LCESC Receives Perfect Score as Charter Sponsor; 24 Charters Sent Notice of Intent to Suspend; Foreign Lang. Camp Dates; General Operating Fund Up

Let me begin this evening by once again reminding my faithful readers that in no way does the LCESC or any of its employees bear any responsibility for this blog; it is merely my opinion and observation, as a member of the board. I try to be fair and balanced, but I speak only for myself and only from my personal point of view.

Charter Schools

The official statement:
The LCESC is taking the necessary steps to investigate and correct any financial instabilities in the Summit Academy Management Company, force oversight of SAM by the Summit Academy governing authorities, and ensure continuity of the schools' academic programs for its children with disabilities.

At the board meeting tonight, it was unanimously voted to serve twenty-four charter schools with a notice of "Intent to Suspend." These twenty-four schools are all under the auspices of Summit Academy Management (SAM). This intent to suspend is not a reflection upon the performance of the schools, but rather an indictment of the management company whose CEO has been placed on leave. Here is a link to the article: http://www.ohio.com/news/40698517.html

What happens next? The schools have five business days after receiving the letter to come up with a plan of action, which will then be reviewed by members of our board and a decision reached as to whether these action plans are acceptable or not. Keep checking the blog for updates.

On a positive note, the LCESC voluntarily underwent a sponsor evaluation - a detailed procedure in which schools we sponsor evaluate us, and the Ohio Department of Education randomly evalutes a number of the charters we sponsor. Our score was perfect, on both counts. This is an example of how, whether we agree or disagree with the concept of charter schools, the LCESC strives for transparency and accountability for these charter schools under our watch.

Foreign Language Camp Dates Set

My kids will be there: July 20-24 at 2275 Collingwood, and the subjects will be Russian and Spanish. Open to grades 1-6 (divided into two levels), this camp is the beginning of a dedicated movement to offer foreign language instruction at the elementary level. The camp teachers are foreign language educators who are receiving special training in how to work with elementary-aged children. The cost is $175. Details will be forthcoming and if you want your child to attend, let me know - I can make sure you get the necessary forms!

General Operating Fund Peaks

Fiscal conservatism has resulted in the highest operating fund balance in three years, at just over 2.5 million dollars, even in the face of difficult economic times. We continue to be watchdogs, spending what needs to be spent to provide top-quality educational opportunities to our community, while cutting every possible corner (and I do mean every possible corner - even to the point of saving postage stamps).