South Carolina Public Charter School District
Performance Framework
Financial Performance
Organizational Performance
Academic Performance
Dana C. Reed, Assistant Superintendent of Performance StandardsCourtney Mills, Director of AccountabilityBobby Rykard, Fiscal Analyst
What is the Performance Framework?
• 3-part document (academic, fiscal, organizational) that sets forth expectations of performance and compliance.
• Basis for school evaluation, monitoring, and intervention that informs the SCPCSD Board’s high- stakes decision making.
Autonomy
Accountability
Application Cycle
Charter and
Contract
Annual Review
Intervention (if
applicable)
Renewal Process
Charter Life Cycle
Guiding Questions
Academic Financial Organizational
Is the academic program a success?
Is the school financially
viable?
Is the organization effective and
well run?
Performance Framework
Performance Framework Goals
• Focuses on outcome measures that align with the goal of providing a high-quality education for all students.
• Allows for greater transparency between the SCPCSD and the charter schools it authorizes by setting clear standards for charter school success.
• Provides continuity of charter cycle with consistent language from the application to renewal.
• Allows stakeholders, including SC families, to make informed decisions about charter school performance and quality.
Next Steps
SCPCSD Board approval (August)
TA session for school leaders/board chairs (September)
Development of data collection methods necessary for implementation (Fall)
Implementation year (2014/15)
Issue an annual report to each school (with the exception of first year schools) that reflects how many standards the school exceeded, met, did not meet, or fell far below, depending on the section of the framework (February 2015)
Note
There is a lot of fluidity surrounding academic accountability and that will necessitate revisions to the framework in the future.
For example, HSAP was administered for the last time this summer.
For the first year roll-out of the framework, we will have HSAP data to plug into the framework.
After the first year of implementation, we will need to revise the framework to reflect the assessment that will be secured by the SCDE.
“Authorizers are charged with holding schools accountable for high standards of academic performance. This framework focuses purposefully on quantitative academic outcomes as a basis for analysis to be used in high-stakes decisions.”
NACSA Core Performance Framework and Guidance, page 8
“Each authorizer and charter school must enter into a contractual agreement stating that student performance of all students . . . is the most important factor when determining to renew or revoke a school's charter.”
SC Board of Education Regulations 43-601.VII.(B)(2)
Academic Performance
Assessment Data (August) ESEA Grades (October) State Report Cards (November) Annual Report (December) Quarterly Reporting
Academic Data Sources
Student Achievement (Absolute) Student Achievement (Growth) Comparative Performance Post-Secondary Readiness State and Federal Accountability Charter-Specific Academic Performance Goals
Academic Performance Indicators
Purpose of Financial Framework
To annually assess the financial health and viability of schools
To provide interventions and on-going monitoring and technical assistance where appropriate based on risk factors
To ensure a sound financial foundation in support of academic achievement
Financial Performance Review Process
Preliminary Review and Preliminary Rating Annually Existing Schools
Quarterly Follow-Up Schools Where Standards Not Met
New Schools as Technical Assistance in First Year
Final Rating – Upon Completion of Follow-Up Analysis
Financial Performance Framework Timeline
(Draft)
November 1 – School audits due to SCPCSD
December 31 – Preliminary ratings finalized
January 31 – Follow-up analysis finalized
February 28 – Final ratings finalized
Preliminary Ratings
Meets Standard Sound Financial Viability
Not Meeting Standard Indicates Some Financial Risk(s)
Far Below Standard Identifies Significant Financial Risk(s)
Requires Further Analysis Potential Financial Risk or Insufficient Information Requiring Additional Review
for Determination
Source Documentation
Audited Financial Statements
Due November 1st to SCPCSD
Using Accrual-Based Accounting
Following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Source Documentation School Audit:
Statement of Financial Position or Statement of Net Assets (Balance Sheet)
Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets or Statement of Activities (Income Statement)
Statement of Cash Flows
Board Approved School Budget
Charter Application
Current Enrollment
Debt Schedule
Financial Performance Indicators
Near-Term Indicators Current Year
To Identify Immediate Risk
Sustainability Indicators Long-Term
On-going to Identify Risk to Financial Sustainability
Financial MeasuresShort-Term Indicators
Does the school have the ability to cover it’s current liabilities with current assets?
Does the school have adequate cash on hand to pay expenses?
Financial MeasuresShort-Term Indicators
Is the school able to meet its enrollment projections?
Is the school able to meet its debt obligations or covenants?
Financial MeasuresSustainability Indicators
Is the school living within its available resources?
Is a reasonable proportion of the school’s assets financed through debt?
Financial MeasuresSustainability Indicators
Does the school have a positive change in cash balance from one period to another?
Does the school have the ability to cover its debt obligations in the current year?
Final Ratings
Meets Standard School overall financial record during preliminary review indicates sound
financial viability.
School meets requirements after follow-up analysis after previously being identified as “Not Meeting Standard” or “Far Below Standard”
Not Meeting Standard SCPCSD concludes there is a financial risk(s) requiring additional monitoring
and/or intervention.
Far Below Standard SCPCSD identifies significant financial risk(s) requiring additional monitoring
and/or intervention.
Financial PerformanceResults
Used for determining level and frequency of school monitoring
Used to target technical assistance and professional development
May be used in determinations for charter renewal
May be used in part for determination of probation or “Letters of Caution”
May be used as part of determination for school closure
SCPCSD Compliance Policy
Letters of Caution Issued when there is evidence that potential non-compliance may
occur
Letters of Non-Compliance Issued when non-compliance has occurred
Policy is not progressive!!! (Letters of Caution are not required prior to a Letter of Non-Compliance)
Organization
“A Quality Authorizer implements an accountability system that effectively streamlines federal, state, and local…compliance requirements while protecting schools’ legally entitled autonomy and minimizing schools’ administrative and reporting burdens.” NACSA Principles and Standards, page 16
• Expectations the charter school is required to meet through state and federal law, the Charter, or the Contract: • Spend public funds responsibly;• Practice sound governance; and • Adhere to laws and charter requirements
• Balance between appropriate oversight and infringement on autonomy
Organizational Framework
Top Related