Using the Charter Model to Transform Districts
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The document discusses the use of the charter model to transform school districts, highlighting various transformation examples in Michigan such as the creation of new districts and partnerships. It identifies key challenges faced by districts, including low student achievement and financial issues, while emphasizing the importance of political will, stakeholder support, and state intervention for successful transformations. Key lessons learned are shared across several categories, stressing the need for effective governance, community relations, and a flexible legal framework.
Using the Charter Model to Transform Districts
- 1. Jim Goenner (National Charter Schools Institute) Paul Pastorek (Pastorek Partners LLC) Len Wolfe (Dykema) Lessons from the Front Line Using the Charter Model to Transform Districts:
- 2. Goals for Today Share Examples of Transformation Using the Charter Model Discuss Lessons Learned Offer Recommendations for Policy & Practice Answer Questions & Have Fun! 1 2 3 4
- 3. “Study the past if you would define the future.” - Confucius History Matters
- 8. Examples of Transformation Here are some of the transforming models Michigan has recently seen using elements of the chartering model: • A new district to replace the existing one (“Oldco / Newco” model used in Detroit) • A district within a district (EAA in Detroit) • A district chartering a school system (Highland Park / Muskegon Heights) • Consolidation of school districts (Marshall / Albion) • Dissolution of districts / transfer of assets (Saginaw Buena Vista / Inkster) • Creation of a state-wide district for failing school buildings (State School Reform / School Redesign Office) • Partnership Agreements (recently introduced by MDE for failing school buildings) | 8
- 9. What are the BIG Issues Facing Districts? • Chronically low student achievement • Declining student populations • Increased competition for students • Charters • Districts • Cyber • Higher Ed • Private • Homeschool | 9
- 10. What are the BIG Issues Facing Districts? • Legacy debt (health care/ retirement obligations) • Other State obligations (e.g., workers’ comp, unemployment insurance, repayment of misused grant funds) • Debt / Vendor issues (State typically largest creditor; public utility debts) • Litigation settlements / costs • Administrative and personnel turnover • Oversized and underutilized school buildings • Cost of shuttered facilities | 10
- 11. Warning Signs of the “Death Spiral” • Chronically low achieving schools • Sudden increases in administrative & personnel turnover • Substantial & sudden drops in student enrollment • No fund balance • Advances on state aid / emergency state loans • Inability to make payroll • Inability to pay State and private vendors • Contingent liabilities becoming liabilities | 11
- 12. Important Tools For Transformations • Political will and a cooperative legislative and administrative environment • Stakeholder support (“sullen but not mutinous”) • State intervention authority (e.g., emergency manager law) • Authority to share governmental services – constitutional or statutory authority • Flexible school code and school finance structures
- 13. Examples of Transformations • Texas Act 1882 – Provides Financial Incentive for Districts to Charter its Own Schools • New Orleans • Puerto Rico • Higher Education Authorizers • Indianapolis Mayoral Authority • Achievement School Districts – Tennessee & Nevada
- 14. Key Lessons Learned | 14 1. Political & Public Relations 2. Legislative & Regulatory 3. Legal & Contractual 4. Governance & Management 5. Facilities & Financial 6. Academic & Programmatic 7. Staffing & Students 8. Community Relations 9. Other
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