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? The SPCSA sponsors and oversees public charter schools across the State of Nevada. The Authority consists of nine 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? SPCSA members meet once monthly– on Fridays.
Click here for SPCSA meeting schedule and materials.
Can community members engage at SPCSA Board Meetings? All meetings are 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). Members of the public are invited to attend at either location. A time for public comment is provided at the conclusion of each agenda item and at the conclusion of each Board meeting. There is a time limit of three minutes per speaker. Members of the community providing testimony must fill out a visitor card, available on-site the day of the meeting.
Alternatively, public comment may be submitted in writing at 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, April 24, 2020
State Public Charter School Authority Board Meeting
Click here to see the meeting agenda
What happened at this meeting?
Board Heard Updates Regarding COVID-19
Staff members shared updates regarding the SPCSA’s response to COVID-19, including:
- All SPCSA schools are actively implementing a distance learning program, with 98% attendance and participation among students.
- All schools are required to contact students once per week, but are generally contacting students daily.
- SPCSA staff have been checking in weekly with schools to monitor their progress.
- Due to the cancellation of assessments for all public schools statewide, schools will not receive ratings under the Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) or the Alternate Performance Framework for the 2019-20 school year. SPCSA staff will conduct school evaluations virtually to maintain an accountability mechanism for its schools.
- The SPCSA budget will be impacted by approximately 4% this fiscal year, and between 6-14% next fiscal year. There is no anticipated direct financial impact on staffing or programming. The SPCSA encourages schools to also plan for the impact of COVID-19 on their budgets.
SPCSA Executive Director’s Report:
Report Highlights:
- The staff is working with former ASD schools to ensure a full transition to the SPCSA by July 1, 2020, and to complete contracts for approval in May.
- Updates on approved Fall 2020 expansions for American Preparatory Academy, Mater Academy of Nevada, and Nevada State High School. The schools are virtually working through student recruitment and enrollment efforts during COVID-19 closures. Another status update will be provided during the May 29th board meeting.
- Updates on Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada, which was approved as a new charter to launch in Fall 2020.
- The school will present its final transportation plan for approval in May. Click here to see the school’s marketing plan, enrollment updates with a zip code analysis, and transportation plan.
- The school is revising their recruitment efforts in response to challenges presented by COVID-19 closures. The board requested updates on the school’s outreach efforts for the target at-risk student population.
- An updated version of the New Charter School Application is live, and an applicant training was conducted to walk applicants through the new application. The application was updated to reduce redundancies, reflect current state statutes, and align to the SPCSA’s strategic growth plan.
Board Approved a Revolving Loan Application for GALS
SPCSA staff shared its recommendations for the approval of a revolving loan application submitted by Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS). Staff noted the school’s strong business plan for repayment as well as its plans to serve an at-risk community.
Click here to see the staff recommendation memo.
Board Approved Charter Contract Amendments
The board approved the following amendments:
- Las Vegas Collegiate’s proposed facility change within the same 89106 zip code. The school also requested an amendment to its enrollment cap and transportation plan.
- Pinecrest Academy of Nevada proposed a dual enrollment program for eligible students.
Board Heard Updates about SPCSA Growth Management Plan Feedback
SPCSA staff shared input that was received by the Legislative Committee on Education regarding recommended updates to the SPCSA Growth Management Plan, including:
- Indicating progress of monitoring schools and closing schools in the event of underperformance
- Adding details regarding the methods by which the SPCSA staff communicates with school districts
- Including the priority of diversifying staff to be representative of the communities they serve
- Clarifying standards to prevent the expansion of schools that are not in good standing
Click here to see the presentation.
Board Heard Updates on the Biennial Review of Statutes and Regulations
Beginning in February, the SPCSA will begin preparing for the next legislative session. SPCSA staff discussed a draft statute request, due in May, to amend new school application timelines.
Board Discussed Updates to Long-Range Calendar
The Board discussed scheduling board training as well as adding a May board meeting.
Click here to see the board meeting calendar.
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