Passport Academy Charter School: 2024 Charter Renewal Background
Here's what you need to know. Last Updated 6/21/2024
June 21, 2024
Passport Academy Charter School: 2024 Charter Renewal Background
Last updated: 6/21/24
As a public charter school established pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Charter School Law, Passport Academy Charter School (PACS) participates in the Charter Renewal process every five years. Since Fall of 2023, PACS has been diligently preparing for its Charter Renewal while maintaining its standard of educational excellence in anticipation of its current charter term expiring on June 30, 2024.
We have developed this fact sheet to provide more information about the charter renewal process as well as share with you what has been done-to-date, upcoming key milestones and what you can expect from this process.
ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS:
As a public charter school established pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Charter School Law, Passport Academy Charter School (PACS) participates in the Charter Renewal process every five years. Since Fall of 2023, PACS has been diligently preparing for its Charter Renewal while maintaining its standard of educational excellence in anticipation of its current charter term expiring on June 30, 2024.
We have developed this fact sheet to provide more information about the charter renewal process as well as share with you what has been done-to-date, upcoming key milestones and what you can expect from this process.
ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS:
In Pennsylvania, a charter school is an independent public school established and operated under a charter from the local school district. In PACS’ case, the school was established and operates under a charter from Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS).
ABOUT THE CHARTER RENEWAL PROCESS:
Designed to ensure accountability, transparency and continuous improvement, with rare exceptions, the charter renewal process occurs every five years and measures a school’s performance while providing opportunities for public input and oversight.
To prepare for the renewal, here’s what PACS has done to-date:
- Preparation and submission of renewal application: In the Fall of 2023, PACS diligently prepared an application that reported on the school’s academic performance, financial management, governance structure, compliance with the state and strategic plans that include goals for the future. This application was completed while we continued to put emphasis and care in developing individualized plans for both high school and post graduation success.
- Evaluation by Pittsburgh Board of Public Education: In March of 2024, Pittsburgh Board of Public Education reviewed PACS’ application and conducted a site visit as well as interviews with school leadership and staff. They also analyzed academic performance, financial records and compliance with the charter agreement.
What’s happening next:
- Public Input: Pittsburgh Board of Public Education is seeking public comments at the upcoming board meeting:
- Monday, June 24, 2024, 6 p.m. via Zoom
- To be streamed live here: https://vimeo.com/event/2843465
- Monday, June 24, 2024, 6 p.m. via Zoom
- For those that register to speak, you will receive a Zoom invitation prior to the meeting.
- NOTE: You must register by noon June 24, 2024 here: https://pghboe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3l0voKQUjcvUZka
- Decision on Renewal: At its Legislative Meeting to be held June 26 beginning at 6:30 pm, PPS’s Board of Education is expected to vote on a resolution relating to PACS’s charter following a recommendation of nonrenewal by PPS’s Administration. If the Board votes not to renew PACS’s charter, it must adopt a resolution stating the grounds for nonrenewal with reasonable specificity and give reasonable notice to PACS of the date on which a public hearing concerning the nonrenewal will be held. At the public hearing, PPS would be required to present evidence in support of the grounds for nonrenewal stated in the Board’s resolution and give PACS an opportunity to offer testimony before taking final action. Formal action revoking or not renewing a charter must be taken by the local board of school directors at a public meeting pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act after the public has had thirty (30) days to provide comments to the Board.
- Appeal Process: If after a hearing, the Board votes not to renew PACS’ charter, the school has the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process will involve presenting additional arguments in support of the renewal of the charter before an independent Charter School Appeal Board. The timeline for this process varies, but it can be lengthy, often spanning more than a year.
- Renewal Terms and Conditions: If PPS’s Board votes to renew, PACS will receive a new five-year charter. While the Board may seek to impose certain terms and conditions as part of the renewed charter agreement, it may only do so with the written consent of PACS. These conditions may address areas of concern identified during the evaluation process or outline specific goals and performance targets for the school to achieve during the renewal term.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
As we are early in the steps of the 2024 renewal process, it is important to call out that next school year (2024-2025) will resume as scheduled and planned.
With that said, we cannot take anything for granted when it comes to the future of our school that we all love. We believe that our success is a collective effort, and we need our families and partners to be active, vocal advocates to positively influence PPS’s Board, especially at the upcoming June 24 and June 26 public school board hearing and meeting. Please see the accompanying #BackPACS document to see how you can support the school during this time.
We will provide additional updates as they unfold via email and in our newsroom. If you have urgent questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Principal Joseph Oliphant at joliphant@passportacademycharter.org.
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