NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools » Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org Advancing Quality Education Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:30:04 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Question for Chicken Little: “Is the IRS really making the retirement sky fall?” http://www.nccharters.org/2012/02/question-for-chicken-little-is-the-irs-really-making-the-retirement-sky-fall/ http://www.nccharters.org/2012/02/question-for-chicken-little-is-the-irs-really-making-the-retirement-sky-fall/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:18:25 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3513 The Alliance received the following email regarding the possible impact on charter schools by the proposed IRS regulations.  We thought that it may be of interest to those Members who are participating in the state’s plan.

January 31, 2012

Good Afternoon Paul,

I know that a number of the members of your respective organizations are uneasy about the new proposed IRS Regulations regarding inclusion (or exclusion) of charter schools [...]]]> The Alliance received the following email regarding the possible impact on charter schools by the proposed IRS regulations.  We thought that it may be of interest to those Members who are participating in the state’s plan.

January 31, 2012

Good Afternoon Paul,

I know that a number of the members of your respective organizations are uneasy about the new proposed IRS Regulations regarding inclusion (or exclusion) of charter schools as political subdivisions of the State of North Carolina, specifically as it relates to them participating in the State Retirement Plan.  I have been steadily researching this issue and communicating with those in Washington and Raleigh as a means of helping our client schools better understand the intent of the proposed regulation.  Maybe you could pass this on to your members in order to ease their concern.

I had an opportunity to speak extensively with Pamela Kinard with the Office of Counsel of the IRS regarding this matter.  Pamela was directly involved in drafting proposed Reg 157714-06.  Ms. Kinard conveyed that the purpose of the new regulation is to expand the current definition of political subdivisions and make it less stringent than the existing regulations governing the same.  According to Ms. Kinard, under the current regulations, many traditional public schools in some states would not qualify as participants in a governmental plan.  She noted that the new, expanded tests were set up to eliminate an “all-or-nothing” determination and that the new regulation enables one or a combination of more than one test to apply in making an argument that an organization is, in fact, a political subdivision of a state government and, therefore, qualified to participate in a governmental plan under IRC Section 414(d).

While public feedback and comment is an important part of this process (and I certainly encourage those with concerns to make them known through the comment process), it did not at all appear that this proposed regulation is intended to be narrowly interpreted to preclude charter schools from governmental plans.  I have also spoken with a source within the State Retirement System who asked to remain anonymous for the sake of this communication.  They indicated that there is no inclination whatsoever to construe the new regulation as a means of excluding charter school teachers from the State Retirement Plan.

Best Regards,

Dave Faunce

David M. Rutter Faunce, Senior Partner

Acadia NorthStar, LLC

Tel: 828-395-6756, Fax: 828-287-9800, dave@acadianorthstar.com

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2012/02/question-for-chicken-little-is-the-irs-really-making-the-retirement-sky-fall/feed/ 0 N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools adds directors, regional offices; New structure strengthens organization’s ability to serve member schools throughout North Carolina http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-adds-directors-regional-offices-new-structure-strengthens-organizations-ability-to-serve-member-schools-throughout-north-carolina/ http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-adds-directors-regional-offices-new-structure-strengthens-organizations-ability-to-serve-member-schools-throughout-north-carolina/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:23:34 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3445 RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools unanimously elected two new directors and made a number of structural changes at the December meeting of its board of directors.  The new directors are Baker Mitchell, a founder of two charter schools who will serve as secretary, and Dave Faunce, a CPA and also a founder of two charter schools, who will serve as [...]]]> RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools unanimously elected two new directors and made a number of structural changes at the December meeting of its board of directors.  The new directors are Baker Mitchell, a founder of two charter schools who will serve as secretary, and Dave Faunce, a CPA and also a founder of two charter schools, who will serve as treasurer.   The Alliance’s volunteer board of directors now has over a half-century of combined charter school experience and has responsibility for educating 15% of charter students in North Carolina.

In addition to electing the two new directors, the Alliance is opening regional offices, adding regional coordinators, and has retained an experienced executive management group in lieu of full-time office personnel.

“We are a member-driven, member-focused organization, and our move toward a less centralized, more regionalized structure strengthens our ability to serve our member schools and respond to their needs,” says Paul Norcross, the Alliance’s Chairman of the Board.  “Our board of directors is excited about the future of public charter schools in North Carolina, and the Alliance looks forward to continuing to serve as the voice for our state’s charter school community.”

Members of the Alliance’s board of directors are:

  • Chair:  Paul Norcross, Phoenix Academy
  • Vice Chair:  Gail Scott Taylor, Carter Community School
  • Secretary:  Baker Mitchell, Charter Day School and Columbus Charter School
  • Treasurer:  Dave Faunce, CPA, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Lake Lure Classical Academy
  • Todd Havican, Union Academy Charter School
  • George Wrenn Ragsdale, Mendenhall Country Day
  • Brandon Smith, East Wake Academy.

The Alliance’s Regional Coordinators are:

  • Eastern North Carolina:  Baker Mitchell
  • Triangle Area:  Brandon Smith
  • Raleigh-Durham Urban Areas:  Gail Scott Taylor
  • Piedmont Triad:  George Wrenn Ragsdale
  • Charlotte Metro:  Todd Havican
  • Western North Carolina:  Dave Faunce.

The Alliance’s Council Chairs are:

  • School Board Council:  Todd Havican
  • School Principal Council:  Brandon Smith

The N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, non-partisan organization with a mission of advancing quality educational opportunities for all North Carolina children by supporting and expanding successful public charter schools.

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-adds-directors-regional-offices-new-structure-strengthens-organizations-ability-to-serve-member-schools-throughout-north-carolina/feed/ 0 http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/3390/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/3390/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:27:35 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3390 Thursday, December 15, 2011, was a monumental day for the N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools, as our board of directors grew in size and stature and instituted a number of exciting and important decisions regarding the future of our organization.  We believe these steps will take us in a new, positive direction, make our organization a more effective voice for public charter schools, and [...]]]> Thursday, December 15, 2011, was a monumental day for the N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools, as our board of directors grew in size and stature and instituted a number of exciting and important decisions regarding the future of our organization.  We believe these steps will take us in a new, positive direction, make our organization a more effective voice for public charter schools, and ensure that we provide our members with even better service and greater value.

Because we are a member-driven organization, one of the changes is that our board of directors will be more involved in the operations of the Alliance.  This will ensure greater transparency and accountability.  Further, increased board involvement will ensure that our organization’s public positions and policy statements are directly aligned with the views and needs of our member schools.  Our members are represented by a diverse and experienced leadership team with over half-century of combined charter experience and who have day-to-day, direct responsibility for educating nearly 15% of charter students in North Carolina. Given this unparalleled level of experience, greater board involvement will significantly increase the resources and talent available to our members.

Further, we will be moving away from a Raleigh-centered operational structure to one with a presence in the Triangle as well as regional offices in the Triad, the coast, the mountains, and the Charlotte metro area.  Many of these regional offices will be co-located with our member schools.  More details on our new regional structure will be forthcoming.

Thanks to our members and vendor partners, the Alliance enters the New Year in sound financial condition; and we look forward to 2012 as a breakout year.  Moving forward, an essential element of our more productive and efficient operating model is eliminating paid full-time staff positions and replacing them with elected leadership and contract talent. This includes eliminating the position of president. With the new approach of decentralizing our offices and regionalization we have exponentially expanded our reach, scope of service, efficiency, and transparency. Your board is excited about this new direction and approach, which includes engaging an experienced communication and event planning firm to assist with a number of tasks not previously offered under the old model.

Thank you for your continued support of the N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools.  If you have any questions about the new direction our organization is taking, please do not hesitate to contact me.

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors of The N.C.Alliance of Public Charter Schools,

Paul Norcross, Chairman of the Board

P.S.  On behalf of our entire Executive and Governance Team, we wish you and your family Happy Holidays and a safe, happy New Year.

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/3390/feed/ 0 Eleven “fast track” charters advance today. John Betterton Chair. http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/eleven-fast-track-charters-advance-today-john-betterton-chair/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/eleven-fast-track-charters-advance-today-john-betterton-chair/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:45:12 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3361 The NC Public Charter School Advisory Council met yesterday and today to decide which new charter applicants will get to come back before them Jan. 10-11 for an interview and possible charter contract for the 2012 school year.

Also, the members elected John Betterton Chair and Timothy Markley as Vice Chair, to serve two year terms leading the Council.

Of the 27 applications received November 10, eleven were selected [...]]]> The NC Public Charter School Advisory Council met yesterday and today to decide which new charter applicants will get to come back before them Jan. 10-11 for an interview and possible charter contract for the 2012 school year.

Also, the members elected John Betterton Chair and Timothy Markley as Vice Chair, to serve two year terms leading the Council.

Of the 27 applications received November 10, eleven were selected today. They are:

High Point College Preparatory

Waters Edge Village School

Cornerstone Charter Academy

Corvian Community School

Howard & Lillian Lee Scholars Charter

Mendenhall Country Day School

Research Triangle High

Bear Grass Charter School

North East Carolina Preparatory

Pinnacle Classical Academy

Triangle Math & Science Academy

Here is their contact information: Excel Version…. PDF Version

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/eleven-fast-track-charters-advance-today-john-betterton-chair/feed/ 2 Want to open a charter school in 2013? http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/want-to-open-a-charter-school-in-2013/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/want-to-open-a-charter-school-in-2013/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:57:05 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3359 Regular charter application training will be held January 6, 2012 from 10:00 – 12:00, in room 224 North & South at DPI.

Registration Form (doc, 28k) ]]> ANNOUNCEMENTS (by the Office of Charter Schools)

Regular charter application training will be held January 6, 2012 from 10:00 – 12:00, in room 224 North & South at DPI.

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/want-to-open-a-charter-school-in-2013/feed/ 0 National Alliance 2012 Operational Framework http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/national-alliance-2012-operational-framework/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/national-alliance-2012-operational-framework/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:34:53 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3350 National Alliance 2012 Operational Framework

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]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/national-alliance-2012-operational-framework/feed/ 2 27 New Charter Applications http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/27-new-charter-applications/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/27-new-charter-applications/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:35:42 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3342 These are the applicants for the 2012 openings. Wednesday, the Council will pick the initial winners for January interviews. Excel Version. PDF Version.

]]> These are the applicants for the 2012 openings. Wednesday, the Council will pick the initial winners for January interviews. Excel Version. PDF Version.

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/27-new-charter-applications/feed/ 1 2 million public charter schoolers! http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/2-million-public-charter-schoolers/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/2-million-public-charter-schoolers/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:35:12 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3335 MIAMI — The number of students attending charter schools has soared to more than 2 million as states pass laws lifting caps and encouraging their expansion, according to figures released Wednesday.

The growth represents the largest increase in enrollment over a single year since charter schools were founded nearly two decades ago. In all, more than 500 new charter schools were opened in the 2011-12 school [...]]]> MIAMI — The number of students attending charter schools has soared to more than 2 million as states pass laws lifting caps and encouraging their expansion, according to figures released Wednesday.

The growth represents the largest increase in enrollment over a single year since charter schools were founded nearly two decades ago. In all, more than 500 new charter schools were opened in the 2011-12 school year. And about 200,000 more students are enrolled now than a year before, an increase of 13 percent nationwide. Read more here…

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/2-million-public-charter-schoolers/feed/ 1 Charter Incubation as a Strategy for Improving the Charter School Sector http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/charter-incubation-as-a-strategy-for-improving-the-charter-school-sector/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/charter-incubation-as-a-strategy-for-improving-the-charter-school-sector/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:34:20 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3330 This Fordham brief explores the charter incubator idea…

Key Recommendations:

1.  Eliminate charter caps, but set a high bar for new charter approvals 2.  Encourage closure or restructuring of low-performing schools, including through charter authorizer accountability 3.  Fund charter schools equitably for operations and facilities, and allocate public funding to incubation 4. Provide charter schools substantial operational autonomy in areas such as staffing, curriculum, budgets, and scheduling 5. Streamline approval and [...]]]> This Fordham brief explores the charter incubator idea…

Key Recommendations:

1.  Eliminate charter caps, but set a high bar for new charter approvals
2.  Encourage closure or restructuring of low-performing schools, including
through charter authorizer accountability
3.  Fund charter schools equitably for operations and facilities, and
allocate public funding to incubation
4. Provide charter schools substantial operational autonomy in areas such as
staffing, curriculum, budgets, and scheduling
5. Streamline approval and governance policies for charter models once they
prove successful

The appendix includes profiles of select established and emerging
incubators.

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/charter-incubation-as-a-strategy-for-improving-the-charter-school-sector/feed/ 0 CPS Signs Gates Foundation Charter Deal http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/cps-signs-gates-foundation-charter-deal/ http://www.nccharters.org/2011/12/cps-signs-gates-foundation-charter-deal/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:57:08 +0000 Baker Mitchell http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3327 Chicago is one of 14 cities that will be eligible for millions of dollars in competitive grant funding announced today by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The grants totaling $40 million are expected to be awarded to 10 school districts that have signed foundation-backed agreements to promote cooperation between charter schools and traditional public schools. Chicago signed its agreement, known as [...]]]> Chicago is one of 14 cities that will be eligible for millions of dollars in competitive grant funding announced today by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The grants totaling $40 million are expected to be awarded to 10 school districts that have signed foundation-backed agreements to promote cooperation between charter schools and traditional public schools. Chicago signed its agreement, known as a District-Charter Collaboration Compact, Tuesday.

Chicago Public Schools chief executive Jean-Claude Brizard said “the compact reflects our mission” of giving all students access to a high-quality school in every neighborhood.

Under the compact, Brizard said the district will develop a common application process and a single assessment system for all schools, including charters. It will also provide charter schools, which are public schools run by private groups, with the same student-level funding as traditional schools and better access to facilities. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has made a concerted effort to increase the private sector’s role in improving failing public schools.

It is not yet clear what impact the deals have had in cities that signed on when they were introduced in December 2010.

Full article can be viewed here: http://www.chicagonewscoop.org/cps-to-sign-gates-foundation-charter-deal/

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