1. Fostering a Working Relationship with Charter Authorizers
Bill Kottenstette, Executive Director, CDE’s Schools of Choice Office
Elizabeth Anzalone, Charter School Lead, CDE’s Schools of Choice
Clare Vickland, Charter School Institute, Director of Student Services
Ruben Pacheco, former Board Member for Adams County District 50
Presenters

2. Charter Schools: Philosophy and Approach
A charter school may operate free from specified school district policies and free from state statute and rules.
e.g., school vision and culture; educational programming, design and use of time; personnel and budgeting.
To encourage the active pursuit of new and innovative methods of educating children to achieve and maintain high student performance. 2

3. The Relationship Between Charter Authorizers and Charter Schools
Autonomy Accountability
Shared Services 3

4. The Role of Boards and Staff
Charter School Staff
Charter School Board
Charter Authorizer Staff
Charter Authorizer Board
The Role of Boards and Staff
Charter Authorizer
Authorization practices
Funding
Special Education
Charter School
Operational Compliance
Academics
Financial Health 4

5. The Charter Contract Who are parties to the charter contract?
Charter authorizer board and charter school board
When is the charter contract formed?
After approval of charter application
How is the charter contract formed?
Negotiation
What is the purpose of the charter contract?
Governing document, accountability tool
Specifies shared services 5

6. Examples of Strains on the Relationship
Charter authorizer unilaterally imposing conditions on charter school.
Charter school appealing its charter authorizer’s decision to State Board.
Charter authorizer imposing a fee on charter school.
Short/mid-run impact of student count moving from district to charter schools. 6

7. Top 8 Things to Do to Foster a Healthy Relationship
Know and understand charter contract.
Meet compliance and reporting requirements.
Engage in transparent and regular communication.
Offer technical assistance when needed.
Run a great school!
Open your doors and host visitors.
Engage in systems-level work of the authorizer (DAC, Capitol Asset Planning, etc.)
Ask questions! 7

8. Top 5 Things Not to Do When Fostering a Relationship
DON’T forget to communicate.
Looming problems
Strategic activities
DON’T avoid accountability agreements.
DON’T try to do it all yourself.
DON’T overlook reporting.
DON’T disparage the authorizer – it’s about all students. 8

9. Professional Development & Networking
Colorado Department of Education
National Association of Charter School Authorizers
Colorado League of Charter Schools
Colorado Association of School Boards
Colorado Association of School Business Officials 9

10. Questions? 10