Aside from helping school districts find public and private funds, Moore explained that he partners with schools to help launch, design and plan a charter time line that’s aligned with the state Department of Education’s petition checklist.
Moore told board members that he currently is helping a similar school system, Lamar County Schools, apply for funding for a charter school-within-a-school design.
If the charter proposal and building design passes, Calhoun City will look into a similar design to house the college academy in the future.
Following the proposal, Superintendent Michele Taylor asked Moore to explain the benefits of designing a school within a school.
Moore said that it would eliminate transportation costs and extra food costs and that it would allow the school system to focus on planning and development.
“We are in the career academy and planning process for a charter school status,” Taylor said. “We think it’s a great opportunity for our students.”
Back in April, Calhoun City Board of Education members unanimously approved a plan to pursue Georgia Charter School District status.
This move to Charter status is intended to meet a state school system requirement, which requires schools in Georgia to make a choice between A) becoming a charter school system B) entering into an IE2 (Investigating in Educational Excellence) agreement or C) remaining status quo by 2013.
A charter school system will give the local school board more flexibility over the schools, in regards to state laws, and will allow for a career academy at the high school.
The board ended their meeting behind closed doors for executive session to discuss personnel.
The next board meeting is Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Calhoun Depot.
Why should a school consider a charter school?
Bill Truby, Superintendent of Lamar County Schools, said the first answer that comes to mind is improving graduation rates.
“Our graduation rates aren’t where they should be. We have seen a lot of students either not come to school here or any place and we felt like we needed to bolster what we offer,” Truby said.
The other reason is grants and funds are available. Lamar County school district recently applied for a $3 million capital improvement grant, which will be used to improve the school and new programs.
However, Lamar County Schools has not yet received charter status from the state.
“One of the great motivators for us was the governor’s budget because there’s no money that has been cut out of the charter arena,” Truby said. “We thought that is an area we might pursue to help us with our finances.”
Another positive, Truby said is developing a program that will provide a seamless transition between high school and post secondary training.
“We say it’s K through 16,” Truby said. “You can run a school within a school without a charter. But we felt like we needed to throw a spotlight out there for our kids. So they would get excited about their future and more apt to give education a try.”
In Lamar County, medical careers were the top choices of high school students, and Truby said that Gordon College and Southern Technical College — positioned near the high school — offer two-year and four-year degrees in nursing.
In other news, members of the board approved:
I don't know here, but in most cases a consultant is used in a special situation or field. MOST are paid depending on the size of a grant or award and if they are sucessful in getting it. They may get a small percent or a flat fee depending on what they agreed to.
I may be wrong, but the article said they only heard a presentation. He may not be under contract with them at this time. He may just be looking for a client.
My point was simply, this newspaper or blog should not be the SOLE source of info for anyone. I am not or am I married to anyone in office. i was an educator for many years. I do have good friends that are, and I find them to be honest and trustworthy. I just ask that you give our elected officials the same chance. We elect them to do what THEY think is right with the information THEY have. They cannot take a poll before every vote, nor should they.
I don't have all the answers, wish I did, but I do try and find them before I speak on a subject.
How many BOE, City Council or County Comm. meetings do you attend?
You mention the "3 million dollar Obama grant". That is state money, not federal or "Obama" dollars. Go ask some questions of those officials you say never tell the whole truth. You may find they will be honest with you if you ask!