A monthly publication from the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools
Volume I, Issue 10 November 19, 2003
Arizona State Board for Charter Schools
1700 West Washington Street, Room 164 ● Tel: (602) 364-3080 ● Fax: (602) 364-3089
November Board Meeting Summary
Former Board Member Recognized – In recognition of his service on the Board, the Board presented Mr. Steve Twist with a plaque. Mr. Twist served on the Board from 1997 to 2003.
President’s Report – Board President Onnie Shekerjian reported on the National Charter School Authorizer s Conference she recently attended. As part of a conference panel, Ms. Shekerjian presented on the Board s new charter school application process.
Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent s Designee Mary Gifford reported that the Arizona Department of Education is working on making 40th day adjustments. Additionally, Ms. Gifford mentioned that the Superintendent would meet on November 17th with his charter school policy group.
Executive Director’s Report – Kristen Jordison provided the following information:
• The Board s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Articles 1, 2, and 4 ran in the November 7th edition of the Arizona Administrative Register. The Board will review draft rules on oversight and disciplinary action at its January meeting.
• Last month, the Board adopted a process for reviewing and following up on financial audits. Fiscal year 2002 audits have been reviewed and letters will be sent out by the end of the month.
• The 19 charter school applicants that are moving forward in the process have until December 1 to revise and resubmit their initial applications. The resubmitted applications will be re-scored in December. Those that meet standards will be brought to the Board in January for consideration.
• Schools that did not submit their required electronic attendance information to School Finance did not receive their November equalization payment. Schools that over-estimated their counts were paid on the revised numbers.
Academic Accountability Process Approved – The Board approved procedures and timeframes recommended by the subcommittee for evaluating the school goals and learning goals adopted by each charter. Information outlining the requirements and on related workshops will be sent out to all charters.
Board Approves Withholding Funds – The Board approved the request to the State Board of Education to withhold 10 percent of the monthly state aid apportionment from seven schools for the following:
• Failure to submit Annual Financial Report: Academy of Hope; Accelerated Learning Laboratory, Inc.; Center for Creative Education, Inc.; Classical Kids Academy; Ecotech Academy of Science and Agriculture; and Northern Arizona Academy for Career Development
• Failure to comply with laws relating to the education of children with disabilities: Luz Social Services, Inc.
Legislative Agenda Approved – The Board approved its legislative agenda, which includes pursuing application fees and additional disciplinary options, including the ability to issue fines and an appropriate portion of state withholding.
Schools Transfer to Board – The Board voted to approve the transfer of eight State Board of Education charter schools to the Board. When the transfer contract is signed, the Board will become the sponsor of Academy of Tucson, Burke Basic School, EDGE School, Inc., Horizon Community Learning Center, Little Lamb Community School dba Mission Montessori Academy, Mingus Mountain Academy, Mountain School, and The Shelby School.
Thanks to Our Host – Thank you to Ron Caya and New School for the Arts in Tempe for hosting this month s Board meeting. The Board appreciates the hospitality provided by the school.
Board Briefs is a publication of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. The purpose of this brief is to provide accurate, timely information to the charter community, the legislature, and to the general public on the current news and activities of this Board and the charter schools we sponsor.
E-mail: charter_school_board@pop.state.az.us ● Web: www.asbcs.state.az.us
