Talking Points for Certain RttT Sections
A.2.i.d (Leveraging Existing Resources) pages 25 and 26
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Reform efforts are in place and will be accelerated via RttT
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Plan to blend short-term RttT funding with existing recurring State, local, and federal
funding to sustain initiatives
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How we will tap other existing State, local, and federal sources to fulfill the RttT
initiatives such as:
o implement professional development
o enhance LEA leadership
o for assessment and improvement planning for schools and districts
D.3.5 NCVPS (page 113)
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Courses and delivery systems designed to address the needs of low performing students
in all areas of the State
Help assure high quality and successful teachers are available for all students
F.1.i % of funding has been maintained (page 158)
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verifies that the % of funding increased in FY 2008-09 over FY 2007-08 (by
expenditures and revenue). We verified it two ways.
F.1.ii Equitable Funding (page 159)
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69% of public school funding from State (atypical for US: NC very centralized)
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59% of funding in guaranteed positions (teachers, principals)
12% in dollar allotments (teacher assistants, central office)
27% categorical (supplemental to targeted populations ... special needs, at-risk)
2% Unlimited per Need (longevity, annual leave, workers comp)
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Uniform state salary schedule
guaranteed positions allow all LEAs to hire the best staff available without budget
concerns
F.2.i Charter Schools (page 164)
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96 charters (never reached max of 100)
3.8% of schools
105 Other Innovative schools (allowed via legislation) - learn and earn and redesigned
8.1% of schools (all charter and innovative)
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The application asks about ‘high-performing charter schools’ not about the cap. I believe
we should emphasize the State Boards record of closing ineffective or financially
troubled charter schools and adding new schools each year. I would also mention the
success we have had by giving charter schools tools (EVAAS) that have enabled them to
better meet the charter’s goals.
F.2.ii Approval/closure of Charter Schools (page 164)
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First charters approved in 1997
As of application, we have processed 406 applications
144 charters have been approved
44 charters have been closed (at time of application)
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38,122 students in charters (2.6% of our 1,464,914 students)
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Emphasize Boards selection process
o Independent team of 7 reviewers
o Recommend to State Board
o State Board makes final decision
Accountability
o Expected to perform (student success)
o If not performing 2 out of 3 years – revocation
o Monitor financial situation
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F.2.iii Charter Schools Funding (page 166)
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We should get max points here
o All state dollars (guaranteed, dollar, and unlimited) are transferred to the charter
school – we fund @ 100%
o All local funding is required to be transferred
F.2.iv Charter Schools Facility Funding (page 167)
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No points expected here …
o We should emphasize that charter schools can use State funding to pay debt on
loans for school construction
F.2.v Other Innovative Schools (page 167)
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We should get max points here
o Learn and earn (42)
o Restructured/redesigned (63)