Organizational Framework and Legal Compliance Overview

SPCSA Organizational Framework & Legal Compliance Questionnaire December 14, 2018

What is a Performance Framework? What is a Performance Framework? - Document that sets forth agreed upon expectations of performance and compliance Accountability - Established in the charter agreement - Basis for school evaluations, monitoring, and intervention that informs high-stakes decisions by an authorizer Autonomy 2

What is a Performance Framework? What is a Performance Framework? Academic Is the educational program a success? Financial Is the school financially viable? Organizational Is the organization effective and well run? Source: NACSA Core Performance Framework and Guidance 3

Organizational Framework Organizational Framework Category/Indicator How is this evaluated by the Authorizer? Education Program Adherence to the material terms of its proposed program Financial Management and Oversight Audit results and audit findings Governance and Reporting Board compliance with governance-related laws Students and Employees Adherence to state and federal laws and regulations School Environment Compliance with facility, transportation, food and health service requirements 4

Legal Compliance Questionnaire Legal Compliance Questionnaire Compliance Section Proposed Reviewer/Auditor Personnel Required Filings Special Education Services to English Language Learners Governance Certified Public Accountants were tasked with reviewing and approving compliance in each of these sections EMO Oversight Financial Management Pupils and Employees Open Meeting Law Insurance Requirements Tuition Records Management 5

Overlay Overlay of Legal Compliance Questionnaire with Organizational Framework Principles Compliance Section Proposed Reviewer/Auditor Organizational Framework Personnel Students and Employees Required Filings Financial Management Special Education Education Program Services to English Language Learners Education Program Governance Governance and Reporting Certified Public Accountants were tasked with reviewing and approving compliance in each of these sections EMO Oversight Governance and Reporting Financial Management Financial Management Pupils and Employees Students and Employees Open Meeting Law Governance and Reporting Insurance Requirements School Environment Tuition Students and Employees 6 Records Management Students and Employees

Initial Findings Initial Findings Legal Compliance Questionnaire Previously Responsible Possible Solution Section: Personnel page 5 3. Did the charter school maintain up-to-date fingerprints of all Governing Body members as of the testing date? NRS 388A.323. CPA auditors School board self-certification 7

Initial Findings Initial Findings Legal Compliance Questionnaire Previously Responsible Possible Solution Section: Governance page 7 1. The governing body ensured that all draft minutes were uploaded into Epicenter within 30 business days of the most recent board meeting and that the final minutes were uploaded within 10 days of their approval by the governing body. The draft and final minutes were also provided to the Department of Education by these deadlines. NAC 386.345 CPA auditors SPCSA staff using Epicenter 8

Initial Findings Initial Findings Legal Compliance Questionnaire Previously Responsible Possible Solution Section: Governance page 7 4. The governing body ensured that it held at least quarterly meetings. NRS 388A.320(5) CPA auditors SPCSA staff using Epicenter and attending Board meetings as necessary 9

Initial Findings Initial Findings Legal Compliance Questionnaire Previously Responsible Possible Solution Section: Pupils and Employees page 12 1. Was school in session for at least 180 days or did the Governing Body adopt and receive approval from the Department of Education for a calendar with an equivalent number of minutes of instruction per school year based on a different number of days of instruction? CPA auditors SPCSA staff using Epicenter 10

Initial Findings Initial Findings Legal Compliance Questionnaire Previously Responsible Possible Solution Section: Tuition page 19 1. Did the school refrain from charging fees that may be considered tuition? CPA auditors SPCSA staff checking school handbooks using Epicenter 11

Summary of Key Takeaways Summary of Key Takeaways The majority of inquiries within the Legal Compliance Questionnaire have merit for schools, SPCSA staff and the Authority A number of mechanisms are available to SPCSA staff to effectively monitor school compliance An overhaul of the SPCSA organizational framework can result in effective monitoring and clear expectations while eliminating unnecessary additional work for staff and schools 12

Next Steps Next Steps Action Item Stakeholders Anticipated Timeline Complete review of Legal Compliance Questionnaire SPCSA Staff December January 2019 Compare findings with current SPCSA tools SPCSA Staff December January 2019 Determine essential indicators and compliance items SPCSA Staff January February 2019 Update the Authority on progress SPCSA Staff and Authority February 2019 SPCSA Staff and External Stakeholders Engage with charter community and key stakeholders February April 2019 Presentation to SPCSA Board for Possible Action SPCSA Staff and Authority April May 2019 13