None.

Principal Lara noted Bright Spots & Highlights of the new 2024-27 LCAP, particularly NWEA MAP Growth. 82% of the 68 students with Winter 2024 Growth scores either achieved a Lexile increase of ⅓ a level or ELA Growth of 50% or above (14% increase). 76% of the 55 students with Winter 2024 Growth scores either achieved Quintile increase of ⅓ a level or Math Growth of 50% or above (40% increase).  

Areas of focus for the new 2024-27 LCAP include improving cycles of communication for student progress and tiered re-engagement, opportunities for Parent/Family/Stakeholder engagement and connection, and NWEA MAP & State Test participation rates and continued academic growth.  

A few changes and engagements for the upcoming year include hosting opportunities for parents/families/stakeholders to engage socially and hosting an Open House within the first three weeks of the school year. A change in cohort schedules allows for mid-week tiered re-engagement and interventions and to allow for more effective instructional planning. 

Dr. Jennings and Dr. Johnstone congratulated staff and students on an incredible and inspiring graduation ceremony. 

None.

Mr. Whalen provided an update on the Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid project. The next steps include a community announcement in August. The episode will be released in August/September. RISE will throw a launch party for students, staff, Trustees, and partners.

Mr. Whalen shared a brief update on New Earth. Nine New Earth students are attending summer school at Richstone. Transition meetings between New Earth and RISE staff are ongoing. Staff are working to even out the number of students between Richstone and APCH. We are moving items out of New Earth and to the two existing locations. Staff are working on a digital media partnership and investigating FLOW and Down to Earth classes for Richstone and APCH students.

RISE was awarded the Golden State Pathways grant. The purpose of the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) is to provide local educational agencies (LEAs) with the resources to promote pathways in high-wage, high-skill, high-growth areas. The Planning Grant is up to $200,000 per application for new career pathways over one year, and implementation is up to $500,000 over three years.

Cotton-On is continuing to partner with RISE. Their 2024-25 Contribution is $20,000. The Staff are still exploring potential partnership opportunities within the campuses. This could include retail academy courses and mentorship opportunities. Mr. Whalen, Principal Naomi, and Ms. Crissel Rodriguez met with the team on Thursday, June 13th, to discuss the
2024-25 partnership.

Mr. Whalen will present with other XQ leaders at the PBL World Conference in Napa, CA, from June 24th to June 27th. The panel discussion will feature XQ educators from various XQ schools across the country. Panel members will share examples of projects they’ve developed, barriers they’ve overcome, and how they leverage the XQ Learner Outcomes and Competencies and other tools and resources for PBL success.

Mr. Whalen thanked the Board members for their contributions to supporting two APCH students on their journey to the Dominican Republic with the non-profit Global Glimpse. While abroad, this group of learners explores history, culture, politics, poverty, education, development, and business in a developing country. Students are challenged to think critically, collaborate with each other, and bring their new-found perspective back to their high schools and communities.

Mr. Whalen Shared that his Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services role will start on July 1st. Leadership streams include continuing to facilitate the overall advancement, stabilization, and executive oversight of RISE High School. Da Vinci-wide support for Counseling, Discipline and restoration, SEL, DEIB, EL & ELAC, Title I, II, II, duplicated populations, Performing Arts, and homeless and foster Youth.

Mr. Whalen shared a graduation video created by Lead Behaviorist Jonathan Williams.

Current Demographics Update - LP 10 and LP 11

In May, RISE served 206 students, 42% of whom are opportunity youth. LP 10 ADA 4/22/24 - 5/17/24 was 64.17% at Richstone, 73.12% at APCH, and 55.67% at New Earth. The schoolwide ADA is 66.06%. LP 11 ADA 5/20/24 - 6/14/24 was 61.75% at Richstone, 67.66% at APCH, and 50% at New Earth. The schoolwide ADA is 61.94%. She shared a six-year ADA comparison, noting that the ADA was higher in LP9-LP11 than it has been since the 2018-19 SY. 

Principal Lara shared photos and information regarding Exhibition at RISE. The events were held on May 29th and May 30th at the school sites, and the Community Exhibition on June 1st was held at the MPR at Da Vinci School. Exhibition was a success across all school sites, and students were proud to show their projects to community members and staff. This is an annual event that RISE is looking to host each year.

Principal Lara shared college, career, and life plans for RISE grads. These include student acceptances to California State University Humboldt, California State University Sacramento, California State Dominguez Hills, Rutgers University, Los Angeles Trade Technical College, El Camino College, Santa Monica College, a Bartending school, American Career College/Nursing, working full-time as a hairstylist, a construction Program, and the US Navy. 

Principal Lara shared photos from the last two days of professional development. The staff attended an offsite afternoon with Indivisible Arts. The focus was on play and setting intentions for the upcoming school year. Staff enjoyed an afternoon of music, crafts, art, and play. 

Mr. Amato reviewed the 2024-25 annual budget, which looks much different than prior years for various reasons, including changes in the State budget, one-time funding sources, and recurring revenues. The State's budget has stabilized, and the governor's May revision has stood up for the time being and included a 1.07% LCFF COLA, which is reflected in the budget. There are no other budget cuts since the last update. The 1.07% COLA is lower than it has been in years, especially compared to the 2023-24 8.2% COLA.

Mr. Amato noted that enrollment for the 2024-25 SY is 169, ADA 63.5%, and ADA 107.3. These numbers are based on our ending enrollment, which is over 200 students, and accounts for the number of graduates. This includes the number of students at APCH and Richstone, as well as transfer students from New Earth. ADA percentage of 63.5% was determined by the average trend of the last four months. Staff believe this number is achievable and represents growth. The 107.3 ADA gives us almost $260,000 more in LCFF revenue than 2023-24.

Mr. Amato shared that a challenge is in Federal and State funding. Many Federal and State on-time funding programs have been used wisely over the years for the past 3-4 years. Federal funds are down about $280,000, and State funds are down about $200,000 from the prior year versus the 2024-25 budget. Local revenue, which reflects foundation grants and donations, is down from previous years. Considering all the decreases, compared to the 2023-24 school year, RISE is down about just under $600k. RISE determined to consolidate to two sites and make changes in expenses such as personnel salaries, benefits, stipends, and extra pay. Changes in expenses were also made in books, supplies, curriculum, and technology. There are also changes in operating expenses, which include travel, dues, insurance, professional consulting, legal, and transportation. Mr. Amato noted the decreases in partnership fees. Areas in the budget where there are increases in expenses are special education. Mr. Amato also shared that Da Vinci is temporarily waiving the CMO fee.

Discussion ensued regarding the details of the CMO fee. With all changes, RISE has achieved a break-even budget with about $497,000 in reserves, a healthy reserve percentage of 16.5%.

Dr. Johnstone asked Mr. Amato if there was any concern about risk in either revenue or expenses. Mr. Amato shared that this budget is more conservative with revenue than in years past, so there is no big concern there, and the upward trend in enrollment and ADA is promising.  An area of risk is transportation, but staff are aware of the target for the year and will adjust accordingly as needed. Mr. Taylor inquired about the reduction in the partnership fee. Mr. Amato acknowledged that our partners have been generous and that the agreement is discussed year-to-year so that the fee will fluctuate. Discussion ensured regarding transportation and fundraising efforts to support the transportation costs.

Mr. Amato noted that the Federal government has yet to announce any new one-time funding programs for the future. He shared that the 4-year Golden State Pathway grant will support RISE and that the ERC government funding program will be shared with RISE in the future, which is about $530k that will help future years.  

Mr. Amato noted the approval items: CharterSafe Insurance, in which RISE has a bit of savings due to consolidating sites and fewer staff. The reduction will support the budget. He also noted that Proposition 20 is the Arts in Music funding that requires a Board approved annual report explaining how the money was spent, the number of students served, and the number of staff participating in the program. 

Mr. Bravo shared that the RISE van is in the shop to fix the roof prior to vinyl wrapping with DV logos. The van usage has been beneficial throughout the year. He also shared that the DV graduation was executed flawlessly and expressed his appreciation to all staff for their support in coordinating. 
 
Dr. Johnstone inquired about the update on the soccer field. Mr. Bravo noted that the projected completion date is October 2024 and detailed the upcoming steps.