FACSA NEWS

By Carolyn Finch

The Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers has been meeting informally for the past two years.  In July we formalized as a not for profit membership organization designed to assist charter school sponsors within the state.  The focus of the organization is to identify and promote the implementation of best practices in high quality charter school authorization.  The group of about 40 participants meets monthly to address issues brought by members. 

Over the past few months we have had presentations on diverse topics such as a web based compliance management system, best practices as it relates to applicant interviews and the charter school application process and participating with the NACSA (National Association of Charter School Authorizers) Chartering for Excellence in Florida Workshops.

Our next meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2008.  All charter school sponsors are welcome to attend and participate in a discussion of exclusivity which will be facilitated by DOE Acting Executive Director of School Choice, Jean Miller, as well as a presentation by Richard J. Wenning, Vice President of Quality & Accountability, Colorado League of Charter Schools.  Representatives from NACSA will be available to update the group on current NACSA initiatives as well as the progress made in Florida and throughout the country in the area of quality charter school authorization.

FACSA is excited to participate in a partnership with the Florida Public School Choice Consortium as one facet of choice offered within the state.  Dr. Judith Stein has been a long time advocate for quality school choice within our state and her leadership within the FPSCC organization will enhance the communication and organizational strength of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers.  Over the next few months FACSA members are looking forward to creating a website in partnership with FPSCC and NOVA Southeastern as well as co-locating meetings and conferences.