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VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota
Page1
FY2019AuthorizerAnnualReport
AuthorizerInformation
NameofAuthorizingOrganization:VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota
MailingAddress:92419thAve,Minneapolis,MN55404
NameandTitleofPrimaryAuthorizerContact:StephanieOlsen,AuthorizingSeniorProgramManager
TelephoneofPrimaryAuthorizerContact:612-270-1998
EmailAddressofPrimaryAuthorizerContact:[email protected]
AuthorizerSummary:Enteranoverviewofyourauthorizingorganization(forexample,includeyourorganization’smission,vision,andhistory).Limithalfpage.
AuthorizingProgramVision:VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota(VOA-MN)CharterSchoolAuthorizingProgramwillauthorizehighqualitycharterschoolsthatimproveallpupillearning,allstudentachievement,andpromoteservicetoothers.
AuthorizingProgramMission:VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota(VOA-MN)CharterSchoolAuthorizingProgramwillimproveallpupillearningandallstudentachievementwithservicetoothersasitscore.
VOA-MNisanonprofitorganizationestablishedinMinnesotain1896,makingusoneoftheoldestnon-profitsinthestate.Throughoutourhistory,wehaverespondedtosomeofthemostpressingsocietalneeds.Weseektoempowerprogramparticipantswiththeskills,education,andcompetenciesnecessaryforage-appropriateindependenceandself-reliance.Weseektostrengthencommunitiesandfosterwithinthemthecapacitytosupporttheirmembersinachievingthisindependenceandself-reliance.
Becauseofthewiderangeofourservices,weareabletorespondtoanequallywiderangeofhumanneeds.Annually,ourmorethan34,000programparticipantsincludeabusedandneglectedchildren,childrenwithmentalhealthproblems,personswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesormentalillness,studentsatriskofeducationalfailure,personsconvictedofcrimebutnowmotivatedtodevelopself-sufficientlives,independentseniorcitizensseekingsocialactivitiesandhome-boundseniorsrequiringsignificantservicesandsupportstoremainintheirresidenceofchoice.
VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota
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VOA-MNisoneoftheoldest,largestandmostcomprehensivehumanserviceorganizationsinthestate.In2000,theMinnesotastatelegislaturemadeitpossibleforanon-profitorganizationinMinnesotatoauthorizecharterschools.Atthistime,VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesotabecamethefirstnon-profitcharterschoolauthorizerinthenation.Wehavearichhistoryofdevelopinginnovativeprogramstomeetemergingsocialneeds.Weprideourselvesonsponsoringprogramswhichareabletoexplicitlyarticulatetheoutcomesachievedinourprogramparticipants'lives.VOA-MNCharterSchoolAuthorizingProgramprovidesMinnesotastudentswithhighqualitychoicesinpubliceducationthroughourportfolioofhigh-performingcharterschoolsandisamodelofexcellenceinauthorizingthroughoutthestateandnation.
Intheyearsthatwehavebeenauthorizing,VOA-MNhasdevelopedandpracticesamodelofcharterschoolauthorizingthatgoesbeyondthecompliance-basedrolevaguelyoutlinedinstatestatute.Weengageinpro-activerelationshipsandaddvaluetotheschoolswithwhichwework.DuringthestartupphaseVOA-MNworkscloselywithfoundinggroupstoensurethattasksnecessarytoasuccessfulopening(facility,finance,humanresources,marketing/recruitment,curriculumdevelopment)areaccomplishedinatimelymanner.Onceoperational,VOA-MNcontinuestovigilantlymonitortheacademic,boardgovernance,operations,andfinancialperformanceofitsschoolsthroughfrequentcommunication,schoolsitevisits,boardmeetingobservations,andregularlyreviewingofschooldocuments.Whensignsoftroublearise,weworkcloselywiththeschool’sboardtoproblemsolveandidentifyresourcesthatmaybehelpful.Thisisadeparturefromthetraditionalreactiverelationshipbetweencharterschoolauthorizersandschools.
Ourauthorizercooperativeoversightisongoingandintendedtohelpcharterschoolsliveuptothepromiseofincreasedautonomyinexchangeforincreasedaccountability.Inaddition,tobeauthorizedbyVOA-MNmeansyouarenotjustacharterschool,butapartofthebiggerVOA-MNCharterSchoolNetwork,whichpromotesrelationshipsbetweenschoolsandthelargercharterschoolcommunitybycreatingprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforparticipants—whetherasaboardmember,schoolleader,orcommunitymember.VOA-MNauthorizedschoolspridethemselvesonbeingapartofthehighqualityoftheschoolsthatcomprisestheVOA-MNNetworkofAuthorizedCharterSchools.BeingauthorizedbyVOA-MNmeansbeingapartofastrongnetworkofcharterschoolsthatmeetsatleastannually,regularlysharesideasoneffectiveeducationalandoperationalstrategies,offerspeermentoringtonewleaders,andtogetherbroadenindividuals’understandingofthecharterschoolcommunitythroughoutMinnesota.
AuthorizerProcesses
NewCharterSchoolApplicationsinFY2019(B.1)
DidyourorganizationreviewanynewcharterschoolapplicationsinFY2019?
No.
Ifno,pleaseprovideanexplanation:
Wedidnothaveanyapplicationssubmittedforreview.Furthermore,ourfocuswasonexpandingtheschoolsthatwealreadyauthorize.
VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota
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Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachapplication:
NameofCharterSchoolApplicant
AuthorizerApprovalorDisapproval
MinnesotaDepartmentofEducation(MDE)
ApprovalorDisapproval
IfDisapproved,Reason(s)forDisapproval
ApplicationWithdrawnbyApplicant
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
NewCharterSchoolOpeningsinFY2019(B.2)
Didyourorganizationengageinready-to-openactivitiesinFY2019?
No
Ifno,pleaseprovideanexplanation:
Ourfocusasanauthorizerhasbeenonensuringthatourneweroperationalschoolscontinuedtostabilizeandexcelandsupportingtheexpansionofourmoreestablished,high-performingschools.
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachcharterschoolscheduledtoopen:
NameofCharterSchoolProjectedtoBeginServing
StudentsinFY2019
ProjectedOpeningDate
DidthisSchoolOpenasPlanned?
IfNo,ProvideReason(s)andRevisedProjectedOpeningDate
N/A N/A N/A N/A
CharterSchoolExpansionApplicationsinFY2019(B.2)
Didyourorganizationreviewanysiteand/orgradeexpansionapplicationsinFY2019?
Technically,no.However,thereviewoftheNewCenturySchoolexpansionapplicationoccurredduringsummer2019-endofFY19andbeginningofFY20.
Ifno,pleaseprovideanexplanation:
Byschoolchoice,theexpansionplanningbyourschoolswasnotdeemedreadyforapplicationsubmissiontoauthorizerVOA-MNduringFY19forformalreview.
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachapplication:
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NameofCharterSchool
ProposedAdditionalGradestobeServedand/orLocationofNewSite
AuthorizerApprovalorDisapproval
MDEApprovalorDisapproval
IfDisapproved,Reason(s)forDisapproval
ApplicationWithdrawnbyApplicant
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
OfficialEarlyLearningProgramRecognitionRequestsinFY2019(B.2)
DidyourorganizationreviewanyrequestsforofficialearlylearningprogramrecognitioninFY2019?
No
Ifno,pleaseprovideanexplanation:
Byschoolchoice,theexpansionplanningbyourschoolswasnotdeemedreadyforapplicationsubmissiontoauthorizerVOA-MNduringFY19forformalreview.
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachrequest:
NameofCharterSchool
EarlyLearningProgramSeeking
Recognition
AuthorizerApprovalorDisapproval
MDEApprovalorDisapproval
IfDisapproved,Reason(s)forDisapproval
ApplicationWithdrawnbyApplicant
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
CharterSchoolChangeinAuthorizerRequestsinFY2019(B.2)
DidyourorganizationreviewchangeinauthorizerrequestsinFY2019?
No
Ifno,pleaseprovideanexplanation:
AuthorizerVOA-MNdidnotreceiveanychangeofauthorizerrequests.
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachrequest:
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NameofCharterSchool
AuthorizerCharterSchoolRequestedtoTransferFrom
AuthorizerApprovalorDisapproval
MDEApprovalorDisapproval
IfDisapproved,Reason(s)forDisapproval
ApplicationWithdrawnbyApplicant
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
CharterContractRenewalsinFY2019(B.9)
DidyourorganizationengageincharterrenewalactivitiesinFY2019?
Yes
Ifno,pleaseprovideanexplanation:
N/A
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachschool:
NameofCharterSchool WasContractRenewed?
IfYes,TermofContractRenewal
IfNo,Reason(s)forNonrenewal
AthlosAcademyofSt.Cloud
Yes 07/01/2019-06/30/2022
N/A
FITAcademy Yes 07/01/2019-06/30/2022
N/A
SpectrumHighSchool Yes 07/01/2019-06/30/2024
N/A
TrekNorthHighSchool Yes 07/01/2019-06/30/2024
N/A
AdditionalAuthorizerActivities
AuthorizingLeadershipandStaffSkillDevelopment(A.5)
Describehowyourorganizationbuilttheknowledgeandskillbaseofitsauthorizingleadershipandstaffthroughprofessionaldevelopmentoverthepastyear.
VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota
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• KatiePerzel:VOA-MNEducationandClinicalMentalHealthServicesDivisionDirectorKatiePerzelistheDirectoroftheEducationandClinicalMentalHealthServicesDivisionatVOA-MNandhasworkedwiththeorganizationforoverthirteenyears. AstheDivisionDirectorforVOA-MN,Ms.Perzelisresponsiblefortheoversightofacontractalternativeschool,anadulthighschooldiplomaprogram,eighteencharterschoolsacrossthestateofMinnesota,andVonaCenterforMentalHealth. Ms.Perzelhasbeeninaleadershiproleforthelastsevenyearsprovidingoperationaldirection,financialoversight,andstrategicprogramdevelopmenttohumanserviceprograms. Ms.PerzelhasaBachelorofScienceDegreefromtheUniversityofMNinPsychologyandBusinessManagementandhasaMastersDegreeinSocialWorkfromtheUniversityofSt.Thomas/UniversityofSt.Catherine. ProfessionalDevelopment:PerzelparticipatedinDiversityAwarenessandDataPracticestrainingsthroughouttheyearasrequiredofallVOA-MNprogrammanagersanddivisiondirectors.ProfessionalDevelopment:MulticulturalAwarenessandDiversity(6hours)ConveningToughConversationsbetweenAdolescentsandParents(3hours)MandatedReportingforTraumaInformedSettings(4hours)DataPracticesActandFERPA-webinar
• StephanieOlsen:VOA-MNAuthorizingProgramManager StephanieOlsenhasbeentheProgramManagerfortheVOA-MNCharterSchoolAuthorizingProgramsinceDecember2012,wheresheisresponsibleforprovidingongoingmanagementoftheauthorizingprogramcontractors,aswellassupportandoversightofVOA-MN’s18charterschoolsacrossMinnesotaandholdingtheschoolsaccountabletotheirmissions,highacademicperformanceandaccountabilitygoals,compliancewithstateandfederallaws,andmaintaininghighsatisfactionratesfortheirconstituency(students,parents,andfaculty). PriortoVOA-MN,shewasanEducationSpecialistattheMinnesotaDepartmentofEducation(MDE)whereherresponsibilitiesincludedprovidingtechnicalassistancetocharterschooldevelopers,operatorsandauthorizers,aswellaspromotingqualitypublicschoolchoiceinMinnesota.WhileemployedatMDE,shewasalsoresponsibleforfacilitatedtrainingopportunitiesfornewandexistingcharterschooldevelopers,boardmembers,andauthorizers;aswellasMDEpoliciesandprocessforcharterexpansion,changeofauthorizerprocess,andchartersystemspertainingtoboardelectionsandmeetingprocedures(OML)andenrollment/lotteries.Shewasalsoauthorizerliaisonforthestate’stenauthorizedschools. ShewasthefoundingChairoftheMinnesotaAssociationofCharterSchoolAuthorizers(MACSA);aformerelectedmemberoftheMinnesotaHouseofRepresentatives,duringwhichtimesheservedontheEducationPolicy,K-12EducationFinance,andGovernmentOperationsCommittees.Priortoservingasastaterepresentative,Ms.OlsenwasemployedasaLegislativeEducationResearchConsultantandhighschoolsocialstudiesteacher.ShehasaBachelorofScienceDegreeinSocialStudiesSecondaryEducationandwasaMinnesotalicensedteacher. Ms.OlsenisamemberoftheExecutiveCommitteeoftheMinnesotaAssociationofCharterSchoolAuthorizer’s(MACSA)andChairoftheMACSAPolicyCommittee.ProfessionalDevelopment:Ms.OlsenparticipatesincharterschoolauthorizingmeetingsscheduledbytheMinnesotaDepartmentofEducationandregularlyattendsthemonthlymeetingsoftheMinnesotaAssociationofCharterSchoolAuthorizers.Ms.OlsenalsoroutinelyparticipatesinthenationalconferenceoftheNationalAssociationofCharterSchoolAuthorizers.Finally,Ms.OlsenparticipatedinMulti-CulturalAwarenessandDiversityandDataPracticestrainingsthroughouttheyearasrequiredofallVOA-MNprogrammanagersanddivisiondirectors.Ms.Olsenalsoparticipatedinthetwo-dayVOA-MNNetworkConferencefullofprofessionaldevelopment,includingsessionsonschoolviolenceandsafety,aswellasschooldiversityheldinJanuary2019.
• RoderickHaenke:VOA-MNAuthorizingProgramSchoolGovernanceAnalyst RodHaenkehasworkedwithMinnesotaCharterSchoolssince1997.Rod'sbackgroundincludesexperienceasaclassroomteacher,aschoolprincipal,aninstructionaldesigner,anationaltrainer/presenter,andasacharterschoolfounderandleader.HealsowastheDirectorofCurriculumandInstructionfortheMinnesotaAssociationofCharterSchools.RodhasauthoredasuccessfulauthorizerapplicationtothestateofMinnesotaandhas
VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota
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evaluatedschoolsandprovidedtechnicalassistancetothreeofthestate’slargestauthorizersofcharterschoolsinMinnesota,includingastheGovernanceAnalystforVolunteersofAmerica.Heisalsothe“goto”schoolimprovementandstrategicconsultantformanycharterschoolsintheareasofgovernance,accountabilitysystems,instructionalpractices,teacherevaluationsystems,andprofessionaldevelopment.Rodhasdevelopedalibraryofgovernanceresourcesanddeliveredboardtrainingtoover10Minnesotacharterschools.Rodhasalsoevaluatedschoolsandstateapplicationstothefederalgovernmentforcharterschooldisseminationgrants. ProfessionalDevelopment:Mr.HaenkeisintheCertificateinAdvancedEducationLeadership(CAEL),basedonthegroundbreakingDoctorofEducationLeadership(Ed.L.D.)programattheHarvardGraduateSchoolofEducation,whichprovidescurrentandaspiringeducationleaderswithaninnovativeandflexibleonlinelearningexperiencethatdevelopsarobustunderstandingofthecomplexitieswithineducationalsystems,whilehoningtheleadershipskillstocreatetransformationalchange.Mr.HaenkealsoparticipatedintheVOA-MNrequiredannualDataPractices/FERPAwebinarandourtwo-dayVOA-MNNetworkConferencefullofprofessionaldevelopment,includingsessionsonschoolviolenceandsafety,aswellasschooldiversityheldinJanuary2019.Mr.HaenkealsoparticipatedintheMDEAuthorizerConferenceinJuly.
• RochelManders:VOA-MNAuthorizingProgramSchoolFinancialAnalyst RochelMandershas25yearsofexperienceinschoolfinanceintraditionalandcharterschoolsettingswith10yearsasaBusinessManagerintwosmalltraditionalschooldistrictsand5yearsinacharterschool.Herpassionhasalwaysbeenworkingwithsmallschooldistrictswherevarietyisthefareoftheday.ShehasworkedinapublicaccountingfirmandisalicensedCertifiedPublicAccountant(CPA)withadditionalexperienceinprivateindustry.RochelhasbeenanactivememberoftheMinnesotaAssociationofSchoolBusinessOfficialsfor25yearsandhasservedontheMNTrustBoardofTrustees.RocheliscurrentlyafinancialconsultantforMinnesotapublicschoolsandjoinedtheVOA-MNAuthorizingProgramteaminJuly2017providingfinancialoversightofandtechnicalassistancetotheVOA-MNnetworkofschools,assistancetotheVOA-MNProgramManager,andanannualfinancialreviewofeachschoolintheVOA-MNnetwork.ProfessionalDevelopment:AnnualAuthorizingConference Roseville,MN MDE JulyCSBootCamp Roseville,MN MDE JulyCSPWebinar n/a Webinar SeptemberNACSA NationalCSConference Orlando,Fl OctoberMs.MandersalsoparticipatedinVOA-MNannuallyrequiredannualDataPractices/FERPAwebinarandthetwo-dayVOA-MNNetworkConferencefullofprofessionaldevelopment,includingsessionsonschoolviolenceandsafety,aswellasschooldiversityheldinJanuary2019.Finally,shealsoparticipatedintheMDEAuthorizerConferenceinJuly.
• PhillipMorris:VOA-MNAcademicPerformanceAnalystPhillipMorrisjoinedtheVOA-MNAuthorizingProgramteaminsummer2016.Hehasyearsofinternationalexperienceineducation/teachingandacademicdataanalysis.PhilliphasaMasterofArtsinTeachingfromHamlineUniversity,andBachelorofArtsinHistoryfromVancouverIslandUniversity.HeholdsaMinnesotateachinglicenseinK-6Elementary&5-8SocialStudies.Hisexperienceincludes:YinghuaAcademy2009-2018,JumpstartLanguageSchool(Taiwan)2002–2008.InadditiontohiscontractwithVOA-MN,hisfull-
VolunteersofAmerica-Minnesota
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timeemploymentisasalanguageartsteacherandDistrictAssessmentCoordinatorat“NationalBlueRibbonSchool”YinghuaAcademy.AsourVOA-MNAcademicPerformanceAnalyst,heisresponsibleforpublishingourannualVOA-MNAcademicPerformanceReportonournetworkofauthorizedcharterschools.ThereportservesasasingleannualsourceofacademicprogramandperformanceinformationforallofourVOA-MNoperationalcharterschools.Thereportcontainsananalysisofannualandcumulativeacademicprogram,performance,andprofessionaldevelopmentdataforeachschool.ContentfromtheannualAcademicPerformanceReportalsoservesasthebasisfortheschoolacademicperformanceanalysiscontainedinthestatutorilyrequiredContractRenewalEvaluationReports,includingevaluationoftheextenttowhichtheschoolhasmettheirprimarypurpose,“toimproveallpupillearningandallstudentachievement”duringthecontracttermandextenttowhichprofessionaldevelopmentisjob-embeddedandalignedtostudentacademicimprovement.ProfessionalDevelopment/workshopsattended:*UnpackingStandardsandLessonObjectives*EducationalEquityandDiversity*FocusonGrowth-NWEA-Est.commonlanguagefordiscussinggoals-UseMAPgrowthtoolstosetgoalsthatsupportschoolimprovementplans*ApplyingReports-NWEA-AccessandinterpretkeyMAPgrowthreports-Developandnurtureacultureofusingdataregularlytoinformdecisions*EnteringMTASdatainPearsonAccessNext-MDE*UnderstandingMCAlinguisticsupportsandaccommodations-MDE*Testingpoliciesandprocedures–MDEMr.MorrisalsoparticipatedinourVOA-MNannuallyrequiredannualDataPractices/FERPAwebinar.
AuthorizerSelf-Evaluation(A.9)
Describehowyourorganizationself-evaluateditsinternalability(capacity,infrastructure,andpractices)tooverseetheportfolioofcharterschoolsoverthepastyear.
Theauthorizingprogramteamdiscussesgoalsandanyschoolconcerns/celebrations,includingstrategiesandactivitiesasneeded,duringregularlyscheduledteammeetings.Goalsarespecificallydiscussedindepthquarterly.Documentation(ex.AnalystMonthlyLogs)oftheteammeetingdemonstratethattheteamisprogressingongoalsandcontainanyareasofauthorizerschoolconcernorinterest.Theauthorizingprogramleadershipalsodeterminestheextenttowhichweare“buildingaportfolioofschoolscommittedtoexcellence”inacademic,finance,andboardgovernancethroughongoingdatacollectionandanalysisinpreparationforourannualVOA-MNSchoolNetworkPerformanceReports.Thesereportsarespecificallydesignedtomeasureschoolprogressmeetingourperformancestandards.
AspartoftheVOA-MNCorporatebudgetingprocess,VOA-MNProgramleadershipmeetswithcorporateseniorleadershipannuallyinthespringtodiscussprogramperformance(strengthandchallenges)andstrategizeregardinganyneededadjustmentstoourprogramstaffingorcalendarofevents.Anannual“satisfactionsurvey”takenbytheleadershipofourschoolsisadatasourcethatalsoinformsourstaffinganddecision-makingprocessaspartofourcontinuousimprovementplan.
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AuthorizerHighQualityAuthorizingDissemination(A.10)
Describehowyourorganizationdisseminatedbestauthorizingpracticesand/orassistedotherauthorizersinhighqualityauthorizingoverthepastyear.
VOA-MNwasaguestspeakeratthe2018NACSAconference.TheVOA-MNprogrammanagerwaspartofapanelofthreespeakingonoversightofstudentandschoolsafety.Inaddition,VOA-MNauthorizingprogramhasadesignated“liaison”toboththeMinnesotaAssociationofCharterSchoolsandtheMinnesotaAssociationofCharterSchoolAuthorizerswhereauthorizersengageinmeaningfuldiscussionsandsharingofbest-practices.
TheVOA-MNAuthorizingProgramalsohasasectionoftheCorporateVOA-MNwebsitewherewehouseourschoolnetworkPerformanceReportsandotherauthorizingdocumentsforeasyaccessbyotherauthorizersandthepublic.
CharterSchoolSupport,Development,andTechnicalAssistance(B.7)
Describehowyourorganizationsupporteditsportfolioofcharterschoolsthroughintentionalassistanceanddevelopmentofferingsoverthepastyear.
Theprogrammanagerandthreeperformanceanalysts’contactinformationisreadilyavailabletoourschoolsforquestionsorassistance.Thisyear,fornumerousreasons,ourprogramteamallgotuniformcorporateemailaddresses([email protected]).Themainreasonforthenewemailaddressesisforeaseofschoolscontactingus.Proactivequestionsfromourschoolsisencouragedbyourauthorizingteam.WehavealsoestablishedtheVOA-MNCharterSchoolCollaborationWebsitewhereourschoolscancommunicateamongstthemselvesandshareresources.AnotherwayweassistanceschoolsisbyproducingourthreeNetworkPerformanceReports:academic,boardgovernance,andschoolfinance.Thereportsarenotonlyanannualwayforschoolstomonitorprogressmeetingourrequiredstandards,butalsotolearnwhatisworkinginotherschoolsweauthorize.
Weholdonelargetwo-dayeventannuallycalledourVOA-MNCharterSchoolNetworkConferenceheldinJanuary.The2019conferencewasheldattheHolidayInnConferenceCenterinOtsego,MN.ThemaintopicsoftheconferencewereSchoolSafety,SchoolQuality,andSchoolDiversity;however,thereweresmallerbreak-outsessionsonmanydifferenttopics.Thetwo-dayconferenceisfreetoourschoolsandVOA-MNalsocoverstheexpenseoftheschoolhotelroomsbecauseweencourageourschoolstostayovernighttoattendtheschoolawardbanquetdinnerandfuneveningteam-buildingsocialactivities.
HighQualityCharterSchoolReplicationandDisseminationofBestSchoolPractices(B.8)
Describehowyourorganizationplannedandpromoted,withinitsportfolio,themodelreplicationanddisseminationofbestpracticesofhigh-performancechartersschoolsoverthepastyear.
Thisresponsewascoveredtosomeextentintheprevioussection.VOA-MNissomewhatuniqueinourNetworkApproachtoauthorizing.Wewantourschoolstofeelapartofalargernetworkofschools,thesameasIndependentSchoolDistrict(ISD)schoolprincipalsenjoy.Forthatreason,wehavestarteda“SchoolLeadershipTeam”comprisedofschool-nominatedleaderswhomeetmonthlytoplananddiscussopportunitiesforour
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networkofschools.TheSLTistheinfluentialagentbehindourNetworkConferenceplanningandhasdevelopedourVOA-MNSchoolCollaborationWebsiteinordertogivethemanopportunitytopost“bestpractices”andelectronicallysharedocuments.ThenewCollaborationWebsitealsohasa“listserv”whereleaderscanreachtheotherleaderswithquestionsandwithouthavingtogothroughamemberofourauthorizingprogramteam.
Withregardtoreplication,ourVOA-MNauthorizingprogramplacesanemphasisonsupportingourschoolstogrowandreplicate.ThoughwedidnothaveanyschoolsreplicateorapplyforexpansioninFY19,severalwereworkingontheexpansionplanningprocessandnearlyallofourschoolscontinuetosignificantlygrowtheirenrollment.Inadditiontooursupporttotheschoolsandencouragementtogrow,our“Network”ofschoolsalsoaretheretosupportoneanother.Oneofthebreak-outsessionsduringour2019NetworkConferencewasconvenedbyoneofourschoolboardchairsandthetopicwasovercomingobstaclestofacilityexpansion.
PortfolioInformation
GeneralCharterSchoolPortfolioData(asofJune30,2019)
PreoperationalCharterSchoolsinAuthorizer’sPortfolio:
NameofCharterSchool
CharterSchoolLEANumber(ifassigned)
CharterSchoolProgram(CSP)
GrantRecipient
GradeLevels
ApprovedtoServe
ProjectedEnrollmentwhenFullyEnrolled
ProposedLocation
ProposedOpeningDate
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
OperationalCharterSchoolsinAuthorizer’sPortfolio:
NameofCharterSchool
CharterSchoolLEA
Number
CSPGrantRecipient
GradeLevels
ServedinFY2019
Location CharterSchoolDemographicandEnrollmentInformation
CharterSchool’sWorld’sBestWorkforceReport
AthlosAcademyofSt.Cloud
4250 Yes K-6 St.Cloud AASCWBWF
AthlosLeadershipAcademy
4011 No PK-8 BrooklynPark
ALAWBWFReport
BirchGroveCommunitySchool
4145 No K-5 Tofte BGWBWFReport
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NameofCharterSchool
CharterSchoolLEA
Number
CSPGrantRecipient
GradeLevels
ServedinFY2019
Location CharterSchoolDemographicandEnrollmentInformation
CharterSchool’sWorld’sBestWorkforceReport
CornerstoneMontessoriElementarySchool
4201 K-6 K-6 St.Paul CMESWBWFReport
FitAcademy 4244 Yes K-12 AppleValley FITWBWFReport.docx
GreenIsleCommunitySchool
4144 No K-5 GreenIsle GICSWBWFReport
HarborCityInternationalSchool
4085 No 9-12 Duluth HCISWBWFReport
KaleidoscopeCharterSchool
4118 No K-12 Otsego KCSWBWFReport
Kipp:NorthStarAcademy
4191 No K-1,5-8 Minneapolis KNSAAnnual/WBWF
Report
LakesInternationalLanguageAcademy
4116 No PK-8 ForestLake LILAAnnual/WBWF
Report
NaytahwaushCommunityCharterSchool
4155 No K-6 Naytahwaush NCCSWBWFReport
NewCenturySchool
4240 Yes K-6 St.Paul NCSWBWF/Annual
Report
SchoolcraftLearningCommunity
4058 No K-8 Bemidji SLCAnnual/WBWF
Report
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NameofCharterSchool
CharterSchoolLEA
Number
CSPGrantRecipient
GradeLevels
ServedinFY2019
Location CharterSchoolDemographicandEnrollmentInformation
CharterSchool’sWorld’sBestWorkforceReport
SouthsideFamilyCharterSchool
4162 No K-8 St.Paul SFCSWBWFReport
SpectrumHighSchool
4160 No 6-12 ElkRiver SHSWBWFReport
TesfaInternationalSchool
4239 No K-6 ColumbiaHeights
TISWBWFReport
TrekNorthHighSchool
4106 No 6-12 Bemidji TNWBWFReport
WoodburyLeadershipAcademy
4228 Yes K-6 Woodbury WLAWBWF/Annual
Report
MDEOfficiallyRecognizedEarlyLearningProgramsatCharterSchoolsinAuthorizer’sPortfolio:
NameofCharterSchool OfficiallyRecognizedEarlyChildhoodHealthand
DevelopmentalScreeningProgram
OfficiallyRecognizedInstructional
PreschoolProgramtoprovideearly
childhoodeducationandpreparationfor
transitiontokindergartenforchildrenages3-5
OfficiallyRecognizedInstructional
PrekindergartenProgramforfour-year-oldsto
preparechildrenforentryintokindergartenthe
followingyear
AthlosLeadershipAcademy No No Yes
LakesInternationalLanguageAcademy
No Yes No
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CharterSchoolswithCharterManagementOrganization(CMO)/EducationManagementOrganization(EMO)
NameofCharterSchool
ManagementOrganization
Name
EmployerIdentificationNumber(EIN)
ManagementOrganization
AddressLocation
ManagementOrganization
AddressMailing
ManagementOrganization
Type
AthlosAcademyofSt.Cloud
SchoolModelSupport,LLCdbaAthlosAcademies
EIN:45-5421815
918WIdahoSt.Boise,ID83702
918WIdahoSt.Boise,ID83702
CHAREMO
CharterSchoolPortfolioActivityinFY2019
InFY2019,didanycharterschoolsleaveyourorganization’sportfolioandtransfertoanotherauthorizerduringorattheendoftheyear?
Yes
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachapplicableschool:
NameofCharterSchool CharterSchoolLEANumber
NewAuthorizingOrganization
EffectiveDateofTransfer
CornerstoneMontessoriElementarySchool
4201 UniversityofSt.Thomas 07/01/2019
InFY2019,didyourorganizationterminateorrevokethechartercontractforanycharterschoolbeforetheendofthecontractterm?
No
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachapplicableschool:
NameofCharterSchool CharterSchoolLEANumber
Reason(s)forContractTermination
EffectiveDateofContractTermination
N/A N/A N/A N/A
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InFY2019,didanycharterschoolsvoluntarilyclose(i.e.,closurewasinitiatedbytheschool)duringorattheendoftheyear?
No
Ifyes,completethetablebelowforeachapplicableschool:
NameofCharterSchool CharterSchoolLEANumber
Reason(s)forClosure EffectiveDateofClosure
N/A N/A N/A N/A
CharterSchoolPortfolioPerformance
World’sBestWorkforce
DescribehowyourorganizationincorporatesachievementofWorld’sBestWorkforcegoalsinitsongoingoversightandevaluationofcharterschools.
ThechartercontractofeveryschoolincludesthataschoolmustmeettheWorld’sBestWorkforcestatutoryprovisions.ExamplefromAddendumBofourchartercontracts:
ADDITIONALPURPOSE(M.S.120B.11):TheschoolistomeettheoutcomesadoptedbytheCommissionerforallpublic-schoolstudentsunderMinnesotaStatutes,section120B.11(“World’sBestWorkforce”),applicabletoelementaryandhighschools.Specifically,that1)allracialandeconomicachievementgapsbetweenstudentsareclosed;2)allchildrenarereadyforschool,3)allthird-graderscanreadatgradelevel.
Goalsaretobelocallydetermined,boardapprovedannuallyforeachoftheoutcomesandreportingonprogressmeetingWBWFgoalsistobereportedintheschoolAnnualReport.Eachschool’sAnnualReportandWorld’sBestWorkforcePlanistocontainanupdateontheirprogressmeetingtheirWBWFgoals.ItistheVOA-MNAcademicPerformanceAnalystthatthenevaluatesthatprogressintheannualVOA-MNNetworkAcademicPerformanceReport.AnnualReportcontentcomplianceisalsomonitoredbytheVOA-MNGovernanceAnalyst.
AcademicPerformance
Presentoutcomedataregardingkeyacademicperformanceindicatorsyourorganizationusedwhenevaluatingyourportfolioofcharterschools.Provideanarrativeanalysisofthisdata,indicatingstrengthsandareasforimprovement.
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DataSource:MinnesotaReportCard
VOA-MN Charter Schools’ Math Proficiency
2016 2017 2018 2019
Statewide Average 60.1% 59.2% 57.7% 55.5%
Athlos Academy of St. Cloud
N/A 37.3% 25.5% 31.1%
Athlos Leadership Academy
37.2% 43.0% 42.3% 39.9%
Birch Grove Community School
CTSTR 54.5% CTSTR 66.7%
FIT Academy N/A N/A 30.4% 20.5%
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Green Isle Community School
58.3% 58.6% 42.4% 57.7%
Harbor City International School
45.7% 51.6% 52.3% 40.5%
Kaleidoscope Charter School
46.2% 48.5% 49.2% 54.0%
KIPP North Star Academy
35.2% 34.8% 32.3% 19.2%
Lakes International Language Academy
67.9% 59.6% 65.4% 58.8%
Naytahwaush Community Charter School
41.9% 37.8% 40.5% 26.8%
New Century School
N/A 13.3% 33.3% 44.8%
Schoolcraft Learning Community
56.9% 55.1% 45.9% 50.0%
Southside Family Charter School
56.5% 57.1% 60.6% 52.2%
Spectrum High School
62.2% 64.3% 66.8% 61.0%
Tesfa International School
10.0% 6.3% 14.3% 31.6%
TrekNorth High School
48.8% 47.5% 45.4% 40.3%
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Woodbury Leadership Academy
75.2% 66.7% 67.0% 54.2%
VOA-MN 50.8% 49.5% 48.2% 44.8%
Boththechartandthetableaboveillustratethe2019mathproficiencyfortheVOA-MNnetworkofcharterschools.Thegreenlineindicatesthestateaverage55.5%.FourschoolsintheVOA-MNnetwork,BirchGroveCommunitySchool,GreenIsleCommunitySchool,LakesInternationalLanguageAcademyandSpectrumHighSchool,metorexceededthestateaverageonthe2019mathMCA.Inaddition,fourschoolsintheVOA-MNnetwork,KaleidoscopeCharterSchool,SchoolcraftLearningCommunity,SouthsideFamilyCharterSchoolandWoodburyLeadershipAcademy,scoredwithintenpercentagepointsofthestateaverage.Theremainingnineschoolsscoredbelow45.5%onthe2019mathMCA.ThisisanareaforcontinuedimprovementforalltheschoolsintheVOA-MNnetworkofcharterschools.Asanauthorizer,VOA-MNwillcontinuetoemphasizetheimportanceofdata-drivendecisionmakingattheschoollevelaswellasacademicgoal-basedprofessionaldevelopment.
DataSource:MinnesotaReportCard
*BirchGroveCommunitySchooldidnothaveatestingcelllargeenoughtorecordascore.
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VOA-MN Charter Schools’ Reading Proficiency
2016 2017 2018 2019
Statewide Average 60.2% 60.6% 60.4% 59.7%
Athlos Academy of St. Cloud
N/A 42.1% 36.4% 40.2%
Athlos Leadership Academy
49.5% 48.1% 53.3% 51.6%
Birch Grove Community School
CTSTR 63.6% CTSTR CTSTR
FIT Academy N/A N/A 58.1% 43.2%
Green Isle Community School
41.7%% 58.6% 45.5% 50.0%
Harbor City International School
87.9% 71.4% 83.0% 81.3%
Kaleidoscope Charter School
49.3% 57.1% 58.6% 62.9%
KIPP North Star Academy
29.9% 34.1% 29.4% 26.8%
Lakes International Language Academy
56.9% 61.8% 62.4% 65.7%
Naytahwaush Community Charter School
58.1% 35.1% 35.7% 25.5%
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New Century School
N/A 16.7% 37.2% 32.1%
Schoolcraft Learning Community
63.2% 62.2% 58.7% 53.9%
Southside Family Charter School
61.2% 66.2% 64.6% 68.2%
Spectrum High School
67.7% 75.1% 77.8% 69.7%
Tesfa International School
20.0% 19.1% 17.5% 28.9%
TrekNorth High School
64.9% 64.6% 63.8% 62.4%
Woodbury Leadership Academy
75.2% 67.6% 72.7% 48.9%
VOA-MN 55.5% 56.4% 56.2% 53.8%
Boththechartandthetableaboveillustratethe2019readingproficiencyfortheVOA-MNnetworkofcharterschools.Thegreenlineindicatesthestateaverage59.7%.SixschoolsintheVOA-MNnetwork,HarborCityInternationalSchool,KaleidoscopeCharterSchool,LakesInternationalLanguageAcademy,SouthsideFamilyCharterSchool,SpectrumHighSchoolandTrekNorthHighSchool,metorexceededthestateaverageonthe2019readingMCA.Inaddition,threeschoolsintheVOA-MNnetwork,AthlosLeadershipAcademy,GreenIsleCommunitySchoolandSchoolcraftLearningCommunity,scoredwithintenpercentagepointsofthestateaverage.Theremainingeightschoolsscoredbelow49.7%onthe2019readingMCA.ReadingproficiencyisanotherareaforcontinuedimprovementforallschoolsintheVOA-MNnetworkofcharterschools.Asanauthorizer,VOA-MNwillcontinuetoemphasizetheimportanceofdata-drivendecisionmakingattheschoollevelaswellasacademicgoal-basedprofessionaldevelopment.
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DataSource:MinnesotaReportCard
*BirchGroveCommunitySchool,GreenIsleCommunitySchool,NaytahwaushCommunityCharterSchoolandTesfaInternationalSchooldidnothaveatestingcelllargeenoughtorecordascore.
VOA-MN Charter Schools’ Science Proficiency
2016 2017 2018 2019
Statewide Average 55.5% 54.7% 52.5% 50.7%
Athlos Academy of St. Cloud
N/A 33.3% 36.9% 31.8%
Athlos Leadership Academy
31.1% 34.6% 38.2% 28.1%
Birch Grove Community School
CTSTR CTSTR CTSTR CTSTR
FIT Academy N/A N/A 37.5% 25.0%
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Green Isle Community School
CTSTR CTSTR CTSTR CTSTR
Harbor City International School
N/A 62.7% N/A 76.6%
Kaleidoscope Charter School
59.0% 56.0% 49.5% 51.3%
KIPP North Star Academy
37.0% 32.8% 44.4% 32.4%
Lakes International Language Academy
57.6% 53.3% 47.6% 55.9%
Naytahwaush Community Charter School
CTSTR 10.0% CTSTR CTSTR
New Century School
N/A 18.2% 58.3% 59.3%
Schoolcraft Learning Community
60.0% 60.7% 51.5% 45.9%
Southside Family Charter School
42.1% 69.1% 57.1% 60.0%
Spectrum High School
67.1% 63.9% 67.0% 63.9%
Tesfa International School
25.0% 8.3% 17.6% CTSTR
TrekNorth High School
50.9% 58.0% 42.3% 51.3%
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Woodbury Leadership Academy
90.9% 60.9% 64.0% 50.0%
VOA-MN 53.0% 46.3% 47.0% 49.6%
Boththechartandthetableaboveillustratethe2019scienceproficiencyfortheVOA-MNnetworkofcharterschools.Thegreenlineindicatesthestateaverage50.7%.FiveschoolsintheVOA-MNnetwork,HarborCityInternationalSchool,KaleidoscopeCharterSchool,LakesInternationalLanguageAcademy,NewCenturySchool,SouthsideFamilyCharterSchool,SpectrumHighSchoolandTrekNorthHighSchool,metorexceededthestateaverageonthe2019scienceMCA.Inaddition,twoschoolsintheVOA-MNnetwork,SchoolcraftLearningCommunitySchoolandWoodburyLeadershipAcademy,scoredwithintenpercentagepointsofthestateaverage.Theremainingeightschoolseitherscoredbelow40.7%onthe2019scienceMCAordidnothaveenoughatestingcelllargeenoughtorecordascore.
* The Birch Grove Community School has not had a large enough testing cell size in recent years to generate growth scores.
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* The Birch Grove Community School has not had a large enough testing cell size in recent years to generate growth scores.
Growth Z-Score
2019
Percent of LEAs with Growth Z-Scores Above the State Average for the Same Grades Served
Count of LEAs with Growth Z-Scores Above the State Average for the Same Grades Served
Count of LEAs with Growth Z-Scores Below the State Average for the Same Grades Served
Math* 31.3% 5 11
Reading* 43.8% 7 9
* Growth Data Not available for Birch Grove Community School
TheMinnesotaDepartmentofEducationsetsexpectationsforallstudentsbasedonaverageimprovementsfromyeartoyearonstatewideassessments.Studentsreceiveindividualgrowthresultsbycomparingtheirscorefromlastyeartothecurrentyear.Thisgrowthresulttellswhetherstudentsareprogressingfromyeartoyearatexpectedrates.TheabovechartsandtableillustrategrowthachievedbytheschoolsintheVOA-MNnetworkonthe2019MCAmathandreadingassessments.Thebluebarsintheabovechartsindicateschoolsthathadgrowthz-scoresabovethestateaverage,whilethegreenbarsindicateschoolsthathadscoresbelowthestateaverage.VOA-MNconsidersgrowthscorestobeavaluableindicatorwhenevaluatingschoolswithinitsnetwork.Basedondatafromthe
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2019MCAmathassessments,fiveschoolsfromtheVOA-MNnetworkhadgrowthscoresabovethestateaverage,whilesevenschoolshadgrowthscoresabovethestateaverageinreading.Asanauthorizer,VOA-MNwillcontinuetoemphasizetheimportanceofstudentgrowthandachievementwithinitsnetworkofschools.
OperationalPerformance
Presentoutcomedataregardingkeyoperationalperformanceindicatorsyourorganizationusedwhenevaluatingyourportfolioofcharterschools.Provideanarrativeanalysisofthisdata,indicatingstrengthsandareasforimprovement.
MANAGEMENTANDOPERATIONSSTANDARDS-EachVOA-MNauthorizedcharterschoolmaintainsa“ComplianceBinder”onsitethatincludesVOA-MNdefinedevidenceofcompliancewithstateandfederalstatutesorganizedinthemannerprescribedbyVOA-MN.Additionally,VOA-MNauthorizedcharterschoolssubmitinformationtotheauthorizerinaccordancewiththeVOA-MNprescribedAnnualSubmissionCalendar.ManagementandoperationsoftheschoolismonitoredbytheauthorizerandreportedintheFormalSiteVisitReportannuallyandadditionallyasneeded.Thecompliancebinderandsubmissioncalendararesystemsforongoingmonitoringofschoolperformanceandcomplianceandcompliancerequirementsareimbeddedinprevioussections.
AllschoolsreceivedtheirformalandinformalschoolsitevisitsbyauthorizerVOA-MNinFY19andreceivedtheirFormalSiteVisitReports.SitevisitsaregenerallyconductedbytheSeniorProgramManager.98percentofschoolswere100percentcompliant–meetingalloperationstandards.Asexpected,acoupleofschoolshadalittleroomforimprovement,mostlyduetoleadershipchangesanddocumentsmisplacedduringthetransition.
SCHOOLBOARDGOVERNANCESTANDARDS–Theauthorizerregularlymonitorstheperformancequalityoftheschoolboardbasedonauthorizerobservations;interviewswiththedirector,boardandfaculty;andthereviewofschoolpolicies,reportsandboardmeetingminutes.Aschoolmusthaveagovernancemodelthatprovidesqualityoversightbyensuringthattherearechecksandbalancesbetweentheboardandtheschooladministrators.
TheVOA-MNCharterSchoolAuthorizingProgrampublishesannuallyaSchoolBoardGovernanceReportontheirnetworkofauthorizedcharterschools.ThepurposeofthereportistobeasingleannualsourceontheboardoperationsandcomplianceofthefifteenVOA-MN-authorizedcharterschools.AuthorizerVOA-MNalsoobservesaminimumofoneschoolboardmeetingannually.
TheVOA-MNdeterminedschoolboardgovernancestandardscontainedbelowareuniformforallVOA-MNcharterschools.ThestandardsarecontainedinVOA-MNCharterContractAddendumB(SchoolAccountabilityandAuthorizerOversightSystem)andserveasthebasisforbothannualauthorizermonitoringofschoolboardperformanceandcontractrenewaldeterminations.TheauthorizerwillmonitorschoolperformancemeetingthesestandardsonanongoingbasisandthestandardsareevaluatedintheannualVOA-MNNetworkGovernance
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Report.Thestandardsalsoserveasthecriteriaforcontractrenewaldeterminations.Theauthorizerreservestherighttohaveflexibilitytoreasonablyamendthesestandards/expectationsasneeded.
VOA-MN’sschoolboardgovernancestandards/expectationsincludethefollowing:
1. TheBoardofDirectorsmetitsgovernancemodelrequirementslaidoutinitsbylawsandmembershiprequirementsasrequiredbyMinnesotaStatute*.
2. TheBoardofDirectorshasthenecessaryknowledgetocarryouttheresponsibilitiescontainedinMinnStat124E.07,Subd.6.(Duties),includingknowledgeinfinance/budget,policy/legal,personnel/employment,andeducation.
3. Theboardadherestoanorientationprocessforbringingonnewmembers.4. TheBoardofDirectorscomplieswithinitialandongoingtrainingrequirementssetforthinMinn.Stat
124E.07,Subd7(Training):governance,financial,andemploymentpoliciesandpractices.5. TheBoardofDirectorscompletesaself-evaluationeachyear.6. TheBoardofDirectorswillcomplywithMNOpenMeetingLaw,Chapter13D,andmaintainsaquorumfor
allboardmeetings.7. Theboardregularlyreviews,updates,andapprovesitsbylaws.Thebylawsareconsistentwithstatelaw.8. TheBoardofDirectorsadherestoboardmemberelectionrequirementssetforthbystatestatute*.9. TheBoardconductsanannualevaluation(includingallaspectsofthepositiondescription)ofthe
performanceoftheschoolleaderthroughadefinedannualevaluationprocess.10. TheBoardhasaboard-approvedprofessionaldevelopmentplanfortheschooldirector(ifapplicableas
requiredbyMinn.Stat.124E.12,Subd.2*.11. TheBoardofDirectorsmonitorstheorganization'sadherencetoschoolboardpolicies.12. TheBoardofDirectorscomplieswithFederaldatapracticeslawandtheMinnesotaDataPracticesAct
(Minn.Stat.Chapter13)*.13. TheBoardofDirectorsprovidesongoingoversightofschoolacademicperformance.14. Theschoolmaintainsahighlevelofparent,teacherandstudentsatisfactionratesbasedonschool
conductedsurveysandstudent/facultyretentionrates.15. Boarddocumentsaredistributedtoallboardmembersatleast3dayspriortoaboardmeeting.16. TheBoardofDirectorsmaintainsaBoardDocumentsBinderwhichincludesmeetingminutes,bylawsand
articlesofincorporationandfinancialstatements;andstatutoryrequirementsforpostingboardrelatedinformationontheschool’swebsite*.
17. Theboardhasapolicyreviewcalendarandreviewsandupdatesitspoliciesasneededorrequiredbystatelaw.
Ofthese17standards,VOAschoolsmeetmany,ifnotall,ofthestandardsandthosethatmissachievingtheGovernanceAwardmissoneortwostandards.However,thefollowinglistofVOA-MNschoolsweredeterminedtohavemetalloftheVOA-MNBoardGovernancestandardsfromJuly1,2018–June30,2019:
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VOA-MNSCHOOL
ATHLOSLEADERSHIPACADEMY
BIRCHGROVECOMMUNITYSCHOOL
GREENISLECHARTERSCHOOL
KALEIDOSCOPECHARTERSCHOOL
LAKESINTERNATIONALLEADERSHIPACADEMY
NAYTAWAUSHCHARTERSCHOOL
SPECTRUMJRANDSRHIGH
TREKNORTHJR.&SR.HIGH
FinancialPerformance
Presentoutcomedataregardingkeyfinancialperformanceindicatorsyourorganizationusedwhenevaluatingyourportfolioofcharterschools.Provideanarrativeanalysisofthisdata,indicatingstrengthsandareasforimprovement.
SCHOOL FINANCIAL STANDARDS (FY 2019)
TheVOA-MNCharterSchoolAuthorizingProgramprovideshighqualityfinancialoversightofitsnetworkofschools.Theseschoolspridethemselvesonbeingpartofacooperativeventurewhereideasaresharedandinputfromschoolleadersisvaluedandusedtostrengthenallmembers.
TheVOA-MNdeterminedschoolfinancialstandardsserveasthebasistomonitormemberschool’sfinancialhealthandcompliancewithstateandfederallaws,includingproperuseofpublicfunds.Inaddition,thestandardsareusedtoevaluateschoolfinancialperformanceandtodeterminetheVOA-MNFinanceAwardrecipients.
Therewere18operationalschoolsandnoschoolsinplanningduringFY18.KeyperformanceindicatorsusedtoevaluateVOA-MNauthorizedcharterschoolsinclude:
1. TheSchoolmaintainsabalancedbudget.2. TheSchooliscompliantwithstateandfederalfinancialreportingdeadlinesandlaws,includingtheproperuseofpublicfunds.
3. TheSchool’sfinancialauditwillbesubmittedtotheMinnesotaDepartmentofEducation,OfficeoftheStateAuditorandtheauthorizerbyDecember31.
4. Schoolsareexpectedtohaveauditsthatarefreeofallfindings.
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5. TheSchooliscurrentonallfinancialobligations,including,butnotlimitedto:pensionpayments,payrolltaxes,insurancecoverage,loanpaymentsandterms.
6. TheSchoolprovidesVOA-MNandschoolboardmemberswithmonthlyfinancials.Junefinancialreportsmaybedelayeduntilyear-endjournalentriesarecompleted.Packetsincludeatleastthefollowing:1)detailedincome/expensereport,2)cashflowprojection,3)checkregister,and4)currentenrollment(AverageDailyMembership).Theboardshouldreviewandapprovethefinancialsateachboardmeeting.
7. TheSchooldevelopsandmaintainsatargetedGeneralFundbalancedeterminedbytheschoolboard.Forthefinancereport,VOA-MNalsodeterminesastandardforfundbalanceannuallybasedonitemssuchasschoolfundingtrendsandfundinghold-backs.
8. TheSchoolboardhasafinancecommitteethatmeetsregularlytoreviewfinancials.9. Allfinancecommitteemembersexhibitworkingknowledgeoffinancialoversight.
10.TheSchoolisnotinStatutoryOperatingDebt(SOD).
VOA-MN Finance Performance Indicator Results (2=met, 1=partially met, 0=did not meet)
FB
School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 % 8 9 10 9
Athlos Academy St Cloud 2 2 2 0 2 0 0 7 1 2 2
Athlos Leadership Academy 0 2 2 2 2 1 0 12 2 2 2
Birch Grove Community School 2 2 2 0 2 2 0 11 0 2 2
Cornerstone Montessori Elem School 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 28 2 2 2
FIT Academy 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 (1) 2 2 2
Green Isle Community School 2 2 2 0 2 1 0 5 2 2 2
Harbor City International School 0 2 2 2 2 0 0 25 2 0 2
Kaleidoscope Charter School 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 25 2 2 2
Kipp: Northstar Academy 0 2 2 0 2 2 1 15 1 2 2
Lakes Intern’l Language Academy 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 32 2 2 2
Naytahwaush Comm Charter School 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 96 2 2 2
New Century School 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 16 2 2 2
Schoolcraft Learning Community 2 2 2 0 2 0 2 20 2 2 2
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Southside Family Charter School 2 2 2 2 2 0 2 22 1 2 2
Spectrum High School 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 24 2 2 2
Tesfa International School 2 2 2 0 2 1 0 6 2 2 2
TrekNorth Jr. and Sr. High School 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 34 2 2 2
Woodbury Leadership Academy 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 21 2 2 2
Financial highlights for VOA-MN authorized charter schools:
• 72%oftheschoolsmaintainedabalancedbudgetforFY19.• 95%offinancecommitteememberspossessaworkingknowledgeoffinancialoversight.• Fundbalances:
• 56%oftheschoolsmetorexceededthe20%fundbalancetarget• 22%oftheschoolshadafundbalancebetween10%and19.99%• 22%oftheschoolshadafundbalancebetween0and9.99%
• 56%(10of18schools)werefreeofallauditfindings.
OtherPerformance
Presentoutcomedataregardingotherkeyperformanceindicatorsyourorganizationusedwhenevaluatingyourportfolioofcharterschools.Provideanarrativeanalysisofthisdata,indicatingstrengthsandareasforimprovement.
ThreeessentialquestionsguideVOA-MNauthorizeroversight:
1. AcademicProgramPerformance-Istheschool’sLearningProgramaSuccess?2. FinancialSustainability–DoestheSchoolExhibitStrongFinancialHealth?3. Istheorganizationeffectiveandwellrun?(boardgovernance/managementandoperations)
Anarrativeandanalysisofallofthosethreeareashasbeenprovidedinthepriorsections.