Enjoy the benefits of membership Enjoy the benefits of membership in
SCAPCS
INCLUDING…
Advocacy…
Technical Assistance…
Professional Development…
Legal Defense…
Legislative Action…
Facilities Finance & Construction…
Public Affairs…
Research & Analysis…
Quality Standards…
South Carolina is currently undergoing a transformation in public education choice for parents and students. Public charter schools in our state have moved out of the “expeditionary mode” to a firmly established choice – we currently have 23 charter schools operating and there are 10 scheduled to open this fall.
The South Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools emphasizes best practices in teaching – learning, operations - management, and policy – governance.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT AND SERVICES
ADVOCACY, ADVOCACY, ADVOCACY
Now more than ever charter schools need representation at the local, states, and federal levels. We work tirelessly to protect charter schools from the regulations and school district bureaucracy which stifle the ability of charters to operate in the best interest of their students, parents, and employees.
PASSING AN AMENDED CHARTER SCHOOL STATUTE
SCAPCS is credited with “saving” the charter school law altogether and improving the authorization process through the establishment of the State Charter School Advisory Committee. There were only seven charter schools prior to the change in the law. There is now a uniform application and a set of regulations which provide for clarity in submitting and approving an application.
CONTINUED LEGISLATIVE ACTION
SCAPCS has successfully introduced new and pioneering legislation which would create a state-wide Carolina Public Charter School District as an additional authorizer. Passage of this legislation will ensure rapid growth of quality charter schools.
CREATION OF NEW, COST SAVING, PURCHASING PROGRAMS
Over the next 12 months, SCAPCS will add significantly to its pool of group purchase and preferred vendor programs. They now include:
- Lowest available pricing on software, hardware & peripherals
- Pooled Workers Compensation premiums
- Preferred pricing on budgeting, financial and accounting management services.
- Comprehensive, charter-specific liability policy (including property, casualty, and D&O)
- Student and academic information management software
- Below wholesale pricing on all office supplies and business equipment
ONGOING MANAGEMENT OF THE LEGAL DEFENSE PROJECT
The anti-charter school lawsuits continue to cast a shadow over SC Charter Schools. Working with the Ward Law Firm, SCAPCS has continued to defend the program in front of both the State Board of Education and, more recently, the Lee County Court of Appeals.
REGIONAL MEETINGS AND GOVERNING BOARD TRAINING
SCAPCS conducted governing board training sessions for all newly operating charters and assisted in setting-up board elections for most of our members. Media training is also held during regular meetings. Key topics for training includes building grassroots support, crisis management, cooperative media buying, and reaching out to the community.
UPGRADES TO WWW.SCCHARTERSCHOOLS.ORG
As part of the SCAPCS public affairs campaign, the www.sccharterschools.org web site has provided an effective online source for accurate SC specific charter school information, research, resources, news, and member-only support.
New content is posted regularly. New components include:
- The ability for member schools to create their own cost-free homepage with content controlled by the school, including its own logo and enrollment materials
- The ability for people and organizations to update their own information
- A member only site, with resources and news not available to non members
- An online “job board” where individuals and schools can post and share job requests and professional opportunities
- A preferred “A List” of vendors, school management and service providers.
HOSTING THE 2006 STATEWIDE CHARTER SCHOOL CONFERENCE
The 2006 Charter School Conference will be the best ever:
- Continuing focus on developing quality charter schools
- Over 200 participants
- Strong sponsorship from vendors, EMOs, sponsors, and service providers
FACILITIES FINANCING AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICE
Based on a seminar this past fall, SCAPCS has organized a team of experts to structure facilities finance plans and design/build construction which is cost-effective and expeditious.
ADOPTION OF QUALITY STATEMENTS
As a member you support and adopt the “Quality Statements”, which means that you abide by a professional code to operate your charter school with the highest standards of integrity and receive as needed technical assistance to maintain these standards.
BECOME A MEMBER NOW!
OUR MEMBERS TELL US:
“THE CASH VALUE OF MEMBER BENEFITS FAR EXCEED THE COST OF MEMBERSHIP”
The mission of the SCAPCS is to promote the common interests of South Carolina Charter Schools, including the improvement of the legal, regulatory, and financial conditions in which they operate. It operates only so long as it is supported by the schools and their supporters.
Thanks to the SCAPCS Executive Committee, Advisory Board and to its member Charter Schools for all they do on behalf of South Carolina’s children.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions, comments, or concerns.
Dr. David A. Church
Executive Director
(864) 918-1057
dchurch@sccharterschools.org
Ms. Debbie Reynolds
Director of Development & Communications
(864) 275-2556
dreynolds@sccharterschools.org
