2009 Rocky Mountain Teacher Fair

Application Process Flowchart

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Preliminary Exploration

Re-engage in the process of defining support and need for the school
OR
Abandon the application

Communication and Networking

Begin building a relationship with the authorizer to understand process, expectations, and deadlines
Submit a Letter of Intent to the potential authorizer, as applicable
Network with other charter schools

Development and Process

Identify the vision and mission
Begin marketing the idea
Coalesce the steering committee
Explore pre-startup funding resources
Verify need and support
Draft a projected timeline

Training and Education

Become familiar with the League, CDE, and the potential authorizer
Required reading list
Access start-up documents
Attend the CDE Application Training
Glossary and acronyms

Are resources, support, and need sufficient?
Is the founding group prepared to commit
the time and energy required for start-up?

Step 1: Initial Draft of the Application

Re-engage in the process of editing and refinement
OR
Abandon the application

Communication and Networking

Contact the potential authorizer for procedures and timelines
Inform and educate prospective parents
Contact the League for application assistance
Request a "friendly read and feedback" from network schools and the League
Contact real estate professionals / Research facility options

Development and Process

Assign tasks and develop a work plan for writing the application
Circulate and edit the draft internally
Develop a preliminary budget and explore pre-startup funding
Refer to rubrics and checklists to ensure a comprehensive and complete application

Training and Education

Attend workshops and CDE start-up grant training
Calendar of conferences and trainings
Research the League review process
Research and review legal structure requirements
Required reading

Do you think you have a strong application?
Does your "friendly reader" think the same?

Step 2: Obtain Assistance/Feedback

Re-engage in the process of incorporating feedback to create a complete package
OR
Abandon the application

Communication and Networking

Commit to Quality Standards: NACSA, the League, and CDE
Contact the League and submit application for review and feedback
Continue contact with the potential authorizer to verify any pre-review requirements

Development and Process

Edit and revise the application based on feedback
Submit to the League for a second reading and revision
Submit to the League for a final reading

Training and Education

Attend workshops and trainings
Research and review program structure requirements
Seek expertise in areas of weakness
Required Reading

Have you developed a complete and comprehensive
application package?
Have you appropriately incorporated feedback?

Step 3: Submit to the Authorizer

Enter the process of appeal to the State Board of Education
OR
Abandon the application

Communication and Networking

Solidify and mobilize parental and community support
Initiate contact with legal counsel

Development and Process

Prepare for questions, interviews, editing and revisions
Participate in two public hearings conducted by the authorizer
Begin writing CDE grant application

Training and Education

Review authorizer timelines and process
Train potential board members through the Colorado board training modules and other training opportunities
Research standard contracts

APPROVED

Step 4: Contract and Negotiations

Adopt conditional changes
OR
Negotiate conditions

Abandon the application

Communication and Networking

Retain legal counsel

Development and Process

Solidify facility plans
Ensure student enrollment
Plan marketing campaign
Negotiate contract with the authorizer

Training and Education

Plan staff and board training activities for first year

Once a contract is signed with the authorizer,
the charter application process is complete.