No public comments.

Tom Johnstone stated that it was great to see everyone. Carla McCullough agreed.

No comments. 

No comments.

Principal Naomi Lara reviewed Feb/March demographics. Hiring of third Special Education teacher has been helfpul. Tom Johnstone mentioned that the number of students with IEPs dropped. Naomi agreed and stated that there were a few withdrawals.

ADA average of 72.8% for the school year. ADA percentages from 12/2024 and 1/2025 has been the highest since 2018-19. 

Naomi shared Project-based learning projects, such as English student story boards, Real World Learning experiences, such as the Cancer Care Project in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. 

Chris Taylor asked about the Side Hustle Economics Project and if this was created by teachers. Naomi stated that this was part of the learning from the SpringBoard conference.

Naomi presented CTE Updates - In partnership with Music to the Ears Foundation, RISE is developing a digital media pathway. We are currently in the planning portion of the grant. In partnership with Welfie and Dr. Emily Green, we are developing a Mental Health Pathway which includes a Peer to Peer program. Members of our team have already been trained as Peer to Peer trainers.

Naomi presented State and Benchmark Assessments - We are removing the winter NWEA testing and prioritizing CAASPP and CAST assessments. The focus will be on participation. Chris Taylor asked what made students anxious about these tests. Naomi mentioned that there are multiple reasons including students having questions as to whether the test is beneficial or consequential to them or if it is more important to the school.  Additionally students have expressed test anxiety and may be fearful of receiving low test scores. Dean Jonathan Crouch stated that it was helfpul when he explained the "why" to students and asked them to focus on trying their best. Tom Johnstone stated that when students see incremental growth, it is motivating for them. Carla McCullough mentioned that the names of the testing bands may be changing for this upcoming test adminstration to change the label from below basic to different language, Carla also discussed the possibility of bringing a radio station on campus during a CAASPP Celebration Day and it would also help with enrollment.  Naomi discussed incentive plans for assessments.  

Naomi presented Senior Update: Senior Activities such as Paint and Sip are starting. Students are now receiving college acceptance letters.

Highlights: ADA has increased 59% (107/180) of students enrolled more than 30 days in Q1-Q2 2024-25 had either an ADA greater than 94.3% (22%: 40/180) OR improved their attendance rate from the previous year (37%: 67/180).

Graduation rate has increased by 14.6% from the previous year, 51% of Foster students, 69% of homeless students and 27% of justice involved youth enrolled as seniors graduated within 5 years. RISE is still in the red color status.  Naomi shared information about the Differentiated Assistance process work with Kern County Superintendent of Schools, the root cause analysis and identification of plan of action was based on improving graduation rates and centered on improving 1:1 meetings with students and advisors to better support graduation progress tracking and interventions. 

Focus Areas: ELA and Math CAASPP scores declined - 72.1 points from the year before for ELA and 27.7 points from the year before for Math. One if the things that hurts RISE is the decrease in participation rates because students who do not take the test automatically get a negative score. Tom Johnstone asked if there was a chart that explained the points system for the assessments. Naomi stated that she would work with Gloria to get this information. Carla McCullough asked if anyone has disaggregated the data to see if there is a correlation between lenght of enrollment, ADA and scores.  Naomi shared that as a result of decrease in CAASPP ELA and Math proficiency, RISE is again eligible for Year 2 of Differentiated Assistance and will be continuing the work with Tammy Gabel from Kern County Superintendent of Schools.  Our work this year will focus on improving ELA and Math proficiency. 

College and Career Readiness is the other focus area. CTE courses and pathways will be key in this area because taking a CTE course indicates that students are more ready for college and career, RISE hopes to see an increase in CCI preparedness once CTE pathway courses are rolled out.   

Spotlight on Practices: Naomi spoke about Advisory Practices, Professional Development, and Partnerships with Pass it Forward. 

CFO Michael Amato presented the second interim reports. Enrollment and ADA have been strong. Average ADA for the year is 69.5%. ADA projection is 118. If we hit 123, this will mean an additional $75k. Projecting lower overall revenue, reduction in expenses, and pushing grants to next year. Total revenue down by $225k. We are down in Personnel expenses due to how staffing went this year. Operating Expenses are projected to be lower, specifically with consulting services. Net change from operations from 37k to 112k. Chris Taylor asked about grant and one time funds. Michael reviewed these specific line items. Total of $1,117,000. Chris Taylor asked about timing for planning budget for 25-26. Michael stated that this is already in progress. Tom Johnstone asked about federal funding and Dept of Education. Michael stated that we do not know if or when federal funding will be cut. RISE received about 10% federal funding. 

23-24 Tax Return is completed and has been filed. Tom Johnstone stated that he was shocked to see that Hop Skip Drive was higher than the cost of facilities.

Michael presented information regarding the 3 year Annual Audit Contract Renewal. 

Vicente Bravo stated that benches and canopies were added for students at Richstone. The van is doing great. It has been used extremely well for RISE. Kynelle is our new safety officer at APCH and we are working with the APCH team to train and collaborate.

Public session reconvened at 7:40 pm, no motions were made.