Independent School Process Agency of Education State Board of Education Presentation March 25, 2014

Authority Approved independent schools: Independent schools make application according to 16 V.S.A. § 166 and Vermont State Board rules Based upon results of the application review and site visit, a recommendation is given to the State Board of Education.

Review Process Agency of Education The approved Independent School Application Review process ensures that independent schools meet State Board of Education rules for general, and if appropriate, special education services offered to students attending non-public schools. Agency of Education

Interested parties request information Application submitted AOE reviews application Data collected & reviewed by AOE Additional information provided by applicant Team recommendation to Director, Deputy Secretary, Secretary Recommendation submitted to State Board of Education Application Review Process Application complete Yes: Application complete, establish tentative timeline, schedule visitations & reviews No: Request for additional information

Timeline The timeline for review of the application will be determined once the Agency of Education has received all the required documentation for the application to be considered complete.

Team Enhancements The Agency of Education will utilize an expanded team with specific expertise during the review process. The team will continue to review: General Education & Special Education Programming Financial Requirements Administrative requirements Team Enhancements: Risk Management- utilizing in house expertise Financial Review -utilizing in house expertise Special Education – dedicated staff time

Once a complete application has been received the review team will be assigned by the program coordinator and will carry through the entire process. Routine team meetings will take place during the course of the review process with results being formulated for presentation to the Division Director, Deputy Secretary and Secretary of Education for recommendation to the State Board of Education. When Do We Review?

Who Do We Review? The following are routinely subject to the approved independent school review process including application, supporting documentation and site visit: A New Independent School Seeking Approval: Any organization, not-for-profit or for-profit business, or individual desiring to establish an independent school in the State of Vermont Approved Independent Schools Seeking Renewal are subject to the review process * Renewal of Approval: In accordance with Vermont Rule, initial approval is granted to an independent school for a period of not more than two years, and renewal of approval for not more than five years

Substantive change: A change in ownership, management or leadership of a previously approved school; A change in financial status of an approved school: loss of income, foreclosure, significant financial crisis; A change in location or facilities; A significant increase or decrease in staff or student population; A significant change in program; A significant change in board membership. Other Reasons for Review I

Other Reasons for Review II Complaint or Concern: The Agency of Education will review complaints and concerns in accordance with Vermont rule and statute. To evaluate complaints, the AOE will review the independent school’s application, additional documentation and data. A site visit may be required.

Risk Management The team will assess how an independent school is prepared to respond to various risks related to: theft, damage or destruction of assets errors or omissions injuries to guests or employees or students lawsuits a reduction in student population natural disasters Insurance, assets,including real property, fund balance and potential conflicts of interest will be reviewed.

Financial Review The team will review the following considerations through an in-depth financial review of the applicant’s clearly defined financial plan presented in standard accounting format: Has the applicant demonstrated sufficient financial capacity to support the program/activities on a continued basis? The AOE will require certified budget reporting that reflects income and expenses in standardized accounting formats. Financial assurances will include letters of credit, escrow accounts, foundations, trusts and tuition.

Special Education In order for an in-state independent school to receive approval for provision of special education, it must obtain general independent school approval and approval for special education from the State Board of Education. Staff, programs and facilities must meet state and federal special education standards. Special education approval may be limited to one or more categories of disability, according to the services the school provides. Independent schools are currently not required to accept students with special needs.

Once general education approval is obtained, the AOE will evaluate the independent school’s: special education programming, including on-site visits and observations licensure and tenure of staff program stability tuition request for those Independents that serve only special education students compliance with statute and rule Should a school choose to add additional special education categories, a new application for that category is required Special Education Approval

Recognized Accrediting Agencies Vermont Rule 2223 states that “approval may be granted” to an independent school without committee evaluation in the case of any school accredited by a state or regional agency recognized by the State Board for accrediting purposes. Rule 7320 contains the list of recognized accrediting agencies. This list includes New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Mid Atlantic Association of Colleges and Schools. The Agency of Education is currently analyzing how these reviews coordinate with Agency practices for robust review.

Agency Staffing The Agency of Education currently has appropriate staff to facilitate in-depth reviews of initial applications, renewal and urgent reviews of independent schools. The current level of staffing would not allow for quick response should any legislation requiring major change in the special education approval area occur. Additional staff or a staggered integration process would be necessary to satisfy additional new legislative requirements. Forms, guides and independent directory will continue to be updated and posted on the AOE website.