Charter School Application 

During the 2003 General Assembly session, the Maryland Public Charter School Act was passed and Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. signed the measure into law on May 22, 2003 (SB 75 -- Chapter 358, 2003 Laws of Maryland).  The new law authorizes the establishment of public charter schools in Maryland.  See Appendix A for a copy of the law.  With the enactment of the new law, Maryland joins a growing number of states that encourage the development and operation of public charter schools.  The Maryland statute invites the creation of public charter schools to help introduce alternative means within the public school system to provide innovative learning opportunities and creative educational approaches to improve the education of all students.

Maryland’s law defines a “public charter school” as a “public school” that is nonsectarian, is chosen by parents for their children, and is open to all students on a space-available basis.  A charter school can be either a newly created school or a conversion of an already operating public school.  A public charter school operates with the approval of a local Board of Education in accordance with a written charter executed between the local Board of Education and the administrative entity operating the public charter school.  Just as any other public school, a public charter school is subject to federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination and must comply with all applicable health and safety laws.

Chartering Authority and Eligibility in Maryland

A “charter” is a formal agreement or contract entered into by a chartering authority and a statutorily authorized applicant.  This guidance/application document provides assistance to those interested in sponsoring a charter school.  Charles County Public Schools staff will help applicants understand the application process, consult with applicants concerning all requirements, and provide guidance throughout the application process. 

The Board of Education of Charles County is the charter authority and is responsible for final approval of all applications.  Approval is based on standards that are consistent with the state law authorizing public charter schools.  Maryland’s Public Charter School Law defines a charter school as a public school.  Therefore, the public charter schools will generally operate under the same requirements and provisions as all other public schools in the school system.

Beyond The Education Program

Public charter school sponsors are responsible for the management and administrative functions of the charter schools and adherence to Board of Education policy.  The new Public Charter School Law permits a local school system and the designated leadership of a prospective charter school to negotiate a broad range of options that may be mutually agreed upon to both the school system and the chartering school leadership.  The Board of Education policy is included in this guidance packet in Appendix C.

Legal Requirements

Charter schools are subject to the same legal requirements as all other public schools, unless a waiver is granted.  This includes all federal and state laws and regulations, as well as local school system policies and rules.  The Maryland State Board of Education has the authority to waive certain state laws and regulations, and the Board of Education of Charles County has the authority to waive certain local policies.  Otherwise, the charter school will be expected to comply with all legal requirements.

Special Education Requirements

All schools under the authority of the Charles County Board of Education, including charter schools, are public schools, and as such are specifically required to comply with federal and state special education laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.05.01 Provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education, and COMAR 13A.05.02 Administration of Services for Students with Disabilities.  The State Board of Education will provide technical assistance to the operators of a public charter school to help the school meet requirements of federal and state laws, but the charter school will be held responsible for implementing all procedures necessary to ensure compliance. 

Note: The Maryland Public Charter School Act prohibits the Charles County Board of Education from granting a charter to a public charter school whose operation would be inconsistent with any public policy initiative, court order, or federal improvement plan governing the provision of special education and related services.

Getting Started

It is important that the applicant(s) and the chartering authority establish open and effective communications.  Additionally, there are a number of national information resources relating to virtually all aspects of establishing and operating good charter schools (see Appendix B).

Note: The Charles County Board of Education is not responsible for content and accuracy of the national information resources.

There are important responsibilities that need to be planned for when establishing a public charter school.  A solid planning process can help prevent serious problems.  Areas that are frequently identified as potential problems are:

• inadequate capital funding and facilities;
• cash flow problems and the difficulty of securing credit;
• a large number of laws and regulations (as paperwork reporting) that are required of all schools, whether traditional or chartered;
• difficulties managing the business of the schools; and
• inadequate planning.

The Application Process

The application process is a two-step process.  First is the pre-application phase, where the applicant files an Intent Form and a Prospectus, and begins to assemble the formal application.  The second phase is the submission of the Formal Application to the Board of Education.

During the pre-application phase, the prospective charter school organizing body should complete an Intent Form indicating a serious interest in creating a charter school, develop a Prospectus, and then schedule a meeting with staff designated by the Superintendent of Charles County Public Schools to discuss and examine all aspects of the proposed educational program.  In this way, various administrative functions needed for the planning, opening, and operation of the public charter school can be identified, even before a formal application is submitted to the Board of Education.  The school system staff will review all proposed applications and support materials and make suggestions to the applicants.  Some of the key issues that will be scrutinized by the Superintendent and staff in the pre-application phase are:

• An education plan which reflects the school’s commitment.
• A realistic budget that reflects accurately projected income and does not rely on unreliable sources, such as future grants.
• A lottery provision for student admission that complies with the statute.
• The purchase of insurance as required by law.
• A plan for an adequate facility and realistic funding for the facility.
• The overall quality and completeness of the application.
• The amount of planning and research that has been invested in the application.
• The types of curricula to be offered by the school.

Prior to the filing of the final, Formal Application, staff will review the final draft application to ensure that it has been completed (i.e., all required materials and technical information have been provided).  Once a completed, Formal Application has been filed with the Board, the Board will request that the Superintendent make a recommendation concerning the application.  The Board will then either approve the Formal Application, deny the Formal Application, or refer it back for further information.  By law, final approval or denial must occur within 120 days from the filing of the completed, formal application.

Final Approval or Denial

If the Board of Education approves the Formal Application, then a Charter Agreement will be developed.  This agreement is a contract that is binding by law on both the Board and the charter operator and explains in detail the responsibilities of all of the parties involved in the implementation of the public charter school.  Although the founders of a public charter school may propose various programs or procedures in the Formal Application, ultimately the Charter Agreement will control how the charter school will operate.

If the Board denies the Formal Application, then the applicant will be provided information on options for redevelopment of a new application or appealing the denial to the State Board of Education.

What Will You Need?

Preparing a charter application requires a great deal of time and familiarity with Maryland’s Charter Schools Law and other applicable laws, including legal constraints affecting the state’s public not-for-profit corporations.  Although the specific amount of time required depends to a large degree on the human resources available for the project from the outset, it is a good idea to plan for at least one year to complete the application development, review, and approval process.  Some of the areas to consider are:

• Financial Resources – The cost of preparing a charter proposal depends on the types of resources available to the applicant’s planning group from the beginning of the process.  Examples of costs could range from printing and publicity, communications-related expenses, filing fees for nonprofit corporation and tax exempt status, and research and travel expenses.
• Vision and Clear Mission – The successful public charter school provides a clear sense of purpose and mission shared by parents, students, staff, and the school’s management board.  Consider what it means to be educated and how to bring students to that level in the foundation of a coherent school design.  A clear vision will also give potential employees, prospective students, and parents clear indications of how they will be treated and what will be expected of them in explaining how the charter school is distinct from other public schools.
• Applicant Team Expertise – Developing a strong proposal for a public charter school requires a team with diverse skills and experience.  A well-rounded team should include individuals who can bring skills and knowledge in educational vision, leadership, and expertise – including standards-setting, pedagogy, behavior management, and curriculum and assessment design.  Other areas should include financial management and entrepreneurial skills, knowledge of the law, real estate and facilities planning, public relations, fundraising, and grant writing. 
• School Leadership – The school’s leader would be the person running the day-to-day operations of the school once the charter is approved.  This will be the most important personnel decision relative to the ultimate success of the public charter school.  The school leader will be a vital link between the public charter school and the management board, the parents, teachers, and staff, as well as the public school system, in creating cohesive relationships.
• Community Involvement – Building community involvement around the school’s vision is important for a successful public charter school. 

Steps in Applying for a Public Charter School

At a minimum, the entire process for creating a new public charter school will take many months, and maybe years.  Founders of the public charter school must be dedicated and committed to putting in the required time and energy as the school develops.

Below is a rough sketch of the major steps involved in opening a new public charter school.

1. Develop the idea, focus, and purpose for the school.

2. Do research, gather community support, and investigate funding and facilities.

3. File the Intent Form with the Superintendent.

4. File the Prospectus with the Superintendent (within 30 days of the filing of the Intent Form).

5. Schedule and hold meetings with the Superintendent’s staff.

6. Begin to complete the detailed Formal Application.

7. Address any concerns raised by the Superintendent’s staff.

8. Begin to gather commitments from prospective students, parents, and community members.

9. Revise the Formal Application as necessary.

10. Obtain Superintendent’s support and positive recommendation, if possible.

11. File the Formal Application with the Board of Education.

12. Revise the Formal Application as necessary.

13. If approved, meet with the Superintendent’s designee to negotiate the Charter Agreement.

14.  Finalize funding, facilities, staffing, curriculum, and all issues as required by the Charter Agreement.

15. Finalize and sign Charter Agreement with the Board.

16.  Advertise school and receive student applications for attendance.

17. Open the school.

Intent Form - Fillable PDF 

This Intent Form is the first step in the Public Charter School Application process but implies no further obligation on either party.  Submission of this Intent Form expresses non-binding intent, as authorized by the public charter school’s management board, to apply for a Public Charter School.  The filing of the Intent Form may not be used for promotion or advertising, although it may be noted in internal school communications or as otherwise authorized by Charles County Public Schools.  Please inquire with any questions regarding these restrictions.

Instructions

Please complete as much information as possible.  If a name or address or other item is not known at this time, please indicate so.  This form does not have to be completely filled out in order to be filed with Charles County Public Schools.  Please send this form to the Superintendent of Schools, Charles County Public Schools, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646.

1. Contact Information for Public Charter School
   
   School Name: ______________________________________________________
   
   Address:__________________________________________________________
   
   City, State, Zip:_____________________________________________________
   
   Main Phone: (______)-________________Fax____________________________
   
   Website:___________________________________________________________
   
   
   Charter Sponsor Representative (Contact Person)
   
   Name______________________________________________________________
   
   Phone: (______)-_____________________Fax:____________________________
   
   E-Mail:_____________________________________________________________
   
   
   Principal/Head of School
   
   Name:______________________________________________________________
   
   Phone: (______)-_____________________Fax_____________________________
   
   E-Mail:_____________________________________________________________
   
   Please check the following:
   
   Is this school     _______for profit         ________non-profit      _______other?
   
   If other, please explain___________________________________________________
   
   
   
2. Grades Served/Enrollment
   
   Grades ______________Projected expansion, if any____________________
   
   Approximate projected enrollment____________________________________
   
   
   
3. Accreditation
   Has the school ever been accredited or sought accreditation? ____Yes ____No
   
   Indicate agency and date of last renewal________________________________
   
   Is this accreditation current? _______ or has it lapsed?___________________
   
   
   
4. Curricular Highlights (e.g., direct instruction, core knowledge of subject areas, etc.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Additional Comment

___________________________________
Signature of Charter Sponsor Representative

_________________________
Name (Please Print)

_________________________
Date 

Instructions

After filing an Intent Form, but before filing a completed formal application, applicants are required to complete and send a Prospectus summarizing their proposal.  Upon completion and filing of this Prospectus, applicants may then schedule a meeting with the Superintendent’s designee to begin to work on the formal application.  The Superintendent’s designee may offer helpful suggestions and direction to the applicants.

Below is a list of the Prospectus contents, as well as directions for meeting the format requirements and deadline.

Contents of the Prospectus:

The Prospectus must contain the following items, to the extent known:

• Cover page: name and location of proposed school;
• Information sheet consisting of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all charter sponsors;
• Five to ten page summary of the charter proposal consisting of a mission statement that indicates, in one or two sentences, what the school intends to do, for whom, and to what degree; an explanation of how the proposed school will meet the needs of the community; a brief description of the educational foundation, including curricular approach; a brief description of the plan for meeting the proposed school’s educational goals; a brief description of the business plan, including financial management capabilities, potential partners and access to financial resources; and a description of the founding team’s capacity to implement the educational plan and business plan;
• Leadership information for the applicant’s authorized representative (as stated in the Intention Form), school leader(s), and founding board members

(Note:  Several sections of the final application will ask for the same or similar information as the Prospectus.  Further expansion of information will be required in the full application.)

Prospectus Format:
The Prospectus should adhere to the following format:

• White, 8.5” x 11” paper with one-inch margins on all sides
• No font smaller than 11-point
• Formatting may not be more compact than standard single space spiral bound (no binders, paper clips or folders, please)

Additional information that supports the narrative may be included as attachments. Choice of attachments are up to the applicant, though they should be used to provide evidence, support a particular aspect of the Prospectus, or lend insight into the applicant, its leadership, or management personnel. Examples of attachments in the Prospectus include curriculum samples, academic standards, letters of support, financial statements, etc. All attachments should be numbered and clearly referred to by number in the Prospectus narrative.

Prospectus Deadline:
The Prospectus must be received no later than 30 days after CCPS has received the Intent Form. Failure to submit a prospectus within that timeframe will require a new Intent Form.

The Prospectus is to be submitted to:
Superintendent of Schools
Charles County Public Schools
P.O. Box 2770
La Plata, Maryland  20646 

Formal Application 

Please complete the following information.  If you require assistance from the Charles County Public Schools staff, please feel free to contact us and guidance will be provided.  When this Formal Application is complete, please provide 12 bound copies and 1 unbound copy, which include page numbers and tabs to separate the content areas, to:

Superintendent of Schools
Charles County Public Schools
P.O. Box 2770
La Plata, Maryland  20646

Name of Applicant(s) Applying for the Charter _________________________________________________

(Eligible applicants include staff of a public school; a parent or guardian of a student who attends a public school in the county; a nonsectarian nonprofit entity; a nonsectarian institution of higher education in the state; or any combination of these.)        

Name of Proposed Charter School   _________________________________________________                                                                                                   

 __  New School                                                      __ Converted School

Authorized Agent for Applicant   _________________________________________________

(This may be the individual applicant or an authorized member of the public charter management board.)

Authorized Agent Mailing Address  _________________________________________________   
                                                                                                  
City  ______________________________     State _____________    Zip___________________                             

County   ______________________________    E-mail:   ______________________________                                                                                

Day Time Phone: (                    )                                               Fax: (               )                                  


Please indicate if you have any existing legal arrangement with any of the following types of entities:

__ Nonprofit Corporation                                                  __Corporation

__ Partnership                                                                  __ Staff of Existing School

__Tribal Entity                                                                  __ Sectarian

__ Institution of Higher Education                                     __ Other __________________________________

I certify all information contained in this application is complete and accurate, realizing that any misrepresentation could result in disqualification from the charter application process or revocation after award.  I understand that incomplete applications will not be considered.  I acknowledge that I have read all Maryland statutes regarding public charter schools and that, if approved, I am subject to and will ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state and local laws and requirements.  I also acknowledge that, if approved to operate a charter school, I must execute a Charter Agreement with the Charles County Board of Education prior to the opening of the school.  Educational services must be provided as of the date agreed to in the Charter Agreement.  Failure to do so may result in revocation of the charter approval and, if applicable, termination of the contract and revocation of the charter. Authorized Agent (please print) _______________________________________    Signature of Authorized Agent ____________________________________   Date __________ All information presented in this application becomes part of the charter contract and may be used for accountability purposes throughout the term of the charter contract.

Application Summary

This application is intended to provide the Board of Education of Charles County with sufficient information to thoroughly review and render a decision.  As you complete the information, please remember to focus on why your public charter school should be established in Charles County, and how your proposal will meet the needs of our students and the community.

Planning and Establishment

Profile of Founding Group

Describe the composition of the group or partnership that is working together to apply for a charter, including: (1) the names and addresses of individuals or entities submitting the application; (2) brief descriptions of any entities involved in the application process; (3) the names, addresses, and most recent annual reports of the organizations or corporations of which the individuals are directors or officers; and (4) a description of the role played and the resources contributed by each individual in the organizations or corporations noted above.

Management and Administrative Structure

Identify any proposed management and administrative structure applicable to the operation of the proposed public charter school. This would include the proposed governing board, principal, and any other person(s) responsible for operating the public charter school.  (Note that, by law, the principal and any other employed staff of the public charter school will be deemed employees of the Charles County Public Schools and as such will be hired by the Board of Education and assigned by the Superintendent.  However, the Board and Superintendent will look for input from the founding group as these individuals are selected.)

Required Resumes and Disclosure Forms

For each individual listed above as a member of the founding group or management or administrative structure, please provide a detailed resume which includes: (1) the individual’s employment history that supports his or her qualifications to operate or oversee a charter school, including any experience as it relates to the development of academic programs, operations of a school or a small business, and background in financial management; (2) the individual’s educational training (including degrees earned, dates enrolled, and institution) that supports his or her qualifications to operate a charter school; and (3) the individual’s personal statement regarding his or her role and responsibilities relating to this application and/or operation of the public charter school.  Note that all information provided will be subject to verification by the Board.  For each individual, also complete a Disclosure Form included in this Application and attach that completed form to the resume.

Mission Statement

Please provide your public charter school’s mission statement.  The mission statement should be a clear, concise articulation of the school’s central purpose and vision.  The mission statement will guide your school’s instructional and non-instructional programs.  In essence, it should state the school’s reason for existence and communicate the school’s uniqueness.  A good mission statement should be clear, substantive, focused, and concise, and should guide the school community over the long term.

Mission statements are not set in concrete. They evolve over time.  Management, faculty, students, alumni, and parents should be encouraged to participate in the continuing evolution of the mission statement to ensure that all of these stakeholders feel a sense of ownership in the school’s mission.

Goals

After deciding on a mission statement, the public charter school should establish goals aimed at fulfilling the mission.  Unlike the mission statement (which focuses on the long-term objective and reason for existence), goals should be more concrete and obtainable in the short-term, providing a coherent and consistent basis on which to build an educational program aligned with the mission.  Please list your public charter school’s goals, and specific, measurable objectives that will be used to determine if your school has met each goal.

School Name

Under Board policy, the school must not be named for a person who is living, and the name should not be too similar to that of an existing school in the county.

• Indicate the name chosen for your school, including the reason the name was selected.
• Describe the process for selecting the name of the school, including who was involved in the decision.
• If appropriate for the students and programs offered, indicate the school mascot, nickname, and school colors.

Student Population and Admissions

By law, the public charter school must accept any and all Charles County students in the grades served by the school who wish to attend the school, on a space-available basis.  Although you may want to focus your school’s mission on serving a specific population of students (e.g., gifted and talented, those interested in the arts or in science, those needing special assistance, etc.), by law you may not exclude students who may want to attend, except if the number of applicants exceeds the number of projected openings in the school.  If the number of applicants exceeds the number of projected openings, students must be admitted on a lottery basis.

• Indicate which grades will be served by the public charter school in the first year and in each subsequent year, and the maximum number of students which will be enrolled in each grade and in total.

• Provide a copy of your application for admission to the public charter school.  The application should request, at a minimum, the student’s name, date of birth, grade level, address, parent/guardian information, names of siblings also applying, and a signature verifying that the information is correct and that the parents/guardians are choosing education at the public charter school for their child.

• Describe the timetable for applications and admissions decisions.

• Describe how a lottery will be conducted, including any preferences you may want to establish for specific students (e.g., returning students, siblings, children of founding parents, children of employees, etc.).  Note that Charles County residents must be given priority in admissions over non-residents.

By law, tuition may not be collected by the public charter school.  However, tuition may be charged by Charles County Public Schools in the same manner tuition may be charged under Board policy to students (e.g., non-Charles County residents) attending other Charles County Public Schools.

Kindergarten

If you plan to provide kindergarten services, note that state regulations and Charles County Board Policy require that a child admitted to the kindergarten program shall be at least 5 years old on or before September 1st of the school year the child applies for entrance.

In addition, current state law requires that there shall be full-day kindergarten programs in each county.

Please indicate that you understand and accept these legal requirements and whether you intend to provide full-day kindergarten services.

School Calendar and Length of School Days

Public charter schools must provide at least as much instruction time during a school year as required by other public schools.  Accordingly, the minimum number of days of instruction is effectively 180, and the minimum number of hours is 1,080 (for grades 1-8) and 1,170 (for grades 9-12).  Schools may not be open on Saturdays, Sundays, state recognized holidays, or year-round in order to meet the day and hour requirements.  Schools must remain open 3 hours in one day in order to be counted as a “day of instruction” under state law.  All of these day and hour requirements may be waived by the State Board of Education.  In addition, the Charles County Board of Education adopts for each school year a calendar for student school days.  The public charter school must follow this calendar, unless otherwise negotiated in the Charter Agreement between the Board and school.

• Indicate whether the public charter school plans to operate under the Charles County Public Schools calendar used for other public schools, including whether the school will be closed on the same days as other Charles County public schools.  If the school plans to seek a State Board waiver to remain open for instruction on weekends, holidays, or vacation days, or operate year-round, please indicate which days the school plans to open and a justification for seeking the waiver.
• Indicate the number of hours each day the public charter school will be open both for student instruction and for employees.
  
  

Note that employees of the public charter school are considered employees of Charles County Public Schools and as such are covered by the Negotiated Agreements with the employee associations.  If the number of employee working days and/or work hours will differ from those provided by the Negotiated Agreement, then the appropriate bargaining unit must bring that issue to the negotiations table to discuss it with the Board of Education.  Therefore, you should discuss these matters with the appropriate representatives of the Education Association of Charles County (EACC), which represents teachers and other certificated staff, and representatives of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2981 (AFSCME), which represents non-certificated employees and support staff.

Educational Plan

The theory behind public charter schools is that the public charter school programs will provide educational options to students that are not available within the traditional public school system.  The following is designed to provide a narrative description for the development of policy guidelines and an eventual application acceptance.  The educational plan is a clearly articulated vision for an innovative public school, which will lead to improved educational outcomes and greater community ownership of the local school.  Consistency between mission and the educational programs as a means to achieve this.

One of the hallmarks of public charter schools is that they have the choice to determine what grades they serve and how many students will be in each grade.  Accordingly, public charter schools come in all sizes and many serve a different set of grades than a district public elementary, middle, or secondary school.  Whether you plan to serve a few grades or a complete K-12 program, and whether you plan to have no growth or rapid growth in subsequent years, you should be able to provide a coherent rationale for having made that choice.

In determining the focus of the educational academic program, consider the mission and goals of the public charter school, and contemplate how the specific curriculum and objectives and course outlines will help the school meet the mission and goals.

• Describe (1) the educational objectives of the charter school; and (2) the methods by which the charter will determine its progress towards achieving those objectives.
• Provide any information concerning projected class size (either a maximum number or a range, if any), and any connection between the educational objectives and class size.
• Explain any direct connection between your education objectives and the number of school days or hours of instruction to be provided.
• Explain the relationship between the student population to be served (including specific populations and grades) and the geographic area where you intend to locate your school. Please provide any information describing the impact of your proposed school on the existing community and neighborhood schools.

Academic Program, Standards, and Curriculum

Improved student achievement is the major focus of the academic program and services offered by the Charles County Public Schools, and the aim of public charter schools should be no different.  Before approving any charter, the Board of Education will consider whether the public charter school plans to offer innovative teaching methods and curriculum approaches in order to improve student achievement, and whether there is consistency between the school’s mission, goals, curriculum, and student population to be served.  In addition, the Board must ensure that the public charter school will comply with applicable regulations to meet the needs of Limited English Learning and special needs students in the school program.  As part of the Application, please complete the following in as much detail as possible to assist the Board in its decision.

• Describe the educational program of the school, providing an overview of curriculum objectives and content of the main subject areas that support the core learning goals of the Maryland State Department of Education and other applicable education laws. These should include the objectives, content, and skills to be taught for the main subject areas at each performance level (grade level, age grouping, etc.) in your school.
• Describe how the program will further the goals and objectives of the Charles County Public Schools Comprehensive Master Plan.
• Briefly outline the instructional methods to be used, including any distinctive instructional techniques to be employed and how it will enhance student learning.
• Describe how the charter will meet the needs of Limited English Learning students in accordance with federal law, including:

• The process for the identification and placement of students whose first language is not English and the methods for determining the kinds of assistance that these students may need.

• The manner in which the applicant will ensure that Limited English Learning students are not misplaced or tracked inappropriately in other classes (including those programs or classes designed to serve students with disabilities).

• A description of the planned implementation of the program model, including information regarding the allocation of resources to the service of all Limited English Learning students, including:

•  

  A description of how staff, curricular materials, and facilities will be used.

• A statement that affirms that Limited English Learning students will not be excluded categorically from curricular and extracurricular activities because of an inability to speak and understand English; and

• A description of the planned outreach to parents in the community, including strategies for communicating with parents who are not proficient in English.

   

• Describe how the charter will meet the needs of special education students under federal law, including:

• Assurances that the school will adhere to all provisions of federal law relating to students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, that are applicable.

• Assurances that the school will work with the school district to ensure that all students with disabilities that qualify under the Individuals with IDEA.

1. Have available a free appropriate public education (FAPE);

2. Are appropriately evaluated;

3. Are provided with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP);

4. Receive an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment;

5. Are involved, through their parents, in the development of and decisions regarding the IEP; and

6. Have access to appropriate procedures and mechanisms, along with their parents, to resolve any disputes or disagreements related to the school’s or school district’s provision of FAPE.

• Assurances that the school will designate a professional staff member as the school’s special education liaison with the Charles County Public Schools. Responsibilities will include coordinating with the school system’s special education office throughout the year to ensure that all required special education and related services are being provided and that all IEPs are appropriate in the context of the public charter school setting.
• Provide a copy of the proposed school’s calendar in the first year of its operation. The calendar must indicate the number of days of instruction that the school will offer.
• Provide a minimum number of hours/minutes per week the school will devote to core academic subjects in each grade (e.g. language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, technology studies); the length of the school day (including the approximate start and dismissal times of the school day); and a sample schedule.
• Provide a description of the school’s student achievement goals for the school’s educational program.
• Provide the school’s learning standards and full curriculum, including a description of the skills and knowledge each student will be expected to attain by the end of each grade (or course) in each year of the charter.
• If the proposed charter school includes particular methods, strategies or programs for meeting the needs of students at-risk of academic failure, provide a description of the challenges faced in educating the targeted population and describe such methods, strategies and/or programs that the charter school plans to use to address the needs of these students.
• If the focus of the school itself is not aimed at low-performing students particularly, provide a description of strategies that will be used to address the needs of students who are otherwise significantly below grade level in reading and other basic skills.
  
  

Student Assessment

Student assessment is an essential component of the charter schools educational plan.  Assessment confirms student progress, identifies areas of low and high achievement, and improves the accountability of the school. It begins with the teacher’s evaluation of student progress based on written class work, oral contributions, and homework.  Such evaluations are important, but may be insufficient to assess long-term subject mastery.  Formal assessments, integrated with the curriculum, will indicate overall achievement levels.  Assessment results allow teachers to determine which students would benefit from additional help or additional challenge.  Commitment to high academic standards for all students; well-developed assessment mechanisms and understanding of the state assessment requirements is essential to public charter school planning.

• Describe your plan to assess student performance in the core academic areas.  Please include the current baseline standard of achievement, the outcomes to be achieved and the method(s) of measurement to be used.  Include student outcomes and performance standards to include:

• How the baseline student academic achievement levels and prior rates of academic progress will be established.

• How these baseline rates will be compared to rates of academic progress achieved by these same students while attending the charter school.

• To the extent possible, how these rates of progress will be evaluated and compared with rates of progress of other closely comparable student populations.

• Describe how the school’s planned assessments are aligned with the proposed curriculum and education goals of the school's. Attach a schedule of the assessments (including state and local required assessments and any other proposed assessments) that the charter school will administer.
• Describe the methods used to identify the educational strengths and needs of students and the extent to which educational goals and performance standards are being met.
• Describe how students will, at a minimum, participate in the statewide assessment program.
• For secondary charter schools, describe the method for determining that a student has satisfied the requirements for graduation.
• List any waivers of state or local assessments that will be sought by the charter school. Provide a justification for any of these waivers.

Operators’ Responsibilities

The Operators of the public charter school are legally responsible for all transactions of the public charter school.  The Operators owe the duty to exercise reasonable care when making a decision as stewards of the organization.  You should develop a policy on conflict of interest, including statements regarding full disclosure of connections to anyone doing business with the organization, must be included in the application. 

The application must include a copy of the Articles of Incorporation (if applicable) and the Bylaws or other instruments affecting the management of the public charter school.  A proposed charter school must have a federal tax ID number.

• Describe the organizing group that is working together to apply for a charter, including the names of the organizers, their background and experiences, and references for each.
• Discuss any business arrangements or partnerships with existing schools, educational programs, businesses, or non-profit organizations.
• Detail the relevant expertise of retained consultants or professionals (e.g., accounting, finance, educational management services, risk management, human resources).
• Discuss the proposed method for resolving conflicts between the governing body of the charter school and the school system.
• Provide a set of Bylaws for the proposed school, which includes the public charter school’s method for appointment/election of the governing body and the length of the terms established for each management position.
• Provide your policy on conflict of interest, including statements regarding full disclosure of connections to anyone doing business with the organization.

Management Structure

A stable, effective, and comprehensive school management model consistent with the mission is a key in clearly defining roles of the operators of the school and its interaction with staff.  Appropriate teacher and parent input in school decision-making is crucial as well.  A well-developed, viable administrative management structure is important in establishing a public charter school.

• Describe the administrative management structure of the school. Include clearly delineated responsibilities, policies, and practices needed to effectively manage the school.
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of the management board, including the relationship of the management board to teachers and administrators.
• Provide an organizational chart for the school and a narrative description of the chart.  The materials supplied should indicate clearly the reporting structure of the staff to the board management and staff to the school principal.
• Unless waived by the Board of Education, the operators of the public charter school shall fall under Board’s Ethics Regulations.  These Regulations prohibit conflicts of interests and financial misconduct by all employees, Board members, and charter school operators.  Please indicate that you have read, understand, and accept these Ethics Regulations.
  
  

Student Policies and Services

If the public charter school intends to waive any Board of Education policy, administrative regulations, and/or procedures relating to students, alternate policies must be provided with this application.  The following list is not exhaustive, but provides examples of Board policies and regulations which must be complied with unless waived:

• Enrollment and attendance data

• Compulsory attendance

• Student withdrawals and dismissals

• Promotion of students

• Discipline procedures

• Confidentiality and retention of student records and forms

• Immunizations (state law requires immunization of students prior to entering school)

• Student dress code

• Indicate if the public charter school plans to seek waivers of any Board policies concerning student services, and if so, attach a copy of the policies which the school proposes as alternatives, including a justification for the policies.

• A public charter school will be required to contract with Charles County Public Schools regarding food services, in order to comply with state and federal regulations.  Please provide any specific information which may be needed in order to implement this requirement (such as plans to provide facilities for food services, proposed schedules of lunch service, etc.).

• Describe plans to provide health services to students at the public charter school.  Note that a full-time or part-time licensed school nurse must be available for students.

• Describe plans for student participation in extracurricular activities such as athletics, music, field trips, etc.  Note that students may not be charged for these services.

• Describe appropriate technology, library services, and other media that will be made available to the school’s students.

• Describe plans to ensure that the charter school will comply with federal and Maryland statutes relating to student records retention and confidentiality.

• Describe any additional services or resources that will be provided to students.

Student Discipline and the Code of Student Conduct

The public charter school must comply with all federal and state laws concerning student discipline.  In addition, discipline policies and procedures must be the same as those stated in the Charles County Board of Education policies, as well as the Code of Student Conduct, unless otherwise modified in the Charter Agreement.

• Describe any local or state exceptions or waivers to be sought concerning student discipline. Note that any federal rules concerning student discipline (i.e., disciplining special education students) cannot be waived by the local school system or State Board of Education.
• Describe how the school will ensure that local and state requirements concerning due process and student discipline will be followed.
• Describe any internal discipline measures to be implemented at the school.
• Describe how the school plans to notify and inform students and parents concerning discipline and student behavior expectations.

Human Resources

Employees of public charter schools are, by law, actually employees of the school system, and they have all of the rights and protections afforded them under Maryland law, as well as all of the responsibilities of a public school employee.  Public charter staff are covered by the Negotiated Agreements, for example, and they must meet any state certification requirements for their positions.

As employees of the school system, public charter school staff are hired, assigned, and compensated by the school system.  Thus, all personnel records are retained by the school system, and all employment laws are implemented and enforced by the school system.  Employee background checks will be provided by the school system.

Nevertheless, the operators of a public charter school will be asked for input concerning the hiring and/or assignment of staff at the school, and school administrators will be responsible for ensuring that all school system policies concerning personnel are followed.

• Provide a staffing plan, indicating by position title and job description the staff you seek to have at the public charter school.  For example, indicate how many math teachers, how many third-grade reading resource instructors, how many maintenance workers, etc., you plan to have, along with any specific job descriptions.
• To the extent known, provide a roster of proposed instructional staff for the school.  Note that only the Board of Education and Superintendent can actually hire and assign staff.  However, you may provide any informal commitments from individual staff members who plan to seek a transfer or assignment to the school.
• Describe any standards or requirements you would like to use in the staff assignment process.  For example, although all teachers must eventually be deemed “highly qualified” under federal law, the public charter school may seek to include only teachers with certain qualifications, or a certain dedication, or a certain commitment.  Again, the public charter school does not control the final assignment of staff, but the Superintendent will work with the school to try to select only staff interested in working at the school.
• Describe any changes to the current Negotiated Agreement which may be sought by the public charter school for its staff.  For example, the Negotiated Agreement limits the number of hours and days expected of staff.  If any changes are sought, the appropriate employee associations must be involved in any efforts to make those changes.
• Describe any waivers the public charter school may seek from the State Board of Education concerning the required certification of staff.
• Describe how any proposed professional development will adhere to Board of Education policy and will be offered to the teaching staff.  Note that, as employees of Charles County Public Schools, the staff at the school will be invited to participate in countywide professional development programs.
• Describe how school administrators will comply with required observations and evaluations of staff.

Audit and Reporting Requirements

The public charter school will be subject to regular audits and reporting requirements.  Specific audits and reports will be negotiated as part of the Charter Agreement.

• Indicate assurances that the public charter school recognizes the authority of the school system to audit school actions, and understands that the school has a responsibility to report to school system administrators as required by law and by the Charter Agreement.
• Indicate your understanding that the public charter school has a legal duty and responsibility to maintain records and collect data, as will be further defined prior to the school’s opening.

Parent Involvement and Community Participation

The most basic statement that can be made about parent and family involvement in education is that when it happens, everyone benefits.  Research has conclusively shown that parental involvement and community participation in education benefits students, parents, teachers and schools, whether the program is at the elementary, middle, or high school level.

• Describe how you will go about building family-school partnerships that focus on strengthening support for learning, improving communication, and encouraging parental involvement in school operations.
• Describe how you propose to work with parents so they have the information and training they need to better support and become more involved in their children’s learning.
• Describe the role teachers, administrators, and other school staff will play in making sure that all parents are welcome to the school and are encouraged to participate in decisions about their children’s education.
• Describe the relationship your school intends to build with community agencies and organizations that serve children and youth who attend your school.  Discuss any commitments you have for partnerships or other relationships with community organizations or individuals that would enrich the learning opportunities of students in your school.
• Try to convey as clearly and concretely as possible the scope of community backing for the proposed charter school and its founding board. Document this community support among teachers, parents, students, community members and institutional leaders and others, through the use of letters of support, surveys, or other tangible means.
• Describe how parents will be involved in the charter school, including, in particular, the management and administration of the public charter school.
• Describe how staff will be involved in the charter school, including, in particular, any additional expectations you would like to set for staff commitments.
• Describe methods for handling disputes between parents and the school.
• For current Charles County Public Schools converting to charter schools, provide evidence that a substantial percentage of parents/guardians and existing staff at that school support the conversion of the school to a public charter school.

School Facilities

Prior to approving a charter, the Board of Education needs assurances that an adequate facility for the public charter school has been purchased, leased, or otherwise secured, or plans are well underway to do so.  When acquiring a facility, there are many things that should be considered.  All public schools, including public charter schools, must comply with all applicable health and safety laws, including any state and local building codes, and additionally any building used as a school must be able to physically accommodate all students (including disabled students), the programs, and the services offered.  Thus, the selection of a facility should take into account the safety and accessibility of the facility and how effectively it can be used to educate students.  Other considerations include cost for any needed renovation and/or retrofitting, rent or mortgage payments, and location.

Prior to approval of the charter, the Superintendent’s staff will need access to inspect all facilities to be used by the public charter school.

• If you have already identified or obtained a public charter school facility, identify the facility to be used and its location.
• Please provide a copy of property or lease documents indicating your legal rights to ownership or use.
• Demonstrate how this site would be a suitable facility for the proposed school, including any plans to renovate and bring facilities into compliance with all applicable building codes.
• Demonstrate how the facility will be compliant with all ADA and state requirements concerning accessibility for the disabled.
• Include a blueprint or description of the layout of the building, including the number and size of classrooms and other education amenities (e.g., science lab, music room, gymnasium, etc.) and the placement of offices, student lockers, nurse’s office, the cafeteria, and other facilities as may be required or desired.
• Provide evidence of property insurance.
• If you do not already have a building secured, discuss in detail any progress, partnership developments, or other future steps towards acquisition of a school building.
• Describe financing plans for facilities, if applicable.

School Materials, Supplies, and Equipment

Obtaining a facility for a public charter school is only the first step in preparing a school for students.  The school also needs to furnish the facility with necessary or desired materials and equipment, including both curriculum and non-curriculum related materials.  Note that certain purchases you may make once the Charter Agreement has been signed may be subject to state procurement laws requiring the advertisement of bids and the proper handling of contract awards.

• Describe your plans to supply the public charter school with necessary or desired furniture and equipment, including student and teacher desks and chairs, telephones, science lab equipment, music and art room materials, athletic equipment, cafeteria tables, computers for administrators, flags for each classroom, etc. [Note that this is a partial list, of course, and the supplies and equipment you may choose to have (or that you must have) will be extensive. Also note that some supplies and materials will automatically be provided by the school system, as it does for all of its schools. Through detailed discussions with the Superintendent’s staff, this list will evolve, and the final description of needed supplies and equipment and the source for these supplies and equipment will be negotiated as the Formal Application is completed.]

• Describe your plans to supply the public charter school with utilities and heating and air conditioning equipment, including any maintenance plans.

• Provide copies of any vending machine contracts (i.e., contracts to provide and maintain vending machines and to fill them).

• Describe your plans to provide textbooks and other materials of instruction to students.

• Describe your technology plans, including the acquisition and maintenance of computers for students.

• Describe your plans to stock your library or media center with books and other educational materials.

Finances

It is extremely important for the charter school to begin operation with an operating budget that is supported by sound financial planning.  The operating budget for the charter application should be developed using local, state, and federal funds ONLY.  Any other sources of income should be noted but not included in the basic operation of the school unless they represent secure sources of funding.  Alternate income streams, including grants or private resources, do not represent secure sources until a guarantee is in hand.

The financial plan should include a two-year budget that is based on the projected enrollment for those two years.  Budgeted allotments will change from year to year due to changes in the local and state per pupil allotments and in actual enrollment.  The state funds schools based upon the number of students enrolled on September 30th of each school year, under guidelines established by law and through regulation.  All students enrolled on a full-time basis are counted equally, except for special education and Limited English Learning students, which receive additional per pupil funding.

Federal categorical dollars such as Title I and the child nutrition (school lunch) program require that the school have information regarding household income.  It is probably best to ask for this confidential information in the initial registration process.  The questionnaire should include a statement of confidentiality and an explanation as to why this information is important to the child and the school.

State law requires that the Board disburse to the public charter school an amount of local, state, and federal money that is commensurate with the amount distributed on a per pupil basis to other public schools in the county.  The specific amount of funding will be negotiated in the Charter Agreement.

• Describe the financial management and internal accounting procedures of the public charter school. Note that the school will be required to maintain its financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and Board policy and procedures.
• Prepare and submit your public charter school budget for the length of the proposed contract covering all projected sources of revenue and planned expenditures. These projections are needed in order to estimate the annual payment to the public charter school for its operating expenses. As it pertains to the budget, it is required that the applicant submits a detailed and realistic financial plan and analysis. This would include the following:

• A sensitivity analysis and financial plan based on enrollment with contingency plans for reduced enrollment.

• Five percent of the operating and five percent of the capital budget in a contingency fund.

• Cash flow projections for the first year displayed month by month and a plan to fund any cash flow shortfalls.

• Present a budget for start-up expenses, covering only the planning and capital expenses necessary before school opening. 
• Describe any planned fund-raising efforts to generate capital or to supplement the per pupil allocations. 
• Explain the manner in which the school will be insured, including liability insurance.
• Provide information about the ownership and inventory control of materials and equipment.

Recruiting and Marketing Plan

A public charter school should have a plan to attract sufficient students to operate a school and make an effort to publicize the school to a broad audience in order to foster a student body representative of the local community.  This would include recruitment efforts that seek to ensure a match between the school program and applicants’ educational and personal needs

• Demonstrate how you will publicize the school to attract a sufficient pool of applicants.
• Describe steps you will take to reach students representative of the racial and socio-economic diversity in the community, including typically "harder to reach" families.
• Describe any marketing efforts that will explain the mission and purpose of the public charter school to the community in general.

Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness

Preparing students, staff, and parents to handle emergency situations is a vital part of any school safety plan.  Charles County Public Schools requires that each school develop and maintain a school safety plan which is coordinated with the systemwide plan.  School plans should include:

• the designation of an emergency response team;
• development of evacuation, lockout, and lockdown procedures;
• preparation of a portable emergency response kit that contains key information and supplies;
• provisions for training personnel and updating the plan;
• checklists for dealing with specific types of incidents; and
• resources for help before, during and after an event.

An emergency may prevent the safe evacuation of a school building and require steps to isolate students and faculty from danger by instituting a school lockdown.  In an interior lockdown situation, all students are kept in classrooms or other designated locations that are away from the danger.  Staff members are responsible for accounting for students and ensuring that no one leaves the safe area.  School personnel will also secure building entrances, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals leave or enter the building.  Exterior lockdown procedures may also be used to ensure the safety of students when an incident occurs in the community.

The specific actions taken by schools in any emergency situation, both district wide and at individual schools, will depend on the specifics of the situation, taking into account the level of threat and the advice of local, state, and federal agencies.  The safety of students and staff members will be the primary concern in any decision.

• Provide your school emergency plan.

• Describe your procedures to maintain emergency contact information for all students.

• Describe any efforts to involve local law enforcement officers in the operations of your school, including developing programs for students, using officers as community resources, etc.

• Provide information about plans to conduct regular fire drills and emergency drills.

Transportation

As part of the Charter Agreement, student transportation will be negotiated between the Board and the public charter school.  However, generally students are only transported to public school if they live within the attendance area zoned for that school, or if transportation services are required as part of a student’s special education services.  Other students may be expected to provide their own means of transportation.  Your public charter school will not have an actual attendance “zone”, since by law it must be opened to all students in Charles County, regardless of where they live within the county.  Thus, transportation may be a major factor in determining the viability of your proposal.

• Discuss any special plans you may have for transporting students to and from school.
• Describe what transportation “zone” you suggest for your public charter school, including detailed geographic boundaries (such as roads) for your “zone”. Include in your description your justification or rationale for the boundaries. 
• Describe how you will help ensure that transportation is not a barrier to equal access for all students in Charles County.

Additional Information

Feel free to provide any additional information and documentation you think would be helpful to the Board in its decision whether or not to grant the charter.

Charles County Public Schools
P.O. Box 2770
La Plata, Maryland  20646

Formal Application Checklist 

This document will be used to determine if an application is complete.  Please check off each requirement as completed and included in the Formal Application.  Any required section not complete, including items left blank or unanswered or missing attachments and appendices, will result in an application being deemed INCOMPLETE.  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO THE BOARD.

Insert the page number where each item listed below will be found within the Formal Application.

SENATE BILL 75

 

LIST OF SOME CHARTER SCHOOL RESOURCES ON WEB