The Ed-Watch series is designed to increase access to information on what decisions
are being made regarding public education in Clark County and Nevada.
The Ed-Watch series is designed to increase access to information on what decisions are being made regarding public education in Clark County and Nevada.
State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA)
What is the SPCSA & what are they responsible for? Considered one of Nevada’s school districts, the SPCSA sponsors and oversees public charter schools. The Authority consists of seven appointed members responsible for overseeing educational and operational standards and holding sponsored schools accountable to the academic achievement of students.
How often does the SPCSA Board meet? The SPCSA typically meets once a month, generally on Fridays.
Click here for SPCSA meeting schedule and materials.
Can community members engage at SPCSA Board Meetings? While all meetings of the SPCSA are typically held publicly at the Nevada Department of Education building in Carson City and the Nevada Department of Education building in Las Vegas (1st floor boardroom), all meetings are now held virtually due to the COVID-19 crisis. Members of the public may view the meeting online via the link on the SPCSA’s Public Notice web page and the agenda and any supporting materials can be found here. Public comment may be given on any agenda item at the beginning of the meeting, or public comment regarding any matter that is SPCSA-related may be given at the conclusion of each Board meeting. Members of the community giving public comment can utilize the following conference call line: 1-312-584-2401; extension 3952176# with a time limit of three minutes per speaker. Alternatively, public comment may be submitted in writing to publiccomment@spcsa.nv.gov, and any such public comment received prior to the meeting will be provided to the Authority and included in the written minutes of the meeting.
Click here for a list of all SPCSA Members.
Click here for a list of all SPCSA sponsored schools.
Friday, May 19, 2023
State Public Charter School Authority Board Meeting
Access the meeting agenda and playback.
What happened at this meeting?
SPCSA Executive Director’s Report
Highlights from the report include:
- Legislative Update: Staff are monitoring several bills in the final weeks of the Legislature, including those that specifically pertain to charter schools or would significantly impact the SPCSA or SPCSA-sponsored charter schools. The list can be found here.
- New Charter School Applications: Eight charter applications were received for this cycle: six in Clark County, one in Elko County, and one in Nye County. Explore the list here.
- Federal Grants Administered by the SPCSA: The team is working closely with school to ensure ESSER II dollars are expended by the deadline later this year. Staff is working to ensure reimbursements happen on a timely basis.
- Purple Star Schools: Purple Star Schools demonstrate their support and commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and families. Legacy Traditional School’s Cadence Campus, Somerset Academy’s Aliante Campus, and Coral Academy of Science’s Nellis and Centennial Hills Campuses received this designation.
Board Approved Girls Empowerment Middle School’s Closure Plans
The Board heard updates from GEMS and staff regarding the potential closure of the school, following its Notice of Breach issued at the April board meeting. The GEMS board has since voted to close the school at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
The Board accepted the recent action of the GEMS board to close the school, appointed Michael Taack to be the school’s administrator through the closure, and approved the school’s closure plan as submitted to SPCSA staff.
Explore the recommendation memo and closure plan.
Board Heard an Update on New Schools
- Eagle Charter Schools of Nevada – The school is on target with pre-opening tasks, with primary focus areas continuing to be student recruitment, hiring, and facilities. More than 61 applications have been submitted, 126 students have completed registration, and 131 have registration in progress. Fourteen staff members have also been hired. Explore the presentation.
- Pinecrest Academy – Springs Campus – The modular building is now in place, providing four additional classrooms. Hiring has been completed, and the school is applying for Title 1, Title 4, and CSP grants. Student recruitment is ongoing through onsite enrollment, events, and activities. Explore the presentation.
- Rooted School – The school will co-locate with Nevada Prep Academy for the 2023-2024 school year, and is still looking for its permanent facility. Several activities are taking place to encourage enrollment. Thirty-three applications have been submitted. Faculty interviews are ongoing. Several community partners have been identified, with CSN submitting an updated MOU that is awaiting final approval. Explore the presentation.
- Southern Nevada Trades High School – The school is on target to occupy its building on July 5. Five teachers have been hired, as well as a counselor. The school has received 109 applications and 38 enrollments, with an enrollment event scheduled on June 3 and outreach activities occurring on an ongoing basis. Explore the overview.
Board Reviewed School Contract Amendment Applications
The Board conditionally approved Elko Institute for Academic Achievement’s Good Cause Exemption to relocate its permanent facility, located at 905 W. Main St., Elko NV, when construction has been completed. Review the recommendation memo and the amendment application.
The Board approved Beacon Academy of Nevada’s amendment application to expand enrollment at both its East and West campuses. Review the recommendation memo and the amendment application.
Board Reviewed Financial Performance Review and Recommendations for the 2021-2022 School Year
Each school earns performance ratings of either Meets Standard Rating, Does Not Meet Standard, or Falls Far Below Standard, which can trigger a Notice of Concern or a Notice of Breach.
The Board adopted the Financial Performance Framework results presented for Democracy Prep and Nevada Prep for the 2021-2022 school year for all indicators (except the Enrollment Variance measure), and issued a Notice of Concern under the Financial Performance Framework to both schools. Democracy Prep and Nevada Prep are required to develop and submit financial improvement plans and provide quarterly updates to the SPCSA regarding the implementation and status of those plans. Both schools are working with staff to address the items identified.
Explore the presentation and the recommendation memo.
Board Reviewed Revolving Loan Recommendations
The Board approved the Revolving Loan Fund Application for $109,500 to Battle Born Academy, according to the terms outlined in the recommendation memo.
The Board approved the Revolving Loan Fund Application for $100,000 to Southern Nevada Trades High School, according to the terms outlined in the recommendation memo.
Long-Range Calendar (next 3 months):
Agenda items over the next three SPCSA board meetings are anticipated to include:
Agenda items over the next three SPCSA board meetings are anticipated to include:
- Election of the SPCSA Chair and Vice Chair (two-year terms)
- Organizational Performance Framework updates
- New schools update
- Modifications and updates to the Site Evaluation process for the 2023-2024 school year
- New charter school applications
Explore the calendar.
The next Meeting of the SPCSA Board is scheduled for Friday, June 23, 2023, @ 9:00 a.m.
