2018 Charter Renewal Update - BoardDocs, a Diligent Brand€¦ · About Us • 160 Employees •...

2018 Charter Renewal Update

Presented by: APS Office of Autonomous Schools

Dr. Lamont Browne, Executive Director

Mackenzie Stauffer, Charter School Coordinator

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future 1

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Presentation Purpose

Why is this topic on the board agenda? To inform the Board of important changes to the APS Charter Renewal

process To provide explanation and context for a current charter renewal

application: Vanguard Classical School – East & West (Renewal)

What are we asking the board to do with this information? Take into consideration the recommendation under consideration, and

make a decision during the February 20 Board Meeting

How is this linked to the Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission, goals & core beliefs? The goal of our charter school renewal application process is to ensure

that quality school options remain open in our community

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APS Charter Renewal Process

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Date Activity

August 1 Deadline to declare intent to apply for renewal

October 7 Renewal Application deadline

October Renewal application and school’s Annual Performance Report is reviewed by district staff, IART, DAAC, and CSAC committees*

November OAS compiles and reviews feedback from review committees and conducts formal applicant interview

December OAS provides applicant with initial report and asks for additional information, if necessary, to finish the review

January** Superintendent Recommendation is presented to the APS Board of Education for decision

*IART – Internal Application Review Team; DAAC – District Accountability Advisory Committee; CSAC – Charter School Advisory Committee **Extended to February due to unique circumstances regarding Vanguard application


Agenda

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Presentation by Vanguard Classical School (VCS)

School Overview

Annual Performance Reviews – Vanguard East & West Renewal Process: Participants, Timeline, & Interview

Evaluation Report Ratings

Recommendation

2018 APS Board

Presentation

Vanguard Classical School

Board of Directors • Judy Ham, President

• Sherry Eastland

• Sonja Herrera

• Chris Jensen

• Lisa Sagaser

(add photo?)

Our Vision

Vanguard Classical School graduates will be literate in the classics and ideals of Western

Civilization, while valuing the diversity of ideas, abilities, and cultures in today’s world, and will be prepared to

contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Our Mission

To facilitate individual academic achievement and character development

through a rigorous, content-rich, inclusive learning environment.

Strategic Plan

• Provide visionary leadership to meet school goals and secure the school’s future viability.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and provisions of the charter.

• Improve student learning and achievement through a rigorous, challenging, content-rich, Classical curriculum.

• Facilitate character development in an inclusive learning environment.

• Prepare students to participate successfully in their chosen career and to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

• Hire and retain teachers that meet VCS standards for excellence in instructional methods, content mastery, and character.

• Develop plans to improve facilities.

About Us

• 160 Employees

• 1250 Students, grades K-12

• 1st Graduating Class in 2017

• 2 campuses • West Campus, K-8, opened 2007

• East Campus, K-12, opened 2014

• Received School Health Professional Grant in the amount of $690,000 over 3 years

• Supported by founding organization through comprehensive service agreement including Finance, HR, Risk Mgmt, Facilities Mgmt, Nutrition Services, Health Services ,IT, Grant Writing, Evaluation and Research and Marketing

Continued Commitment to…

• Classical Education

• Core Knowledge

• Singapore Math

• Riggs Phonics

• Building character through Core Virtues, PBiS and the HAWK Expectations

• Collaboration between campuses and across grade levels

• An inclusive learning environment for all students

• High expectations and scaffolded support for student achievement

• A safe and positive school culture

An Increasing Focus on…

• Partnership with Parents

• Data analysis

• Professional development and teacher leadership

• Identification and support for gifted students

• Improved support for English Language Learners

• Clarifying and implementing best practice strategies for inclusion

• Integration of technology to improve school-wide communication

• Induction courses for teachers provided at Vanguard

• Increased PD on Teach Like a Champion strategies as well as Classical Education approach

• Addition of CU Succeed classes, Concurrent enrollment, ASCENT, and internship opportunities for secondary students

• Adding new electives and expanding options in upper school schedule

• Increasing ELL support from trained teachers

• Testing for identification of gifted students at 2nd & 7th grade, in alignment with APS

Recent Improvements


Vanguard Classical School

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SPF Ratings Vanguard West Vanguard East

2012-13 Performance 2013-14 Performance 2014-15 Performance 2015-16 Improvement 2016-17 Performance

2012-13 N/A 2013-14 N/A 2014-15 N/A 2015-16 Performance 2016-17 Performance

ABOUT • 124 Employees • 1250 Students, grades K-12 • 1st Graduating Class in 2017 • 2 campuses: West Campus: K-8, opened 2007 East Campus: K-12, opened 2014 • Supported by Service Agreement with ACCO for HR, Finance, Risk

Management, Nutrition Services, and Health Services



Vanguard Classical School - WEST

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Vanguard Classical School - EAST

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Annual Performance Reviews Vanguard East & West

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Annual Performance Review Process

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Every year, Aurora Public Schools produces an Annual Performance Review for each charter school it oversees, for use by the school and other stakeholders. The report summarizes the school’s academic performance, organizational performance (including legal compliance), and financial health and sustainability, according to the most recent data available for the year in review. The Annual Performance Review also provides an overview of the charter school’s enrollment demographics for the year reviewed. This Annual Performance Review is produced in order to: Provide timely information to the charter school on its performance relative to

the standards and expectations established by applicable federal and state law and the charter contract.

Identify the school’s strengths and any areas needing improvement. Provide information that enables the community and the public to understand

the school’s performance, including its fulfillment of public obligations.


Standard vs. Intensive Annual Performance Reviews

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Each charter school in APS is evaluated annually and undergoes either a STANDARD or INTENSIVE Annual Performance Review. INTENSIVE reviews are performed for charter schools in Y1, renewal year, or if the District has reasonable concern to conduct a more thorough review of the school. Under an INTENSIVE review, the following may occur:

• Internal Audit is conducted • Additional announced and unannounced site visits • Specific data is collection and evaluated • Certain areas of operation are assessed with greater depth and frequency

Vanguard Classical School was evaluated under an INTENSIVE Annual Performance Review in 2017 due to the

expiration of its current charter.

Annual Performance Review

Vanguard Classical Charter School Released: October 6, 2017 by Aurora Public Schools

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Annual Performance Review Summary

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Academic Performance

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Academic Performance: VCS WEST

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Academic Performance: VCS EAST

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School Response: Academic Review

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Based on self-analysis of the academic progress of VCS students on CMAS PARCC, NWEA MAP, and STAR assessments, the school has established new academic goals in our Strategic Plan which was approved by the Board of Directors on 10/26/17.

The school is committed to achieving these goals: • Achieve and maintain “Meets Standard” or equivalent rating on APS

Annual Performance Framework in the area of Educational Program. • Maintain “Performance” rating on School Performance Framework. • 11th grade students meet or exceed district average in composite

score on SAT tests each year. • 50% of students in each grade level meet or exceed NWEA MAP

growth goals in Math and Reading, measured from Fall to Spring each year.

English Language Arts: VCS WEST

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English Language Arts: VCS EAST

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Math & Science: VCS WEST

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Math & Science: VCS EAST

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Overall Financial Performance

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Financial Health: Short-Term Metrics

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Financial Health: Long-Term Metrics

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Financial Summary


APS Internal Auditor’s Comments and Findings 2016-17

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School Response: Financial Review

36 Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Vanguard will: • Increase enrollment and staff retention, and maintain sound fiscal

ratios.

• Continue to pursue grants to provide support and programing for its students and staff.

Based on recommendations in the Annual Performance Review, the school is establishing a Finance Committee. The committee will meet monthly prior to the board meeting to review the budget, monthly expenses, and financial policy and procedures. All recommendations arising from the review will be implemented.

Organizational Performance: VCS WEST


Organizational Performance: VCS EAST

38 Every Student Shapes a Successful Future 38


School Response: Organizational Review


Vanguard Classical School will provide the district with reasonable and timely projections for enrollment to meet the goal of 95% enrollment (projections to October 1 count).


Renewal Process: Participants, Timeline, & Interview

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Renewal Process: Timeline of Events


October 7: Renewal Application Submitted to APS

October-November: Application reviewed by DAAC, CSAC, and IART committees, feedback compiled

November 27: Applicant Presentation & Formal Interview

December 1: Release of Initial Report

December 7: Additional information requested (see next slide)


Charter Application Reviewer Groups


Office of Autonomous Schools (OAS)

• 4 team members • Performs the initial

review for application completeness and is responsible for compiling final reviews

• Facilitates and organizes all interviews and presentations

District Accountability Advisory Committee

(DAAC)

• 7 committee members

• Participation in review required by law

• Consists of community members and elected volunteers from inside and outside APS who provide valuable insight into all areas of the application

Internal Application Review Team (IART)


• Consists of various APS District content experts. These team members provide in-depth reviews within their areas of specialty.

Charter School Advisory Committee

(CSAC)


• Created in 2017 as a way to incorporate current APS charter and traditional school leaders in the review process as well as other external subject area experts.

A total of 25 reviewers assessed various components of the renewal application


Evaluation Report Ratings

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APPLICATION SECTION

INITIAL RATING

INITIAL

CONCERNS? (YES/NO)

HAVE THE CONCERNS BEEN ADEQUATELY

ADDRESSED? (YES, NO, PARTIALLY)

FINAL RATING

Notes:

Academic Goals & Objectives Meets Standard NO N/A Meets Standard

Student Engagement, School Safety & Discipline

Complete YES YES Complete The school will revise its safety and security plan as needed.

Administrative Leadership Does Not Meet Standard

YES PARTIALLY Approaching Standard

Additional strengthening in the area of governance needed.

Academic Leadership Meets Standard YES YES Meets Standard The school will develop a leadership succession plan and a comprehensive PD plan.

Human Resources & Hiring Policy

Meets Standard NO N/A Meets Standard

Special Education Programming

Approaching Standard

YES PARTIALLY Approaching Standard

Additional clarity is needed regarding the continuum of services being provided to students with IEPs.

Financial Reporting Approaching Standard

YES YES Meets Standard The school is creating a Finance Committee.

Budgetary Management Meets Standard NO N/A Meets Standard

Financial Health – Monthly Reports


Financial Health – Annual Audit


Goals & Objectives – Current Charter Term


Goals & Objectives – Next Charter Term


Significant Proposed Modifications


Proposed Challenges Meets Standard NO N/A Meets Standard

5-Year Budget Projection Incomplete YES YES Complete A revised and adequate budget was provided.


Interview Attendees


APS Members of the following committees: Charter School Advisory Committee (CSAC) ● Kathleen Shiverdecker, APS Learning Community Director ● Jennifer Gutierrez, ESS Director ● Teresa Smith, Accountant ● Alea Wojdyla, CLDE Consultant ● Josh Hensley, Planning Coordinator District Accountability & Advisory Committee (DAAC) ● Billie Day, DAAC Chair ● Ilene Agustin, DAAC Parent Office of Autonomous Schools ● Lamont Browne, Executive Director of Autonomous

Schools ● Mackenzie Stauffer, Charter School Coordinator ● John Lyons, Project Manager ● Julie Rapone, Department Secretary

Representatives of Vanguard Classical School ● Angela Schendel Keedy - Director of School

Operations/Secondary Principal ● Peggy Downs - Director of Curriculum and Instruction ● Terry Glen - Principal of Vanguard West ● Emily Van Luit - Principal of Vanguard East ● Judy Ham - President of the Vanguard Board and CEO of

Ability Connection Colorado ● Syed Ahmed - Accountant for Vanguard and CFO of Ability

Connection Colorado ● Lisa Sagaser - Vanguard Board Member and parent of

Vanguard students ● Amanda Orihuela - Teacher at Vanguard and specialist in

Classical Education ● Keria McCafferty - Assistant Principal of Vanguard West


Interview Summary


Vanguard was given 30 minutes to present to the APS Interview Panel regarding information about their schools.

The presentation provided the interview panel with an overview of the school, historical data and information, and shared photos and successes of the school during its most recent charter term.

Vanguard was given the interview questions prior to the interview and were also able to address some of these questions during the presentation.

Following the interview an Initial Report was produced and given to the applicant team. Vanguard responded to all concerns listed in the report.

-------------------------------- Due to concerns about board governance, violation of bylaws, and potential conflicts of interest, the presentation of the Superintendent’s recommendation was delayed a month, while a second meeting was requested with the Vanguard Board.


Summary of Concerns


Services Agreement between VCS and ACCO • No evidence of review or formal voting in Board minutes • Most recent Service Agreement between ACCO and Vanguard (2014)

was signed on behalf of Vanguard by an ACCO employee acting as a VCS Board member

• Lack of detail around what specific services are provided by ACCO

VCS Board Chair/CEO of ACCO • Vanguard’s Board Chair stated in the applicant interview that she has

never recused herself from any board decisions, even those decisions around the school’s agreements with ACCO, to which she serves as CEO

• This is a direct violation of the school’s current charter contract with APS regarding Conflict of Interest (Section 10.3 - Legal Liabilities)


Additional Information Requested:


After a December 7 meeting between APS and VCS, the following was requested of VCS to assist in the renewal review process: 1. Review current Vanguard Board by-laws, policies (including Conflict of

Interest) and service agreements with an attorney to ensure that all documents are in compliance with Colorado Laws. Submit any revisions to by-laws, policies and service agreements that result from this review to the Office of Autonomous Schools (OAS).

2. Develop and submit a plan to appropriately restructure the Vanguard Board in a way that mitigates potential conflicts of interest.


Renewal Recommendation

It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that Vanguard Classical School – East & West be renewed for a term of three years under the following conditions…

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Conditions of Vanguard Renewal Recommendation

1) The Vanguard Board (Board) will record all votes of substantive decisions as well as a summary of relevant discussion in their board minutes.

2) APS and the Board agree that adherence to all applicable ethics and conflict of interest laws, policies and regulations shall constitute a material component of the contract.

3) The Board will continue to abide by its newly adopted bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy. 4) The Vanguard bylaws shall include a description of the process by which school stakeholders and

community members can apply to become directors and serve on committees. The Board shall communicate with parents by June 2018 the process by which they are able to join the Board and serve on committees. This shall occur annually in conjunction with the vacancy and subsequent selection process of any Board seat.

5) All Vanguard board members shall have completed governance training in each of the following ways:

a) Complete all 30 modules provided by Colorado Department of Education; and b) Participate in two separate customized governance trainings that covers Best Practices in

Charter School Governance and Performance Management for Charter School Boards through the Colorado League of Charter Schools (League)

All CDE training modules and at least one training from the League must be completed no later than July 30, 2018. The second training from the League must be completed no later than December 31, 2018. The Board shall submit evidence of participation in and completion of both sets of Board governance trainings to the OAS by August 15, 2018 and January 15, 2019 respectively.

Continued on following slide…

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Conditions of Vanguard Renewal Recommendation (Cont’d.)

6) All new members of the Board shall receive governance training through CDE within three months of joining the Board and submit evidence of completion to the OAS within 4 months of joining the Board.

7) The Board shall adopt each of the recommendations proposed by the Board in its letter to OAS dated January 11, 2018 specifically regarding the governance issues highlighted in yellow in Appendix H: “Vanguard Response”

8) The Board shall notify OAS of all amendments to current bylaws within thirty (30) days of adoption.

9) Vanguard shall earn a rating of Meets Standard on the Governance, Reporting and Staff measure of the Organizational Performance section of the Annual Performance Review (APR) for each year beginning 2018-19.

10) ACCO direct appointment to the Vanguard Board of Directors will not be a required element of the charter contract.

11) Vanguard shall provide notification of these charter renewal conditions of approval to all parents of students attending Vanguard within thirty (30) days of a finalized charter contract.

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Thank You!

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2018 Charter Renewal Update - BoardDocs, a Diligent Brand€¦ · About Us • 160 Employees •...

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