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January 25, 2013

David Dunn, Executive Director of TCSA, provided public testimony on the need for equitable and facilities funding for charters to the Senate Committee on Finance on January 23, 2013, at the Texas Capitol.

Dunn's Testimony to the Senate Committee on Finance 
The Senate Committee on Finance held its first hearing, and executive director David Dunn was able to provide input on Article III and to speak in support of funding for Texas public charter schools. Excerpts of Dunn's public testimony: "Public charter school students deserve equitable funding, and we need facilities funding now. Our schools cannot participate in a number of state funding programs nor can we receive certain adjustments and allotments available to other public schools. We do not have a local tax base, and we are ineligible for state funding for facilities...The courts will address the financing of our public schools sometime this year, but my message to you today is simple:  Do not forget public charter schools or the students we serve. Charter schools are public schools that deserve fair funding and access to the range of financing programs that are available to other public schools...Thank you for your commitment to the nearly 5 million students in Texas public schools and for your continued support of charters.

School Finance Litigation: Calling All member schools!  
On Monday, January 28th at 9:00am, the Honorable Judge John K. Dietz in the 250th District Court at the Travis County Courthouse will hear opening arguments from the legal team representation, TCSA and parent plaintiffs in the school finance litigation.  The charter school key legal claims include:  A request for protection of children's constitutional rights as it relates to facilities funding for open-enrollment charter schools - there are unconstitutionally inadequate levels of funding for students attending charter schools, and a lifting of the arbitrary cap of 215 on the growth of charters that was imposed by the Legislature. The cap presents an arbitrary obstacle to the state's ability to achieve constitutional efficiency and hinders the very efficiency charter schools were intended to promote.  
TCSA is calling on member schools to provide representation to the court hearing on that day. As our lawyers open their arguments they would like to recognize TCSA member schools. Schools are encouraged to bring parents, teachers, and administrators to attend the hearing.

Questions?
Contact Jennifer Limas-Mota, TCSA Director of Grassroots Advocacy, at 512-584-8272 or via email for more information.  
Many thanks to our MEETING SPONSOR
TCSA MEMBER COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
8:30AM to 4:00PM
NYOS Charter School
1605 Kramer Lane
Austin, Texas 78758

Every TCSA Member charter or organization is invited to join us for the first Member Council Meeting of the year. We will provide litigation, legislative and regulatory  updates. We will also conduct committee meetings on Advocacy, Quality Framework, Member Services and Annual Conference. Every TCSA Member charter or organization is entitled to 1-one free registration for the meeting. Each additional attendee may register for $125.00. Registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Breakfast will be served at 8:30AM.  If you are unable to attend the meeting, we encourage you to send a representative. This meeting is only open to paid 2013 charter school members. Please view the agenda here.

REGISTER today!

Please note, we will no longer be distributing a binder of materials at council meetings. Instead, we will email meeting materials ahead of time for attendees to print or save to their desktops. We will also be providing USBs containing meeting material on the morning of the meeting. Please be sure to print and bring your meeting materials with you or bring your laptop or tablet to follow along. You will receive meeting materials the week prior to the council meeting.

You may reserve a room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin North/Palmer Lane at 12536 N IH 35, Austin, Texas 78753 for $119.95 a night for two double beds. Please call the reservation line at 1.800.371.0530 and reference the Texas Charter Schools Association room block or you may click here to make the reservation online. Today is last day to make hotel reservations at discounted rate!

If you need to make arrangements to register by purchase order or have further questions, please contact Maria-Theresa Sigua via email. 

JOIN Deadline next Friday:  2013 Membership Drive 
Charter Leaders and CFOs for renewing Association members have received emails regarding 2013 TCSA Membership. If you were not previously a member of the Association, you should have received a new member packet in the mail last yearr. Deadline for payment is January 31, 2013. Become a member today! 
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Before you can renew membership in TCSA
If you have never submitted a Quality Framework Self-Assessment for your charter, you must do so before you can renew membership in TCSA. The membership deadline is currently January 31, 2013. To begin, visit the Quality Framework portal and click on "Request Account".

Questions? Contact Telca Karen Porras via email.

Become a member today! 
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February 1, 2013 Deadline for Expansion Amendment Requests for the 2013-2014 School Year
For the 2013-2014 school year, requests to expand grade levels, increase maximum enrollment, add a site, and/or expand a charter's geographic boundary must be received by the Charter School Unit on or before Friday, February 1, 2013. Expansion amendment requests must be received by the agency no later than the first day of February preceding the school year in which the proposed expansion will be effective. Forms that are specific to each type of request are required when submitting an amendment request. A checklist is included at the bottom of each form that clearly states which documents must be included and the proper order for including them. Carefully and completely following these directions will help expedite the amendment process.

The following documents can be found on the Division of Charter School Administration website.

*    Charter Amendment Request Form - ADDITIONAL SITE EXPANSION;
*    Charter Amendment Request Form - GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY EXPANSION;
*    Charter Amendment Request Form - MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT INCREASE; and
*    Charter Amendment Request Form - ADDITIONAL GRADE LEVELS EXPANSION.

Commissioner of education rules for all amendments, including expansion amendments, can be found in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) �100.1033(c). See amendment here.  Please be advised that, before an expansion amendment decision is made by the commissioner, the charter and charter holder must receive clearance from the following areas: Performance Reporting, Charter School Administration, Child Nutrition, Financial Audits, Grants Administration, Legal Services, PEIMS Data Reporting, Program Monitoring and Interventions, NCLB and IDEA Programs, Student Assessment, Governance and Waivers, General Inquiries, and Complaints.  The charter must also have a status of Accredited as defined in 19 TAC �97.1055.

For additional information, contact Nina Gonzalez in the Charter School Unit by phone at (512) 463-9575 or via email.

Click here to view a recorded webinar on Charter School expansions by Arnold Alaniz and Nina Gonzalez of the TEA Charter School Unit.  

Charter School Leaders Unite for Advocacy! - February 4th Texas Capitol
The 83rd legislative session has begun! It is early in the process and a great time for Texas charter school leaders to be in front of those who will make decisions that are critical to the growth of our movement. Join us for TCSA's Charter Leader Advocacy Day in Austin on Monday, February 4, 2013 at the State Capitol! Help us continue to build on the strong tradition of advocacy for quality charter schools with our state legislators.

Now, more than ever, charter schools face challenges in Texas that pose obstacles and opportunities for our schools' growth. Additionally, there are a significant number of new legislators who need to hear from our leadership as legislation is proposed.


We need you to take action! Help us tell the stories behind our legislative priorities and show the power of the Texas charter school movement. If you can come to the Capitol on February 4th, RSVP today to Amanda Thomas, Director of Advocacy via email.

With your help, we will set the stage for a successful 83rd legislative session.

TCSA Charter Leader Advocacy Day
February 4, 2013
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
RSVP to Amanda Thomas, Director of Advocacy via email or call (512) 584-8272 x310

Houston Rally for School Choice - Putting Families First!
 
Join parents, teachers, community leaders in support of school choice. Families Empowered, KIPP, YES Prep, Ser Ninos, TX Charter Schools Association, American Federation for Children, parent groups, and community leaders will be there!
 
Logistics
When: Saturday, February 2,  2013, 2pm
Where:  YES PREP: West
10535 Harwin
Houston , TX 77036

  

Questions?
Contact Jennifer Limas-Mota, TCSA Director of Grassroots Advocacy, at 512-584-8272 or via email. 

RSVP and find out more information.


UPDATE: TEA Special Education Policy Deadline Extended
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has extended the deadline for updating special education policies in the IDEA 2004 Legal Framework system maintained by the Region 18 ESC (Midland). Previously, TEA required that each LEA update its special education policies on that site by November 30, 2012. The new deadline is March 15, 2013. In collaboration with a Special Education Working Group at the Region 13 ESC (Austin), TCSA has prepared a set of compliant special education policies that is now available to all charter schools free of charge, regardless of the school's status as a TCSA member. As a reminder, charter governing boards must approve these policies before they are uploaded onto ESC Region 18's Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Special Education Process.

For access to the special education model policies and instructions for adapting, adopting and uploading the policies, contact your local regional education service center.  

Note that Region 18 deleted all current policies from the system on Monday, November 19th.
Every school should ensure that it has a copy of its current policies for its records.
For more information contact TCSA Director of Legal Policy Services, Lindsey Jones byph. 512.584.8272 or via email.


TCSA Facilities Training Date & Location Change:

Thursday, Feb. 28 - Friday, Mar. 1, 2013, 9:30AM - 4PM

Educational Resource Center Inc.
Training Facility
10325 Bandera Road
San Antonio, Texas 78250

Does your charter school have an adequate facility to meet your vision?
Join us in San Antonio, TX for two days of game changing insights to move your facility development and maintenance plans into the 21st century.

Come join us for this sought after session for charter executives, administrators, and board members all focused on giving you the most up to date information regarding charter school facilities.

Target Audience:
Board Members
Executives
Central Administrative Officers
Administrators
Business Managers

Topics Include:
Overview of Financing Options
Maintenance Plans for Safety & Security
Best Practices for Negotiating Leases
Preparing for the Bond Market
Facilities Funding in Texas

Payment Information:
You may pay via credit card, Paypal, check, or PO.
Early bird discount: $50 off member ticket; $45 off non-member ticket available until Today! Group discounts available until registration ends (register 3 people: $105 discount/member ticket; $100 discount/non-member ticket). Greatest discount will be applied.

Standard ticket Prices: $250 TCSA Member; $350 Non-Member.

Register today!

Questions?
Contact Art Serna, TCSA Director of Training Services, at 512-584-8272 or via email.

TCSA HR Training: Wait - Is Your HR Strategy Ready for 2013?
Join us in Houston or Dallas, TX for a dynamic training day that will get you ready to approach your school's HR matters in a fresh way.

In this year of increased scrutiny and rapid change, charter schools need to have a sound and up-to-date set of HR policies, procedures and practices. Doing so not only helps to prevent possible legal and compliance issues, but all of these are critical components to the success and stability of a school.

TCSA is happy to provide this timely and charter school specfic training session to help Texas charter schools tighten up their HR practices and make appropriate modifications.

Topics Include:
  • The priority matters to cover at new employee orientation
  • Essential items to cover at employee orientation for returning employees
  • The critical steps to successfully adding a new employee to your school
  • Understanding the 501 (c) 3 requirements for your charter school around HR
  • Highlighting the top tax issues to consider for 2013
  • And More!

Location Options:
Houston, TX - February 14, 2013 Register today!
and
Dallas, TX - February 28, 2013 Register today!

Questions?
Contact Art Serna, TCSA Director of Training Services, at 512-584-8272 or via email.

TCSA Finance Training: Making Sense of Accounting Minutiae; Establishing A Compliant Operation

Join us in Houston or Dallas, TX for a stress reducing training day that will get you ready to approach your school's financial matters from your perspective and needs in mind.


In this year of increased scrutiny and rapid change, charter schools need to have a sound and up-to-date set of accounting policies, procedures and practices. Doing so not only helps to prevent possible legal and compliance issues, but all of these are critical components to the success and stability of a school.

TCSA is happy to provide this timely and charter school specfic training session to help Texas charter schools tighten up their accounting practices and make appropriate modifications.

Topics include:
Daily, weekly, and monthly accounting activities your school must have in place
Preparing and presenting budgets for stakeholders
Understanding the big picture of financial statements, including the balance sheet
And More!

Location Options:
Houston, TX - February 15, 2013 Register today!
and
Dallas, TX - March 1, 2013 Register today!

Questions?

Contact Art Serna, TCSA Director of Training Services, at 512-584-8272 or via email.
charter news
Senate Education Leader Files Testing Bill 
By Morgan Smith; January 22, 2013
State Sen. Kel Seliger, the Amarillo Republican who chairs the Senate Higher Education Committee, filed a bill Tuesday offering broad changes to student assessment and high school graduation requirements in Texas. Senate Bill 225 would significantly reduce the number of state standardized tests students must pass to graduate - from 15 to five in reading, writing, biology, Algebra I and U.S. history. It would also leave whether to count the state exams toward anything besides graduation requirements up to local school boards. A rule that requires state end-of-course exams to count toward 15 percent of students' final grade is currently suspended, but it would take effect again next year if lawmakers do not change it. Read the article.

Dewhurst Appoints Senate Committees 
By Ross Ramsey; January 18, 2013
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst slipped out his committee assignments for the 83rd Legislature late Friday afternoon, a bit of timing that will give senators - and the lieutenant governor - several days before they see each other again to debate the choices.  This year's announcements are earlier than usual, and a bit anticlimactic: Dewhurst rearranged the chairmanships late last year. "Texas is the number one state in America to do business, with the fastest growing population, and thank goodness we have such talented state Senators helping to maintain Texas' prosperity," Dewhurst said in a press release." Read the article.

Texas' Rank in Graduation Rate Study Presents a Contrast  
By Morgan Smith; January 22, 2013
According to a new report from the National Center for Education Statistics, 78.9 percent of the high schoolers in Texas' Class of 2010 graduated within four years, a rate slightly above the national average but contrasting with another federal study that ranked the state much higher. Texas' rate in the NCES study was an increase of about 3 percentage points from 2009. Late last year, data released in November by the U.S. Department of Education ranked Texas, along with five other states, fourth in the nation for its four-year high school graduation rates. In that report, the state posted a 86 percent graduation rate for the 2010-11 school year. Read the article.
TEXAS LEGISLATURE: Education chief: Court puts funding talks on hold
By Paul J. Weber; January 23, 2013
AUSTIN - Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams sidestepped the debate over $5.4 billion slashed from public schools two years ago during his first appearance Wednesday before state budget-writers, who have kept those classroom cuts in place despite Texas' deeper pockets this time around. Those cuts triggered a series of lawsuits pitting hundreds of Texas school districts against the state. A judge in Austin plans to rule next month, but his decision will almost certainly be appealed to the state Supreme Court. Read the article.
Basis to add 2nd Scottsdale school, 1 in Texas, K-4 site
By Mary Beth Faller; January 23, 2013
The Basis network of charter schools is planning to open a second campus in Scottsdale, a school in Texas and its first K-4 site, in Tucson. Last week, the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools approved the application for another campus in Scottsdale. Currently, Basis Scottsdale, near Via Linda and 136th streets, is at capacity with a waiting list. Cory Cyr, director of new development for the group of schools, said there is no exact location in Scottsdale yet and no opening date. Basis San Antonio, which will open next fall, will be the network's second out-of-state school. Basis Washington, D.C., opened last year. Read the article.
my SA
New group pushing multiple changes to Texas education
By Lindsay Kastner; January 24, 2013
Changing policy on multiple fronts could do wonders for public education in Texas, a newly formed group of philanthropists and activists said Thursday in Austin. "We have a real chance here," said Victoria Rico, chairwoman and trustee at San Antonio's George W. Brackenridge Foundation, one of several organizations involved in the effort, called Texans Deserve Great Schools. Dan Patrick, the Senate education chairman, joined Rico at the group's press conference, where he and others pointed to test scores that lag behind other states and nations as evidence that education in Texas needs reform. "We are the economic leader today but we will not continue to be the economic leader if we do not have a skilled workforce," he said. Read the article.
job post of the week
2ND GRADE BILINGUAL INSTRUCTIONAL AIDE
Trinity Basin Preparatory
Dallas, Texas

Job ID: 167332  Application Deadline: Posted until Filled
Posted: January 22, 2013    Starting Date: February 4, 2013

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The 2012 Student Assessment Data Validation Manual is now available here. The 2012 Student Assessment Data Validation district reports are scheduled to be posted to the secure TEASE Accountability application on Friday, February 22, 2013.
 
Technical Assistance:  
Performance-Based Monitoring (PBM) contacts are available at each education service center (ESC) to provide technical assistance to school districts.  Latest updates to the ESC PBM contacts can be found here, using the Search RESCs function.  
 
For questions about interventions, including ISAM inquiries, please contact: Program Monitoring and Interventions by calling 512.463.5226 or via email.
 
For questions about the manual or the indicators described in the manual, please contact: Performance-Based Monitoring by calling 512.936.6426 or via email.   

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Annual Financial and Compliance Report  

ESCs with a fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 must submit their 2012 annual financial and compliance report to TEA by November 27, 2012. ESCs with a fiscal year ending August 31, 2012 must submit their 2012 annual financial and compliance report to TEA by January 28, 2013.

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Annual Financial and Compliance Report  

ESCs with a fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 must submit their 2012 annual financial and compliance report to TEA by November 27, 2012. ESCs with a fiscal year ending August 31, 2012 must submit their 2012 annual financial and compliance report to TEA by January 28, 2013.

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Change to Automobile Mileage Reimbursement Rate

December 19, 2012

Applicable to State and Federal Grants from the Texas Education Agency
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has changed the automobile mileage reimbursement rate. On January 1, 2013, the rate increased from 55.5 to 56.5 cents per mile. Travel and lodging reimbursement rates have not changed. The standard rates, effective until August 31, 2013, are up to $77 per night for lodging and up to $46 per day for meals, unless a higher rate for the travel destination is specified. Read more.