Charter Schools - Do you have a vision?

It’s been a while since I have written on the blog.  I’ve been extremely busy putting together our newly approved charter school. www.elitescholarsacademy.com

I couldn’t have imagined the additional work behind the scenes that would be required to get the school opened and running for the first day. 

The typical things like hiring staff, raising money, developing mission and vision statements, logistical and facility planning are expected in the opening of any new school. 

I think some of the areas that caught me off guard was the level of red-tape and bureaucracy that is involved.  Flexibility and collaboration is the name of the game.  This is a requirement, or your push for advancement will be utterly painful.

As I go through this process, I am learning at a lightning speed pace.  There are no books on these experiences; no blue prints or established coaching programs.  There are independent organizations and consultants who can help with various aspects of the charter process, but few who can really walk you through the entire process from A-Z.  Much of the reason for this may have to do with the newness of charters in most states. 

Yet, there are hundreds maybe thousands of individuals that are now applying for Charter schools.  With the push from President Obama, more people have caught the vision and have decided to move with aggressiveness toward the golden road of “charter schools.” (there really isn’t a golden road, this is my form of dry humor)

However, I must warn you.  It is not as easy and glamorous as it may seem.  Undoubtedly, you must be called, committed and passionate about the vision, because there will be untold challenges that will come your way.  Yet, the challenges really never outweigh the rewards.  

If your charter concept ultimately improves the lives of students, and gives parents a viable choice or alternative to ehance the overall educational experience of their children then go for it.  

Here are some of my additional thoughts to help guide Charter seekers through the journey:

• Depending on the state you are located, a charter can sometimes take up to two years or more to open.  In Georgia, the application process for us took 20 months.  Therefore, you need lots of patience.
• Determine from the begining what type of charter is best for the community and the vision of the school.  This is extremely critical as it will impact every facet of the school from funding to hiring staff.  In Georgia, there are three types of charters:  Independent (New Start Up); LEA (partnership with the school District);  State Charter; and  Commissioned, another form of a Stater Charter.  Each has its own distinctive benefits and draws backs.  Do the research up front before jumping into it.
• Define and recruit the right stakeholders, from the beginning, who will work and walk with you through the entire process.  Do not take it on by yourself.  The vision is important, but it is critical to have a few stable and committed stakeholders with you from the beginning.
• Clarify, Clarify, Clarify the relationship between the Charter and the school district.  Do not wait until the charter has been approved.  If possible, get that clarification in writing. 
• Find a facility that can be easily retrofitted or updated. 
• Develop clear, concise and achievable academic goals.  This will be the cornerstone of your school. 
• Work with a CFO, Accounting Firm or School Management company to help you develop a sound budget and accounting practices. 
• Develop a marketing plan for the school.  Student enrollment is totally contingent upon this plan. Marketing should begin once it is decided that you will petition for a charter.
• Research the top 15 to 20 charter schools in the country.  Create a list of their best practices and find ways to integrate those best practices into your own plans.
• Develop partnerships or some form of think tank with other charter petitioners.  This is a great networking strategy, and will provide unlimited resources for you.
• Determine whether you need or want to develop a non-profit for the school or a seperate organization to support the work of the school. 

The charter school movement sounds glamorous, but it is a lot of hard work. Please do not think you will get through the process easy, it is truly a journey.  Be focused, centered and committed to the vision. 

There is a ton of information that I will bring to the forefront as I have more time to write about Charters.  I am confident that this information will help others get through the journey more effectively.

By the way, you will have times thay you will feel as if your energy has been for naught.  I have had those moments, more than I would like to even admit, to include this last week.  But God has a way of moving the right people into your life to motivate, inspire and encourage you to keep moving on. 

A parent approached me after a meeting most recently, and embraced me while saying, “thank you so much for your vision. Our county really needs a school like this, and I am looking forward to my child attending your school.”  I replied to her, “it’s our school, not mine.” but she quickly responded saying, ”but it was your vision, thank you.” 

Wow, how humbling and encouraging.  At that moment, that very moment, I needed that encouragement.    That moment took me back to the first day that the vision of this school was concieved in my mind. 

If you have a vision, move on it.  It may take a while for people to understand the vision, but if it is a true vision, others will join in to help the vision come  to pass. 

What do you think about Charters?  Do you have a vision for a school? Let’s hear it.

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Graysen