CMSD Charter Office Newsletter

While it’s hard to believe that fall is here, we here in the CMSD Charter Office are excited for a strong 2024-25 school year.

This year, our newsletters will focus primarily on professional development and legislative/policy updates.

In addition to our regular legislative update and event listings, we also have included in this issue materials to help stakeholders understand the roles and responsibilities of charter schools, sponsors, and operators, as well as the CMSD Board policy on Renewal, Nonrenewal, and Termination as we start a new year. It is a best practice for our office to remind our sponsored schools of these items annually.

We hope your school year is going well, and please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are here to help!

Both CMSD and our sponsored charter schools saw strong results on the state report cards from 2023-24.

As noted in CMSD’s news release: “Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) has reached an unprecedented milestone, meeting state standards and earning a 3-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card for the first time in its history. This significant accomplishment, achieved under the leadership of CEO Dr. Warren Morgan, signals a dramatic shift in the District's trajectory.”

In addition to the district’s strong overall report card, all sponsored schools met state standards by achieving 3 or more stars for their overall rating.

Congratulations to district, school, and network staff for these strong results.

Please see below for sponsor framework results for our sponsored schools. These ratings will be shared by November 30 as part of the sponsor annual report.

Complete report card information can be found on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's website.

While the Statehouse has been quiet since the Legislature recessed for the summer, state report cards for districts and schools were released by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) mid-September revealing both progress and continued challenges statewide.

Progress was made in early literacy, which is a key priority of Governor Mike DeWine and the DEW. In the 2023-2024 school year, the percentage of third grade students reading at or above grade level increased to 64.5, up from 62.3 the previous year but below the 66.7 in the 2018-2019 school year. English language arts proficiency also increased among fourth and fifth grade students, 5.2 and 3.1 percent, respectively.

Math proficiency also improved with gains in grades four to seven and algebra, but only 53.5 percent of all students are proficient in math. High school algebra I proficiency increased from 53 to 55.9 percent but remains below the pre-pandemic rate of 61.1 percent.

Nearly 80 percent of the 2023 student cohort graduated within four years and 89.1 percent within five years – the highest in more than a decade. Chronic absenteeism was 25.6 percent, down from 26.8 in the previous school year.

In other news, in September Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost took action to address a decision by Columbus City Schools to declare more than 1,300 charter and private school students “impractical” to transport. Yost responded by sending the district a cease-and-desist letter to resume transportation services and filing a mandamus complaint with the Ohio Supreme Court. Yost characterizes the district’s failure to follow the rule of law as a “strong-arm tactic.”

The State Board of Education, now housed and staffed independently of the Department of Education and Workforce, has for months warned policymakers of its projected budget shortfall and the possible need to increase teacher licensure fees to fill the gap – a solution no one was eager to embrace against the backdrop of a nationwide teacher shortage. In August, the state Controlling Board voted unanimously to release $4.66 million to the State Board. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paul Craft, who reports directly to the board, said that the release of funds should “get us through our 2024-2025 school year without raising (licensure) fees.”

Prior to recessing for the summer and early fall, the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate passed various bills of interest to K-12 education stakeholders:

H.B. 47 requires the placement of automatic external defibrillators in all public schools and modifies staff training requirements;

H.B. 147 requires districts and schools to file a report with the superintendent of public instruction regarding a licensed employee who retires during a disciplinary investigation for misconduct and when a licensed employee is removed from the list of eligible substitute teachers because it has reasonably been determined that the employee committed an act unbecoming to the teaching profession;

H.B. 214 requires districts and schools to adopt and post a policy against using statements of commitment to, or soliciting or requiring specified individuals to, affirmatively ascribe to specific beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles concerning political movements or ideology. It also requires districts and schools to adopt a policy that reasonably accommodates the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of students that includes permitting up to three excused absences for religious expression days;

H.B. 250 requires public schools to adopt a policy governing the use of cell phones by students during school hours;

S.B. 29 establishes student data privacy standards and permits the State Board of Education to refuses to issue a license to, or limit, suspend or revoke the license of, an individual who uses or releases student information that is confidential under state or federal law for purposes other than student instruction;

S.B. 94, originally introduced to modernize laws governing county recorders, was amended to require the Department of Higher Education, in conjunction with the DEW, to conduct a survey of educator preparation programs and to issue its recommendations in a report;

S.B. 112 requires protective door assemblies in certain school buildings to comply with the standards of the National Life Safety Code developed by the National Fire Protection Association in effect at the time the protective door assembly was installed or the building code standards in effect at the time of installation; and,

S.B. 168 allows districts and schools to develop and use their own frameworks for teacher evaluations and changes the grade band specification for an educator license from grades six through 12 to grades seven through 12.

Legislators will return for a short “lame duck” session after the November election, with the 135th General Assembly coming to a close at year end.

In November, the Senate schedule includes just two full session dates and the House just one. In December, the Senate and House schedules each include just three session dates (with the House calendar showing three additional session dates “as needed”).

The new General Assembly will begin January 2025, with some changes to both House and Senate membership likely based on the outcome of the upcoming fall election. There will also likely be changes in senator and representative committee assignments.

PBIS Tier III Interventions

Learn more about Tier III systems, formal behavior assessments, student behavior plans, and strategies schools and classrooms can use to eliminate time outside of instruction.

Three-part series: 10/21/24, 11/4/24, 11/18/24

9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Registration deadline: 10/18/24

ESC of NE Ohio

6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Essex Place, Independence, Ohio 44131

To register, contact: nyeshja.malone@escneo.org

The Road to Reading Achievement Plans (RAP)

The series provides an exploration of the what, who, why, and how of developing a comprehensive reading plan. Participants will learn about the five key sections necessary for a high-quality district literacy plan. By the end of this series, your district will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to develop a literacy plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Six-part series: 10/22/24; 10/29/24; 11/12/24; 11/19/24; 11/26/24; 12/02/24

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Registration deadline: 10/21/24

Virtual

To register: https://tinyurl.com/TRTRAP24

Project-Based Learning (PBL) 101 Learn the Basics!

PBL 101 will explore project research and design, tools and resources, and how PBL supports 21st century skills development for ALL students.

10/30/2024

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Registration deadline: 10/28/24

ESC of NE Ohio

6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Essex Place, Independence, Ohio 44131

To register: https://www.escneo.org/protected/EventView.aspx?id=8ABY0I3UB

Restorative Practice Discipline Training- Disproportionate Discipline and Chronic Absenteeism

Disproportionate discipline and Chronic Absenteeism are issues facing the majority of school districts in Northeast Ohio. Restorative Practices, specifically aligned to the work district administrators do with students and families, may be one tool to mitigating these issues.

Pick one of three dates: 10/30/24, 11/5/24, 11/15/24

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

ESC of NE Ohio

6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Essex Place, Independence, Ohio 44131

To register: https://www.escneo.org/protected/EventView.aspx?id=8AGGBUU00

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Collaborative Network

This group meets monthly to explore evidence-based practices and innovative strategies that enhance family-school partnerships. We welcome educators, administrators, family and community partners, counselors, social workers, parent mentors, and dedicated practitioners to join us.

11/13/24

8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

ESC of NE Ohio

6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Essex Place, Independence, Ohio 44131

To register, contact: barb.pritschau@escneo.org

CSTAG: Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines

During training, Threat Assessment team members can:

· Practice hands-on tools

· Review case studies

· Learn guidelines to use in responding to threats of school violence Technical

· Assistance is available to all CSTAG Graduates.

11/18/24

8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: 11/15/24

ESC of NE Ohio

6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Essex Place, Independence, Ohio 44131

To register: https://www.escneo.org/protected/EventView.aspx?id=82UIU2Y02

Building Educator Resilience

Embark on a transformative journey with us! Discover powerful strategies to conquer burnout and make a lasting investment in yourself. Immerse yourself in a day of reflection and reconnection, gaining the tools to reframe and refocus for a triumphant last trimester and beyond. Walk away with not just insights, but a concrete plan ready to be put into action tomorrow! Join us on this educational rejuvenation—because your students deserve it!

11/19/24

8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: 11/12/24

Cost $50

ESC of NE Ohio

6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Essex Place, Independence, Ohio 44131

To register: https://www.escneo.org/protected/EventView.aspx?id=820UB3BP2

Charter school sponsors, boards, and operators share a common commitment to the students they serve. As is true in most relationships, success depends on a clear understanding of each stakeholder’s roles and responsibilities, which are defined in state law.

Among the key responsibilities of sponsors is establishing clear, measurable goals and expectations, which are outlined in contracts between sponsors and charter school boards. Sponsors are also tasked with providing ongoing school oversight and monitoring of academic, fiscal, and operational performance, as well as providing technical assistance.

School governing boards work with sponsors to establish goals and expectations as outlined in their contracts.

They are tasked with overseeing school operations to ensure compliance with the contract and also with state and federal laws and administrative rules. Boards play a vital role in establishing and ensuring compliance with various policies that inform school operations, and in hiring, monitoring, and evaluating the performance of operators.

School operators—individuals, not-for-profit or for-profit entities—are responsible for managing day-to-day school operations. They are responsible for the development and implementation of plans, as well as board-approved policies, that ensure statutory and contractual compliance in all aspects of school operations, from human resources, educational curriculum and record-keeping to student enrollment, testing, and discipline.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (D.E.W.) also plays an important role with a focus on sponsor oversight—they assess all aspects of sponsor performance (captured regularly in a sponsor evaluation) and are charged with granting, renewing, and revoking sponsorship authority. D.E.W. also must provide technical assistance and prepare an annual report on Ohio’s charter schools for key policymakers.

In addition to sponsor oversight, D.E.W. also has a division that serves as a sponsor for some charter schools.

RENEWAL, NONRENEWAL, AND TERMINATION OF COMMUNITY SCHOOL SPONSORSHIP CONTRACTS

Nonrenewal and Termination of Community School Sponsorship Contracts:

The Board may choose not to renew a community school sponsorship contract at its expiration or may choose to terminate a contract prior to its expiration for any of the following reasons:

1. Failure to meet student performance requirements stated in the contract;

2. Failure to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management;

3. Violation of any provision of the contract or applicable state or federal law; or

4. Other good cause.

The Board may terminate a community school’s contract during the contract term when there is clear evidence of some or all of following:

1. Extreme underperformance;

2. An egregious violation of law;

3. Violation of the public trust that imperils students’ health and well-being or public funds; or

4. Unfaithfulness to the terms of the contract.

In addition, the Board may choose to terminate a contract prior to its expiration if the Board has suspended the operation of the contract under state law.

The Board shall base any decision not to renew a community school contract on thorough analysis of a comprehensive body of objective evidence defined by the Performance Framework in the contract. Such evidence shall include at least all of the following:

1. Multiple years of student achievement and multiple measures of student achievement;

2. Financial audits;

3. Site visit reports and/or other compliance reports; and

4. Status reports on corrective action plans or other required interventions, if necessary.

Notification Timeline: In the event of a decision not to renew or to terminate a Community School Sponsorship Contract, the Board shall notify the school of the proposed action in writing no later than January 15 in the year in which the Board intends to terminate or take actions not to renew the contract. The notice shall include the reasons for the proposed action in detail, the effective date of the termination or nonrenewal, and a statement that the school may, within 14 days of receiving the notice, request an informal hearing before the Board of Education. Such request must be in writing. The informal hearing shall be held within 14 days of the receipt of a request for the hearing. No later than 14 days after the informal hearing, the Board shall issue a written decision either affirming or rescinding the decision to terminate or not renew the contract.

Closing Procedures: In the event of closing any community school sponsored by the District, the District shall follow closure procedures maintained by the District’s Charter School Office. These procedures shall conform to the most recent guidance from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) on community school closing procedures. The District shall oversee and work with the school’s governing authority and leadership in carrying out a detailed Closure Protocol as set forth in ODE guidance, which among other things shall ensure:

1. Timely notification to parents and assistance in finding new placements;

2. Orderly transition of students records to home school districts;

3. Disposition of school funds, property, and assets in accordance with law; and

4. Submission to ODE of required closing assurances.

The District shall have the capacity and commitment to carry out a closure to the extent possible if the school’s governing authority fails to fulfill its own responsibilities under the Closure Protocol.

Parents and students shall have ample time and information to make informed choices for the coming school year when a school’s contract is non-renewed. Children attending a District-sponsored community school that is suspended or closes for any reason shall be admitted to District schools the children are entitled to attend under state law, and admission deadlines shall be waived for such students in accordance with state law.

Any community school whose contract is terminated or not renewed shall close permanently at the end of the current school year or on a date specified in the notification of termination or nonrenewal. In the event that a closure is necessary prior to the end of the current school year, the District shall implement such provisions of the Closure Protocol on an expedited basis, and shall take such additional measures, as may be necessary to facilitate the orderly mid-year transitions of students to new schools and to secure student records and public assets.

Revised Notification Timeline: In the event of a decision not to renew a community school sponsorship contract, the Board shall notify the school of the proposed action in writing no later than January 15 in the year in which the Board intends not to renew the contract. In the event of a decision to terminate a community school sponsorship contract, the Board shall notify the school of the proposed action in writing no later than January 15 in the year in which the Board intends terminate the contract unless exigent circumstances at the community school require that a decision on termination be made after that date and be effective by the end of that school year.