Services: School Startup

Pre-Application Services for New Charter Schools

1. Assist with Charter School Planning Grant application
2. Introduce developers to charter school law and state charter application
3. Develop pre-approval work plans and timelines
4. Assist developers in effectively articulating their vision for the new charter school
5. Identify possible sponsors and prepare materials for presentation to prospective sponsors
6. Assist with market analysis and focus groups to determine community interest and need
7. Help to assess possible facilities and locations
8. Facilitate charter school applications to the sponsor and state department of education
9. Facilitate federal charter school grant application to the state department of education
10. Assist with any required revisions to applications

Post-Application Start-up Services for New Charter Schools

1. Prepare work plans and timelines for start-up tasks
2. Assist with development of bylaws and incorporation with Secretary of State's office.
3. Carry out required financial tracking and reporting, grant administration
4. Set up state report compatible accounting, finance and business office systems
5. Establish human resource systems, including policies and procedures
6. Establish staff hiring process and timeline
7. Work with school leadership to establish a bank line of credit
8. Assist with development and implementation of technology plans
9. Assist with e-rate application, to fund many internet and telecommunications items
10. Generate position descriptions for all staff
11. Help establish staff training, development, and evaluation system
12. Draft 501(c)3 federal non-profit organization application
13. Draft board documents (roles and responsibilities, director and officer job descriptions)
14. Advise board and conduct board training
15. Assist board with development of school policies
16. Facilitate development of clear mission and vision statements and supporting school culture
17. Help establish evaluation frameworks for student, staff, and program development
18. Help establish and maintain positive relationships with sponsor and department of education
19. Assist with stakeholder communication and relationship building (e.g. open houses)
20. Support or staff "start-up coordinator" position (part time or full time)

For fee structures and other information about these services, please contact David Alley. For contact information, please see Phone Numbers & E-Mail Addresses.