None.

No public comments. 

Mr. Whalen shared the main focuses of the LCAP: project-based and competency-based curriculum, increasing engagement and relevance for our students, and extracurricular and co-curricular experiences that affirm teaching and supporting the skills students are already demonstrating within and beyond the classroom. Another focus is targeted support for our EL, SPED, and students with significant learning gaps through adaptive layering technology, as well as trainings and supports for our students and staff. The LCAP was reviewed with LACOE SELPA, SSC, EL, students, and the larger community for feedback.

Dr. Johnstone commended RISE staff for all of their work this past year, and shared his appreciation for the uplifting graduation ceremony. 

RISE 2021-22 Priorities and Vision 

 Mr. Whalen reviewed the 21-22 school year priorities: data-driven, campus culture, and college and career. He shared the RISE vision and noted it will be part of future Board meetings.

May Data and Demographics Data Update

RISE serves 225 students, 56% of whom are opportunity youth. ADA from 5/6

through 6/8 was 61.48% at Richstone, 46.93% at APCH, and 54.70% at New

Earth. School-wide ADA is 53.50%. 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.

Mrs. Morgan inquired about the data for increased foster youth. Mr. Whalen shared that the increase reflects new incoming students and not current students in transition from their current placements/homes.

Student Support Services Update

Mr. Whalen highlighted data pertaining to student support services provided from

January through June from APCH and Richstone. He highlighted the case manager check-ins as well as case management services.

Partnership and RISE Updates

APCH: APCH Summer Programming registration is now open: Summer Session 1 is June 13 - July 1, and Session 2 is July 5 - July 22. Six RISE students are eligible to earn course credit through their participation in IMPACT and Enrichment programming. The $15,000 Shaheen Scholarship was awarded for the first time to a RISE student.

Richstone: BEAT Lab programming pilot was funded through Elevate Youth Grant. It launched on June 19, 2022 and will be utilized for summer programming. The first summer session kicked off on Tuesday, June 14. 

NE: Beyond Boundaries 2022 - RISE at New Earth took interested students on a weeklong camping trip to Utah, focusing on music, outdoor exploration, and healing. There is an onsite music studio, horseback riding, canyoneering, hiking, yoga, meditation, fishing, etc.

RISE Summer School

Classes offered included Intro to Psych (English and Social Studies), Teen Summit (SEL), Beat Lab (music production), and a SpaceX Field Trip.

2022-23 Leadership

Mr. Whalen shared leadership transitions for the upcoming school year. Mr. Whalen will serve as Executive Director, Mrs. Naomi Lara will serve as Principal, and Ms. Edith Funes is serving as Assistant Principal.

As Executive Director, Mr. Whalen will focus on supporting the school and continued development to ensure fiscal sustainability, sharing the work of RISE with others, as well as expansion and support for other districts.

Mrs. Funes’ focus and support will be evaluation, mentorship, and development of teachers to support professional growth. She will also support monitoring student achievement by utilizing multiple data sources to develop plans to improve student performance. As EL Coordinator, she will continue to support ELAC, ELPAC, and ELD efforts.

Mrs. Lara shared her focus on building upon the momentum and setting strong structures for sustainable growth. She presented the 2022-23 priorities, including advisory communities, projected-based learning, and holistic wellness.

RISE Fundraising and Pending Support

Mr. Whalen shared a list of grants, companies, and foundations that have funded or pledged donations for RISE. He thanked the Advancement Team as they supported grant writing efforts. Due to the work of the Advancement Team and RISE staff, the grants awarded are closely aligned with what RISE is currently doing, further supporting the work that staff do with kids. He also reviewed a list of corporations and foundations in which financial support is still pending.

XQ 2022-23 Milestones

Mr. Whalen reviewed the XQ milestones, which include: Establishing a fiscal sustainability plan through consultation. Development support and connections through monthly check-ins and

supporting RISE in telling their story and codifying their best practices for replications/spread. Mr. Taylor asked if both parties agreed on the milestones. Mr. Whalen affirmed that they are shared milestones to support accountability.

Graduation

Mr. Whalen thanked the Board and staff for their support and contributions to making graduation possible. He also thanked all staff and students, past and present, for their attendance. Given the challenges faced during this school year, the graduating students worked hard and, with staff support,  graduated and continued to future ventures.

Mrs. Morgan thanked Mrs. Lara and Ms. Funes for their continued support to RISE, offered her support, and congratulated them on their new roles. 

Mr. Amato provided an update on the May financial results and reviewed the three-year annual budget.  

Mr. Amato reviewed the May P&L. The planned surplus of $11,996 is on track. Although the current statement shows a net income deficit, $480,000 of the incoming XQ grant will support the 2021-22 budget, and the remaining amount will support the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Mr. Amato reviewed the 2022-23 annual budget, first detailing revenue. The enrollment goal is 240 with funded ADA at 182.4 (76%). LCFF funding based on ADA is $13,980, representing a 6.56% COLA increase. Since the state budget is not final, the 6.56% increase is a current conservative assumption. When the state budget is approved, and full details are released, staff will make updated calculations. State LCFF revenue is just over $2.58 million, reflective of the ADA and enrollment assumptions. Federal revenue is $545,462, which includes standard Title and SPED funding. Other state revenue is $741,656, which reflects various grants (California Community Schools Partnership - $250,000 a year over five years, and HIP grant over two years). Also included are normal state funds from lottery, block grant, SPED, and NSLP. Local revenue is $724,578 from various grants (XQ and Ballmer), SPED, and SMAA.

Mr. Amato reviewed expenses detailing salaries and benefits, including step increases, $3% COLA for all staff, and benefits cost increases totaling $2.96 million. Books and supplies expenses total $168,200, including textbooks, core curriculum software, new student Chromebooks, tech, and other general materials and supplies. Total services and other operating expenses total $1.44 million, including professional and consulting services (partnership fees), educational consultants for SPED, transportation services (HopSkipDrive), insurance, and CMO fees.

Total expenses for the 22-23 school year are over $4.58 million, with a strong balance of $929,431 in reserves.

Mr. Amato then shared and reviewed future projections for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Future projections have key changes in revenue reflective of increased attendance growth and ADA. Long-term grants include California Community School Partnership for five years at $250,000 each year and the HIP grant to be spent over two years. As expenses grow, increased costs such as insurance and benefits are considered. Maintaining current/minimal partnership costs and increased state LCFF funding are also reflected.

Mrs. Morgan inquired about the amount not to exceed on the business insurance workers comp up for approval. Mr. Amato shared where the total amount is reflected within the budget and will provide a detailed proposal.

Mr. Taylor inquired about the budget for student transportation (HopSkipDrive) as he noted its annual increase. Mr. Whalen shared that all options are being considered since access to transportation affects school attendance. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Taylor asked how inflation is considered in the future budget projections. Mr. Amato shared that budget increases are dependent on where money is spent (i.e., benefits, general expenses, such as materials and supplies, vendor and software costs, etc.) Budget increases could be 2%-5% depending on where the money is spent. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Taylor asked Mr. Whalen about communicating potential areas in the budget where money can be used more efficiently for long-term sustainability. Mr. Whalen shared that he will include this request in future Board reports. Discussion ensued.  

Dr. Johnstone inquired about the added percentage of COLA and employee compensation. Mr. Amato shared that it is always a consideration. Dr. Wunder and Dr. Hawn can expand upon this topic and decision. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Taylor asked Mr. Amato about employee compensation. Mr. Amato shared the current process, which is scheduled step increases per year, and COLA. In future budget projections, only step increases are assumed, but not additional costs for future years since the amount is dependent on COLA and other factors.

Mr. Bravo shared partnership updates from Richstone, New Earth, and APCH. At Richstone, the final agreement for extra space is finalized. For New Earth, staff will be touring a new potential building for the following school year. APCH is steady and currently being reviewed. 

Versions 1 and 2 of the tiny homes are being utilized at Da Vinci Connect, Del Aire Campus. Version 3 is currently placed at Richstone and is being used for the music program. 

Mr. Bravo met with principals to discuss safety for the upcoming school year. The conversation included ingress and egress, emergency plans, and working with law enforcement, first responders, and safety officers to familiarize them with the facilities. 

Closed session was entered at 8:06 a.m.

The Board reconvened for public session at 8:17 a.m. Mrs. Morgan noted that no action was taken and no decisions were made.