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Upcoming Dates of Note:
See below for details
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OCS March Office Hour: Charter Application Amendments and Remote Charter Academies
How do you know when changing a piece of your charter application requires OCS or CSRB approval? Have you considered an amendment for a Remote Charter Academy?
Join us to learn when and how to make an amendment request! Information about the application process for adding a Remote Charter Academy (RCA) to your currently operating charter school will also be shared. Bruce Friend, CSRB Chair and school leader who is currently running an RCA, will be in attendance to share and answer questions.
March 18 at 9 am.
For questions, contact Julie Whetzel at julie.whetzel@dpi.nc.gov
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March Lunch+Learn
Mark your calendar! OCS Spring Lunch+Learn is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at Bradford Preparatory School in Charlotte, NC, from 10:30 am-1:30 pm. School tours will begin at 10:30 am. The topic of discussion is Engagement in School.
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2025 NC Charter Applications
The 2025 NC Charter School Application opened on Friday, January 31st, at 5 PM (EST) and will close on April 25, 2025, at 5 PM (EDT). Applicants interested in opening a charter school in 2026 under the accelerated timeline or in 2027 under the standard timeline must submit their charter application and payment by the April 25, 2025, deadline.
The online application and $1,000 application fee must be submitted by April 25, 2025, at 5 PM (EDT).
Additionally, applicant boards must attend in-person interviews at the Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, NC, during the monthly Charter Schools Review Board meetings starting in September 2025.
The 2025 NC Charter School application link will be posted on the NCDPI Charter Schools Application page.
For any questions regarding the charter application process, please contact Melanie.Rackley@dpi.nc.gov.
NCSIS Charter School Information
Phase I & II
We’re thrilled to announce the return of Charter Connect sessions, designed to support charter schools through the NCSIS transition.
Join Us for an In-Person Charter Connect Meeting!
Virtual Office Hours for Charter Schools
We’re also offering Charter School Virtual Office Hours twice a month to provide ongoing support and answer your questions.
We Value Your Feedback!
Help us better support you by completing the Charter School Feedback Survey. Your insights are essential in shaping the SIS Professional Learning Team’s support throughout the NCSIS transition.
🔗 Survey Link: 2025 Charter School Support Feedback Survey
We look forward to connecting with you!
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School Business February 13, 2025
The FBS website continues to be updated with information related to School Business and our ongoing operations. Please check the FBS homepage regularly for updates. Please review the upcoming deadlines for due dates.
SBS DART Update - All PSUs
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The PSU Dashboards were updated to include the January MFR data on 2/11/25. The following dashboards were added to the Public Dashboards:
- 23-24 Final MFR Expenditures
- 23-24 Final MFR Revenues
If you have any questions, please contact SBSDART@dpi.nc.gov.
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YTD Zero Out Entries – All PSUs
Due to how the federal funds have to process with the Office of the State Controller, the cash transactions are processed as two separate batches on back-to-back days. Please wait for all batches to process for the week before looking at the data. Please document your general ledgers accordingly.
See below for the revised processing dates:
- January YTD State and negative Federal zero out entries will process on 2/13 for LEAs.
- January YTD positive Federal entries are scheduled to process on 2/14 for LEAs.
- All YTD Federal and YTD State zero out entries for IPSs are scheduled to process on 2/14.
Contact CashMgt@dpi.nc.gov for zero out questions.
FY2024-25 Allotment Update - All PSUs
The following items of interest are scheduled for processing by the end of the week:
- Plasma Games Grant Program (PRC 0258)
- CTE - Heath Career Promotion (PRC 0253)
The fifth batch of ABC transfers (LEAs only) will close midnight, 2/14/25. Email-submitted transfer requests received by end of day February 14th will be allotted by February 18th.
For questions related to Federal reversions, please contact Jane.Seo@dpi.nc.gov. If you have general
allotment questions, please email allotments@dpi.nc.gov.
Charter School Average Daily Membership (CSADM) PAST DUE - IPSs Only
All Charter, Regional, and Lab Schools with current year enrollment and new charter schools
approved to open July 1, 2025 are required to report their projected ADM for the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal
year in the CSADM system. This information is now PAST DUE - please report your data as soon as possible if it has not already been submitted. If you have questions, contact SchoolFinancialReporting@dpi.nc.gov.
From the DPI Department of Information Technology
Hurricane Helene Technology Recovery Funds Update
Thank you to all the PSUs who have submitted requests for Helene Technology Recovery Funds (PRC 230). DPIIT will review them and communicate approved allotments in the coming weeks. They have also opened submissions for a final round of requests, which will be considered on a rolling basis until March 31, 2025, depending on the availability of funds remaining.
Process and required documentation for PSUs requesting funding:
- Compile source documentation to reflect the actual losses and the value of the losses as a result
of Hurricane Helene. Documentation should include the following:
- Complete the damaged technology inventory template to identify technology equipment
losses and the value of the losses as a result from Hurricane Helene.
- Submit technology equipment repair and/or replacement invoices on form referenced in
step three below. Include any other documents that substantiate the claim for State funds
to support the repair and replacement of technology equipment.
- Print, review, complete and sign the Attestation Form. The Finance Officer and Technology
Director signatures are required to process the claim for State Disaster Funds.
- One Attestation Form should be completed per PSU request.
- Submit all documents, including the damaged technology inventory, replacement invoice(s), and
completed Attestation Form using the Hurricane Helene Technology Recovery Funds Form.
- Each PSU will receive a confirmation email once all documents are received.
For questions, contact the following personnel in the Technology Services Office: Tim Wease, PSU
Cybersecurity Director, (948) 236-2269, timothy.wease@dpi.nc.gov
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Questions? Contact SBS
Deadline Reminders
ALL PSUs
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DUE DATE
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TOPIC
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NEWSLETTER
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02/14/25
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ABC Transfers
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01/24/25
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2/14/25
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Significant Increase initial application and budget submission of PRC 0111 funds
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01/31/25
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IPS ONLY
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DUE DATE
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TOPIC
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NEWSLETTER
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03/14/25
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PPL Form for March Reimbursement
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10/10/24
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Home Language Survey Professional Development
In an effort to introduce the standardized Home Language Survey to stakeholders, the ML/Title III Team is offering a professional development opportunity for all data management stakeholders (e.g., school data managers, Enrollment specialists, SIS Coordinators, ML coordinators, and administrators). This PD aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and resources to administer the state's standardized Home Language Survey effectively. By enhancing staff expertise, the program supports compliance with federal regulations and state board policies, ultimately improving educational practices.
Please share this flyer with any data managers in your charter who may need to attend. Use this form to register for the session that best suits your needs. Space is limited! While we will try to honor all registrations, priority enrollment will be given to stakeholders from the state board region of the training. OCR/CRDC – SY2324: Update – HIBS-2 Set to Zero, Missing Schools Requested, Certification Now Open
Note: PSUs that were not open in the school year 2023-24 are not required to participate in this collection.
The following updates have been made to the North Carolina CRDC collection:
Certification Now Open
PSUs may now begin certifying their CRDC collection. Please review your data, ensure all required local updates have been made, and proceed with certification.
The collection closes on March 7, 2025. Please ensure certification is completed before this deadline.
Attached is the most recent state progress report, which includes:
- Percentage complete for each PSU
- Certification status (whether or not the PSU has certified)
- Current contact information listed in the Federal Submission Tool
Remaining CRDC Error Review Webinars – DPI will be hosting two more real-time error review sessions where PSUs can receive assistance and share insights. Use the same link to join either session:
- Dates - Wednesdays, 2:30-4pm:
- February 12, 2025
- February 26, 2025
Meeting ID: 275 486 542 860
Passcode: TFomt7
Thank you for your hard work throughout this process!
Charter schools now have a dedicated SIS professional contact!
We are pleased to introduce Jennifer Fogleman as your new dedicated NCSIS Professional Learning Consultant for Charter Schools, effective immediately.
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in the Student Information System (SIS) and is committed to providing you with the same high level of service you've come to expect from our team.
The NCSIS Professional Learning Consultant team is here to support you, please don't hesitate to contact Jennifer if you have any questions or concerns.
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Charter School Feedback for the SIS Professional Learning Team
This is the link to the Charter School feedback survey we are conducting at the SIS Professional Learning Team. The feedback from charter schools is vital in helping us support you during the transition to the new NCSIS, Infinite Campus.
Infinite Campus Virtual Training
Dear NCSIS Colleagues,
We are excited to announce a virtual option for our popular "Mastering Campus Training" program! This live, topic-driven training will be held throughout the month of February and is open to Phase I and Phase II PSUs.
Led by Tony Spengal from Infinite Campus, this comprehensive training will provide you with the in-depth knowledge and skills you need to excel in your role.
Registration is now open! Secure your spot today by going to our NCSIS Collections through Eventbrite - Click HERE to register for this virtual option.
February 18th - SIS Overview & Calendars
February 19th - Census
February 20th - User Security
February 21st - Course Catalogs & Hand Scheduling
February 24th - Grading
February 25th - Campus Instruction & Transcripts
February 26th - Attendance
February 27th - Behavior
February 28th - Ad Hoc Reporting
Attention CTOs! Annual Technology Director's Meeting - March 5, 2025
It's time for the Annual Technology Director's Meeting at NCTies!
Join us Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center from 12pm - 4pm for our Annual Technology Directors Meeting.
Registration is NOW OPEN by clicking HERE. Use promo code: NCTIES and click register (not apply). Please make sure you complete the rest of your registration to ensure headcount is accurate as lunch will be provided. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Additional details are coming soon. 2024 Driver Education Certificates
Are you looking for the new 2024 Driver Education Certificates for your students to take to the DMV?
Look no Further! Email all requests directly to the Office of Charter Schools consultant at brandi.gill@dpi.nc.gov.
They will be processed within a week. Schools may continue to utilize the old forms until supplies are depleted.
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World Languages Standards Implementation PD Registration
World Languages and Healthful Living are currently in Standards Installation. As part of installation, both teams will be providing regional standards implementation PD in Spring 2025. Below are the current schedule and registrations for World Languages.
Other Resources from DPI and beyond
NCVPS Spring 2025 Registration is Still Open!
There’s still time to register for Spring 2025 courses with NCVPS! With over 130 options—including Advanced Placement, CTE, world languages, arts, health and physical education, middle school, OCS, core courses, and more—students can find the perfect courses to match their academic goals and needs. Our program also provides access to classes that may not be available locally, making it easier for every student to succeed.
After February 3: We’ve got you covered even after the open enrollment window closes!
After Open Enrollment Options:
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Transfers: Schools can transfer individual students or entire classes after open enrollment ends. To begin the transfer process, simply open a ticket with our Virtual Support Center.
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Emergency Requests: We know the recent hurricane disrupted operations for many schools. If your school has unique circumstances, contact our Virtual Support Center—we’re here to help.
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Co-Teaching: Schools can continue adding students to existing co-teaching OCS and intervention courses throughout the semester. However, please note that new sections cannot be opened at this time.
At NCVPS, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and offering flexible, high-quality learning opportunities to help students achieve their goals and prepare for the future.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime for more information!
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Share excellence in education!
Post exceptional student work or exciting happenings at your NC Charter School. Then tag or mention OCS on Social Media for others to see!
Remember when you share on social media to use #WeAreNCCharters or @NCCharterOffice
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Telra Institute Hosting StepLab
Calling all Instructional Coaches, School Leaders, Department Heads, and Mentor Teachers. North Carolina is proud to host the wizards behind StepLab when they visit the U.S. this May. This is *the* event for anyone interested in supercharging teacher development. Let's work together to uplift teachers across the State!
Learn more and register for this full-day professional development event hosted by Telra Institute in Charlotte, NC on Saturday, May 3.
Fresh Take 2025
Join us for an inspiring day of learning at the 12th Annual Fresh Take Conference on Friday, March 7, 2025, hosted by Community School of Davidson! Designed BY teachers, FOR teachers, this dynamic conference brings together passionate educators to share fresh ideas and best practices.
We’re thrilled to welcome renowned researcher and educator John Almarode as this year’s keynote speaker!
Don’t miss out—register now and take advantage of a special group discount for teams of 5 or more!
✉️ Questions? Contact Leslie Bragg at lbragg@csdspartans.org.
Register for NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Summer Opportunities
Join the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) this summer for transformative professional development. These residential programs provide educators with the tools, strategies and support to elevate their teaching. Each week, teachers engage in content-rich instruction, explore proven methodologies and receive coaching to implement new insights effectively. The goal is to empower educators to create classrooms where students are more engaged, self-motivated and successful.
Learn more about the professional development opportunities available at NCCAT this summer and register here.
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2024 Standards of Professional Conduct
Please download and distribute this OCS guidance document.
School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
This is a MUST HAVE resource for all charter school administrators.
2024 Updated SASA-Manual
Charter School Job Postings
Job postings will include the posted date and will be deleted after two months. Schools may request early removal or extension. Contact Joseph.Letterio@dpi.nc.gov with a posting link.
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Ashley Baquero • Director, Office of Charter Schools
Please send general inquires to ocs@dpi.nc.gov
Contact information for area specialists can be found on the Office of Charter Schools Directory.
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