State Charter School Board Mentoring Program
H.B. 397, 2012 General Session, allocated up to $200,000 for a charter school mentoring program. The purposes of the State Charter School Board (SCSB) mentoring program are to offer charter school governing boards (1) the opportunity to enhance its existing professional development program based on individual school needs and (2) provide technical assistance to governing boards not meeting the goals found in its Charter Agreement. It should supplement the governing board’s budgeted funds for board, administrative, and staff professional learning activities and technical assistance.
Schools can apply for up to $1,966 in FY13 by completing the School Application. Following the mentoring process, schools can submit for SCSB reimbursement for eligible expenses (identified in R277-470-6) by completing the Mentor Program Reimbursement Form.
The SCSB has identified the following professional development and technical assistance categories for the mentoring program in 2012-2013 (additional categories may be added based on mentor expertise and upon school request):
- School lunch program
- Student health
- Finance software and reporting
- Reporting requirements and calendar
- Analyzing academic data
- Policy creation
- Student information systems
- School annual trainings
- Grant writing
- Board development
- Student enrollment and engagement
Click here to find a mentor
The mentoring program is not meant to replace the training, professional development, or obligation the USOE has to support all public schools. Nor is it meant to act as professional advice. Instead, it is charter schools and charter school supporters sharing what they have learned about a specific topic with others.
Mentors
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please complete the Mentor Application and submit to marlies.burns@schools.utah.gov
School Visits
The purpose of this State Charter School Board program is to encourage operational charter schools to open its doors to legislators, community members, business partners, elected officials, and school districts, to share best practices and create partnerships. Charter LEAs interested in sharing a best practice or creating a partnership with the attendees are encouraged to apply. This program is not for school activities or student recruitment. Applications will be accepted through December 2012.
Charter School Action Research
The purpose of this State Charter School Board program is to encourage charter schools to perform action research on a selected school program. Action research is a reflective process of problem solving, lead by individuals working in teams as part of a community of practice, to improve the way they address issues or solve problems. Charter LEAs interested in researching and reporting on a program implemented at the school are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2012.