of the data appears to be needed.
  
Ms. Montes-Rodriguez inquired about the page 21 racial breakdown in enrollment numbers and the disparity between the current year and the previous year's numbers of African American, Latino, and White students.

Item was tabled until the next meeting, when staff will address the questions and re-present the plan for approval.

Ms. Morgan asked for comment from Dr. Jennifer Hawn, who shared that alternative schools are permitted to have teachers with specialized training to teach out of assignment.  This year, LACOE asked for board approval.  Dr. Johnstone echoed Dr. Hawn's comments, saying that this is in line with what occurs in public schools.  Dr. Ring added that it is a reminder to administration that the teachers receive necessary support.