New paper on charter school facilities financing sources
The National Charter School Resource Center (NCSRC), in partnership with the Colorado League of Charter Schools and Momentum Strategies & Research, recently released a paper that explores the potential for charter schools to access facilities financing through programs like Qualified Opportunity Zones and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development programs. The NCSRC states that, “Increased awareness of these programs may help charter schools obtain financing for a facility, resulting in continued growth of the charter sector and additional high-quality seats for students across the country.”
Charter school leaders of color convene in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this week, charter school leaders of color traveled to Washington, D.C. for the fourth year in a row to meet with members of Congress. Many view this convening as an important opportunity for community leaders of color to explain why they have chosen to lead charters (in some of America’s most challenged areas) and advocate for charter school expansion funds. You can find more coverage in the 74.
What forms can charter schools take?
Education Week published a helpful field guide on Tuesday that digs into the complex differences between different forms of charter schools and the possible strengths and weaknesses of the approaches. Specifically, they discuss charter school management options, authorizing, and funding.
Legislative updates
On Wednesday in the Senate Education Committee, Senator Kunze offered testimony on Senate Bill 34 (bill analysis), legislation that would revise the law regarding background check policies for public and nonchartered public schools. In addition, the Ohio Department of Education offered testimony to the committee on the Draft Science, Social Studies, and Financial Literacy Model Curriculum. You can find Senator Kunze’s testimony and the Draft Model Curricula on the Senate Education Committee’s website.
Upcoming events
The School Performance Institute is hosting their next workshop in Columbus on March 28 and registration is still open for the National Charter Schools Conference, which will be held from June 30-July 3 in Las Vegas.
