Charter School Operations Brighten Academy Charter School Lunch with Leadership August 22, 2017 Lisa McDonald, Executive Director

I can explain how Brighten earns its funding, is governed by the board, and is held accountable to the Douglas County School System and Department of Education Learning Target

General funding

Federal, State, and Local Funding Federal Funds (programmatic eligibility) State Formula Funds (based on pupil population and other factors) Local funds (based on millage)

Description of Funding Federal Funds Federal funds are provided based on program eligibility and appropriation. Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Description of Funding Title I, Part A Low income; Reduce concentrated poverty – based on # of students and average state per pupil expenditures Title I, Part C Drop out rate reduction Title I, Part D Special programs for migrating, disabled, and neglected children Title II, Part A Professional development of teachers and improving math & science instruction Title II, Part D Technology improvements Title IV, Part A and B Programs such as 21st Century After School Grants, ett. Title V, Part A Drug prevention programs Special Education (IDEA) Special education and related services Vocational Education Vocational education programs

State Funds Training & Education Foundation FTE * Program Weight - 5 mill share Equalization Actual property taxes raised - Guaranteed Tax Base Training & Education Actual salary scale based on T&E - base teacher amount Categorical Grants Capital Outlay

State Funds (2) FTE is determined based on “count” days where students are counted for each segment of the day 1st Tuesday in October 1st Thursday in March Funding is based on averaging over several counts Exception for charters is with significant growth (i.e., class or grade) “Forward funding” issues apply Georgia funding combines 2 types of grants: Foundation Grants and Guaranteed Tax Base

State Funds (5) Guaranteed Tax Base (Equalization) State chooses a level of property tax wealth (tax base) per pupil and guarantees that a school system will obtain at least the same revenue that would be generated by each mill of property tax (1 mill = $1000 of taxable value) State provides an “Equalization” grant equal to difference between revenues raised (actual property tax yield) Guaranteed tax base (up to 15 mills) Based on modified statewide average with a minimal millage participation rate (recently changed in 2012 via HB824 … but no additional funds appropriated) Systems choose their tax rates, but the max is generally 20 mills eligible

Salaries State publishes a salary schedule based on classifications determined by the PSC Based on degree Based on years of experience Charters may follow the salary schedule or waive it … but funding calculates the same either way Consideration for attracting and retaining staff Every teacher is assumed at the base amount and T&E (Training and Education adjustments made: Actual place on salary schedule – base amount). T&E is added to the Foundation Grant. Forward funding issues apply for charters

Categorical Grants Additional funds for specific purposes: Transportation Funds for geographically isolated schools Superintendents Principals Vocational supervisors Nursing services

Capital Outlay Program Supports cost of construction and renovation of schools Comprised of 2 main segments: Regular program where all systems are eligible 3 Special programs: Exceptional growth systems Low wealth systems Advanced funding (i.e., natural disasters) At present, most charters are ineligible (Commission charters are provided with facilities funding in their supplemental funding formula)

State Funds Training & Education Foundation FTE * Program Weights - 5 mill share Equalization Actual property taxes raised - Guaranteed Tax Base Training & Education Actual salary scale based on T&E - base teacher amount Categorical Grants Capital Outlay

Local Funding (1) Revenue comes from a variety of sources: Property Taxes (primary) – in excess of 5 mills (up to an additional 15 mills for county school systems, no ceiling for city school systems) A few can use a 1% sales tax for operating purposes A few can use an alcoholic beverage tax E-SPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax – O.C.G.A. § 48-4-110) Referendum required Up to 1% Max usage 5 yrs. Use for 3 purposes: capital outlay, repay bonded debt, issue new bonded debt to be paid for with E-SPLOST revenue Charters must currently be specifically added to the referendum to partake An example to better understand millage: The assessment valuation of property is 8.43% of the actual value. A residential property with an actual value of $100,000. So, each mill of tax raises $8.43.

Local Funding The local school board is responsible for calculating a proportionate amount of the local share of funding Local funds stay local. Charter Schools Act of 1998 describes how local funding is calculated An example to better understand millage: The assessment valuation of property is 8.43% of the actual value. A residential property with an actual value of $100,000. So, each mill of tax raises $8.43.

I can explain how Brighten earns its funding, is governed by the board, and is held accountable to the Douglas County School System and Department of Educaiton Learning Target

Governance Non-Profit, 501C(3) Volunteer Board Members Diverse Background Board Recruiting Board Applicants Fingerprinted Credit Check Board Election Term Limits

Board Training Requirements New Members 15 hours Best Practices Finance and Budgeting Finance and Governance (policies) Whole Board General Non-Profit Existing Board Members 9 hours Code of Ethics Annual Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Organizational Structure Governing Board Administration Certified Staff Non-certified Staff Executive Director

I can explain how Brighten earns its funding, is governed by the board, and is held accountable to the Douglas County School System and Department of Educaiton Learning Target

Accountability Achievement Goals Fiscal Goals Operational Goals Beat the State and DCSS on CCRPI Beat the Odds Fiscal Goals Annual Audit Positive Cash Flow Bond Stress Test Operational Goals Oraganizational Structures Parent Hours Survey Results Culture and Character Goals Innovation Diversity Discipline

Accountability Advanced ED/SACS Accredited Visit in January 2016 EL Education National Credentialed School Mastery of Knowledge and Skills High Quality Work Character Development Goal Spring 2018