Unanticipated Outcomes of Becoming A Charter
SystemMadison County School System
July 1, 2012-present
About Madison CountyRural, agricultural, blue-collar community
155 out of 180 in terms of property wealth, a low wealth district
67% free and reduced lunch
About Madison County• $10 Million in
SPLOST funds over past 5 years
4,700 students• 80.5% White• 9% Hispanic• 8% African-
American• 1.5% Asian
Charter status has helped Madison County to move forward
Pursuit and development of our college and career academy has created new opportunities
Why Madison County?
Strategic Planning 2007-2008
Charter System Planning Spring 2010 – Fall 20110ver 84 community and school staff participated in the planning process including 50 high school students
Studied existing charter systems and areas of need in Madison County Schools
Committees developed the petition concept to determine waivers needed, the governance structure, and the desired areas of focus for Madison County graduates
The Charter System Application Process
Governance
Instruction
Program Options
Partnerships
Areas of Change
Each school has a governance team with by-laws and 7-11 members meeting monthly
Minutes on eboard
Authority to determine QBE Charter Fund use, part of calendar committee, hiring process, technology selection, and safety committee.
Governance
Flexibility of funds to support areas of instructional need
Serve by Need Not Label – flexible performance grouping for instruction
Enhanced remedial and enrichment programs at the elementary and middle school levels
Instruction
High school options for middle school students
Curriculum flexibility allows for the development of articulation agreements with Athens Technical College
Ag Coop learning environment
Instruction
Certification waivers allowed hiring of industry experts in healthcare and construction
Unique diesel technology pathway available through dual enrollment flexibility
Instruction
Mountain Education Charter High School – opened Fall 2013
Broad River College and Career Academy – opened Fall 2014
Foothills Education Charter High School to open Fall 2015
REACH Scholarships for Madison County students
Increased Program Options
Broad River College and Career Academy Clarke and Elbert Counties-shared programs (dual enrollment
opportunities)
Caterpillar, RAI, and Carrier Transicold (work-based learning, apprenticeship, student tours, career opportunities)
Madison County Agricultural Community
Athens Technical CollegeCompass TestingShared StaffArticulated ClassesShared campus
Charter System FoundationREACH ScholarshipsTraining and NetworkingQBE Funding
Partnerships