Charter School Application Process Overview
This content provides detailed information on the establishment of charter schools, their purposes, eligible applicants, and the role of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as the sole authorizer of charter schools in Massachusetts. It also discusses the requirements for charter application, approval process, and the February discussion and vote mandated by state law for charter awards.
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Presentation Transcript
2022-23 Charter School Application Process February 27, 2023 Alyssa Hopkins, Assistant Director, Office of Charter Schools & School Redesign Alison Bagg, Director, Office of Charter Schools & School Redesign Cliff Chuang, Senior Associate Commissioner for Educational Options 1
Purposes of Establishing Charter Schools G.L. c. 71, 89 (b) (1) Stimulate the development of innovative programs within public education; (2) Provide opportunities for innovative learning and assessments; (3) Provide parents and students with greater options in choosing schools within and outside their school districts; (4) Provide teachers with a vehicle for establishing schools with alternative, innovative methods of educational instruction and school structure and management; (5) Encourage performance-based educational programs; (6) Hold teachers and school administrators accountable for students educational outcomes; and (7) Provide models for replication in other public schools. 2
Eligible Applicants for Charter Schools G.L. c. 71, 89 (d) Persons or entities eligible to submit an application to establish a charter school shall include, but not be limited to: (i) a non-profit business or corporate entity; (ii) 2 or more certified teachers; or (iii) 10 or more parents; provided, however, that for profit business or corporate entities shall be prohibited from applying for a charter. The application may be filed in conjunction with a college, university, museum or other similar non-profit entity. The charter is awarded to the proposed board of trustees. 3
Boards Role as Charter Authorizer Charter schools are public schools that operate independently of traditional school districts. In Massachusetts, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is the sole authorizer of charter schools. As the sole charter school authorizer in Massachusetts, the Board is responsible for: awarding charters for terms of five years; approving charter amendments related to districts served, maximum student enrollment, and grade span; approving contractual relationships with education management organizations; and imposing charter sanctions (probation) or revoking the charter. 4
February Discussion and Vote State law requires that any Commonwealth charter awards take place in February Board received information in January about the charter application and process Feb. 27 special meeting: opportunity for initial discussion Feb. 28 regular meeting: public comment, discussion as needed, and vote 5
Process Overview Steps Dates and Deadlines Initial Application Due August 1, 2022 Applicant Groups Invited to Submit Final Application Late September 2022 Final Application Due November 1, 2022 Public Hearing in Worcester December 9, 2022 Public Comment Deadline January 4, 2023 Department Staff Interview Applicant Group January 6, 2023 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Votes February 28, 2023 Opening Procedures, including management contract review and approval Through June 30 of first year of operations 6 6
Review According to Criteria How will the school demonstrate faithfulness to charter? 1. Mission 2. Key Design Elements 3. Description of the Community(ies) to be Served , including Enrollment and Recruitment How will the school demonstrate academic success? 4. Overview of Program Delivery 5. Curriculum and Instruction 6. Student Performance, Assessment, and Program Evaluation How will the school demonstrate organizational viability? 9. Capacity 10. Governance 11. Management 12. School Finances 13. Action Plan 7. Supports for Diverse Learners 8. Culture and Family Engagement 7
Public Comment Received The Department received comment in support of and in opposition to the proposed school. Any substantial issues raised in public comment that demonstrate weaknesses relative to the criteria are considered and addressed during the interview. The Board held a Public Hearing in Worcester on December 9. The Department also invited written comments. Written comments were provided by government officials, district employees, organizations, and members of the public. A link to the public hearing and copies of all written public comment are in your materials. 8
Interview In early January, the Department conducted an extensive, 2.5 hour interview with the applicant group to gather additional evidence related to the criteria and to assess readiness to establish and operate a high-quality charter school. Questions asked during the interview were based on the application reviewers comments, statements made at the public hearing, and written public comment submitted by the deadline of January 4, 2023. A full interview summary, including a list of participants, are included in your materials. 9
Evidence Summary The Department summarizes the extensive evidence gathered over the seven months of the charter application process. Department staff present all the information relative to the criteria, including public comment, to the Commissioner for discussion and review. A complete evidence summary is in your materials. 10
Commissioner Recommendation Based upon the evidence gathered during the Department s seven- month process, the Commissioner determines whether to make a recommendation to the Board. As described in his memo, the Commissioner is recommending that the Board award a charter to the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School based upon the criteria for approval. The Commissioner s recommendation memo is in your materials. 11
Opening Procedures for New Charters After Board grants a charter, the school must successfully complete the opening procedures based on charter school statute and regulations and the statutes applying to all public schools to ensure the charter school has addressed critical elements required for operation. 12
Overview of Opening Procedures Draft board bylaws Board complaint procedures Draft management contract, if applicable Memorandum of Understanding, if applicable Grants/tuition required finance documents New board members approval request, if applicable Financial disclosures by board members (30 days post-charter granting) Pre-enrollment report (mid- March) Waitlist report (mid-March) Special education program plan Code of conduct and/or student handbook (expulsion policy) Bullying prevention and intervention plan Evaluation criteria and professional development plan District curriculum accommodation plan Update school profile listing Substance Use Prevention and Abuse Education Policy Nutrition service contract Transportation services agreement School nurse agreement School physician/medical consultant agreement Teacher qualification summary Organizational chart and brief narrative Health plan and medications plan School wellness policy English language education policies and procedures Special education policies and procedures Copy of lease or sale agreement Multi-hazard evacuation plan Medical emergency response plan Receive notification from Department and submit initial Title I application (in July) CORI & Background check assurances Building permits and certificates Building accessibility assurance and/or plan Asbestos inspection report and AHERA management plan, if applicable Lead inspection certification, if applicable Insurance coverage MTRS Evidence Draft enrollment policy and application for admission Annual school calendar School schedule template Sample student schedule(s) Fiscal policies and procedures Budget (5 year) Cash flow projection (First year operation) Contact MTRS employer services CORI policy Background check/CHRI policy Contact ESE Food and Nutrition Programs office and indicate if school will participate in the National school lunch program (NSLP), as applicable Projected enrollment data for low income, special education, and English language learners (early June) 13 13
Next Steps This evening, Department staff are available to answer any questions you have regarding the application review process in general and the recommendation regarding the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School in particular. During Tuesday s BESE meeting, members will deliberate and vote on the Commissioner s recommendation. Department staff will be available to answer any questions about the charter application. 14
