Welcome to the Great Schools Colorado March Edition

Greetings everyone, 

March is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history and in our communities today. What began as a single week of recognition in the United States has grown into a month-long tribute to the resilience, achievements, and impact of women who have shaped our world. Here in Colorado, there are many opportunities to engage, learn, and reflect. Whether by attending local events, exploring educational resources, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the women who have influenced your life, there are countless ways to participate. Let this month be a reminder to uplift women’s voices, recognize their achievements, and continue advocating for a more inclusive future.

Check out a few of the resources and event highlights we know are happening to help you take part in the celebration!
 

• Women’s History Toolkit 2025: This toolkit includes resources for students, such as interviewing women in their community and collecting family recipes and artifacts.
• National Endowment for the Humanities: This organization provides resources on women's rights and suffrage.
• Eventbrite listings for more events and information.

Highlights from the 2025 Charter Schools Annual Conference

This year’s conference, themed Synergy in Education, was an engaging and transformative experience where innovation met inspiration. Educators, leaders, and advocates came together to exchange ideas, explore best practices, and spark meaningful collaboration. From groundbreaking strategies to real-world success stories, the conference energized participants with fresh insights and actionable takeaways. 

Presentation slides from the sessions are now available for preview and download through the Engagefully App, ensuring continued learning beyond the event. Learn more here. Thank you to all who contributed to this incredible experience!

Furthermore, the "Grant Recipients’ Roundtable" session at the Charter School Annual Conference featured insights from past CSP grant recipients, emphasizing lessons learned on funding strategies, compliance, and sustainability. Attendees received practical advice on overcoming challenges in grant implementation and strategies for maintaining adherence to federal regulations while ensuring long-term financial stability.

The Grant Team would like to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to our panelists for their time and expertise shared during the first breakout session on Thursday morning! 

• Suzanne Acheson, Founding Director of the French American School of Denver (FASD) 
• Tayo Adeeko, Executive Director with Jeffco Public Schools
• Lori Deacon, Financial Consultant at Abstract Insights
• Erin Gunther, Director of Finance at Academica
• Brett Harkey, Director of Advancement at Liberty Common School
• Luke Holocher, Business Manager with Jefferson Academy
• Peg McMillen, Strategic Initiatives Manager with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
• Marcie Robidart, Director of Accounting with the Charter School Institute (CSI)
• Brittney Stroh, Chief Executive Officer at Atlas Preparatory Schools 
• Amie Weldy, Principal at The STEAD School

Navigating Grant Eligibility: Insights from Our March 11 Cohort Meeting

The Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort held its second meeting on March 11th, focusing on Applicant Eligibility for the grant. Attendees gained insight into the key requirements for eligibility, including criteria for new, replicating, and expanding schools, as well as compliance expectations under federal guidelines. The session covered tidbits about the application process, and necessary documentation, allowing attendees the chance to ask questions and clarify other elements top of mind to ensure a strong application.
 
If you're new to this League-led learning community, it’s designed to support charter developers, school leaders, and board members pursuing startup funding through the Great Schools Colorado grant. Geared toward new, replication, and expansion projects, the cohort meets monthly to explore key topics aligned with project timelines and group priorities.

Maximizing CSP Funds: Strategies for Project Allocation

Join us for the next Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort meeting on April 8th, where we’ll dive into the Allowable Use of Funds for the grant. This session will provide an in-depth overview of the guidelines and regulations for allocating CSP funds, helping charter schools make the most of their resources while staying compliant. Attendees will gain practical insights into budgeting and strategically using funds for start-up costs relevant to school development. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and ensure your school is set up for success!

Join a Learning Cohort: Connect, Collaborate, and Grow

Join a community that fits your role and interests—learn more about the various Learning Communities! Below are a few cohorts with upcoming meetings that you or your colleagues may find valuable:

• Rural School Leader Cohort: Facilitated by the League’s School Services team, this learning community is a dedicated space for leaders working in rural educational settings, designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural schools. The next meeting is 4/8 @ 9:00-10:00 a.m..
• Board Chair Cohort Meeting: Facilitated by Kia Murray, this learning community is designed for charter school board chairs and presidents, exploring topics that support boards in leading high-quality schools. The next meeting is 4/17 @ 5:00-6:00 p.m. focusing on Board and Leader Succession Planning.

Join Us for the March 2025 Town Hall

The Colorado League of Charter Schools invites you to our next Virtual Town Hall on Friday, March 21, at 10:00 AM. These bi-monthly calls provide essential updates and expert insights to keep school leaders informed on the latest developments impacting charter schools.

You don’t want to miss this opportunity to stay engaged and ahead of the curve! This month, topics will include key updates on legislative changes and federal orders affecting education. You’ll also gain access to valuable resources to help navigate these evolving policies.

Request for Proposal (RFP): Charter School Program Grant Technical Assistance Providers

Great Schools Colorado (GSC) is seeking proposals from qualified technical assistance providers to support charter schools under the Charter Schools Program Grant. We are looking for expertise in the following core operational domains: Facility Management, Governance, Community Engagement, Transportation, School Safety, Compliance, and Budget Oversight. Please review the Request for Proposal below for detailed information on the GSC project, scope of work, and all submission requirements and instructions.

CDE’s Charter School Facilities Assistance Grant – Apply Now

The Colorado Department of Education has launched the Charter School Facilities Assistance Program, providing critical funding to help charter schools improve their facilities. This grant supports costs related to facility acquisition, lease payments, renovations, and other improvements—ensuring students have access to safe and well-equipped learning environments.

The Intent to Apply deadline has been extended to Monday, March 24th—don’t miss this opportunity!

• Learn more, access training materials, and apply: FA Program webpage

For questions, contact:

• Kriselda Craven – [email protected]
• Paola Paga – [email protected]
• Bill Kottenstette – [email protected] 

The Great Schools Colorado Team
[email protected]