None.

Mrs. Lara shared that the focus for LCAP was to support real-world connected learning and project-based learning connected to student’s interests, advisory communities to support extracurricular and co-curricular experiences, and to ensure adequate support, structures, and programs were in place to support content and skill development for all students, especially our students identified as English Language Learners, students in special education, and system impacted youth.

The process of our LCAP was to review metrics and progress data during School Site Council meetings in combination with our English Language Learner Advisory Committee. Parent Advisory Committee meetings were held where all goals, metrics, and outcome data for 22-23 were reviewed to elicit feedback on improving our outcomes. Staff also held parent/stakeholder engagement meetings to gather further input. The LCAP was reviewed throughout the year with staff in conjunction with our WASC self-study process. Mrs. Lara noted that the team is looking forward to continuing to make focused progress toward our outcomes next school year.

Mr. Whalen thanked Mrs. Lara for her efforts towards the LCAP and WASC.

Dr. Johnstone commended the team on an outstanding commencement ceremony. The rose ceremony was incredible and perfect for RISE. He thanked Mrs. Lara for the hard work on the LCAP and thanked Mr. Whalen for sharing a podcast interview in which he was featured.


Dr. Jennings commented on graduation, which was a great experience. She applauded the rose ceremony and thanked everyone who joined. Her favorite moment from graduation was the rose ceremony. Dr. Jennings thanked Mr. Whalen for posting videos and updates on social media. She thanked Mr. Whalen for posting on social media and Dr. Johnstone for his generous scholarship contribution. 

Mrs. Montes-Rodriguez noted that she also enjoyed graduation. She commended Mrs. Lara's speech and shared that the ceremony was a powerful, moving space. 

Mrs. Lara thanked the Board for attending graduation and noted memorable moments from the graduation rehearsal. 

Mr. Whalen provided an update to El Camino College. He detailed President Thames visited RISE at Richstone. Mr. Whalen encouraged volunteers to provide public comment expressing support at the upcoming Board meetings. The next board Meeting will be held on June 21. Anna Marie Defelice, Larry Simonsen, and Gabriel (student) will provide comments. The next Board meeting is on July 17, and the El Camino College MOU vote will be at the August 21 Board Meeting. The anticipated campus opening will be during the 2024-25 school year.

Mr. Taylor asked if we had received feedback from Dr. Thames, and Mr. Whalen responded that we had yet to. Dr. Jennings noted that she will comment on El Camino College's July Board meeting.

Mr. Whalen reviewed the purpose of the School Access Coaches initiative that is underway. Principal. Lara, student Goldie, and social media intern Emily did an amazing job creating a short video that Mr. Whalen presented. The deadline timeline for this initiative is Monday, July 17, 2023 - Interest Form Deadline, Monday, July 24, 2023 - SparkHire Video Deadline. Friday, August 4, 2023 - Training 1.

Mr. Whalen briefly mentioned the Braided Funding Overview, a handout for political supporters to understand better RISE's need for State and Federal Funding.

Mrs. Lara reviewed RISE Local Indicators that have been met: LCFF Priority #1 Basic Services, LCFF Priority #2 Implementation of State Academic Standards, LCFF Priority #3 Parent Engagement, LCFF #6 School Climate, and LCFF #7 Access to a Broad Course of Study. She noted program updates for the 2023-24 school year for LCFF Priority #2 Implementation of State Academic Standards, LCFF Priority #3 Parent Engagement, LCFF #6 School Climate, and LCFF #7 Access to a Broad Course of Study.

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

May Data and Demographics Update
RISE served 189 students, 47% of whom are opportunity youth. ADA from 4/17/2023 - 5/12/2023 was 61.52% at Richstone, 56.74% at APCH, and 57.20% at New Earth. School-wide ADA is 58.49%.

Dr. McCullough inquired about the increase of ADA at New Earth. Mrs. Lara noted that partner relations, a case manager counselor onsite, the momentum of learning,  the excitement of graduation, and addtional factors supported the increase. Further discussion ensued. 

Mrs. Lara shared photographs from the 2023 Spring graduation.

Mr. Amato reviewed the 2023-24 budget, representing the current RISE model: three sites, core education, and wrap-around services. Mr. Amato detailed the projected revenue summary. The budget includes State and Federal funding and State and Federal additional funding programs, which are not enough to fund the current model based on various expenses. Mr. Amato noted a need for additional grants and donors to fill the funding gap and sustain the current model. As additional grant funding comes in, adjustments will be made to expenses. Funding multiple buckets: State and Federal funding (LCFF revenue, state lottery program, Title funds, and SPED funds).

Mr. Taylor inquired about ADA funds. Mr. Amato shared that LCFF state revenue, SPED, Title I and II federal revenue, and mandated block grant and state lottery revenue from other state revenue are ADA based. He reviewed recurring funds, one—time grant funding and secured grants from private donors. RISE will need $1,150,000 in additional grant/donor funding to balance the gap from State & Federal funding. RISE has already secured $330,000 of this funding, and the remaining $820,000 is needed to balance the budget for fiscal year 2023-24. Dr. Jennings noted the grants and awards grid Mr. Amato created, which lists all grants and donations received.

Mr. Amato noted that additional State LCFF COLA funding at 8.22% increases funding by $127,000. The model for 23-24 shows enrollment of 200 and ADA of 60%, ADA 120, which is the goal for next year. If this target is not met, there may be less State funding and the need to adjust expenses or increase fundraising.  

Mrs. Montez-Rodriguez asked if El Camino is factored into the budget, and Mr. Amato clarified that it is not currently included due to pending approval from LACOE. Once approved, the team will start the planning process and determine the financial impact in future years.

Mr. Amato reviewed personnel expenses, noting key changes from 2022-23 in the staffing, such as restructuring staffing for focused roles, rearrangements in combining case manager and academic counselor roles and meeting all credentialing requirements. To be efficient with staffing expenses, other positions were reduced. In the personnel department, the cost is up from 22-23 due to timing, hiring gaps, and annual step increases. STRS rate is kept at 19.1%, and UI is down 0.05%.

Dr. Jennings noted that staffing increases are not that high. Mrs. Lara mentioned that, inclusive of feedback, the traveling staff model is returning, and staff will travel between sites to facilitate small-group instruction. Dr. McCullough inquired about transparency around ADA, similar to instructional goals. Continued discussion ensued.

Mr. Amato reviewed books and supplies, noting the costs of enrichment and noncapitalized equipment. Dr. McCullough inquired about sponsorship from vendors to support supplies such as Chromebooks. Continued discussion ensued. Mr. Amato reviewed services and other operating expenses, pointing out insurance costs, partnership fees, expenses from consultants, and professional development. He also noted legal services and settlements, transportation services such as HopSkipDrive and expenses for other modes of transportation for field trips, and IT services. Additional expenses include the CMO fee, which is 10% of total State, Federal, and local agency funds excluding grants, donations, and NSLP reimbursements. Mr. Amato noted he will send further details to the Board for review. Continued discussion ensued. Mr. Amato noted the total operational expenses and the ending fund balance. Mr. Taylor inquired about the number of Enrollment and ADA needed that could negate the need for additional funding. Further discussion ensued.

Mr. Amato briefly mentioned approvals on the agenda: 2023-24 Annual Budget, CharterSafe insurance proposal, LCAP, and Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Block Grant Spending Plan. Dr. Jennings requested additional information in the grants and awards grid. Further discussion and clarification on grant renewal ensued.  

None.