Tag: charter application

Nevada Ed-Watch 9/25/20

Posted on by Opportunity 180

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.

Clark County School District Board of Trustees 

What is the Board of Trustees & what are they responsible for? The CCSD Trustees are publicly elected decision-makers for the school district. They are responsible for providing oversight to the Superintendent and establishing District-wide policy. Trustees are accountable to work with their communities to improve student achievement.

Click here to learn more and see a list of current Trustees

Click here to find your Trustee District

How often does the Board of Trustees meet? Trustees meet twice per month (second and fourth Thursdays) at 5pm at the Edward A. Greer Education Center (Board Room): 2832 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121.

Click here for a full list of Trustees meetings and agendas

Click here to visit Hope For Nevada’s #NVEd Calendar

Can community members engage at Trustee Meetings? Decision-making bodies benefit greatly from hearing public input and multiple perspectives. Community members can sign up to speak after the agenda has been posted– by calling the Board Office at (702) 799-1072 at least 3 hours before the scheduled meeting, or signing up in-person at the beginning of the meeting. Prior to each agenda item being voted on, speakers can share their perspective after the Board’s discussion and prior to the vote.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Clark County School District Board of Trustees Meeting

Click here to see the meeting agenda

What happened at this meeting?

Public Comment

Members of the public submitted comments online. Public comment was not read directly into the record, and rather an oral summary of each comment was provided to Trustees.

  • Click here & here to view public comment submitted on agenda items.
  • Click here & here  to view public comment submitted on non-agenda items.

Trustees Approved Consent Agenda 

Highlights: 

Trustees Approved Contract for Professional Learning and Coaching Services 

The contract with the National Center on Education and the Economy Center on System Leadership provides for the purchase of National Institute of School Leadership programming, which provides professional learning and coaching services for schools. Trustees discussed the critical need to ensure that teachers and administrators are representative of the diverse student population, including the need to prioritize educators of color for leadership opportunities. 

Click here to view the contract reference material. 

Trustees Heard Presentation on 2020 SPCSA Charter School Applications 

In accordance with Assembly Bill 462 of the 2019 Legislative Session, the State Public Charter School Authority notified the Clark County School District of charter school applications under consideration in the Clark County geographic footprint. The potential schools reviewed by CCSD staff included Eagle Charter School of Nevada, Las Vegas Montessori Charter School, Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy, Sage Collegiate Academy, and Wallace Stegner Academy. CCSD staff contended that none of the potential schools meet standards for approval. 

Click here to view the presentation. 

Trustees Approved Notice of Intent For Changes to District Zoning Policy 

Changes to Regulation 7111, District Attendance Zoning will come before the board for approval at the meeting on October 22. 

Trustees Approved Employment Agreement 

Trustees approved an employment agreement with Fikisha Miller as Chief Negotiator and Assistant General Counsel for the district. Trustees welcomed Fikisha Miller and expressed that they would like the needs of Trustees to be prioritized by Counsel. 

Click here to view the agreement. 

Trustees Heard Update on the CCSD’s COVID-19 Response

Health Information: The COVID-19 response update included a presentation from Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Director of the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). Dr. Leguen outlined the factors SNHD is tracking with regards to opening schools, based on CDC recommendations and guidance. Factors include both the COVID-19 positivity rate for CCSD students and staff and the 14-day community infection rate. A memo provided by Superintendent Jara stated that though positivity rates continue to decline, there is still high risk present with regards to reopening school buildings for face to face instruction. Trustees requested ongoing updates of positivity rates and other health-related factors that contribute to the decision to reopen school buildings. At this time, there is no recommendation for schools to reopen. 

COVID-19 Testing: Educators will have access to free COVID-19 testing through the Task Force for Educator’s Safety & Screening (TIES). Trustees discussed concerns about requiring employees to participate in testing and the implications related to confidentiality. CCSD General Counsel is finalizing program details, but does not anticipate that participation in testing will be required. Student testing was not discussed. 

Connectivity & Participation:  According to CCSD, 226,093 devices have been distributed to students and 13,443 families have been connected to the internet via the Family Support Center. With regards to enrollment, CCSD is at 97% of expected enrollment, approximately -9,300 students. 

Student Online Safety & Mental Health: CCSD has launched increased controls on GoGuardian, the IT security program connected to all CCSD distance learning accounts and devices. The program includes content firewalls and the ability for educators to monitor web pages students are accessing while logged in to their CCSD account. Additionally, Beacon, a suicide prevention tool, has been incorporated to GoGuardian to support student mental health. Trustees requested additional detailed information on student and employee mental health be presented at an upcoming board meeting. 

Student Instruction: For the first three weeks of school, between 300,100 and 305,000 students have accessed Canvas, the district’s Learning Management System (LMS). CCSD staff outlined challenges related to Canvas implementation, including information continuity for families  and training for teachers on uploading grades. With regards to special populations, students with disabilities are being provided with assistive technology and learning supports on a case by case basis. English Language Learners (ELLs) are receiving additional support with interactive Google Classrooms, and educators are being provided with coaching and resources to support students learning English. Trustees requested additional information on ELLs and the accommodations being provided to students. 

Assessments: Students in grades 3-10 are participating in the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) formative assessment from home. CCSD staff encouraged teachers to utilize MAP results as one of multiple data points for tailoring instruction for students. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) assessments are being conducted for qualifying third graders in person, and Child Find (special education assessments) are occurring in person on an appointment basis. ELL assessments are also being conducted by appointment at school sites — approximately 3,000 students are left to be tested. 

Trustees directed the Superintendent to ensure that the update at the next board meeting includes information on how the central office is being responsive to concerns of employees, students, and parents. Additionally, Trustees would like to review information on other districts’ school building reopenings and to revisit the details of the hybrid plan for the return to school buildings. 

This was not an action item. 

Click here to see the presentation. 
Click here to read about this in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 

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Nevada Ed-Watch 8/28/20

Posted on by Opportunity 180

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, August 28, 2020

State Public Charter School Authority Board Meeting

Click here to see the meeting agenda

What happened at this meeting? 

Members of the public submitted comment online regarding: 

  • Support for school reopening decision made by the Authority 
  • Concerns about the implementation of distance learning 

SPCSA Executive Director’s Report: 

Report Highlights: 

  • Update on response to Covid-19 Pandemic:
    • Director Feiden and the SPCSA granted three exemptions to distance learning for schools in Washoe County. This is contingent on Washoe County School District continuing to operate in person learning. SPCSA’s primary efforts have focused on addressing connectivity needs, coordination with health districts, school leadership support, and communication. Click here to see the full memo.
  • New Schools: 
    • Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada, Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS), and Explore Academy have each opened as planned. Civica Nevada has submitted three of the five required conditions for opening and will provide a more formal update to the board on October 2nd. 
  • Update on Summer Cycle for Charter Applications: 
    • The SPCSA received five complete charter applications for the summer cycle. Capacity interviews have been scheduled with school teams and recommendations for approval or denial will be brought before the board at the November 6th meeting. 
  • SPCSA Performance Framework Overview: 
    • The SPCSA performance framework is a document that sets forth agreed upon expectations of performance and compliance. It is the basis for school evaluations, ongoing monitoring and intervention that informs high-stakes decisions by an authorizer. Academic and Organizational results will be available in October or November. Financial results will be available in February. Click here to see the full overview.
  • Federal Grant Monitoring: 
    • The SPCSA is responsible for oversight on federal and state grants to Nevada Public Charter Schools in order to ensure schools are considering students services and well being, sound financial stewardship and legal compliance. Schools will receive updates about SPCSA’s federal grant monitoring in September. Click here to see the full overview. 

Board Approved Quest Academy Transition from Receivership (7-0-1)

Based on the academic and financial progress of Quest Academy throughout receivership, the Board approved SPCSA staff recommendation for Quest Academy to transition from receivership to a fully constituted board, with conditions. Members of Quest Academy school community outlined upcoming board training and next steps for the school. 

Note: Member Soifer recused himself due to a business relationship with a member of the Quest Academy board and therefore abstained from the vote. 

Click here to see the full recommendation, including conditions.

Board Approved Charter School Contract Amendments 

  • Freedom Classical Academy: The board approved a good cause exemption and amendment request for Freedom Classical Academy’s acquisition of its current facility. It will not affect approved enrollment.  Click here to see the full recommendation, including conditions. 
  • Honors Academy of Literature: The board approved a good cause exemption and amendment request for Honors Academy of Literature to increase their enrollment from 211 students to 225 students. Click here to see the full recommendation. 

Board Approved Amplus Academy Contract Amendment

Staff and board members from Amplus Academy provided an academic and financial update on the progress of Amplus transitioning away from their former Education Management Organization (EMO) to an independent charter school. Based on SPCSA staff recommendation, the Board approved changes to Amplus Academy’s academic, operational, and financial plans. Highlights of the changes include: 

  • updates to curriculum and professional development resources,
  • shifts to leadership structure to devote more time to specific student groups,
  • shifts to school based human resource functions, accounting and finance functions, and student recruitment and enrollment, and 
  • significant updates to financial plan due to reallocation of funds designated for Amplus Academy’s former (EMO) to directly support students.

 Click here to see the full recommendation. 

Board Approved Changes to Site Evaluation Process

SPCSA staff authority recommended updates and changes to the SPCSA’s site evaluation including an update on the work ahead. Site evaluations offer objective feedback to schools in years 1, 3, and 5 of operation. The board approved changes to the site evaluation process, including:  

  • a statement in the handbook to address potential for bias in focus groups, 
  • decreasing the number of items schools are required to upload, 
  • implementing a presentation from school leaders,
  • revisions to classroom observation rubric, and
  • reduction of the number of staff hours used on the final report.

  Click here to see the full presentation and all updates.

Board Heard Update on Serving All Students Equitably 

Based on feedback from the board, SPCSA staff outlined actions being implemented by the SPCSA to ensure schools are serving all students equitably. In addition to site evaluation updates approved by the board in a previous item, new school applications will be revised to include questions regarding efforts to close opportunity gaps and address disproportionate discipline practices. Charter renewal applications will include questions related to restorative justice practices and plans to address disproportionate discipline practices and opportunity gaps. Additionally, SPCSA will conduct annual presentations on student outcome data, and continue the Focus on Schools series.

Click here to read the full overview.

Board Discussed Students at Risk of Dropping Out

Director Feiden provided an overview of Students at Risk of Dropping Out of School within Academic and Demographic Needs Assessment and context on how SPCSA staff are addressing the need. SPCSA board members provided additional suggestions on addressing this need and requested to continue this conversation.

Click here to see the Academic and Demographic Needs Assessment.

Long-Range Calendar

Due to the volume of anticipated agenda items, an additional SPCSA meeting will be scheduled in December.

Click here to see the long-range calendar.

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Nevada Ed-Watch 11/1/19

Posted on by Opportunity 180

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.

Click here for a list of all SPCSA Members.

Click here for a list of all SPCSA sponsored schools.

Friday, October 4, 2019
State Public Charter School Authority Board Meeting

Click here to see the meeting agenda

What happened at this meeting?

The Board Heard about Changes to the Public Comment Process

Rather than holding public comment for all agenda items until the end of each board meeting, the process was updated to allow members of the public to comment after each agenda item. 

Staff Presented Updates on the Development of the SPCSA Strategic Plan & Accompanying Growth Management Plan (in accordance with AB 462)

SPCSA staff presented updates on proposed language on the vision, mission, and values of the State Public Charter School Authority for board feedback. The board discussed the inclusion of “innovation” as a component of the vision statement.

The board also heard the SPCSA staff’s proposed five-year goals:

  1. Provide families with access to high quality schools
  2. Increase the diversity of students served by SPCSA schools 
  3. Ensure that every SPCSA student succeeds – including those from historically underperforming subgroups 

The board discussed the inclusion of attendance metrics in the goals. 

SPCSA staff proposed four (4) overarching strategies to achieve these goals:

  1. Proactive Oversight
  2. Strategic Growth 
  3. Expanded Support 
  4. Reward Progress

Staff will present more specific actions aligned to each strategy above at the next board meeting. 

Click here to see the Strategic Planning presentation. 

Click here to see the draft Growth Management Plan. 

SPCSA staff will present a final draft of both the full Strategic Plan and the Growth Management Plan for approval at the December 13th board meeting. 

Public Comment: A school leader shared concerns about needing more time to build a school culture before receiving a star rating for the first year of operation. Another school leader shared concerns about performance ratings for alternative schools.

Upcoming Milestones

  • December 13th: Review and board approval of final Strategic Plan and Growth Management Plan 
  • January 1st: Growth Management Plan submitted to the Nevada Department of Education and the Legislative Commission on Education

Board Heard a Presentation about SPCSA-Sponsored Shining Star Schools

SPCSA staff recognized the nine (9) state-designated Shining Star schools that are authorized by the SPCSA. A Shining Star school is a high-performing school serving a high percentage of students in poverty. A high-performing school is  defined by achieving a 4 or 5-Star rating on the most recent Nevada School Performance Framework.

Click here to see the Shining Star schools presentation.

The board also heard a presentation from teachers, students, and school leaders at Mater Academy of Nevada Mountain Vista Campus and Mater Academy of Nevada Bonanza Campus on its academic performance (both campuses were recognized as Shining Star schools).  

Click here to see the Mater Academy presentation.

The Board Approved Charter Contract Renewals for Mater Academy and Beacon Academy

SPCSA staff recommended renewal of Mater Academy of Nevada’s contract for a 5-year term beginning July 1st, 2020. 

Click here to see the Mater Academy charter contract renewal recommendation.

SPCSA staff also recommended renewal of Beacon Academy of Nevada for a six-year term, beginning July 1, 2020.

The board heard the following remarks about Beacon Academy from SPCSA staff:

  • Beacon is the only school operating under an Alternative Performance Framework due to the unique population it serves
  • Beacon continues to serve credit deficient students and seeks expansion to serve more students who are credit deficient

Click here to see the Beacon Academy charter contract renewal recommendation.

Board Approved New School Application Process

SPCSA staff provided an overview of the process for new charter schools to apply for authorization under the SPCSA. For the Summer application cycle, new charters must submit Letters of Intent to apply by March 15th. 

The updated version of the application requires an applicant to demonstrate alignment to the SPCSA’s Demographic Needs Assessment, in addition to the school’s Academic, Operations, and Financial plans.

Click here to see the presentation.

SPCSA Executive Director’s Report: 

Report Highlights:

  • 7 schools submitted requests for contract amendments, which will be brought to the December board meeting.
  • 18 school site evaluations were conducted last year, with 42 remaining to complete. 
  • Student demographic and enrollment data for SPCSA schools is anticipated in December.

The Board Discussed Updates to the Board Calendar

The board added a meeting on December 17th, when they will review nine (9) pending charter applications. The regular December board meeting is scheduled for December 13th. 

Click here to see the long-range calendar, including 2020 meeting dates. 

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Nevada Ed-Watch 10/4/19

Posted on by Opportunity 180

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 beginning (for agenda items) and at the conclusion (on any matter) 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.

Click here for a list of all SPCSA Members.

Click here for a list of all SPCSA sponsored schools.

Friday, October 4, 2019
State Public Charter School Authority Board Meeting

Click here to see the meeting agenda

What happened at this meeting?

Public Comment

Parents and staff members provided testimony about their positive experience at Nevada Connections Academy. 

The Board Elected a Chair and Vice-Chair

The board elected Melissa Mackedon to serve as Chair and Randy Kirner to serve as Vice Chair of the board.

The Board Discussed Updates to the Board Calendar

The board added a second meeting in December (December 17th), when they will review nine (9) pending charter applications. The first December board meeting is scheduled for December 13th.

Throughout 2020, board meetings will continue to take place on Fridays at 9:00 am. The SPCSA staff is also exploring the possibility of holding two meetings per year that begin later in the afternoon, in an effort to increase community access to meetings.

Additionally, SPCSA staff is creating an online opportunity for members of the public to provide written comments in the event they are unable to provide spoken testimony during a meeting.

The Board Heard an Overview of the NSPF Star Ratings for SPCSA-Authorized Schools

The board reviewed results at public charter schools authorized by the SPCSA. 

2018-19 Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) results highlights:

  • 65 SPCSA charter schools received 4 or 5 star ratings
  • Out of 120 schools in Nevada that received a 5 star rating, 45 are SPCSA-sponsored charter schools

The following Title I schools were designated as 4 or 5 stars for the 2018-19 school year, demonstrating that they have exceeded state standards (click on a school to see its data profile):

Opportunity 180’s data portal, www.GreatSchoolsAllKids.org, was recognized as a resource for the community to access public school performance data.

Click here to see the NSPF results presentation.

The Board Approved 10 Schools to Return to Academic Good Standing Classification 

The following schools will return to being classified as being in Academic Good Standing (3 star and above):

  1. Freedom Classical Middle School (4-Star)
  2. Founders Academy Elementary School (4-Star)
  3. Leadership Academy Middle School (3-Star)
  4. Learning Bridge Elementary School (4-Star)
  5. Legacy, North Valley Middle School (3-Star)
  6. Mater Academy, Bonanza Elementary School (3-Star)
  7. Mater Academy Northern Nevada Elementary School (3-Star)
  8. Nevada Virtual Middle School (3-Star)
  9. Nevada Virtual High School (3-Star)
  10. SLAM Middle Schools (3-Star)

The Board Approved Schools to Receive a Notice of Concern for Academic Performance

The following schools received a notice of concern regarding their academic performance: 

The following actions are required for each school that received a Notice of Concern:

  • School performance plans will be reviewed by the SPCSA Staff
  • Site Evaluations and visits will take place to follow-up on progress against school performance plans
  • Provide a written report on February 1, 2020 indicating progress to date in implementing the school performance plan, and a summary of mid-year assessment performance.

Each school had a chance to speak before the board regarding their results and the steps they are taking to address their star rating.

The Board Approved Schools to Receive a Notice of Breach for Academic Performance

The schools listed below received a Notice of Breach for their academic performance.

These schools are required to present an update on their academic progress against their school performance plan, including a summary of mid-year assessment results in early 2020.

Additionally, performance at Nevada Connections Academy ES (1-star) has triggered the automatic termination provisions (per statute), and the school must close at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. However, since Nevada Connections Academy has chosen not to renew the charter for their elementary school, no action was taken by the board.

Board Approved Somerset Academy’s Charter Amendment (Dual Enrollment Program)

In compliance with NRS 389.310, the board approved a request for a good-cause exemption by Somerset Academy to provide access to college-level coursework.

Staff Presented Updates on the SPCSA Strategic Planning process  

Members of the SPCSA staff presented draft language for input by board members on the vision, mission, and values of the SPCSA. Board members provided feedback, and updated language will be presented at the November board meeting. 

Strategic Plan highlights:

Growth Management Plan

  • The SPCSA received 2,500 individual responses on their stakeholder feedback survey. They are currently analyzing results. 
  • The SPCSA is bringing a range of stakeholders together to help them understand the needs of stakeholders in Nevada. The working groups are meeting three times in October and their input will contribute to the development of the Growth Management Plan. 

Upcoming Milestones

  • November 1st (during the board meeting): Presentation of Strategic and Growth Management Plan drafts for additional board feedback
  • December 13th: Review and board approval of final Strategic and Growth Management Plans 
  • January 1st: Growth Management Plan submitted to the Nevada Department of Education and Legislative Commission on Education

Click here to see the strategic planning presentation.

SPCSA Executive Director’s Report: 

Report Highlights:

  • Superintendent Listening Tour: Superintendent Ebert visited two Shining Star Schools, Mater Academy and Equipo Academy, during her Listening Tour. Round Tables were conducted where staff and parents got to communicate directly with the Superintendent about their experience at the schools.
  • New Charter Applications: 9 applications were received. Interviews have been scheduled with the schools 
  • Charter Amendment Applications: Applications are due on Oct 15th. 10 schools submitted Letter of Intent (LOIs) for potential amendments.

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Nevada Ed-Watch 3/11/19

Posted on by Opportunity 180

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 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? SPCSA members meet once monthly (three times in June)– 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 (2nd floor boardroom). Members of the public are invited to attend at either location. A time for public comment is provided at the beginning (for agenda items) and at the conclusion (on any matter) 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.

Click here for a list of all SPCSA Members.

Click here for a list of all SPCSA sponsored schools.

Monday, March 11, 2019
State Public Charter School Authority Board Meeting

Click here to see the meeting agenda

What happened at this meeting?

The Board Heard Staff Reports From Each Team (Authorizing, School Support, Finance & Operations & Legal)

The Authorizing Team provided the following updates to the Board:

  • Academic Performance Framework & Organizational Framework
    • The workgroups on each of the frameworks have met once and will continue to meet over the next few months.
    • Both frameworks will be completed by June and implemented in school year 2019-20.

  • Changes to the Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) for school year 2018-2019 
    • The Nevada Department of Education is implementing changes to the NSPF, which will be released in the Fall. Note: the NSPF workbook with more details will be released in April 2019.
      • The team updated the Board on 3 key areas that will be updated:
        • Changing the business rules around how long a child must be enrolled in order to count towards a school’s performance data.
        • Rating schools that have low ‘N’ counts, or schools that don’t have tested grades.
        • Readjusting the penalty structure for schools that don’t meet the 95% participation requirements.
  • Site Evaluations
    • The team completed 9 SPCSA school site evaluations since January 22nd. They will have 10 visits completed by end of the week, and 6 visits remaining for March-April. On average, the team has completed 1 site evaluation per week.
  • Revolving Loan
    • The team provided an update regarding lending funds to schools for costs approved in the charter application, such as preparing for the first year of operations and recruiting talent.
      • The loan application deadline is Friday. Any charter school under any authorizer can apply. Funding decisions will be made in May.
  • New Charter Applicants
    • There is 1 applicant currently in the charter application process.
    • 11 Letters of Intent to apply for charter authorization have been submitted to-date for the current application cycle. The deadline is Friday, March 15.

The School Support Team provided the following updates to the Board:

  • Site Visits
    • The team conducted 10 school site visits this week. The purpose of these visits is to discuss providing technical support to ensure school success, specifically around special programs like Individualized Education and 504 Plans, and services for English Language Learners.
  • Conferences and Trainings
    • The team attended crisis prevention institute training.
  • Technical Support for Schools
    • The team is continuing to work with schools to facilitate solutions to parent concerns, and support schools to meet Nevada Department of Education reporting requirements.

The Legal Team provided the following updates to the Board:

  • Executive Director Search and Recruitment
    • The Board interviewed candidates for the Executive Director position on March 8, selecting 3 finalists to forward to the Governor for final review and appointment.  The letter to the Governor is currently being drafted.

The Board Heard 2019 Legislative Updates

The SPCSA has jointly filed SB78 with the Nevada Department of Education. The bill includes consolidating and combining the SPCSA and the Nevada ASD in an effort to increase equitable access to high quality charter schools for all students.

Click here to see the bill and the amendments.

Click here to see a technical summary of the proposed revisions to AB78.

Click here to see the proposed Conceptual Amendment to AB78.

The SPCSA is also tracking the following (click the links to access each bill):

  • AB70: Related to Nevada Open Meeting Law
  • AB168: Related to student discipline
  • AB 213: Allows for public charter school students to obtain their driver’s licenses at age 14 under certain circumstances
  • SB57: Related to school safety
  • SB89: Related to accountability for public schools
  • BDR 34-392: Related to separate regulation of online public charter schools. Discussion on BDR 34-392 included:
    • The Board has done a lot of accountability work regarding virtual schools, with some success. They expressed that having an additional accountability tool would be helpful.
    • The Board also expressed support for schools that are open to all students and are serving them well, and facing consequences, (including closure) if they are not.

The Board Heard a Staff Presentation About the Charter Amendment Process and Proposed Updates

The SPCSA currently has 11 different amendment applications that are specific to different types of amendments (i.e. expanding enrollment to new grades or school name changes).

The staff proposed streamlining the charter amendment process to just one application that is broken down into multiple amendment categories (i.e. facilities, enrollment, and academic).

There will still be a high expectation of quality in applications, two amendment cycles, and an option for schools to submit good cause exemptions.

Click here to download the presentation.

The Board Heard a Staff Presentation About the SPCSA Strategic Planning Process

Staff members informed the Board that the SPCSA’s current Strategic plan will expire in 2020. The staff will present a formal timeline in June or July to establish a new strategic plan over the next year.

Click here to see the current plan.

Future Items:

  • July: Presentation on accountability measures for schools
  • August: NSPF Primer
  • September or October: NSPF Results

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