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SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 168
November 13, 1998 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Paul D. Stapleton
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | Virginia's Charter Schools Conference Understanding Charter Schools December 16, 1998, 8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. |
Since the charter school law took effect last July, a number of division superintendents and staff members have contacted the Department of Education for information regarding the requirements of the charter school law. We have provided technical assistance to local school boards, professional organizations, and individuals. Over the last few months a number of questions have been raised that need clarification. These questions relate to personnel, fiscal management, federal programs, and other issues that should be discussed before a school board enters into an agreement with a charter school applicant. To that end, the Department of Education is sponsoring a one-day drive-in conference to discuss charter school issues. The conference will be held in Richmond at the Hyatt Hotel on December 16. This meeting will feature an expert in educational law who will discuss the questions raised by superintendents concerning Virginia's charter school law. The program will also feature sessions that address charter schools as they relate to Board of Education regulation waivers; accountability and the Standards of Accreditation; Title I, Eisenhower and other federal programs; special education; and personnel and hiring practices. You are invited to attend this meeting and bring one other person from your division. You may wish to send the staff person coordinating your charter school initiative, your school attorney, a school board member, or a potential applicant for a charter school. Unfortunately, we must limit the conference to two persons per division. Please complete the attached form and return it by fax or mail to Yvonne Thayer at the Department of Education. Note the cutoff date for registration is Monday, December 7. A block of rooms is being held at the Richmond Hyatt under the name of the DOE. Information about accommodations is attached. Please note the cutoff date for room reservations. If you have any questions regarding the conference, please call Dr. Thayer at 804-786-5392 or email her at ythayer@pen.k12.va.us. PDS/YVT Attachment: A hard copy of this memo and its attachment will be sent to the superintendent's offfice.