None.

Dr. Johnstone thanked Mr. Amato for the great work on the First Interim. He acknowledged Mr. Whalen for his great work filling the disparity gap in ADA and Mr. Denniston for his work drafting legislation. 

Dr. Johnstone and Dr. Jennings wished everyone happy holidays.

None.

Mr. Whalen shared that the LACOE Board approved the Material Revision, allowing the move to the New Earth Washington location, and shared Board member comments supporting RISE and a need for enrollment-based pay. He also thanked Dr. Brown for his advocacy and support. 

Mr. Whalen shared brief updates for the YASS $1 million prize. Five finalists were initially selected to receive $250,00; Mrs. Yass has increased the amount to $500,000. Mr. Whalen will be representing RISE at an upcoming panel in New York. If RISE is selected as a finalist, the organization will receive $500,000. 

Dr. Johnstone asked when the YASS prize would be announced, and Mr. Whalen shared that the winners would be announced the following week. The event will live stream the panel discussions. Mr. Whalen will share links and information once received.

Mrs. Lara reviewed the RISE 2022-23 Priorities: Advisory Communities, ProjectBased Learning, and Holistic Wellness.

November Data and Demographics Update 
RISE served 192 students, 43% of whom are opportunity youth. ADA from 10/31 - 11/25 was 54.74% at Richstone, 58.36% at APCH, and 41.30% at New Earth. School-wide ADA is 53.29%. Mrs. Lara shared a breakdown of the number of current and foster youth, homeless, current and former probationary youth, students with IEPs, and EL status.

Mrs. Lara noted that there is a positive momentum with ADA and that staff will be engaging in strategic thinking during the winter break for improvement in enrollment. Home visits are happening this week and next week.

Mrs. Lara highlighted data pertaining to student support services provided from August through October at APCH and Richstone. She thanked Ms. Anna Marie Defelice, Coordinator of Student Support Services, and the team for their work with our students and the community. 

December graduation will be held in January, and invitations will be sent once a date is confirmed. 

Mr. Amato reviewed the first interim, a revised budget considering all financial statements through the end of October, comparing it to the last approved budget submitted to LACOE in September. Current enrollment is 192, and ADA is 51%. Dollars per ADA for LCFF is $15,141, including state COLA, slightly up from the Material Revision amount. ADA funds are reduced from the original goal of $2.4 million to $1.482 million. The gap will be fulfilled by using a variety of grants from federal, state, and private organizations and foundations. Overall total revenue is slightly increased due to expense increases. 

Mr. Amato reviewed expenses. The personnel expenses increased from the proposed material revision budget submitted in September due to the 5% COLA increase approved for staff. The expense also accounts for savings in personnel due to timing gaps in hiring. The increase in books/supplies/equipment accounts for new teacher laptops. The increase in professional/consulting services includes additional grant-related expenses from using new grants in 22-23. The increase in educational consultants reflects the increased use of SPED vendors related to enrollment. Newly enrolled students are receiving needed services for IEPs and assessments. Transportation services have increased due to the transition with New Earth from the temporary location at Douglas. There are decreases in district oversight fees and CMO management fees due to reduced LCFF revenue. There is also a decrease in communications due to a change in mobile providers. Total expenses are up overall due to personnel and educational consultants, but revenue increases offset it. The net surplus deficit is $10,191. The second interim will be presented in March.

Dr. Jennings asked about the current status of grants since many are being used to rebalance the budget. Mr. Amato shared that there is $125,000 of the Ballmer grant to be used in the future and a few grants that require use over a period of time; for example, California Community Schools is a 5-year grant. All the other grants, even though they had opportunities to be spent over time, have been pulled in this year to rebalance the budget.

Dr. Jennings asked for an updated fundraising report, and Mr. Amato said he would send a grant report.

Mr. Amato shared information regarding hold harmless funding. The state is calculating multiple tests reviewing the 2019-20 school year ADA and enrollment compared to what was paid in 2021-22. Based on tests, if the 2019-20 data presented higher ADA, the state will bridge the gap with additional funding. The state released its first test, which reviewed the 2019-20 SY (ADA 70-80%) and compared it to the 2021-22 SY (ADA 50%). The state has calculated that RISE will receive $800,000 in bridge funding. This information is not included in the first interim report due to timing, and this should allow RISE to re-use the grant money allocated in the first interim in future years. 

Dr. McCullough asked about the timeline of funds from Prop 28. Mr. Amato and Mr. Denniston shared that they cannot confirm that it will impact the budget this year.  

Mr. Bravo noted that the Certificate of Occupancy for New Earth Culver City is complete, and Richstone is almost finalized. 

The facilities and IT department teams are ready to support the New Earth transition to Washington. 

Mr. Bravo shared that he is working with Facilities Director, Mr. John Fernandez, to obtain the van. They are working with SouthBay Ford and other school districts for piggyback options for purchases. Mr. Bravo will work with Principal Lara and the team to discuss logistics. Since the van is a 10-seater, the driver will not need special licensure.