None.

Dr. Johnstone shared his understanding and appreciation of the time and efforts towards editing the handbook and safety plan. Dr. McCullough concurred.

Ms. Croft provided an update on the projects she is involved in and the collaborative discussions with the working group. The focus during June and July was creating a strategic fundraising and development plan blueprint for the next two years to support a sustainable fiscal future. She shared that this approach combines seeking foundation support in identifying grants and fundraising events. She is also researching alternative funding streams, cost/benefit analysis around projects, and collaborating with Mr. Whalen to build RISE's first advisory committee. Discussion at the August meeting will focus on brainstorming collective fundraising actions for the year. 

Ms. Croft shared that interns from Emerson Collective are supporting a plan of revamping RISE's social media and online presence, garnering more traffic to the website and articles that outline RISE's success. She has also worked with Ms. Carla Levinson to launch the donation page on RISE's website and social media platforms. Ms. Croft has met and will continue to meet with the Board working group to review potential grants and opportunities for foundation support. 

Ms. Croft mentioned her continued collaborative work with Dr. Wunder and Mr. Whalen on participation and impact in the policy sphere. She has created a one-pager with information to pass around to elected officials in support of RISE.

Ms. Croft shared her gratitude and her excitement in continuing to work with RISE in this new role. 

Dr. Jennings and Board members discussed returning to in-person meetings. Mrs. Montes-Rodriguez and Dr. McCullough requested that masks and social distancing procedures are in place when returning to in-person meetings. 

Mr. Bravo and Dr. Wunder commented that guidance from LADPH will be followed as it continues to change and thanked Dr. Jennings for the discussion. 

Dr. Wunder congratulated the work Ms. Croft and Mr. Whalen have done in creating a one-pager with information on the work, the why, and the results of RISE. He also shared his confidence in Ms. Croft and Mr. Whalen's collaboration and philanthropic work for long-term sustainable funding.

RISE 2021-22 Priorities - Data, campus culture, college and career.

May/June Data - RISE serves 219 students, 46% of whom are opportunity youth; ADA for May is 50.48%, and summer school ADA is 97.27% at Hawthorne, 87.83% at APCH, and 60% at New Earth. 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).

Credit Attainment - Mr. Whalen shared a chart detailing RISE’s credit attainment by site, quarters, and years. During COVID campus closure, RISE students earned 1,045 more credits in 20-21 than in the 19-20 school year. 

Summer School Highlights - Summer school took place from June 12th through July 2nd. More than 60 students participated, and 211 credits were earned. 80% of ADA was met throughout the sites, as was 100% of target enrollment.

Hawthorne had 97.27% of ADA with 73 credits attained. Highlights include virtual and onsite learning opportunities and significant academic progress. 

RISE at APCH had 87.83% of ADA with 107.5 credits attained. Highlights include culminating learning experiences at the LA Central museum, Cultural Plaza Olvera tour, and a skateboard event.

RISE at New Earth had 60% of ADA with over 30 credits attained. Highlights include student engagement in RISE courses and New Earth programming. 

New Earth Update - 2021-22 partnership goals include 80% attendance and engagement across New Earth programming and DVR Academic Program and finding a new home for the Arts and Leadership Center. New Earth is continuing to offer all programs and services to RISE students throughout the summer. 

APCH Update - 2021-22 partnership goal include having at least 60% of RISE students engaged in APCH services, programs & workshops. Since June 16th, APCH has facilitated three events in which RISE students attended. APCH will be providing backpacks, school supplies, and t-shirts to all returning students this fall.

RISE Summer PD Series - July 26th - August 6th. 35 new and returning staff members participated and were engaged. Week 1 focus is mission and vision, operations, COVID compliance, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, PLCs, committees. Week 2 focus is special populations, RISE partnerships, site-based planning, community building, Da Vinci-wide programming.

Richstone - Developments at Richstone are on schedule. Upcoming monthly partnership collaborative meetings will focus on integrated programming and services, and building out a partnership that is steady and sustainable for both organizations.

Fundraising Efforts - The meeting with the Ballmer group focused on collaborating and discussing long-term funding options. Boeing's on-campus visit is scheduled for next week, focusing on sharing the work RISE is doing. 

Title I - During Year 1, RISE’s unduplicated (FARL/EL/Foster/Homeless) percentage was below 40% with small first-year enrollment. In 2021, RISE is far above 40% threshold for school-wide services (above 70% last year). With the LCAP planning process complete, documented, and approved by the board in June, RISE is able to transition to implementing Title I school-wide spending on those services effective last year and moving forward. Dr. Wunder and Mr. Denniston commented on California providing free lunch for all students and the impacts on LCFF. Discussion ensued. 

LACOE - The material revision public hearing is scheduled for August 3rd. Mr. Whalen and Ms. Croft will be presenting. Mr. Roger Van Remmen from Richstone, Mrs. Yana Simone from New Earth, and recent alumna Renicia Schaffner will be speaking in support of RISE during public comments. Mr. Whalen shared his gratitude towards LACOE for their continued support. 

Dr. Jennings wished the staff well for the August 3rd LACOE Board meeting, commented on summer school ADA, and shared appreciation for the professional development updates.

Ms. Montes-Rodriguez asked if summer school students were encouraged to participate due to academics or if it was self-initiated. She also noted the higher ADA at Hawthorne and asked if there was a difference between Hawthorne and the other sites. Mr. Whalen shared that priority was based on engagement and need. Special education students that needed onsite support and services were prioritized. New Earth operates as a drop-in center, and staff and students are working on adjusting to cultural and logistical shifts to encourage more daily attendance.  

Dr. Jennings inquired about the move from Hawthorne to Richstone in terms of attendance. Mr. Whalen replied that a few families are looking towards the independent studies option. There is no significant decrease in student enrollment. 

Mr. Amato shared that the final full year-end reports will be presented at the August board meeting. Preliminary results show that revenue projections made in April/May showed a net surplus of about $164,000. Money was spent above projections on the expense end, so the year-end surplus range will be closer to $87,000, which is still a positive net result for the year. The areas in which more money was spent than anticipated are the Tiny House Project ($25,000), COVID return to campus expenditures: air filtration systems, campus return signage, site preparations for returning students ($15,000), graduation ($7,000), and transportation ($20,000). The unanticipated expenses outside original projections are all for positive things. RISE will end the year with around an $87,000 net surplus and just over $700,000 in reserves. 

Mr. Bravo provided an update to the Richstone move, sharing that staff has started the unpacking process. Items in storage will be moved the following week. Discussions of indoor air quality solutions are a focus between Richstone staff and RISE. IT is focused on getting the copier, internet, and phone systems up and running. Safety officers will be back on site to familiarize themselves with the new campus and routine. John Fernandez from facilities is creating the public notices signage. Egress and ingress for drop-off/parking were finalized last week with anticipated, necessary changes up for discussion after the first few weeks of school. Mr. Bravo shared that the collaboration between Richstone and RISE staff is going well.