Ashland Charter Schools are part of the school district of Ashland. They are:
- Authorized by the school board.
- Staffed with teachers hired by the school district.
- Governed by a charter council that enters into a contract with the school board that outlines academic outcomes and autonomy from district policies.
- Provide an additional educational option for families to the current direct educational method.
- Open and free to all district and open enrolled students.
WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?
Charter schools are nonsectarian public schools of choice that operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools. By State law, Charter schools are granted increased levels of flexibility to design the curriculum, instructional methods, and management practices. In exchange for flexibility they are held accountable for performance and results by several groups: the School Board that authorizes them, the parents who choose them, and the public that funds them.
What is required of charter schools in Wisconsin?
Charter Schools must:
What is not allowable for a charter school in Wisconsin?
Charter Schools:
Who authorizes charter schools?
All Charter Schools are public schools authorized either by a school board or other entity (in Milwaukee the City Council and University may authorize a charter school). The Ashland Elementary Charter School must be authorized by the School Board of the Ashland School District.
Who runs the charter school?
When a School Board authorizes a charter school, it enters into a performance contract with a Charter School Governance Council. The proposed Ashland Charter School Council, when formed, will have 7 members: 3 representing parents, 2 representing the community, and 2 teachers. The Charter School Council operates the school. The school board and district office, monitors the performance of the charter school according to the provisions of the performance contract. The charter school will provide a quarterly progress report to the LSI Building Principal, Superintendent, and School Board.
How will the charter school be funded?
All students enrolled in the charter school are considered pupils of the school district and are counted by the district for the purpose of budgeting, and calculating state and federal aid. The budget for the charter school will be based upon a fair share of the average cost per pupil in the district. The charter grants being applied for are intended to train staff and purchase startup items such as curriculum materials and equipment for the new charter school. Additional revenue may be received if the charter school attracts open enrollment students from other districts. Because the charter council is formed as a Wisconsin Non Stock organization, that has a tax exempt 501c3 status, it will be eligible to pursue and receive private foundation grants.
Will the charter school cost our district more money?
The charter school is being planned to be budget neutral to the district.
What grants have been received?
The Ashland School District applied for, and was awarded, a $200,000 Charter School Planning Grant for the 2012-2013 school year for an elementary school. An additional $200,000 Implementation Grant was awarded for the first year of operation (2013-14). The Implementation Grant is renewable for another $200,000 during the second year of operation. In August of 2013, the district received another Planning Grant for a middle school, in the amount of $250,000. If enrollment numbers are met, the district will be able to apply for a middle school Implementation Grant this spring.
What happens if the charter school closes?
In the event that the charter school closes students will be re-assigned to the school they came from, and teachers will be re-assigned to open district positions.
Charter schools are nonsectarian public schools of choice that operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools. By State law, Charter schools are granted increased levels of flexibility to design the curriculum, instructional methods, and management practices. In exchange for flexibility they are held accountable for performance and results by several groups: the School Board that authorizes them, the parents who choose them, and the public that funds them.
What is required of charter schools in Wisconsin?
Charter Schools must:
- Participate in the state assessment system
- Participate in the annual School Performance Report (SPR)
- Be open to all students in the district
- Apply the health and safety requirements of all public schools
- Provide for voluntary enrollment
- Be different enough to require a charter
- Employ teachers licensed by the Department of Public Instruction
What is not allowable for a charter school in Wisconsin?
Charter Schools:
- Follow federal laws governing education, civil rights, or special education policies
- Adhere to school board policies unless so specified in the charter contract
- Cannot be private schools
- Cannot charge a tuition
Who authorizes charter schools?
All Charter Schools are public schools authorized either by a school board or other entity (in Milwaukee the City Council and University may authorize a charter school). The Ashland Elementary Charter School must be authorized by the School Board of the Ashland School District.
Who runs the charter school?
When a School Board authorizes a charter school, it enters into a performance contract with a Charter School Governance Council. The proposed Ashland Charter School Council, when formed, will have 7 members: 3 representing parents, 2 representing the community, and 2 teachers. The Charter School Council operates the school. The school board and district office, monitors the performance of the charter school according to the provisions of the performance contract. The charter school will provide a quarterly progress report to the LSI Building Principal, Superintendent, and School Board.
How will the charter school be funded?
All students enrolled in the charter school are considered pupils of the school district and are counted by the district for the purpose of budgeting, and calculating state and federal aid. The budget for the charter school will be based upon a fair share of the average cost per pupil in the district. The charter grants being applied for are intended to train staff and purchase startup items such as curriculum materials and equipment for the new charter school. Additional revenue may be received if the charter school attracts open enrollment students from other districts. Because the charter council is formed as a Wisconsin Non Stock organization, that has a tax exempt 501c3 status, it will be eligible to pursue and receive private foundation grants.
Will the charter school cost our district more money?
The charter school is being planned to be budget neutral to the district.
What grants have been received?
The Ashland School District applied for, and was awarded, a $200,000 Charter School Planning Grant for the 2012-2013 school year for an elementary school. An additional $200,000 Implementation Grant was awarded for the first year of operation (2013-14). The Implementation Grant is renewable for another $200,000 during the second year of operation. In August of 2013, the district received another Planning Grant for a middle school, in the amount of $250,000. If enrollment numbers are met, the district will be able to apply for a middle school Implementation Grant this spring.
What happens if the charter school closes?
In the event that the charter school closes students will be re-assigned to the school they came from, and teachers will be re-assigned to open district positions.
