 Welcome to the NEWS for October 25, 2024 Discover how moderates are being trained to run for school boards, and learn about efforts to reform the Education Department for greater effectiveness. Explore the challenges low-income families face in accessing child care aid across various states, alongside insights on developing educational technology centered on students and teachers. Finally, understand how the upcoming state school board race could impact Colorado's approach to charter schools. Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.   Denver school board’s budget more than doubles as more members get paid, travel spending rises
The Denver Post | October 23
The Denver school board’s annual budget more than doubled over the past three fiscal years to $472,327 as more members have chosen to be paid for their official duties and compensation for new directors increased after a vote by the elected body last year.  School closure is the byproduct. Trust is the root problem
Boardhawk | October 23
In Denver, one of the leading cities for education policy, we are grappling with the likelihood of school closures. Denver is like a lot of cities across the country. One State Board of Education race could have a big impact on the future of charter schools in Colorado
The Colorado Sun | October 18
Of the four Colorado State Board of Election seats up for election Nov. 5, one race in particular holds high stakes for the future of charter schools and the ease with which they can open and expand.   Once a hedgehog, now a fox: Ten lessons from six decades in the struggle to improve schools
Fordham Institute | October 24
In 1953, the Oxford philosopher Isaiah Berlin published one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated essays, titled “The Hedgehog and the Fox.” He was riffing on the Greek poet Archilochus, who wrote that “the fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” New Survey Says U.S. Teachers Colleges Lag on AI Training. Here are 4 Takeaways
The 74 | October 22
In the nearly two years since generative artificial intelligence burst into public consciousness, U.S. schools of education have not kept pace with the rapid changes in the field, a new report suggests.  Charter schools’ virtuous improvement cycle betters our K–12 system
Fordham Institute | October 18
Since the first law creating these independent public schools of choice was passed in 1991, we’ve learned many lessons about their impact on students, the traditional K–12 system, and the communities where they exist. 
| Act for Charters Today (ACT) Advocacy Network |
| The League's Act for Charters Today (ACT) Advocacy Network empowers charter school families and staff to advocate for high-quality public school options in Colorado through free trainings and resources— join us to strengthen your advocacy skills and connect with a supportive community! |
|
 A Loving Tribute: Yamaha Baby Grand Piano Available
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Brittany McClelland's husband. In his memory, Brittany is generously offering his cherished Yamaha baby grand piano to a passionate musician who will appreciate and care for it. If you or someone you know would be interested in giving this beautiful instrument a new home, please reach out to Brittany.  Aviation Career Readiness in Colorado Charter Schools
With the aviation and aerospace job market booming, Colorado charter schools are engaging students in these high-paying careers. Colorado Skies Academy (CSA) has partnered with Colorado Early Colleges and CrewConcept to launch the Drone Soccer Academy, funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Aviation Workforce Development grant.
This program helps retain middle school students as they transition to high school, where they can earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Each campus will receive an inflatable netted enclosure, rebuildable drone kits, and educator professional development. For more information, visit CrewConcept or contact Lucy Howlett at [email protected]. Share Your Insights: Help Improve Regulatory Requirements
Each fall, the League invites members to provide input on policy priorities for the upcoming legislative agenda. The League’s Governmental Affairs Committee will refine these recommendations for board approval in December.
This year, the League seeks feedback on state-imposed reports and requirements that may detract from valuable time with students and families. Common concerns include the Unified Improvement Plans and the Science of Reading certification process. If you have other issues for the 2025 Legislative Session, contact Prateek Dutta, VP of Policy, at [email protected].
GET INVOLVED
Denver School Choice Expo 2025: Schools, Register Now
Transform Education Now invites schools to the Denver School Choice Expo on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Infinity Park Event Center. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, families will explore school options, meet school representatives, and get on-site enrollment assistance.
This fun, free event features music and food, offering schools a great chance to connect with families. Space is limited to the first 65 schools—register early to secure your schools spot!  Attend a Regional Gathering
Our Regional Gatherings bring together charter leaders from across the state to connect with peers, engage with League staff, and discuss state-level and policy efforts. Drinks and appetizers are on us. Join one or sign up for multiple to strengthen your connections. Join a Learning Community
Take your professional growth up a notch with our lineup of ten specialized Learning Communities and three training events designed to enhance your skills and strengthen the charter school community. From cohorts tailored for board chairs, marketing professionals, school founders, and more to impactful training sessions covering finance, Title IX, and community engagement, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow!
GRANTS & RESOURCES
 Building Hope IMPACT Grant Awards
Building Hope is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the 4th round of the IMPACT Grant Awards! A total of $170,000 will be awarded to charter schools excelling in Student Empowerment, Community Engagement, and Educational Innovation. Small networks and established charters can apply for the S. Joseph Bruno Model Charter Award, while the Individual Charter Volunteer Award honors an outstanding volunteer leader. Apply by November 30 to enhance your programs! Apply Now for the Fiscal Year 2025 Seminars Abroad Program
The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program is now accepting applications for the summer 2025 session, with a deadline of January 7, 2025. This program offers U.S. educators in the arts, social sciences, and humanities the opportunity to participate in short-term seminars in Uruguay, Peru, India, Greece, and Türkiye. Each thematic seminar includes educational lectures and interactive cultural activities, such as visits to local schools and meetings with education officials and students. Participants will use their experiences to create or enhance cross-cultural curricula for their U.S. classrooms. The program covers airfare, room and board, and other costs, while participants are responsible for a cost-share of $750. Healthy Smartphone Use
The Colorado Department of Law (DOL) invites Local Education Providers (LEPs) to participate in a survey aimed at developing policies for student smartphone use. To be eligible for funding of up to $50,000 for innovative interventions in 2025, LEPs must complete the survey by October 18. For questions, contact [email protected].  Open Education Resources (OER)
OERColorado provides free PK-12+ learning materials to Colorado educators. This statewide platform aligns with the state’s educational requirements under 22-5-119, C.R.S. Explore the OERColorado curriculum library and find resources tailored to your classroom needs.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Cybersecurity Curriculum
Looking to teach cybersecurity in your high school but lacking resources? Register by TODAY, Friday, Oct. 25, for a two-day overview of the RING cybersecurity curriculum, happening Nov. 6-7 in Colorado Springs or via Zoom. You'll earn 18 hours of professional development credits while engaging in hands-on activities that make learning fun and effective.  Register for the UCCS/RING K12 Cybersecurity 2-Day Workshop
Participants are invited to join the UCCS/RING K12 Cybersecurity 2-Day Workshop for an engaging hands-on professional development experience. This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of cybersecurity, allowing attendees to work independently and collaboratively on projects related to RING cybersecurity applications and supplemental materials. To receive access to the RING cybersecurity curriculum prior to the scheduled workshop, participants should complete the registration form. READ Act Training: Informational Webinars for Educators
Amendments to the READ Act require K-3 teachers providing literacy instruction, 4-12 reading interventionists, and school administrators (including principals) to complete specific training (SB19-199 and SB22-004). The Office of Elementary Literacy and School Readiness will host monthly live informational webinars to provide updates on the training requirements for teachers and school administrators. Enhance Your Understanding of Islam: Join the Islam Across SSEWA Course
Secondary social studies teachers eager to deepen their understanding of Islam can enroll in the Islam Across SSEWA online course from January to March 2025. This 8-week introductory course explores the history, customs, and contemporary topics of Islam in South, Southeast, and West Asia, featuring both synchronous and asynchronous sessions led by faculty. Participants will complete assigned readings, weekly assignments, and a final project, receiving a $100 stipend and a certificate for professional development hours upon completion. Your input is valuable in developing the course schedule—please share your preferences by completing this survey.
CDE UPDATES
 Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant Application Deadlines
December 15, 2024: Deadline for all potential applicants to notify CDE of their intent to apply for a BEST grant in the upcoming FY2025-26 grant round. New this year, only those who complete the notice of intent by the deadline will be able to apply. Please complete the Intent to Apply form.
January 2025: Required match percentages will be posted.
January 8, 2025: Application will open.
February 10, 2025: Application will close at 4 p.m.
March-April, 2025: Staff will review grants and work with applicants to finalize applications.
May 13-15, 2025: The Capital Construction Assistance Board will hear applicant presentations, review applications, and create a prioritized list of projects.
No later than June 20, 2025: The State Board of Education will meet to review and vote on the prioritized list.
No later than July 15, 2025: The Capital Development Committee will meet to review and vote on those projects recommended for financing through lease-purchase agreements. Submit Your Charter School Capital Construction Report
All eligible charter schools must complete the annual Charter School Capital Construction Report (CSCC-01) by October 31st. This report is essential to confirm your eligibility and determine funding levels for the next fiscal year. Click here to submit. Join the Facility Schools Board
The Office of Facility Schools is looking for applicants for an interim position on the Facility Schools Board. The ideal candidate will have expertise in special or general education and will represent Colorado school districts during monthly meetings through June 2025. To apply, please send your resume and a letter of interest to Judy Stirman by Friday, Nov. 15. 
| 29 October 2024 |
| Annual Finance Seminar |
| A yearly convening for heads of business operations, school leaders, and governing board members. |
| Adams 12 Conference Center |
|
| 28 January 2025 |
| Advocacy Day |
| Mark your calendars for January 28, 2025, a day poised to ignite inspiration and spark transformative conversations. Together, we'll continue to pave the way for a brighter future for charter education, armed with newfound insights and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. The League's annual Advocacy Day serves as a vibrant platform for the entire charter school community, encompassing visionary school leaders, dedicated educators, impassioned parents, and motivated students. |
| Major events, Denver |
|
| 27 – 28 February 2025 |
| Annual Conference 2025 |
| Join us for the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference, where innovation meets inspiration for educators, administrators, and stakeholders. Explore cutting-edge strategies, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with visionaries shaping the future of education. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your educational journey—register now! |
| Major events |
|
  SUBSCRIBE NOW TO OUR NEW CHARTER SENSE NEWSLETTER ON LINKEDIN ACT (October 23, 2024) NEWS (October 18, 2024) MOVE (October 11, 2024) LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (October 17, 2024) CONNECT COHORT (September 26, 2024)
| The League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools. |
Vendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories. |
The League's ACT Network mobilizes charter school communities to strengthen and support schools statewide. |
Thank you to our Premium Sponsors |
 |
|
