Alan Hawkes

Dianne Harlow

Sandy Carmany

J.D. Willis

Sarah Ellington

Michael Dixon

Nancy Farmer

Richard Clontz

Tannis Nelson

Lisa Kane

Absent: Simon Johnson, Kate Alice Dunaway, John Geil

Absent: Kathy Taft

Carl Pridgen, Consultant

Jean Kruft, Consultant

Jackie Jenkins, Consultant

Karen Frazier, Fiscal Analyst

Joel Medley, Consultant

Absent: Jack Moyer

Philip Price

Laura Crumpler

Paul LeSieur

Because this was the second meeting for new members of the CSAC, everyone introduced themselves prior to considering the draft minutes from the January meeting. The minutes from the January 26, 2006 were presented for approval. Richard Clontz mentioned the omission of Kathy Taft’s comment that the discussion was beyond the scope of the CSAC. Lisa Kane also suggested that her question be couched around the comment of Ms. Taft’s statement. Tannis Nelson suggested that the minutes focus only on the action taken. There was not objection to the addition mentioned by Richard Clontz, and Laura Crumpler suggested that Lisa Kane put her addition into writing for further consideration by the committee. The minute ratification was deferred until the written submission underwent review by the CSAC. Later in the meeting, Lisa Kane submitted her written suggestions so that January’s minutes could be fully ratified. After the proposal was read, the committee moved to ratify those minutes upon insertion of Lisa Kane’s addition. Michael Dixon made a motion to adopt the amended minutes and it was seconded by Richard Clontz. The motion passed without dissent.

Nancy Farmer suggested that staff provide a question/answer format or brief to be provided for review of the committee. This format may help clarify any missing questions or assist in further development. Paul LeSieur shared that this could be attempted but, bear in mind, that document will become lengthy.

Tannis Nelson asked if the minutes could be minimized to just the action taken. Chair Carmany offered these minutes are for the SBE to see what is taking place at the meetings. Laura Crumpler suggested that minutes do need to record more than just the action taken because the intent is for individuals to be able accurately see what took place in the meeting. She read from the open meetings law – "Every public body shall keep full and accurate minutes of all official meetings" – and reminded the CSAC that it is responsible for its own minutes. Jessie Dingle asked where the boundary for accurate reflections existed, and Laura Crumpler indicated that the depth of the meetings has proven valuable for the several court proceedings that have occurred. In the past, several tape recorded meetings were not valid because the tapes were broken; so the minutes do provide additional back-up for the committee.

Richard Clontz questioned the minutes issue involving Carolina International School. The school submitted a reply, but he wondered how this situation should be handled. Laura Crumpler said that the minutes reflect what occurred in the meeting, so the minutes were an accurate rendering. These minutes are not to be modified but a future rebuttal could be put into the minutes of future meetings. Tannis Nelson suggested that the letter could be attached to any discussion that occurs in this meeting or a future one. Richard Clontz suggested they be addressed today because of their attendance; however, Jack Moyer was not present to respond. Chair Carmany officially invited Carolina International to attend the next meeting, but Tannis Nelson questioned whether the distance to Wake Forest would be a difficulty. The finance manager from Carolina International School stated this would not be a difficulty for them. The committee agreed to put them on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.

Dr. Silverthorne explained the genesis of the deficit – Imagine Schools, a management corporation, and GPA settled and parted ways. Funding for teachers was not advance to the school by Imagine, so the school took an advance from DPI to pay the teachers. That debt can be repaid over a three year agreement due to the recent reception of a loan. A letter was provided by the school and indicated that the loan has been received by GPA, thereby, covering the debt. Philip Price reviewed the document and stated that this letter was acceptable.

Chair Carmany asked if the school had sought legal action with Imagine Schools because the teachers elected to go on a 12 month pay scale but were only paid for 10 months. Dr. Von Rohr has contacted authorities in the NC Labor Commission who has an open investigation at this time. Mary Lou Nance said that she does not recollect Jack Moyer telling the school to pursue legal action. The attorney at the school advised them to avoid that lawsuit because Imagine has threatened to sue GPA for a budget shortfall. Further, the attorney stated that Imagine could use their financial resources with motions to delay the consideration of these issues and that would bankrupt the school.

Regarding the question of board size, GPA has added 3 members to the board and will be adding an additional one. The board is currently at 8 members and they wish to go to 9 members. They have added one parent to the board who will also serve as a liaison.

Currently, the school has 62 students enrolled, and Chair Carmany suggested that they review their marketing plan. The school did advertise on 3 different television channels as well as attending community festivals; however, these efforts initiated later than normal. This year the school is beginning that recruitment efforts earlier and they meet bi-weekly to discuss marketing plans. The budget has not been adversely influenced due to belt tightening. The school did not add as many tutors as they had hoped but they were able to fill that need with volunteers from NCCU.

Nancy Farmer suggested that the school consider more face-to-face meetings in order to attract students. That method would allow a thorough explanation of the school’s mission and operation. The board president did mention that some smaller groups have been consulted; and it will be expanded.

The school provided a brief overview of their mission and the population they serve. The school does remain K-8 and focuses on cooperative work instead of competition. The school has been in operation for 7 years and their enrollment has been above the statutory minimum until this year. The largest reduction of students occurred the year following their dropping of a grade level.

Carl Pridgen mentioned that the testing coordinator was replaced right before the new writing test, and that this information came in today. The low numbers also indicate issues with calculating AYP and student growth. The letter from Jack Moyer did not indicate anything involving the test issues, but the school responded. The confusion originated when the new coordinator called about the reception of an additional test (they were one short). The former testing coordinator is still on site and did administer the test. The school is composing a letter to their RAC, Barbara Collins, to explain this situation.

Chair Carmany stated the statute establishes a minimum of 65 students and opened it to the committee for recommendations. The principal indicated the school has received 2 applications that would take their numbers to 64. Richard Clontz questioned whether the budget was sound, and Karen Frazier stated that no concerns can be voiced from her review of their budget. Laura Crumpler stated the statutory number of 65 is not accompanied in the law with a deadline, so that latitude of that decision resides with the CSAC. Tannis Nelson offered her opinion that the school be allowed to work their plan and the committee should delay action until that plan has been fully implemented. Laura Crumpler then, to prevent misinterpretation, stated the number is statutory but the waiver for below 65 students is considered under "valid reasons" for applicants. Nancy Farmer said the CSAC has been charged by the SBE to monitor these types of situations, and Michael Dixon added to that by suggesting a date in the beginning of next school year. Richard Clontz asked if they have undergone any sort of governance or financial warnings, and Carl Pridgen answered by saying not since he has been at the Office of Charter Schools.

Richard Clontz then asked Laura Crumpler if the school could ask for a waiver during the fall enrollment request. Laura Crumpler stated that it does not hurt to ask, but she does not believe the statute could be interpreted in that manner.

Lisa Kane asked if the marketing component has an evaluation piece to see why the drop occurred following the grade level reduction. The school attributed some of the drop this year due to changes in administration; since the grade drop, the enrollment numbers did increase before dropping again this year. She also reiterated that a school’s enrollment is in flux, but such a low number does produce stress upon the school. She made a motion that the school satisfies the minimum of 65 by the 20^th day of next year; but a second was not provided.

JD Willis suggested going to the 20^th day because of the ties with funding. If the school closed following that day, it would allow the students to move. Richard Clontz asked what that letter explicitly stated.

Nancy Farmer suggested that the CSAC treat schools consistently and develop some sort of format. Chair Carmany did state that past actions of the committee did involve the establishment of a deadline.

Tannis Nelson made a motion to set a deadline for the 10^th day of enrollment. Paul LeSieur commented that the 10^th day is a self-reported number because DPI would not have official numbers until later. Jessie Dingle shared that traditionally the school looks at the 20 day numbers, so Tannis Nelson modified her motion to become the 20^th day of the 2006-2007 school year. It was seconded by JD Willis. The motion passed without dissent.

Alan Hawkes asked about the situation involving the school not being able to go to the number in their charter. Chair Carmany suggested that they were not within 10% of their maximum, so the additional students could not be added. He asked if that charter number was stricken and restarted; so for clarification, does not that number carry forward. Joel Medley explained the school’s original request was 75 students but they were provided 80 as a maximum for next year. Richard Clontz stated that per last month’s discussion the number comes from the finance department of DPI. Alan Hawkes asked if there are legal implications here, and someone mentioned that needed to be reconsidered.

Chair Carmany explained the subcommittee evaluations and reminded them that all applications will be considered later. The subcommittee review is followed by a vote to invite applicants for interview, and following those interviews, the CSAC makes a recommendation to the SBE who makes the final decision. The members were reminded that any comments they offer on the applicants do become public knowledge.

The applicant may make minor modifications, per the request of the CSAC, but not major changes. For example, if the applicant board has 3 members and the CSAC recommends 5, they could make a change there. Jackie Jenkins reiterated that the subgroups look to see if they have satisfied the statutory requirements during this initial review. Laura Crumpler suggested that each member have their copy of the charter law present as they read these proposals to ensure the submissions meet the adopted law. The subgroups will be taped and the public can be in attendance; however, no discussion with these individuals can occur.

Jackie Jenkins shared that she visited 16 schools since the last meeting. Socrates Academy has been visited twice and she saw their "Greek Letter Day" celebration. Representatives from the Greek embassy in Washington, DC were in attendance and the school also received checks from two donors. Children’s Community School received an Honor School of Excellence banner, so Jackie delivered that to them. She also received Valentine’s Cards from the students at the school. They had 878 applicants for 30 slots. Metrolina Regional Scholar’s Academy is looking to move into downtown Charlotte and they have a large number of applicants for minimal slots. She and Karen visited Brevard Academy to speak with the board about financial issues. She also visited Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Piedmont Community Charter School, Community Charter School, and Kennedy Charter are experiencing great growth. Of these schools, Piedmont is pursuing a grant to share with other charter schools and Community Charter is seeking to move into another location. Crossroads Charter School has greatly improved over the last year with classroom management and the building is quite clean. She visited three other schools but they were short visits to merely drop off their achievement banners. She later returned to share her visit with Lake Norman Charter School. They have broken ground on their expansion, and the academic record has created a great deal of interest in the school.

Jean Kruft shared several of her initial site visits. She has visited Woods Charter (K-12 with 202 students), which has an interim director. Orange Charter, K-8, is an Honor School of Excellence. She assisted the director that day in teaching algebra and enjoyed it. Magellan Charter has 328 students and excellence in education can be clearly seen. Exploris, in downtown Raleigh, has 161 students and is housed right beside the museum. The use thematic and integrated instruction with the exception of math and this is resulting in national recognition. In fact, another charter school is coming to visit with them to see this in action. Academy of Moore County is having some financial difficulties. Charter Day School had a special day to open their new middle school building, and the site is established like a summer camp. She also visited Cape Fear Center for Inquiry and Hope Elementary. Both have inviting and cheerful atmospheres for all visitors.

Joel Medley shared a few of the highlights from his visits over the past month. Clover Garden has completed their new high school building and is doing well under the leadership of an experienced administrator. Two Rivers continues to proceed nicely and are trying to improve their "curb appeal" while adding to their existing building. River Mill has a new principal and hosted this year’s NC Charter School Athletic League’s basketball championships. Bridges is now looking to purchase property and build a new school. They had an intern at the school from Korea who added a great deal of cultural experiences to their academic curriculum.

Karen Frazier announced that the final allotment was posted last evening and is available for the school’s to draw down. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy did submit one application for the SECU scholarship, and she is hoping that many more will be arriving prior to the deadline.

The deadline for their submission of all audits is June 30. If that is not submitted, then a recommendation forwarded to the SBE to revoke their charter may be issued.