NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools 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 N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools holds series of successful regional meetings throughout state http://www.nccharters.org/2012/02/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-holds-series-of-successful-regional-meetings-throughout-state/ http://www.nccharters.org/2012/02/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-holds-series-of-successful-regional-meetings-throughout-state/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:30:04 +0000 kvaliquett http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3519 Last week the N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools held six successful regional meetings over the course of three days at locations throughout the state.  The regional meetings, which attracted approximately 100 people representing both existing public charter schools and prospective new charter schools, came on the heels of the Alliance’s announcement that it has moved toward a decentralized, regional structure.

“Our first round of regional [...]]]> Last week the N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools held six successful regional meetings over the course of three days at locations throughout the state.  The regional meetings, which attracted approximately 100 people representing both existing public charter schools and prospective new charter schools, came on the heels of the Alliance’s announcement that it has moved toward a decentralized, regional structure.

“Our first round of regional meetings was a tremendous success,” says Gail Taylor, vice chair of theAllianceand principal ofCarterCommunitySchoolinDurham.  “Attendees had the opportunity to network, hear about the challenges other schools have faced and learn how they have met those challenges.  Our new regional approach is already paying dividends, and we look forward to working with our member schools to strengthen the public charter school community throughout North Carolina.”

The regional meetings were held at the following locations:

  • Ÿ  Eastern North Carolina Region:  Charter Day School in Leland;
  • Ÿ  Piedmont Triad Region:  Greensboro Academy;
  • Ÿ  Triangle Area Region:  East Wake Academy in Zebulon;
  • Ÿ  Western North Carolina Region:   Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro;
  • Ÿ  Charlotte Metro Region:  Union Academy in Monroe; and
  • Ÿ  Raleigh-Durham Urban Region:  Carter Community School in Durham.
]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2012/02/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-holds-series-of-successful-regional-meetings-throughout-state/feed/ 0 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 Alliance Announces Regional Meetings Jan. 25-27; Members, prospective charter school leaders invited to attend free of charge http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/alliance-announces-regional-meetings-jan-25-27-members-prospective-charter-school-leaders-invited-to-attend-free-of-charge/ http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/alliance-announces-regional-meetings-jan-25-27-members-prospective-charter-school-leaders-invited-to-attend-free-of-charge/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:34 +0000 flwilliams1970 http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3458 As part of our new regional approach, the Alliance is holding regional meetings throughout the state January 25 through 27; a schedule of meetings is listed below.  Alliance members and anyone interested in forming a new charter school are invited to attend at no cost.  Businesses and other organizations are invited to sponsor these regional meetings; please contact Karen Valiquett at  As part of our new regional approach, the Alliance is holding regional meetings throughout the state January 25 through 27; a schedule of meetings is listed below.  Alliance members and anyone interested in forming a new charter school are invited to attend at no cost.  Businesses and other organizations are invited to sponsor these regional meetings; please contact Karen Valiquett at communication@nccharters.org for more information.

The meetings will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a box lunch from 12 p.m. – 1p.m.

Schedule of Meetings:

  • Eastern NC :  Wednesday, January 25 at Charter Day School – 7055 Bacon’s Way, Leland, NC  (map here)
  • Piedmont Triad:  Wednesday, January 25 at Greensboro Academy – 4049 Battleground Ave., Greensboro, NC (map here)
  • Triangle Area:  Thursday, January 26 at East Wake Academy –  400 North M C Drive, Zebulon, NC (map here)
  • Western NC:  Thursday, January 26 at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy - 2527 US 221a Hwy, Mooresboro, NC (map here)
  • Charlotte Metro:  Friday, January 27 at Union Academy - 675 N M L King Jr Blvd  Monroe, NC (map here)
  • Raleigh-Durham Urban:  Friday, January 27 at Carter Community School – 4100 N. Roxboro St., Durham, NC (map here)

Topics discussed at the meetings may include:

  • Board Governance, Leadership Programs
  • Being the Principal of a Charter School
  • How Does an EMO Work?
  • Financial Management, Accounting and SIMS services
  • Construction and Financing Options
  • Public Relations, Marketing & Website Development
  • Legal Issues
  • Insurance Issues
  • Core Curriculum
  • Interaction with DPI

RSVP REQUESTED:  Please RSVP to  communication@nccharters.org and let us know which regional meeting you plan to attend.

Please contact us with any questions!

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/alliance-announces-regional-meetings-jan-25-27-members-prospective-charter-school-leaders-invited-to-attend-free-of-charge/feed/ 0 N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools announces new communication partner http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-announces-new-communication-partner/ http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-announces-new-communication-partner/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:14 +0000 flwilliams1970 http://www.nccharters.org/?p=3452 RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools has engaged Pioneer Strategies, Inc. as its new communication partner.  Pioneer Strategies will provide the Alliance with a full range of strategic communication and organizational development services. This new partnership frees the organization’s all-volunteer board to focus on the broad mission of assisting member schools, while delegating functions such as communication, event planning, managing the [...]]]> RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools has engaged Pioneer Strategies, Inc. as its new communication partner.  Pioneer Strategies will provide the Alliance with a full range of strategic communication and organizational development services. This new partnership frees the organization’s all-volunteer board to focus on the broad mission of assisting member schools, while delegating functions such as communication, event planning, managing the Alliance’s online presence and coordinating public relations activities to a respected firm with years of experience handling such activities.  The firm will oversee planning details of the third annual charter school conference and manage the publication of the Alliance’s magazine.  Pioneer Strategies celebrated ten years in business in August 2011 and serves clients throughout North Carolina.

“Because the Alliance is moving toward a more regionalized structure to better serve our member schools, our board saw a need to bring in a strategic communication partner with a wide range of experience and skills,” says Paul Norcross, the Alliance’s Chairman of the Board.  “Pioneer Strategies jumped in head-first on day one, and they have already provided tremendous value to our organization.  Pioneer Strategies is a natural fit, and their team will prove to be a valuable resource to our members as well as those who are seeking to form new public charter schools throughout North Carolina.”

“Public charter schools are an important component of our state’s education system,” says Frank Williams, president and founder of Pioneer Strategies.  “The N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools is governed by a strong, capable board of directors, and we look forward to working with them to provide North Carolina’s public charter schools with the services, resources and information they need to excel.”

The N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization with a mission of advancing quality educational opportunities for all North Carolina children by supporting and expanding successful public charter schools.  The Alliance is composed of its member schools, who are served by a volunteer board of directors.  The current board has over a half-century of combined charter school experience and its directors oversee schools that educate more than 15% of all charter students in North Carolina.  For more information, please visit http://nccharters.org.

Pioneer Strategies is a public relations agency that provides businesses, associations and other organizations with strategic public relations counsel and communication services.  The firm’s services and expertise include strategic communication planning, public relations counsel, media relations, website design, social media marketing, corporate identity development, event planning, copywriting and speechwriting.  The agency’s work has been recognized by both the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards for Excellence in Communication and the MarCom Creative Awards.   The firm has worked with more than 90 clients throughout North Carolina since its founding in 2001.  For more information, visit www.pioneerstrategies.com or call 919-833-4345.

]]> http://www.nccharters.org/2012/01/n-c-alliance-for-public-charter-schools-announces-new-communication-partner/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

]]> National Alliance 2012 Operational Framework

]]> 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