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Some Upcoming Dates of Note
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New Year’s Resolution to Eliminate All Lead and Asbestos Hazards – Comply with State Requirement Today for a Brighter Tomorrow
All North Carolina public schools and public charters are required by SL2021-180 (Section 9G.8.) to enroll in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ program this year to identify and abate exposure to lead in water, lead-based paint, and asbestos hazards statewide.
We strongly urge all remaining schools to enroll this winter in the program – or finish completion of all sections if you have only started one or two of the three sections. How:
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To Get Started for new enrollment: It’s as easy as clicking this link here to register for a pre-enrollment webinar that explains requirements; information needs; FAQs, tips and has a live Q&A.
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To get started for facilities with partial completion: Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ and login to complete remaining requests for the section (s) not completed.
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Thank you to the districts that have already completed the program. The progress of each facility is publicly available on the Facility Data Mapper linked here.
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Questions? Contact 1-888-997-9290, via email at Cleanclassrooms@rti.org or online at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/contact/.
We appreciate your commitment to ensuring your schools meet legislative requirements by safeguarding student and staff health and wellbeing today for a brighter tomorrow.
Learn more about the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™.
Questions?
Please contact:
Jennifer Hoponick Redmon
Program Director
Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™
Research Triangle Institute
CleanClassrooms@rti.org
Updated School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
This is a MUST HAVE resource for all charter school administrators.
2025 SASA Manual
Mid-Year Homeless Data Collection Survey
Annually, the State Coordinator’s office requires all homeless liaisons to submit a mid-year homeless data collection survey. This is required even if you have “0” students to report at this time. The deadline for the submission of the requested information is no later than 5:00 PM on January 31, 2026. No extensions will be granted.
Access the Mid-Year Homeless Data Collection Survey HERE
Please note: The provision of the mid-year homeless data collection survey does not replace the annual homeless data submission that is conducted at the end of the school year.
If you have questions about the data collection survey, contact your EHCY Program Administrator, Savannah Gay.
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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January 23, 2026
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.
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).
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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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Monday at 11:45 pm
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Cash Requests for Friday FRD
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11/21/2024
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01/16/2026
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ABC Transfers
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01/08/2026
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Join Us for the NCED CONNECT Symposium 2026!*
𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀!
- 𝗞𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 | 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗼, 𝗡𝗖
- 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟵–𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Late registration began 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵. ($450)
Join educators, leaders, and tech partners from across the state for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection at NCED Connect Symposium 2026!
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
- Cybersecurity tabletop exercises
- SIS scheduling roundtables & reporting sessions
- School Library Media Coordinator Pathway
- AI Implementation Expo & 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲-𝗔-𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗻
- School Library Directors Meeting
- Partner-led presentations
- Support Zones with State Cybersecurity, School Connectivity, and Infinite Campus teams
- And yes… 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗸𝗲!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂:
*If you are planning on attending the NCED Connect Symposium, check out the sample schedule for SLMC/Library Leader-specific sessions at our newly published pathway: go.ncdpi.gov/nced26slmcpathway
Let’s connect, collaborate, and innovate — we can’t wait to see you there!
Updated Computer Science Course Lists for SY26-27
Pursuant to G.S. 115C-12(9d), the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has published updated Computer Science Middle School Elective Offering and High School Graduation Requirement course lists. The updated high school course list adds ten new course options, and the updated middle school course list adds three new middle school elective options along with four additional high school courses that can be taught in middle school. Completion of any course identified on the approved High School Courses Eligible for Middle School list will satisfy both the CS middle school course elective offering and high school graduation requirement.
Pursuant to G.S. 115C-12(9d), Local Implementation Delay Waiver Requests were available only for 2024–2025 and 2025–2026; no waivers are permitted for full implementation beginning in 2026–2027.
Link: NCDPI Computer Science Graduation Requirement
Spring 2026 Medicaid in Education [MiE] Cohort
Developing efficient, effective Medicaid cost recovery programs requires foundational knowledge and collaborative effort. These cohorts will support PSU efforts to develop or improve their Medicaid cost recovery efforts. Best results are achieved when a full PSU team participates! Recognizing we all have competing priorities, PSU teams can ensure all content is received, adapted, and applied to local circumstances, procedures, and organizational structure.
This flexible, inclusive, virtual cohort will complete the on-demand Medicaid in Education course with a focus on FFS; however, all Medicaid programs are covered.
Participants will:
- Complete the assigned module and profile rating
- Meet virtually to clarify concepts, answer questions, and
- Collaborate for implementation, establishing PSU practices, and procedures
The Spring 2026 Medicaid in Education [MiE] Cohort will run from March 24th through May 7th on Thursday afternoons.
- 'Just Getting Started in Medicaid' sessions will be offered on March 24th or 26th.
- MiE Cohort orientation sessions will be provided March 31st or April 2nd. Please follow this link to the schedule for the Spring 2026 Cohort
- All (individuals, dyads, small groups) are welcome to participate in MiE cohorts but most effective change occurs with collaborative teams and full PSU Medicaid teams are strongly encouraged
- Suggested PSU (district or charter) team members:
- EC Administrators- Directors, Coordinators
- School Business or Finance officers
- Administrators who will be a point of contact the Medicaid program (central office, finance, EC)
- Related service providers
- Personnel involved with MAC or RMTS
- Any interested parties or personnel assigned to Medicaid program management
- Participants can and should vary from module to module, the schedule includes suggested team participants for each meeting
- Time will be allocated for questions and implementation work
You/Your PSU (district, state, or charter school) team can register here- https://go.ncdpi.gov/Spring26MiECohort for:
- Just Getting Started in Medicaid sessions
- MiE Spring26 Cohort
- Both or
- Indicate need for follow up technical assistance for Medicaid cost recovery
If you have any questions or would like to set up time with me for your PSU, team, or personnel, give me a call at 919) 636-1827.
Thank you for your interest!
Wishing you a peaceful and healthy 2026,
Laurie Ray
Consultant for Physical Therapy & Medicaid
Supporting Teaching and Related Services
Office of Exceptional Children
NC Department of Public Instruction
M: (919) 636-1827
laurie.ray@dpi.nc.gov
SAVE THE DATE! Office of Advanced Learning & College Board NC AP Partnership Conference for NC Charter School Leaders
Charter school leaders serving high schools and their feeder middle school leaders across North Carolina are invited to attend the NC AP Conference for Charter School Leaders, a dynamic, collaborative event focused on strengthening advanced learning pathways for secondary students statewide. Participants will engage in sessions that explore strategies to expand Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities, increase student success, and lead efforts to prepare every student for college, career, and life after high school.
This message is being sent to charter school AP Coordinators and designated high school–level Principals who have completed the Participation Form in the AP Registration and Ordering system.
Conference Focus Areas:
- Leading in AP Success – Proven strategies to increase participation and performance in Advanced Placement programs as a foundation for college and career readiness.
- The Future of AP – Insights into upcoming innovations and resources that will shape AP and better prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities.
- Opening Student Pathways to AP – Practical approaches to removing barriers and ensuring all students have access to advanced coursework that supports their postsecondary goals.
This engaging conference will equip high school charter school leaders and their feeder middle school leaders with practical strategies to expand access to advanced learning opportunities, strengthen college and career readiness, and drive meaningful, sustainable change for all students. The conference experience will be most effective when schools attend with a team focused on secondary education.
Who:
Each charter school is invited to send up to four (4) school leaders. We recommend considering the following roles, prioritizing high school leadership first, followed by feeder middle school leadership:
- Executive Director / Superintendent / Head of School
- High School Principal
- Feeder Middle School Principal
- Leader of Advanced Placement (AP) Programs
- Leader of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
- Lead High School Counselor/Student Services Lead
- Feeder Lead Middle School Counselor
- Leader of College and Career Readiness
- Leader of Accountability and Assessment
Note: This event is intended for school-level leadership only. It is not designed for teachers. If you would like to bring more than four leaders to the conference, please reach out to Michelle Lourcey.Event Details:
· Dates
Thursday, February 26, 2026: 10 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday, February 27, 2026: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
· Hotel
Optional overnight stay on February 26, 2026, provided at no cost if requested during registration. If your commute to the event exceeds three hours, please adjust your check-in date to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, when you register. This additional night may be provided based on availability and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The hotel will be booked directly by College Board—please do not reserve rooms independently. All hotel rooms will be single occupancy.
· Location
Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle
201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard Cary, NC 27513
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/rduapes-embassy-suites-raleigh-durham-research-triangle/
Free parking available at the hotel.
· Travel Reimbursement
Travel reimbursements of $100 per person are available to cover travel expenses and Thursday night's dinner.
· Meals Provided
Thursday, February 26, 2026: Lunch and snacks (dinner on your own)
Friday, February 27, 2026: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Registration will open on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (another email will be sent to you at that time) and will close when the conference is full or on February 3, 2026, whichever comes first.
For any questions, please contact Michelle Lourcey at mlourcey@collegeboard.org.
Character Education: Opportunities to Share with Charter Schools
Upcoming Opportunities:
- A clear overview of each principle
- Examples from NC Schools of Character
- Practical strategies for improving school culture
- Tools for assessing progress and gathering evidence
- Support for completing the School of Character Application
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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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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. 
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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Youth Prevention Education Research Grant RFP
Request for Proposals:
Grants of up to $10,00 are available for middle schools, high schools and at-risk community-based programs in North Carolina to implement the NC Problem Gambling Program Youth Prevention Education (YPE) 10 modules. Instructors are trained, provided technical support and given the materials needed to implement the program.
The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program addresses youth problem gambling as part of a broader effort to prevent high-risk behaviors among young people. The program educates students about how their environments—social, physical, and digital—can create toxic stress. This stress impairs critical thinking and emotional regulation, often leading young people to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. Over time, these patterns can evolve into harmful behaviors and addictions that compromise brain health.
Important Information:
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All grant applicants must attend one of the three Request for Proposal Webinars options.
- Grant applications will be provided to those who attend.
- Please review the grant guidelines to better understand the application procedure.
- Please click on the link below to register for one of the webinars.
- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RFPWebinar2026
RFP Webinar Dates:
- Tuesday, February 17 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Thursday, February 19 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Monday, March 2 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Dates to Remember:
- Grant applications are due on March 15, 2026
- Grant award announcements will be made on April 15, 2026
- Grant contracts are due by April 30, 2026
- Funding dispersed by June 1, 2026
- All awarded grantees must complete UNC-BHS Adolescent Gambling and Gaming Series asynchronous modules by July 15, 2026
- All awarded grantees must attend NCFADS summer school on July 19 – July 21, 2026, in Wilmington, NC
Please read the attached grant guidelines thoroughly before applying.
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 Parent Orientation
NCVPS will be hosting an orientation for parents and caregivers on Tuesday, January 27, at 6:00 PM. Parents and caregivers will learn how they can help students make the most of the NCVPS experience. Learning how to use the Canvas Parent App, Observer Access, Peer Tutoring Center, and many other student supports will be highlighted.
Register for Tuesday, January 27 at 6:00 PM
Topics Include:
- Who is NCVPS?
- Canvas Parent App & Observer Access
- NCVPS Virtual Support Center
- What students and parents should do to be successful
- Instructor Expectations
- And many other students supports
- Q & As
Please share with your schools. For more information and archived recordings, visit our Parent Open House, or our Parent Resource pages.
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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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Coalition Regional Meeting for Triangle-Area Charter Leaders
Charter leaders, please join the North Carolina Coalition for Charter Schools at Durham Charter School’s new campus on Tuesday, January 20, for breakfast, networking, and an important discussion about regulation and compliance. This meeting is open to Coalition members as well as non-members. Click here to view the meeting invite. The details:
WHO: Leaders from Triangle-area charter schools
WHAT: “Navigating the New Regulatory Environment” (Presentation and Q&A)
WHEN: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026
WHERE: Durham Charter School (new campus), 4621 Kemp Road, Durham, NC 27703
Attorney Matthew Tilley, the Coalition’s counsel, will lead a presentation specifically for charter school leaders, sharing insights about navigating the new regulatory environment and ensuring compliance. He’ll address which policies and regulations pertain to charter schools, and which do not—along with new session law requiring Charter Schools Review Board approval for any rule or policy impacting charter schools. We’ll have plenty of time for networking and Q&A following the presentation.
We encourage all Triangle-area charter leaders to join us for this important and informative meeting! Please RSVP to Dave Machado at dmachado@nc.chartercoalition.org.
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Coalition 2026 Charter Advocacy Summit:
Please join the North Carolina Coalition for Charter Schools for our 2026 Charter Advocacy Summit, taking place in Raleigh on March 24-25, 2026. This year's Summit theme is "From Policy to Possibility: Navigating the New Charter Landscape."
2026 Summit information:
Charter schools face a new policy landscape in North Carolina, and we’re here to help you navigate it! Join other charter leaders, industry experts, vendors, and lawmakers for the Coalition’s fourth annual Charter Advocacy Summit. We’ll bring the experts directly to you, helping you position your school for continued success!
Evening Reception with State Lawmakers
5:30 to 7:30 PM, Tuesday, March 24, 2026
2026 Charter Advocacy Summit
8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Event Venue
Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley Hotel – Raleigh, North Carolina
Summit registration is open now. View the 2026 Summit flyer here with details about this year's topics, registration rates, and hotel block. Last year's Summit sold out, so don't wait to register!
Fresh Take Education Conference
📅 March 20, 2026 at the Community School of Davidson
💙 Join us for a day of rejuvenation, recalibration, and refreshment designed to inspire and empower educators.
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Jimmy Casas
📖 Award-winning author and educator Jimmy Casas guides educators to examine their behaviors and take responsibility for improving the culture at classroom, building, and district levels.
✨ Early bird registration ends January 30th
⭐️Register now and secure your spot!
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 Logue • 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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