|
|
 | | Litigation Trial Legal Team - Schulman, Lopez & Hoffer, LLP, with Judge Dietz and David Dunn, TCSA Executive Director |
School Finance Litigation Trial
This week, the litigation team of Schulman, Lopez & Hoffer LLP, on behalf of TCSA and parent plaintiffs, presented arguments in the school finance trial. The key legal claims of the charter schools include: A request for protection of children's constitutional rights as it relates to facilities funding for open-enrollment charter schools, there are unconstitutionally inequitable and 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. Click the links below for more information:
Litigation Trial Update - Day 1Litigation Trial Update - Day 2Litigation Trial Update - Day 3
 Testimony ends in lawsuit over Texas school funding
By Will Weissert, The Associated Press; January 30, 2013 AUSTIN -- Months of testimony in the sweeping school finance trial concluded Wednesday, with an advocate for charter schools arguing that courts should compel the Texas Legislature to increase the number of charter schools allowed to operate statewide and to increase the funding such schools receive. David Dunn, executive director of the Texas Charter Schools Association, was the trial's last witness. Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday, and state District Judge John Dietz has promised to issue a ruling immediately after that. Testimony began Oct. 22 with a three-week holiday recess in December. More than 600 school districts responsible for educating three-quarters of the state's 5 million-plus public school students sued the state, saying financial support provided by the state Legislature in 2011 was inadequate and unfairly distributed. The lawmakers slashed public education funding and educational grant programs by $5.4 billion. Read more.
|
 | |
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!We are no longer distributing a binder of materials at council meetings. Instead, we will email meeting materials ahead of time to members who have RSVPd to attend the meeting. We will also provide USBs containing meeting material on the morning of. Be sure to print and bring your meeting materials with you or bring your laptop or tablet to follow along. Wireless internet access will be available; however, electricity capabilities for purposes of charging laptops or cellular phones will not be available. Please ensure to have your laptop fully charged before the meeting.Unfortunately, the discounted hotel room block has expired. If you need to make arrangements to register by purchase order or have further questions, please contact Maria-Theresa Sigua via email.
|
 2013 Membership
THANK YOU for standing with TCSA in 2013! TCSA is honored to work alongside quality charter schools paving the way in public school education for Texas students. To learn more on how to maximize your membership in 2013, please contact Erin Tholen, Member Services Associate by calling 512.584.8272 or via email.
Become a member today!
|
  FREE Webinar: Quality Framework Reports and Data Overview In this free TCSA webinar, you will learn where to find each type of report in the Quality Framework portal and see how easy it us to use the graphs, charts, and tables available now. Learn how to view system, element, and indicator-level reports for the Self-Assessment, how to access and understand the Self-Assessment Comparative Reports, where to find multiple years of data for your charter in the Data Pack, and much more. Register now! - it's FREE!: TCSA Quality Framework Report and Data Overview Webinar. Who should participate? Superintendents, executive directors, principals, compliance officers, grant officers - any charter school staff member who uses data for reporting or planning purposes.
Questions? Email the Quality Framework team .
|
  Texas Governor Perry calls for more public charter schools
State of the State Address recognizes charter quality and innovation By Tracy Young, January 29, 2013 (Austin, Texas) - TCSA Executive Director David Dunn today issued the following statement regarding Texas Governor Rick Perry's call for more opportunities and options for students in Texas, and more public charter schools. "Texas charter schools were glad to hear Governor Perry's call for more public charter schools, and the important recognition that students need more opportunities because not every child thrives in the same setting," said David Dunn, executive director of the Texas Charter Schools Association (TCSA). "Governor Perry highlighted the innovation of our charters, and the strong impact that quality public charter schools have on students across Texas." Read more.
 Tax Relief, Infrastructure and Education: Priorities to Keep Texas Strong
January 29, 2013
Gov. Rick Perry delivered his seventh State of the State address to the 83rd Texas Legislature. Text of his remarks is below: We've worked hard to improve our public education system over the past decade, and the results are encouraging. According to the U.S. Department of Education, our graduation rates are at an all-time high - the third highest in the nation - which represents a significant turnaround from just a few short years ago. Of course, we can't let up now. I believe that the best way forward is the way that will provide the most opportunities for each child, something I know Sen. Patrick supports. Not every child learns for the same purpose, not every child thrives in the same settings and schools. Limiting a child to just one opportunity does nothing more than limit that child's future. The way forward must involve more public charter schools, which offer parents a tuition-free alternative to their neighborhood school. These innovative public schools already serve more than 150,000 students across Texas, with more than 100,000 students on waiting lists. Read more.
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.
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.
|
Network Event (Austin): Business Week Training - February 6-8, 2013
Business Week Training - Intensive Workshop for Charter Business Officers & Staff TCSA is excited to present the return of Business Week, now revamped as a special offering under the new Texas Charter School Technical Assistance Network (the Network). This intensive three day charter finance workshop is developed and delivered by seasoned charter finance leaders. This year's version of Business Week is designed to accelerate the learning of novice charter business officers and employees with a mix of foundational charter finance knowledge and interactive real world guided examples. Target AudienceNovice Charter School Business Officers or Employees tasked with back office logisitics and reporting LogisticsWhen: February 6-8, 2013; 9am - 4pmCost: FREECapacity: We have 13 seats left!Want to register now? Please contact Art Serna, TCSA Director of Training Services, at 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!andDallas, 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: Establishing Effective Accounting Controls and Reporting Mechanisms to Ensure Success
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!andDallas, TX - March 1, 2013 Register today!
Questions?Contact Art Serna, TCSA Director of Training Services, at 512-584-8272 or via email.
|
TCSA Announces 2 NEW Preferred Vendor Programs for School Furniture and School Supplies
Objective: Provide charter schools across the U.S. with negotiated discounts on products necessary in everyday operations
School Supplies: S&S Worldwide: 25% (30% for new schools) negotiated discount plus Free shipping Staples: Pre-negotiated pricing plus free shipping School Furniture: Hertz Furniture: 40% negotiated savings on school furniture plus 25 year guaranty Staples: 40% negotiated savings on school furniture A rigorous RFP process was conducted for each product and meets the standards as set forth in Texas purchasing requirements. Each of these programs is part of a National purchasing consortium with charter school associations across the U.S. TCSA will earn a portion of each sale that will be utilized to support advocacy, legal, financial and training & development efforts for our member schools.
Questions?
Contact Brian Levy, TCSA Director of School Support Services, at 512-584-8272 or via email. |
 Charter schools weigh in at lawsuit trial
By Maria Luisa Cesar; January 29, 2013 AUSTIN - The chief executive officer of a growing charter school with campuses in Austin testified Tuesday that a lack of state funding for buildings is forcing him to make stark decisions as his enrollment swells. Matt Abbott, CEO of Wayside Schools, said charter schools are cropping up in spaces not intended to be schools, including former churches and storefronts. Unlike traditional public schools, charters get no facilities funding from the state and can't tax property. Hundreds of school districts - including 12 in San Antonio - are suing the state over a school funding system they say is inadequate and inequitable, reacting in part to a $5.4 billion cut made to public education in the last legislative session. State District Judge John Dietz is expected to rule Monday, and the Texas Supreme Court is expected to eventually decide the case on appeal. Read more.GOP waits and sees on school funding
By Peggy Fikac; January 27, 2013
AUSTIN - A state judge is expected to rule next week on whether the school finance system is broken, but lawmakers aren't anywhere near ready to launch repairs. Instead, Republican leaders plan to wait for an appeal and a final Texas Supreme Court ruling so they know exactly what they are forced to do. In a twist, some of their rhetoric seems to suggest school districts have only themselves to blame for the postponement of hopes of restoring funds cut back from education two years ago. The delay in acting is business-as-usual for the Legislature, which as an institution typically waits as education funding problems get bad enough to prompt a lawsuit by school districts. Then lawmakers wait some more, until the state's highest court outlines the parameters of the mess they must fix. Read more.
 Charter schools say their smaller share of state aid is unconstitutionalJudge to rule next week in sweeping school finance trial. By Kate Alexander; January 28, 2013 For the first time in Texas' protracted legal wrangling over how to fund public education, charter schools Monday added their voices to the fray. Although charter schools are privately managed, they are still public schools and receive state aid. The lack of state money for classroom buildings and other facilities means charter schools are not getting their fair share, lawyers for charter school operators argued Monday during the ongoing school finance trial. About 200 charter operators run more than 500 campuses across the state, serving about 3 percent of Texas' public school students. Some of the more sophisticated charter operators rely on private donations and fund raising for a big chunk of their budgets. Read more.
 Texas charter schools complain about state funds
The Associated Press; January 28, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - An official representing charter schools in Texas says that a state ban on funding buildings and other facilities means that those schools must divert money away from students. Denise Pierce, the general counsel for the Texas Charter Schools Association, testified Monday in a lawsuit that more than 600 school districts brought against the state. School officials say lawmakers did not provide sufficient funding for public schools. Charter schools joined the lawsuit and complain that they only receive per-student funding. That means the schools must spend money out of their education program for facilities. Public school districts can raise money through bond propositions and some state support. Read more.
 Senators Hold Hearing on Guns in Schools
By Elena Schneider; January 28, 2013 Educators, police officers and state officials weighed in Monday during a Senate hearing on proposals to arm teachers to prevent the kind of horror that took place last month at a Connecticut elementary school from happening in Texas. At a hearing where witnesses on both sides of the issue emphasized the need for individual school districts to set their own policies to meet their communities' needs, the upper chamber's education committee chairman, Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, acknowledged that state law could be "ambiguous" when it comes to firearms policies. State law requires public school districts to adopt an emergency operations plan that includes employee training and mandatory drills for students and employees. School boards can also grant permission to anyone, including employees, to carry firearms on campus under the federal Gun-Free Schools Act and state law. Read more.
 Families Empowered plans rally to celebrate National School Choice Week 2013 January 27, 2013
Families Empowered will hold a special event in celebration of National School Choice Week 2013, organizers announced today. The event, Houston Rally for School Choice - Putting Families First!, will be held on Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at YES Prep West, 10535 Harwin, and will shine a spotlight on the need to expand access to educational options for all children. Organizers expect close to 500 families to attend this event along with community leaders. By participating in National School Choice Week 2013, Families Empowered joins hundreds of organizations, thousands of groups, and millions of Americans in raising awareness about the need to empower parents with the ability to choose the best educational environments for their children. Read more.
HISD has funding edge over charters, wishes for flexibility By Robin Foster; January 24, 2013
The variation in revenue and spending between Houston ISD and local charter schools are not as wide as some would expect, local experts said Wednesday. Their roundtable discussion on school finance was part of the 7th annual Children's Summit, held Wednesday, Jan. 23, by Children at Risk, the local nonprofit that advocates for children's quality of life in Houston. Titled "A Global Perspective on Texas' 83rd Legislative Session," the day-long summit touched on topics including food insecurity, mental health, medical access, human trafficking, and the politics of the 83rd Texas Legislature. Read more.
State of the State: Perry calls for tax relief, investing in water and roads By Jonathan Tilove; January 29, 2013 In his seventh and perhaps last State of the State address, Gov. Rick Perry called Tuesday for returning $1.8 billion to Texans in tax relief, and he urged spending $3.7 billion from the rainy day fund for one-time infrastructure investments to keep water and traffic flowing in Texas "for generations to come." In his remarks, Perry described the state he has governed for a dozen years as the envy of America - the state that "led the nation out of recession into recovery," the top destination for Allied Van Lines movers eight years running and a model of taxpayer- and business-friendly fiscal discipline being emulated by rival states. It is a model that he would like to enshrine in two amendments to the Texas Constitution - one, a part of his much-touted Budget Compact, that would limit spending growth to the combined growth of population and inflation, and another that would enable the state government to create a "mechanism" to return to taxpayers money it collects but doesn't spend. Read more.
 NAPCS Press Release: Annual National Rankings of Charter School Laws Finds Many States Strengthening Charter Laws Washington State Passes Charter Law while 16 States Make Improvements; Only 8 States Remain with No Law January 29, 2013
Washington, D.C. - The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) today announced the release of its annual rankings of state charter school laws across the country, which found that many states took significant steps to strengthen their state laws. The report, and the NAPCS model charter school law it is based upon, is designed to support the creation of high-quality public charter schools, particularly for those students most in need of better public school options. "This has been a historic year for public charter school policy across the country, as voters in two states, Washington and Georgia, passed public charter school initiatives," said Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. "The biggest takeaway from this year's rankings is that the public charter school movement is continuing to build upon its recent momentum. States with weak or no charter laws are basing new legislation on the experiences of states with stronger laws, while states that fell in the rankings did so because other states enacted stronger laws. These changes represent progress for the movement."
Read more.
|
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Harmony Public Schools
Houston, Texas
Job ID: 172742 Application Deadline: Posted until Filled Posted: January 31, 2013 Starting Date: Immediately
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Special Charter School Report of Students Enrolled and Students with Disabilities Receiving Special Education Services through Public Law 108-446 (Newly Opened and Significantly Expanded)
January 31, 2013
The purpose of this letter is to request child count data from charter school officials to determine eligibility for 2013-2014 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA-B) final allocations.
The reporting system will be available in eGrants from February 1, 2013, through 5:00 p.m. Central Time on February 22, 2013. Child count data must be reported during this period of availability through the eGrants Special Collections, 2012-2013 Special Education Data Request-Newly Opened/Significantly Expanded form.
The open-enrollment charter school must have both of the following to meet the criteria for significant expansion of enrollment:
* A minimum student
enrollment of 50
* Increase in enrollment
must be 50% or greater
The instructions for this data report are enclosed to provide information detailing how to enter, certify, and submit the child counts. Read more.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
