January 1
Charter
Application
Phase I
2012
The Center for Charter Schools envisions a diverse and dynamic
public education marketplace that fosters academic excellence for
all children.
Submission
Deadline:
February 1, 2012
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1892, Central Michigan University (CMU) is a nationally renowned doctoral
and research institution, as well as a highly regarded authorizer of charter public
schools. With the establishment of The Center for Charter Schools (Center) and the
granting of its first charter contracts in 1994, CMU has become one of the largest and
most highly regarded authorizer in the nation. The Center provides CMU-authorized
schools with oversight, operational guidance and support to ensure that quality
educational options are being offered to Michigan’s students and their families.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ms. Sarah R. Opperman, Chair
Dr. Marilyn French Hubbard, Vice Chair
Dr. Sam R. Kottamasu, Vice Chair
Mr. Brian W. Fannon
Mr. John D. Hurd
Mr. William R. Kanine
Dr. Patricia A. Maryland
Mr. Robert F. Wardrop II
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
George E. Ross, Ph.D.
Central Michigan University, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to
increase diversity within its community (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo.html).
December 16, 2011
On behalf of the Central Michigan University (CMU) Board of Trustees, I am pleased to
announce we are accepting charter applications. At CMU, we strongly believe all
parents deserve to have quality educational options for their children.
CMU uses a competitive, multi-phase application review process. To be considered for
Phase I of our application process, complete and submit the Phase I Application by
February 1, 2012.
Applicants invited to continue into Phase II will be personally notified and provided with
further details. As Michigan’s leading authorizer, CMU is looking for applications that
demonstrate a promising vision, a quality academic program, and a sound business
plan, along with the ability to successfully launch and operate a school that will
passionately pursue excellence for all children.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Sincerely,
Mary Kay Shields
Interim Executive Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY – THE AUTHORIZER
THE CHARTER APPLICATION PROCESS
TIMELINE FOR THE CENTER’S JANUARY 2012 APPLICATION PROCESS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHARTER APPLICATION – PHASE I
PHASE I APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Application Cover Sheet
Agreement to Comply with Applicable Law
Assurances
Application Questionnaire
Assessment of Community Need
Student Population
Educational Program
Attendance and Participation
Assessment and Evaluation
Project Team
Facilities and Transportation
Financial Information
Conclusion
Pre-Operational Budget Worksheet
1. CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY – THE AUTHORIZER
In 1993, Michigan became the ninth state to enact a charter school law. Under
this new law in 1994, the CMU Board of Trustees built upon its 100-year history
of leadership in improving public education by becoming the first public body in
Michigan, and the first university in the nation, to charter a public school. The
first schools chartered by CMU opened in 1994.
Because of the rigorous practices of creating and maintaining high standards,
CMU is known for its authorizing and oversight practices, and has been
recognized by many, including both the Michigan and U.S. Departments of
Education, National Association of Charter School Authorizers, Center for
Education Reform, and other leading individuals and organizations.
The Center at CMU was established to fulfill the Board of Trustee’s obligation to
provide sufficient oversight to be able to “certify the public school academy is in
compliance with statute, rules, and the terms of the contract,” as required by
Michigan law (MCL 380.502(4)). Core authorizer responsibilities are:
a. Chartering public school academies, which includes holding competitive
application processes to review and award charter contracts.
b. Overseeing and supporting their operations, which includes monitoring
academies’ actions and holding them accountable to the terms of their
charter contract and applicable law.
c. Evaluating their performance, which includes reauthorizing contracts
based upon the academies’ previous performance, future trajectory and
compliance with the terms of their charter contract and applicable law.
d. Serving as a limited fiscal agent, which includes receiving State School
Aid payments and forwarding those payments to academies.
e. Appointing and reappointing board members, in accordance with CMU
Board policy.
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Currently, CMU provides high-quality educational options for Michigan’s families
by authorizing a diverse array of schools, which serve an even greater diversity.
56
30,000
61%
68%
10%
10,000
Charter schools
Students (approx.)
Minority students
Qualify for free or reduced-price lunch
Receive special education services
Students resid in the City of Detroit (approx.)
The Center is committed to driving excellence, innovation and performance. By
providing high quality educational options, the Center is helping today’s students
grow into tomorrow’s leaders.
To learn more about the Center and the schools authorized by CMU, please visit
our website: www.TheCenterForCharters.org
2. THE CHARTER APPLICATION PROCESS
As required by Michigan law (MCL 380.503(1)), the Center issues charter school
contracts on a competitive basis. The Center is interested in applicants that
articulate a promising vision, propose a sound plan of operations, outline a strong
educational program, and demonstrate the ability to implement a high-quality
school. Additionally, the application process is designed to identify and promote
applicants that have the vision and ability to operationalize schools that will be
considered among the “best of the best” and cornerstone institutions in their
communities. Successful applicants will be expected to open their doors, on the
first day of school as if they have been in operation for three years.
The Center’s charter application process is a multi-phase approach. Phase I is
launched by the Center’s announcement to accept charter applications. All
applications that meet the submission requirements are processed for a
comprehensive review by a team of subject matter experts. Upon review of the
applications, the team of subject matter experts provides their recommendations
to the Center’s Executive Leadership Team for consideration of an invitation to
participate in Phase II. All charter applicants are notified as to whether or not
they will go forward to Phase II.
Successful Phase I applicants are invited to participate in a Phase II applicant
meeting. The purpose of the applicant meeting is to meet the key Center staff.
Additionally, applicants learn more about the Center and the Center’s
expectations for completing the Phase II application. Phase II is a much more
comprehensive and detailed application. Once again, a review team of subject
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matter experts is assembled and reviews the completed Phase II applications.
Recommendations are given to the Center’s Executive Leadership Team, who
makes the decision as to which applicants will go forward for recommendation to
the CMU Board of Trustees.
Upon approval of the CMU Board of Trustees, the successful applicant is moved
into New School Development, which helps position the proposed school to
become operational by Fall 2013.
3. TIMELINE FOR THE JANUARY 2012 APPLICATION PROCESS
Phase I - For Consideration of a Fall 2013 Opening
December
16, 2012
January 3 –
February 1,
2012
February ,
2012
Late
February
Phase I Charter Application available online
Phase I Application submission timeline
Center reviews Phase I applications
All applicants notified of outcome
4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHARTER APPLICATION – PHASE I
This application is designed to serve as an initial application to CMU pursuant to
the Revised School Code for a charter public school. It will be used by CMU to
determine whether to invite an applicant to advance to a second phase
application and review process. Charter school contracts will be issued on a
competitive basis.
The Phase I Charter Application form offers an opportunity for charter public
school founders to briefly outline their program components and objectives in
short narrative form.
It is important to note that acceptance of this application does not bind CMU to
issue a contract to any person or entity. CMU retains the right to approve some
or none of the applications submitted. In addition, CMU retains the right to: (i)
require the submission of additional materials, (ii) return incomplete applications,
and/or (iii) make applications available to others in compliance with the Freedom
of Information Act.
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Phase I Applicants who meet the following criteria will move forward to the Phase
I review:
a. Submit Phase I application by the appropriate deadline: February 1, 2012
b. Complete the application by including a response to each category and
item on the form. All application responses must be typewritten.
c. Send seven (7) hard copies (one unbound) of the completed application to
the address listed below:
The Center for Charter Schools
Central Michigan University
Attn: Application Coordinator
195 E. Ojibway
EHS 200
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
5. Phase I Application Requirements
Please complete the following Charter Application to be considered for a Fall
2013 opening:
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CHARTER APPLICATION
PHASE I
Application Cover Sheet
Name of proposed school: _______________________________________________
Person/Entity applying for the charter: ______________________________________
Primary contact person/role (if different): ____________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: ( )________________________________________________
Evening/Mobile: ( )________________________________________________
Facsimile: ( ) ____________________________________________________
E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________
Brief description of proposed school (for media distribution):
Proposed grades: ______________
Proposed enrollment: _______________
Proposed school location/address:
Local school district in which school will be located:
Intermediate school district in which school will be located:
Name of proposed educational service provider, if applicable:
Indicate if proposed school currently operates as a private, traditional, or charter public
school:
If operating as a charter public school, please list current authorizer:
If this application has been filed with other authorizers, please list below:
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If the proposed school has secured any grant or foundation monies, please list below:
I hereby certify the information in the application is complete and accurate to the best of
my knowledge and acknowledge my obligation to inform Central Michigan University
of any material changes.
___________________________________
Signature of Applicant
______________________________
Date
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CHARTER APPLICATION
PHASE I
Agreement to Comply with Applicable Law
Pursuant to the Revised School Code, the following Agreement is required for this
Application and must be executed by the Applicant on behalf of the proposed charter
public school.
In accordance with the Revised School Code, 1976 PA 451, I hereby certify and agree
that ____________________________, a public school academy if authorized pursuant
to the Revised School Code, will comply with the provisions of the Revised School
Code, with all other state law applicable to the public bodies or school districts.
_________________________________
Signature of Applicant
______________________________
Date
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CHARTER APPLICATION
PHASE I
Assurances
By checking the boxes and signing below, the Applicant indicates his/her understanding
and intent to comply with the following pertinent statutory and regulatory requirements.
Additional information about the Applicant’s strategies and methods for compliance will
be explored in greater detail during the Phase II application process.
The Applicant acknowledges and certifies that the proposed charter public school
shall comply with all state and federal laws applicable to charter public schools.
The Applicant acknowledges and certifies that it will comply with all Revised School
Code requirements related to admissions and enrollment; specifically:






The proposed charter public school is prohibited from charging tuition.
The proposed charter public school cannot discriminate on the basis of
intellectual or athletic ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, status
as a disabled person, or any other basis that would be illegal, if used by a
school district.
The proposed charter public school can limit admissions to pupils within a
particular range of age or grade level currently permitted by law.
The pupils must be residents of the state of Michigan.
Admissions must be open to pupils on a state-wide basis.
The proposed charter public school will utilize a lottery or other impartial
selection process to admit students if demand exceeds capacity.
To the extent applicable, the proposed charter public school will use the Michigan
Education Assessment Program (MEAP) test or an assessment instrument developed
under Section 1279 for a state-endorsed high school diploma. To the extent applicable,
the progress of the pupils in the public school academy shall be assessed using at least
a MEAP test or the Michigan Merit Examination, as applicable. MCL 380.502(3)(e)(ii).
The proposed charter public school will obtain and submit the necessary Certificate
of Use & Occupancy permits issued by the Bureau of Construction Codes to CMU, as
well as applicable health and safety approvals as required by the Revised School Code
and other applicable law.
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I certify that I understand and will comply with all of the above-checked statutory and
regulatory requirements within time frames specified by law and by the authorizing
contract.
___________________________________
Signature of Applicant
________________
Date
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CHARTER APPLICATION
PHASE I
Application Questionnaire
Please respond to the following questions in concise narrative form. Narrative
responses for each section must be typewritten and should not exceed two pages in
length, unless otherwise specified.
Assessment of Community Need
1. Describe the characteristics, population and unmet educational needs of the
community where the proposed charter public school will be located.
Include in detail, any objective market research, surveys, or other measures
of local demand for the proposed educational program.
2. List and describe the existing schools (public, private and parochial) currently
serving the community (including academic and demographic data), and
detail the characteristics that will set the proposed charter public school apart
and attract students.
3. Include a detailed description of how the proposed school plans to fill the
identified community needs.
Student Population
4. Detail the proposed grade levels and/or age range of students to be served
upon opening, including the school’s anticipated enrollment in years one
through five. Include the minimum and maximum enrollment the school is
prepared to serve in each year, as well as future growth projections, including
rationale.
5. Describe the characteristics of the anticipated student population. Identify
where these students are most likely being educated currently and why they
are expected to choose the proposed charter public school for their future
educational needs.
Educational Program (should not exceed 5 pages in length)
6. Describe the vision, mission and goals of the proposed charter public school.
7. Provide an overview of the curriculum and instructional approach to be
implemented by the charter public school, with particular emphasis on how
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this approach will enhance student achievement. If the proposed program is
the replication of a whole school model in use elsewhere, provide a list of the
schools in which it has been implemented. Be sure to detail the research
foundations for the educational approach to be utilized, and describe why this
approach is most effective for the student population to be served.
8. If the applicant proposes to contract with an Educational Service Provider
(ESP) to implement the program, provide a list of all the schools currently
operated by the ESP and, if applicable, a list of schools formerly operated by
the ESP which are no longer in operation, or are under new management.
9. Describe other services to be provided by the school (e.g., pre-school,
latchkey, extra-curricular activities, tutoring,summer school) and explain how
these services will relate to and/or improve program quality.
10. Describe the ways in which the proposed charter public school will ensure
high-quality services to students with special needs.
Attendance and Participation
11. Specify the proposed charter public school’s anticipated date of opening, and
include a proposed school calendar and school day schedule.
12. Briefly describe the proposed charter public school’s advertising and
recruitment plans, with particular emphasis on any early intervention and/or
other strategies that will be employed to maximize retention.
13. Describe the proposed methods that will be utilized to ensure a high level of
parent participation and community involvement in the proposed charter
school.
Assessment and Evaluation
14. All schools authorized by CMU are required to administer the state mandated
assessments (MEAP, MME/ACT), as well as a computer adaptive
assessment in grades 2 through 8 (e.g. NWEA MAP® or Performance Series
by Scantron), the EXPLORE® test in grades 8 and 9 and the PLAN® test in
grade 10. Indicate any additional assessments the proposed charter school
will administer.
15. Describe the school’s approach to assessment. Explain how the school will
evaluate progress of individual students, cohorts over time, and the school as
a whole toward meeting the school’s goals. In particular, describe how the
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school will determine proficiency (by grade, achievement level, or grouping
level) for mathematics, English language arts and science on an interim
basis. Indicate the person(s), position(s) and/or entities that will be
responsible for and involved in the collection and analysis of assessment
data.
16. What are the school’s policies and criteria for promoting students to the next
level and for graduation from the school?
17. How will the school use formative and summative assessment data to modify
the educational program and improve instruction, student learning, and staff
development?
Project Team (should not exceed 4 pages in length)
18. List the name(s), address(es), and role(s) of all principal organizer(s) of the
proposed charter public school.
19. Briefly explain the applicant’s track record, if any, in operating charter public
schools or other schools.
20. Briefly describe the strengths, experiences, and expected contributions of
each member of the development team.
21. Describe any outside contractual relationships that would be necessary to
ensure the establishment and effective operation of the proposed charter
public school.
22. Briefly describe the anticipated staffing and governance structure of the
proposed charter public school and any roles of project team members.
23. Describe the proposed process to be used to recruit, identify and hire
teachers.
24. Describe the team’s past efforts to obtain a charter, if any, and detail related
outcomes.
Facilities and Transportation
25. Provide a description and location of the proposed physical facility, suitability
of space and provisions for specialized space (if any).
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26. Describe any purchase or leasing arrangements, and/or construction or
renovations that must occur to ensure adequate facilities. Include detailed
information about anticipated budget, costs and financing arrangements.
Indicate what stage the preparations are in and what work has been
completed, and what your estimated timeline for completion will be.
27. Describe proposed arrangement for transportation of pupils, if any.
Financial Information
28. Detail all anticipated pre-operational costs in the attached Pre-operational
budget worksheet, and describe how these costs will be funded.
29. Indicate the total amount and sources of funds, property or other resources
expected to be available through banks, lending institutions, corporations,
foundations, grants, etc. Indicate which are already secured and which are
anticipated, and include evidence of firm commitments, if possible. Detail
plans for meeting financial needs if anticipated revenues are not received or
are lower than the estimated budget.
Conclusion
30. Present any other information you believe to be relevant or compelling in
support of your application.
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CHARTER APPLICATION
PHASE I
Pre-Operational Budget Worksheet
A charter public school is likely to incur considerable costs before it receives its first state aid
payment. Provide a budget projection that includes anticipated revenues and expenditures
related to early planning and development costs, between now and August of the first school
year, that are not likely to be covered by the school’s first-year operating budget.
Revenues – Sources of Funding
Budget Amount
Specific Source
Budget Amount
Assumptions (e.g., “4 month lease @
Local Funding
· Fundraisers and Contributions
· Local Foundation & Grant
Support
State Funding
· Start-Up Grants
· Other (list)
Federal Funding
· Start-Up Grants
· Other (list)
Other Financing Sources
· Lines of Credit
· Loans
· Other (list)
TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER
SOURCES
Expenditures
$500/month)
Legal Fees
Accounting and Consultation Fees
Filing Fees
Fundraising Fees
Marketing (including postage, printing)
Rent (including office space, equipment)
Supplies
Utilities
Labor
Facility Preparation Costs
Other (unique start-up costs)
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