An in-depth view of the Charter application process, presented by Jason Sarsfield at the Washington State Charter Schools Association Conference.

1. CHARTER APPLICATION
DEVELOPMENT: A BLUEPRINT FOR A
HIGHLY EFFECTIVE SCHOOL
2015 WASHINGTON STATE CHARTER SCHOOL
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
JASON SARSFIELD | VICE PRESIDENT, NCSI
KATHERINE KLEITSCH | DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, WA CHARTERS

2. WWW.CHARTERINSTITUTE.ORG
Welcome, Introduction and Overview
Introductions
Overview of Requirements and Expectations
10 Common Pitfalls and Lessons Learned
Questions and Closing
1
2
3
4

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Balance between Vision and Reality

4. “We want risk takers and
entrepreneurial teams but not
those that are reckless,
irresponsible or naïve.”
“Good ideas alone are not enough!”

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Inclusionary Discussion
• For people and teams that have developed an
application and/or submitted one, what
challenges have you faced?
• What important questions to you have about
developing an application?
• Anything else we should know before we dig
into the details?

6. Active Authorizing Bodies

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Requirements · Process · Expectations
Annual RFPs issued: Take advantage of the many
opportunities to learn more about the Commission’s
process and expectations directly from Commission
leadership and staff.
• Webinars
• Training Sessions
• Documents
• Ask questions and build relationships

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Major Steps in the Application Process
- Letter of Intent
- Submission of Complete Application via Charter Tools
- Completeness Determination
- Evaluation by Local and National Reviewers
- Capacity Interviews
- Public Forum
- Evaluation Team Recommendation
- Commission Decision
Requirements · Process · Expectations

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Primary Components of the Application
- Executive Summary
- Educational Program Design and Capacity
- Operations Plan and Capacity
- Financial Plan and Management Capacity
- CMO/Network Replication Information (if
applicable)
Requirements · Process · Expectations

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Priority Models for Spokane Public Schools
(Portfolio Approach to Authorizing)
• Project Based & Montessori
• Workforce Development
• Language Immersion
• Core Knowledge
• Parent Co-Ops
• High School STEM
• Blended and Personalized Learning
• Cambridge

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More on Spokane Public Schools Approach to
Authorizing
• Specific needs for alleviating overcrowding and
increased options for the south side of Spokane
• Charter Compact and Collaboration
• Potential to Share Services/Costs
• Not offering facilities

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Superior Performance
Distinctive Impact
Lasting Endurance
What Is Greatness?

14. Building for
Breakthrough

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Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #1

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Applicants often lack demonstrated Instructional
Leadership.
- It is difficult for an authorizer to recommend
approval of a school without an identified
instructional leader
- Track Record (including the target population)
- Experience with the proposed educational model
- Structures to ensure the ability to focus on
teaching and learning
Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #2

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Prioritize – Focus – Stay Disciplined
Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #3

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Applicants often do not demonstrate how and why their
educational program will be effective with the target
population
Program Target Population Results
Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #4

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Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #5
“Its like a dissertation!” Application are often poorly written

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Applications are often misaligned, inconsistent and lack
cohesiveness
- Budget alignment (staffing, PD, enrollment,
programs, interventions, etc.)
- Describe how certain aspects of the program will
work together seamlessly
- Review specifically for consistency
Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #6

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Applicant teams often fail to ensure Team Synergy.
- Avoid “one man/woman show”
- Governing Board (not the same as a typical non-
profit organization)
- Clarity around organizational relationships and
lines of accountability
- Avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest
- Identify gaps in the team and explain how you’ll
address them
Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #7

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A Simple Way to Frame Roles
Governing Board
=
To Ensure
Management
=
To Execute

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Applicants often have inadequate Financial Plans and
insufficient financial capacity.
- “Your budget is a manifestation of your mission”
- Start with your budget and work backward
- Lack of financial acumen (specifically related to
education)
- Lofty fundraising goals without demonstrated track
record or commitments
Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #8

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Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #9
Applicants often fail to relentlessly prepare for the
Capacity Interview.
- Practice, practice, practice
- Know your application
- Demonstrate synergy
- Expect curveballs
- Remain humble and reflective

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“Land the Plane” during the Interview

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Applicants often fail to demonstrate their target community
and involve the community in the development of their
application.
- Demonstrate an understanding of your target
population
- Evidence why the community needs your school
- Describe how you solicited feedback and how it was
incorporated into your application
- Practice Covey’s first habit….Be Proactive!
- Solicit letters of support
Common Pitfalls and Lesson Learned #10

28. THANK YOU!
NATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOLS INSTITUTE | 711 WEST PICKARD STREET | MOUNT PLEASANT, MICHIGAN 48858
JASON SARSFIELD
JSARSFIELD@CHARTERINSTITUTE.ORG
KATHERINE KLEITSCH
KATHERINE@WACHARTERS.ORG
WASHINGTON STATE CHARTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION | 210 SOUTH HUDSON STREET | SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98134