Dr. Robertson, Dr. Johnstone, and Dr. Jennings recognized and thanked Dr. Ring for her service to Da Vinci Schools, Da Vinci RISE, and Wiseburn. 

Dr. Johnstone commended RISE staff on an uplifting graduation. He thanked staff and students for their contributions.

Dr. Jennings shared her appreciation for the staff in their efforts and planning an inspirational graduation. She also thanked Dr. Ring for a wonderful year.

Dr. Jennings provided a work group update. The two subgroups met and discussed networking and fundraising opportunities with Ms. Croft. Details and updates of the meetings will continue to be provided in the upcoming months.

Mrs. Montes-Rodriguez thanked everyone that supported the planning of Dr. Ring's retirement party. She was grateful to be a witness to the celebration and congratulated Dr. Ring on her retirement. 

Dr. Wunder shared his deep appreciation for Dr. Ring and acknowledged all the work she has done. He is grateful to her as a colleague and friend, and her presence and expertise will be missed. 

Dr. Wunder briefly commented on the upcoming discussion regarding the two year budget Mr. Amato prepared which reflects the required changes from LACOE. He has full confidence in RISE's ability to provide RISE students the fair share of services they need. 

Dr. Ring, Mr. Amato, and Mr. Whalen shared details of the annual update to the 2019-20 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), the 2020-21 Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (LCP) and the 2021-2024 LCAP.

All three 2019-20 LCAP Annual Update goals were met even as school closures impacted access to learning sites. Opportunities continued to engage parents and stakeholders through alternative means. 

Dr. Ring reviewed the LCP (SB 98) COVID Crisis Plan, sharing that all goals were met regarding in-person instruction offerings, distance learning program, continued examination of pupil learning loss, and the submission of the ELOP Grant/Learning Recovery Program. The LCP verified that RISE is in compliance with LACDPH /CDE health guidance, and it increased/improved services for its unduplicated pupils consistent with 5 CCR Section 15496 during school closures.

Dr. Ring reviewed the Annual Update for the 2020-21 LCAP Plan expenditure summary noting funding differences in the distance learning program and food services program.

Mr. Amato provided financial details of the LCFF Budget Overview for Parents. The projected general fund revenue for the 2021-22 school year: $1,832,640 total LCFF funds, $444,783 in LCFF supplemental and concentration grants, $163,475 all other state funds, $2,080,300 all local funds, $313,158 all federal funds, and the total projected revenue of $4,389,573.

Total budgeted expenditures for the 2021-22 school year: $4,327,770 general fund expenditures, $1,637,777 expenditures in the LCAP, $1,186,519 expenditures for high needs students, and $2,689,993 expenditures not in the LCAP. Expenditures for high needs students: $647,408 total budgeted expenditures for high needs students in the LCP, and $699,232 actual expenditures for high needs students in LCP. Funds for high needs students: $741,736 2021-22 difference in projected funds and budgeted expenditures, and $51,824 in 2020-21 difference in budgeted and actual expenditures. 

Mr. Whalen reviewed the 2021-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), sharing that the LCFF formula determines how state funds are used within the charter. Funds are allocated based on student enrollment of English Learners, low-income students, and foster care students. The LCAP is a long-term accountability plan and tool used by schools to allocate state funding that requires input from stakeholders focused on improving outcomes and using the funds to support underserved students.

Mr. Whalen shared the timeline for LCAP Community Engagement and detailed the goals and actions for academic instruction, school culture, literacy, numeracy/math instruction, and college and career. Mr. Whalen also reviewed the Federal Addendum, providing context on how RISE uses its Title funding, ESSA funding supplements, and state and local resources and supports. He shared responsibilities and strategies implemented for Title I, Part A, Title II, Part A, and Title IV, Part A.

Dr. Ring shared information on the Dashboard Alternative School Status Program (DASS), which is designed for schools that serve high-risk students, focused on six state indicators: academic (English Language Arts and Mathematics), chronic absenteeism, college/career, English Learner progress, graduation rate, and suspension rate. She also reviewed AB 1505, which includes new rules and standards for reviewing charter schools seeking establishment and renewal by governing boards of school districts, county boards of education, and the SBE. AB 1505 does not apply to DASS schools, so DV RISE is not required to meet all qualifications. However, LACOE is required to provide an agreement to assess alternate measures for RISE charter renewal. 

Dr. Ring reviewed RISE's alternative school measurements developed through A-GAME. RISE participated in a year-long holistic review of data for comparison/growth targets that will be used for the renewal of petitions through the LACOE authorizer. RISE will be measured on academic achievement through test scores (NWEA and STAR) where at least 95% of students achieve either a reading growth of the 50th percentile or a Lexile level increase of at least ⅓ a level. The PLP goal measurement states that 80% of students will miss no more than one annual PLP goal. The measure for chronic absenteeism is  65% of students will maintain a 94.3% attendance rate or improve their attendance rate from the previous year. The guidelines for college and career readiness is course experience in which at least 75% of 12th graders will compete all high school credits to graduate and complete either a college readiness or workforce readiness opportunity. Graduation rate is measured by high school completion, credit attainment, and an adjusted dropout rate. Measurements for suspension rates are restorative justice and SEL growth. The measurement of English Language Learner progress is pending LACOE's final review. 

Dr. Johnstone thanked Dr. Ring and the team for the excellent work as he understands how much time and effort goes into compliance in both federal and state levels. 

Dr. Jennings shared Dr. Johnstone's sentiments and thanked the team for their work. 

Mr. Whalen presented June data and demographics. RISE currently serves 218 students, 51.2% of whom are opportunity youth; ADA for April is 52%, and current May ADA is 52.82%. All three sites have been approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (meal service) for the 2020-21 school year. 

Mr. Whalen reviewed the 2021 Summer School data. There is a 5 to 1 student/teacher ratio, focusing on rebuilding culture and learning loss mitigation. 15 instructional staff elected to continue teaching summer session. Students are offered flexible programming and scheduling. Seventy-three students are currently being served. There are 28 students at APCH, 30 at New Earth, and 28 at Hawthorne from 9am-12pm Monday through Thursday. Fourteen students receive support through independent studies. 

Mr.Whalen shared a breakdown of the number of foster youth, probationary youth, housing unstable (which changes weekly), and parenting youth across the RISE sites. He also highlighted data pertaining to student support services provided during the second semester (January – June).

New Earth Update – Summer employment opportunities are offered through Beyond Vegan, Food Distribution, and Parish Garden. Programming returning to campus is the Girl’s Group and FLOW.

APCH Update – Since the launch of two-credit bearing IMPACT classes in January 2021, 18 RISE members have attended at least one class. Other highlights include:
Three students completed their resumes. Two received CA ID fee waivers and instructions on obtaining an ID. Two students signed up for the Family Resource Depot. 

Mr. Whalen reviewed the 2021-22 priorities for RISE based on feedback cycles. First is data driven instruction and differentiation (PLC’s, data-based culture, PLP refinement, credit attainment, and goal setting). Secondly is campus culture and social emotional development (post-pandemic, RISE tenants, RISE RAP, SSS Supports, and community circles). Lastly, is college and career exposure and transitional services (real-world learning, internships, field trips, guest speakers/industry partners). 

Mr. Whalen spoke about the Modern Classroom Project, which embodies the RISE pillars. It is a blended instructional model that allows students to access content through teacher-made video lessons. It offers a self-paced structure where students can learn at their own pace within each unit of study. This allows for mastery-based assessment in which students access more advanced content when ready, resulting in metacognition which is the student’s ability to build academic and social-emotional skills through reflection.

Mr. Whalen thanking everyone for supporting RISE scholars. Twenty-seven students graduated, and one student obtained their California diploma by passing the California High School Proficiency Exam. Mr. Whalen thanked nurse Emily Green and Dr. Mary Ring for support with logistics and Assistant Principals, Dr. Robertson and Ms. Funes for their efforts and communications. The event was beautiful, and students felt supported. 

Mr. Whalen concluded by sharing his appreciation for Dr. Ring for her expertise, support, and guidance. 

Dr. Jennings asked that Mr. Whalen continue to share the priorities with Board so that they can continue to support the team.

Mr. Amato presented the May 2021 balance sheet. Cash remains healthy at $1.27 million. Due from Grantor Governments is $421,103 and is representative of state LCFF deferrals. Cash is expected between July through November. New items in the liability section show received deferred revenue from the ELO grants, which will be spent next year.   

Mrs. Montes-Rodriguez asked if the ELOP grant is public or private funding. Mr. Amato replied that the funding is public funds.

Mr. Amato provided details of the May profit and loss statement, sharing that nothing is unexpected. There is a high net income is $507,000 through the end of May, with most of the revenue posted at the beginning of the year in January through XQ and other funds. RISE will exceed the total budget of $140,000, refer to the year-end projection that was presented at the last meeting, which will be around $165,000 bottom line for the year.

Mr. Amato reviewed the final agreement for approval between XQ, RISE, and Da Vinci Schools Fund (DVSF). The purpose of the three-party agreement between all parties is to acknowledge that XQ will be giving DVSF the remaining $1.385 million XQ funds. DVSF will hold the funds in a trust for RISE to withdraw funding during the 2021-22 school year.

Mrs. Morgan noted that Dr. Ring’s name is identified in the document. Mr. Amato shared that he will check with XQ to see if a name change is needed, and mentioned that it does not impact the terms.

Mr. Amato reviewed the Fiscal Policies and Procedures Update required each year. This update was also submitted to LACOE for the Material Revision. LACOE reviewed the document and recommended minor changes which are included. The document is tailored towards RISE and not just an adoption of Da Vinci Schools policies and procedures.

Mr. Amato reviewed the CSMC agreement. It is a 5-year agreement with a new low-fixed price that stays the same over the 5-year term. Terms were included to allow for adjustments should something happen to RISE. Even though the agreement is five years, there is room for an amicable exit without issues in the event of extreme circumstances. The annual fee of $90,000 was lowered to $78,000.

Mr. Amato also reviewed the Charter Safe Insurance Contract. Charter Safe is the insurance provider in areas such as worker's compensation, main insurance policies, and general liability. The proposal for this year is reflective of a 2% increase in costs rising from the current year for a total of $79,580.00.

Mrs. Morgan noted that coverage for the Hawthorne location is $15,000 more than the other two locations. Mr. Amato shared that due to the move to Richstone, new materials are being ordered as old materials are being thrown out.  Mrs. Morgan also noted that cybersecurity is also covered in the package and would be a great discussion for a later time. Mr. Amato shared that Jesse, the IT Services Director, could answer any questions she may have. Dr. Wunder also commented that we have multiple backup systems to support Da Vinci if something were to happen.

Lastly, Mr. Amato shared an update to the changes in the Annual Budget approved at the last meeting. LACOE reviewed the budget and requested changes to the 2022-23 budget that would not reflect the fundraising monies included in the budget presented the previous month. The new budget reflects a one-site (Richstone) model with 100 students in which only state and federal funds are available. Under a one-site model with 100 students, core funds from state and federal are about $1.4 million in revenue. With a certain amount of personnel to sustain that one site, normal expenses, and fees, the deficit is $163,723. It was communicated to LACOE that even at a one-site model, RISE would struggle to break even due to the costs involved for services needed to support the student population. LACOE is okay with the deficit for one year because of our reserves. There is no contingent funding in this budget; it is all based on core State and Federal revenue. The 2022-23 school year model looks poorly financially, but the reserves of $844,018 from the year prior will sustain the loss.

Mrs. Montes-Rodriguez asked Mr. Amato when the fundraising workgroup should consider looking at all scenarios for 2022-23. Mr. Amato shared that scenarios can be explored at the start of January. At that point, RISE will have a better idea of the fundraising efforts and planning based on the progress of fundraising commitments. Fundraising progress will be presented throughout the year through Board and/or other financial reports. Forecasting and budgeting for the 2022-23 school year also takes place around March.

Dr. Ring shared a brief update on Hawthorne to Richstone move. Staff are currently packing, making final preparations, and scheduling for a smooth transition.