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Some Upcoming Dates of Note
- December 31st- Transportation Grant application due in Epicenter
- January 1st- Wireless Communication Policy Plan submission due
- January 15th- OCS Office Hour at 10am
- January 16th- Remote Charter Applications due
- February 9–11th- NCED Connect Symposium
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Pursuant to SESSION LAW 2025-38/ House Bill 959, all Public School Units (PSUs) are required to annually submit a Wireless Communication Policy to NCDPI.
Please submit your Wireless Communication Policy Plan[aka Cellphone policy] through this submission form.
All PSUs should have an adopted policy by January 1, 2026. You may use this form[above] to submit revised policies as well for your PSU.
Reminder: The deadline for the Remote Charter Academy (RCA) application is January 16, 2026. If you plan to apply, please review the RCA application information in the charter school leadership blast, obtain board approval, and contact julie.whetzel@dpi.nc.gov to request an Epicenter task to submit your application materials.
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Join the Office of Charter Schools for January Virtual Office Hours on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. This session will focus on teacher retention and school leadership, featuring presenters from UNC’s EPIC Research Team, the Office of Charter Schools, and charter school leaders sharing effective retention strategies.
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Updated School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
This is a MUST HAVE resource for all charter school administrators.
2025 SASA Manual
NCSECU People Helping People Scholarship 2026 Now Open!
The SECU Foundation People Helping People Scholarship process is now open. Charter schools across North Carolina may recommend one high school senior per campus based on the eligibility criteria linked below.
The Office of Charter Schools Selection Team will choose 10 outstanding seniors from the applications submitted between December 2025 and March 13, 2026.
Final applications must be submitted no later than March 13, 2026 to the External Support Lead Consultant, Dr. Natasha Norins, via PDF formats. Applications should include all required eligibility forms, essays, transcripts, and proof of acceptance to a North Carolina college or university. -
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School Business December 19, 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.
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Winter Break Updates - State Holidays
All state agencies, including DPI, will be closed on the following dates:
- Wednesday, December 24, 2025
- Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Friday, December 26, 2025
- Thursday, January 1, 2026
There will be no newsletters the next two weeks. However, if you have an urgent concern that must be
addressed outside the above dates, staff members will be monitoring our general section inboxes below. Please do not message individual staff members so that we can ensure you get the swiftest response possible.
Have a safe and happy holiday break. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Holiday Cash Calendar Deadlines - All PSUs
All State, Federal and Local cash requests are processed through the PSU Cash Application (PCA). Friendly reminder that the deadline to request State, Federal and Local cash is Mondays at 11:45 PM, unless stated otherwise.
The cash request calendar on the homepage of the PCA has been adjusted to reflect the holidays below. Please review and plan accordingly with your team to ensure your PSU does not miss any deadlines. As a reminder, PSUs may request cash for any FRD at any time up until the deadline. PSUs do not need to wait until the day of the cut off to request cash.
Christmas Week: The cutoff is Monday, December 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM. NO emergency cash requests will be processed. The Funds Requirement Date (FRD) will be Monday, December 29, 2025.
New Years Week: The cutoff is Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. NO emergency cash requests will be processed. The Funds Requirement Date (FRD) will be Monday, January 5, 2026.
The cash schedule will return to a normal schedule for the January 9, 2026 FRD.
There should be more than one person subscribed to the PCA who can request cash. For cash inquiries, please contact CashMgt@dpi.nc.gov.
Reminder About Inclement Weather Closures
In response to your questions about instructional days and inclement weather, please note the following.
Additional information is in the School Attendance and Student Accounting Manual (SASA).
School Closings and Instructional Time
Be sure to follow your PSU's Inclement Weather/Emergency Closure policies in addition to these reminders.
- If school is closed in advance of inclement weather (school closed the day before), follow your PSU's plan for making up missed days.
- If school is closed early due to inclement weather, the day and the scheduled amount of instructional hours count toward the required minimum number of days and instructional hours.
- If school buses are in route to schools when school is canceled for the day, then the day and instructional hours scheduled for that day will count toward the required minimum.
Use of Remote Instruction During School Closings
PSUs with Remote Learning Plans filed with the Office of Digital Teaching and Learning may use remote instruction according to the following:
- A public school unit in a county that has received a calendar waiver may use up to 15 remote instructional days or 90 remote instructional hours.
- All other public school units may use up to five remote instruction days or 30 remote instruction hours.
Inclement Weather Make-Up Days
A local board may revise the previously-scheduled closing date of a school or PSU if necessary to comply with the minimum requirements for instructional days or instructional time. Make-up days may not be held on Sundays. The revised closing date for students shall be no later than June 30.
SIS Guidance
The NCSIS team has provided refreshers on updating these changes in the SIS.
- How to Adjust an Instructional Day in NCSIS
Staff and Teacher Leave
PSUs may not forgive time not worked by staff due to inclement weather. If school is closed to both
employees and students, a teacher shall work on the scheduled make up days. If students are not required
to attend school during inclement weather but employees are required to report for a workday, a teacher
may take an annual vacation day or make up the day by the end of the fiscal year. For more information,
please see the Benefits and Employment Policy Manual and G.S. 115C-302.1(c).
GY 2024 Grant Liquidation and Cash - All PSUs
Cash will be provided on a reimbursement basis for GY24 or prior funds that ended September 30th through the monthly zero-out process. If you encumber funds, please ensure that encumbrances are converted to expenditures as you liquidate those funds. Cash will be provided for valid expenditures within the encumbered amount in each month's zero out.
All liquidation expenditures must be recorded by December 31, 2025. Please review your encumbered amounts to be sure that you are liquidating those funds. In the DART system, review report 103. PSU Remaining Allotment Balance for your latest encumbered amounts as of November 30, 2025. Correct your negative Allotment Not Obligated balances before you submit your December 2025 data files (due Monday, January 5, 2026).
Please contact schoolfinancialreporting@dpi.nc.gov if you have any questions.
Questions? Contact SBS
Deadline Reminders
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DUE DATE
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TOPIC
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NEWSLETTER
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12/31/2025 5pm
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Cash Requests for Monday, January 5, 2026 FRD
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12/04/2025
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12/31/2025
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GY24 Expenditures for Encumbered Federal Grants
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10/10/2025
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Resources + Next Steps: The Duke Endowment Funding for Annual Book Fairs
The webinar link below focuses on The Duke Endowment’s matched funding opportunity to support the expansion of Annual Book Fairs in NC elementary schools.
Resources (Recording + Materials):
These resources are also posted on the NCDPI website.
Next Steps:
In early January, we will share additional information, including:
- An FAQ document
- A link to the Participant Agreement Form
Interest Check:
Please reply by email to let us know whether your PSU is interested in further exploring the matched funding opportunity, and, if so, how many schools within your PSU you are considering for this opportunity.
Please note: This is not a commitment. It is intended to help us gauge interest for planning purposes.
Questions or Request to Meet:
Join Us for the NCED CONNECT Symposium 2026!
We invite you to join us in Greensboro as we connect, learn, and lead together—now with an even stronger focus on keeping our systems and communities secure.
Event Details
See Where You Fit in Our Leadership Pathway
Discover how your current role—and your future goals—align with our Leadership Pathway.
Take a sneak peek at featured sessions, speakers, and experiences in our NCED Connect Symposium Highlights Flipbook.
We look forward to seeing you at the NCED Connect Symposium 2026!
Ticket Categories & Pricing **New!**
General Registration (Dec 23–Jan. 13)
- Individual: $350
- Group: $350 each (invoiced together)
Late Registration (Jan. 14–Feb. 9): $450 each
Presenter Registration: Please see separate email.
**Invoices are automatically emailed upon registration and should be paid within two weeks.
Hotel Information
The event will be held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Discounted room rates and booking links will be shared upon registration. Teams purchasing the Buy 8, Get 2 Free + 1 Hotel Room package will receive details for their complimentary stay via email for the first attendee registered. Hotel information and registration is located HERE. Learn More & Register
Registration is OPEN! Full details Here.
We can’t wait to connect with you in Greensboro, where innovation meets collaboration!
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Looking for Literacy Professional Development? Need to earn CEUs?
NEW! During the 2025-2026 school year the Office of Early Learning is offering a virtual Literacy for Educators webinar series focused on content aligned to the science of reading for charter and lab schools.
These sessions are open to All educators, coaches, and administrators.
Each monthly session will be held from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm.
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Charter schools have a dedicated SIS professional contact!
Jennifer Fogleman is your 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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RISE 2026 Call for Proposals
The deadline to submit the Call for Proposals form is Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. If you have questions, send an email to CFSS@cfssnc.gov. RISE 2026 Registration
Registration is now open for the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit! The Center for Safer Schools' largest event will be held from Tuesday, August 4 to Thursday, August 6 at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, N.C.
Join us for sessions including bullying prevention, suicide prevention, critical incidents and threat assessment. We will use the Whova app for scheduling and to engage with attendees leading up to RISE.
Check the Center for Safer Schools newsletter and social media for more details over the coming months. If you have questions, send an email to CFSS@cfssnc.gov. 
Spread the Word: Civics Bee for Middle School Youth in North Carolina!
Greetings!
❄️ 'Tis the season to spread the work about the National Civics Bee 🐝 in North Carolina! Please help us spread the word to students in your school!
🐺 NC State is proud to host the Civics Bee in North Carolina. Here's our announcement. We have regional partners with the Chambers of Commerce in Clayton, Fayetteville, and Roanoke Valley, and the YMCA of the Triangle. ❓ What is the National Civics Bee? It's like the Spelling Bee but about civics education. All NC Middle Schoolers are eligible to participate, and students progress from an essay contest to a regional, state and national contests. Student winners are awarded $$ and the winner of the National Bee wins $100,000 for their 529 Education Fund. Learn more here.
How to Apply:
👫 All Middle School youth in North Carolina are eligible for the Civics Bee Essay Contest. This Essay Application Guide is a step-by-step guide to support the essay writing process. The Essay Portal is open until February 4th
Please help NC State spread the word across North Carolina about this opportunity for middle schoolers!
Important DHHS Resources for Charter Schools
Please click on each link and read thoroughly.
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Other Resources from DPI and beyond
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Sign Up for NCDPI Newsletters
Did you know NCDPI produces a variety of newsletters on various topics across North Carolina K-12 education? Whether you’re looking for news on school counseling, digital teaching & learning resources, middle school science or K-12 education legislation updates, there is something for everyone.
A few examples of subscription offerings are:
- K-12 Education Legislative Update
- News Releases
- Digital Accessibility Newsletter
- Exceptional Children Information for Parents
Click here and enter your email address to see all the subscription lists and newsletters available to receive
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NOTE- To sign up for the Office of Federal Programs listserv, please contact your assigned Consolidated Program Administrator. Contacts can be found by clicking this link and selecting your region at the bottom of the page.
NCVPS Expands Course Offerings for Spring 2026
NC Virtual Public School is expanding its catalog for the Spring 2026 semester to give districts additional options in world languages and advanced coursework. These updates are designed to support schools facing staffing gaps or looking to broaden opportunities for students.
Three new world language courses—Arabic I, Japanese IV Honors, and Korean I—have been added to the Spring Standard Start calendar and are now available in the registration system. These additions strengthen access to less commonly taught languages and help districts meet growing demand for global studies.
Two new Advanced Placement courses are also being offered: AP Computer Science A will be offered for both Spring Early Start and Spring Standard Start, and AP Precalculus for Spring Standard Start.
These new offerings expand pathways for students statewide and provide districts with more flexibility in meeting local academic needs. For more information, visit the NCVPS full catalog webpage.
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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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 Join NCAPCS for an all-day training that focuses on Charter School Finance! The training will take place at TMSA Triad at the Elementary Campus in Greensboro, on Thursday, January 8th. The event will be from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Speakers include: Claire Wilson from Piedmont Community Charter School, Jay Sharpe, Jennifer Fogleman, and staff from the Office of School Business. Catered lunch included with registration.
The Community School of Davidson is seeking proposals for Fresh Take 2026.
Please feel free to share and help spread the word!
Calling all educators:
Are you an educator who can inspire, empower, and equip fellow teachers with practical strategies?
We invite passionate presenters to join our educational conference!
🗓 Conference Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
⌚️Session Length - 50 minutes
📍 Location: Community School of Davidson Upper School
🎯 Target Audience: Educators, Teachers, Administrators, Parents
🌟 Goals:- Inspire and Motivate Educators- Provide Immediate Classroom Takeaways- Reinforce The Message That Educators Make a Difference Every Day
👩🏫 Presenter Qualities:- Innovative Teaching Methods- Passion for Education
🚀 What We Offer Presenters:- Exposure and Networking Opportunities- Free attendance for presenters outside of CSD
📝 Submission Deadline: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
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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