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Section 3
Some Upcoming Dates of Note
- May 13th- 3pm Character Education Webinar: National Schools of Character Panel Discussion
- May 27th- The 2026-27 NCED Connect Opt-In process opens
- May 31st- End-of-Year Homeless Data Submission due
- June 8-9th- New Charter School Leader Institute
- June 30th- DLMI, DLPR, and Emergency Remote Instruction Plan due
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Section 4
Parents’ Bill of Rights Reporting: Parents’ Guide to Student Achievement and Data
Due September 15, 2026
Based on legislation and SBE PRNT-002, it’s time for you to update your Parents’ Guide to Student Achievement and submit data regarding the Parents’ Bill of Rights appeals. Please complete the reporting form by September 15, 2026; but we hope you will submit by June 30 so you can have it all wrapped up before the next school year. Please make sure your links are clear and accessible for the PGSA. Remember that what you submit is what will be exactly shared with the NCGA.
Linked is the report that SBE submitted last year to the NCGA.
Linked is the list of questions that are in the reporting form, essentially the same as last year.
If you have any questions regarding this report, please contact Jennifer Lloyd at jennifer.lloyd@dpi.nc.gov.
Test Security and Proctor Recruitment Messaging
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Dear Superintendents, Charter Leaders and School Communicators,
Thank you for joining us earlier for the testing and security briefing. As promised, we have compiled a PIO Toolkit for test security and proctor recruitment.
We will also send a letter to parents via the NCSIS (powered by Infinite Campus) at 4:30 p.m[4/29/2026]. It will also be publicly available on our website at that time.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
- NCDPI Communications Team
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June RTO New Charter School Leader Institute
Schools completing the Ready to Open process will receive an invitation for their School Leader and Board chair to attend the New Charter School Leaders Institute, occurring June 8-9th at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction building. This training is for newly approved charter schools who have completed the Planning Year and received their new charter agreements. If schools have questions, please reach out to Dr. Norins, RTO Lead Consultant, at natasha.norins@dpi.nc.gov for more information.
NC College Connect Launch
Please click here to learn more about how you can inform juniors of this amazing opportunity for next fall. Share info with anyone and everyone! Overview webinars are planned for every week in May - please see the link below for dates.
Upcoming OFP CCIP Formula Application Process Update-Substantial & Full Approval
We would like to share an early update regarding a change to the upcoming application process tentatively opening May 1st (pending planning allotments).
Beginning this year, the Office of Federal Programs formula applications will include a two-step approval process within CCIP.
- Substantial Approval (May 1st – June 30th) – submission of assurances that will allow PSUs to begin obligating funds by July 1st.
- Full Approval (opening July 1st) – submission of the full application, including budget, at which point funding will become available upon approval.
This is a shift from prior years, and we wanted to provide an early heads up so PSUs can begin planning accordingly. Achieving substantial approval by June 30th will be important to ensure funds are available during the entire period of performance. This will be a firm deadline, and extensions will not be granted for substantial approvals. PSUs are still required to submit for substantial approval if the June 30th deadline is missed; however, if it is not approved by June 30th, the date the substantial application is fully approved through Division Administrator approval will serve as the official substantial approval date for fiscal audit purposes.
Additional support and resources will be provided soon to help walk through this updated process.
For reference, please review the attached presentation (Substantial Approval vs. Full Approval of Application).
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your assigned Program Administrator
Please see the attached memo, 2026–27 Accountability and Testing Training Requirements, from Dr. Michael Maher, Mr. Curtis Sonneman, Dr. Kinge Mbella, and Ms. Ashley Logue to all Charter School Directors.
North Carolina Homeless Education Program
End-of-Year Data Submission Information Session
McKinney-Vento homeless liaisons are responsible for the collection of accurate homeless education data on students identified within their Local Education Agency (LEA) [42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(6)(A)(I)]. The deadline to submit this data is May 31, 2026. To ensure compliance, NCHEP will hold an End-of-Year (EOY) Data Submission Information Session for homeless liaisons on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Attendance is required for all homeless liaisons. REGISTER HERE
Emergency Remote Instruction Plans (RIP)
Charter Schools that plan to use remote instruction during emergency closures must annually submit an Emergency Remote Instruction (RI) Plan to NC DPI. §S.L. 2022-74/HB 103 authorizes the use of Remote Instruction for emergency closures under §S.L. 115C-84.3(b).
By June 30, 2026, please complete one of the following actions for the 2026–2027 school year:
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Create and submit a new RI Plan for emergency closures, or
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Indicate that your PSU will not complete an RI Plan.
This year, Charter Schools must choose one of these options. The option to “Utilize the current plan “ is not available this year.
Please note that RI Plans cannot be accepted after the deadline.
We encourage PSUs to complete the RI Plan Worksheet first and then submit the plan in Qualtrics.
Please reach out to your Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching & School Connectivity regarding any questions. Please share with your Charter School’s leadership if you are not the person who submits this RIP.
Northeast Region - Meredith Ward Hill, meredith.hill@dpi.nc.gov
Southeast Region - Lauren Boucher, lauren.boucher@dpi.nc.gov
North Central Region - Jennifer Graham, jennifer.graham@dpi.nc.gov
Sandhills Region - Jill Darrough, jill.darrough@dpi.nc.gov
Piedmont-Triad Region - Brian Whitson, brian.whitson@dpi.nc.gov
Southwest Region - Lindsey Sipe, lindsey.sipe@dpi.nc.gov
Northwest Region - Jordan Caldwell, jordan.caldwell@dpi.nc.gov
Western Region - Stacy Lovdahl, stacy.lovdahl@dpi.nc.gov
Please see the linked update from Center for Safer Schools Executive Director Karen W. Fairley regarding the School Safety Grants. If you have questions, please send an email to SchoolSafetyGrants@cfssnc.gov. Thank you for all you do to help keep our schools safer. 
Webinar: National Schools of Character: Panel Discussion
May 13th | 3:00–4:00 PM
Do you want to strengthen your school's climate and culture? Are you looking for proven strategies to enhance character development? Join us for an engaging conversation with State and National Schools of Character. Learn from and be inspired by our National Schools of Character:
Hear directly from schools that are using the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education to build stronger relationships, foster respect and responsibility, and create positive, thriving learning environments. You will walk away with practical strategies and fresh inspiration to begin transforming your own school's culture — one principle at a time.
Updated School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
This is a MUST HAVE resource for all charter school administrators.
2025 SASA Manual
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Section 5
May 7, 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.
Legislative Class Size Report Update - IPS Only
Please ensure this information is shared with the appropriate staff members.
Charter schools can now run the Legislative Class Size Report. The charter school deadline for this report is Friday, May 15, 2026. Thank you for your patience.
Every PSU must submit the required reports for all schools to meet federal requirements for reporting class size. LCS reports will include all schools and appropriate grade levels in the PSU. Exempt schools and courses will be removed after submission before DPI compiles class size averages. The LCS Report submission window closed April 20, 2026 for LEAs.
Please reach out to your SIS PLT team member if you have questions about Infinite Campus, and please reach out to Catherine Mau for policy questions. Thank you for submitting the LCS report on time.
SBS Year End Updates - All PSUs
SBS has posted year end letters to our What's New page, which go through the FY 25-26 closeout process in June/July. We will be holding the following webinars in May to review this process, but please read the memo in its entirety. The webinars will be recorded for those that cannot attend.
Year-End DART Report
A new dashboard is now available in DART in the PSU section: "FIN101. Monthly Actions". It consolidates data from several existing reports to help PSUs more easily monitor five critical areas that may require attention as we approach year-end: invalid codes, over-expended PRCs, over-obligated PRCs, days used overages, and salary overpaid exceptions. The report shows the number of items (if any) that require attention in each category. Clicking the number of items in each category will pull up detailed reports needed to investigate further.
EDDIE Year-End
The data in EDDIE must always be current for the current school year. Enter data that will become effective for 2026-2027 beginning July 1, 2026. For more information, please see the EDDIE Year End Memo posted to the SBS EDDIE webpage.
Please work with your PSU's EDDIE administrators to make sure you have a primary and secondary datafile contact for your PSU entered into the system, as well as your PSU's contact for your datafile vendor (Linq, Sylogist, etc.). LEAs must also have a Finance Officer contact. Charters must have a Finance Director (if applicable) and a Director Charter School contact.
Make sure all the staff listed above for your PSU have both a work phone number (including their extension) and a cell phone number. Cell phone numbers will not be made public and will only be visible to DPI. Having a cell number on file is especially important if urgent contact is needed during the close‑out period.
Allotments Update
FY2025-26 Allotments
The following items are scheduled for allotment by May 8, 2026
- PRC 0073 School Connectivity Final Allotments per the Office of Digital Learning and School Connectivity
- PRC 0120 LEA Financed Purchase of School Buses Delivery Allotments per the Office of District Operations
- State approvals as of April 17, 2026
- PRC 0063 Children with Disabilities - Special Funds
- PRC 0089 Children with Disabilities - Special State Reserve
- Federal approvals as of May 4, 2026
- PRC 0060 IDEA - Section 611 Grants to States
- PRC 0082 IDEA - Special Education State Improvement Grant
- PRC 0110 Title IV, Part B - 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- PRC 0118 IDEA - IDEA Special Needs Targeted Assistance
FY2026-27 Federal Planning Allotments
Grant Year 2027 Federal Planning allotments will be added to the BAAS system after final Program reviews have concluded. Status updates will be provided via newsletter or email blast as additional planning allotments are added. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we work to ensure the most current data available is utilized in the formulas.
Deadlines
Paid Parental Leave (PPL) Reimbursement Opens May 4, 2026 – IPS Only
The third and final submission period for PPL reimbursement requests opened May 4th and will close at midnight, Friday, May 15th.
For additional information regarding the Paid Parental Leave reimbursement process, please see the 10/16/25 newsletter.
Holocaust Substitute Reimbursement – All PSUs
Reimbursement forms are due by end of day Friday, May 8, 2026, and will be allotted by May 29th.
If you have general allotment questions, please email allotments@dpi.nc.gov
SBS Summer Conference Save the Date and Hotel Group Rate
Our annual summer conference will be Thursday, July 23, 2026. Please hold that date and be aware that it will be at the Embassy Suites in Cary, NC.
The discounted Room Block is open and will be available until July 1st, so please jump on those rates
and secure your room. Thank you for your continued participation in our conference! We will send out more
information in the coming weeks.
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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11/21/2026
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06/30/2026
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CCIP Formula Application - Substantial Approval for funds obligated July 1
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04/30/2026
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Section 7
CTE has contracted with Pam Taylor to serve as CTE Regional Coordinator for Charter Schools. Any Charter questions on CTE can be directed to her.
Her email is Pam.Taylor@dpi.nc.gov
 2026-2027 NCED Connect Opt-In Process
2026-2027 Opt-in Timeline:
- The 2026-27 NCED Connect Opt-In process will open May 27, 2026 (annual process)
- The Opt-In deadline is tentatively set as July 31, 2026.
- Please visit the NCDPI NCED Connect Opt-In website for additional information.
For NEW Charter Schools:
- Jennifer Causey will contact you by email ahead of the opt-in window to collect your allotted ADM numbers by grade level. This information is required to finalize your Opt-In profile and complete the process once open.
Pricing Update:
- The rate will be $1.50 per ADM
K-12 Social Studies Standards Review
As part of the North Carolina Social Studies Standards Review and Revision process, the K–12 Social Studies team in the Office of Teaching and Learning is seeking meaningful feedback from educators and stakeholders across the state. Your expertise and perspective are valuable in helping ensure that the Social Studies Standard Course of Study continues to meet the needs of North Carolina students and reflects high-quality, relevant instruction.
The information below provides important details regarding the purpose of this stakeholder input opportunity and how feedback will be used throughout the revision process.
State Board of Education policy specifies that the NC Department of Public Instruction will formally collect feedback on the current standards from educators, administrators, parents, students, institutions of higher education, business/industry representatives, national organizations, and other education agencies. The purpose of this survey is to obtain input from educators and stakeholders familiar with the Social Studies Standard Course of Study in order to inform revision decisions, which may include changes, clarifications, additions, deletions, or replacements to the current standards and objectives.
The Social Studies team in the Office of Teaching and Learning requests your thoughtful input and comments on the current academic standards and objectives for Social Studies to inform the review and revision process.
Any individual who wishes to provide input on the Social Studies Standard Course of Study (SCOS) is encouraged to complete this survey by August 1, 2026. The survey is estimated to take approximately 10–20 minutes to complete, depending on the grade level selected for review, and should be completed in one sitting. If you would like to provide feedback on more than one grade or course, you will be able to submit additional surveys by clicking on the link that will be provided after the submission of each completed survey.
2026 ELA Standard Course of Study Initial Statewide Implementation Session Registration Open
Registration Closes May 15, 2026
During Summer 2026, the NCDPI K-12 ELA Team will provide in-person professional development on the 2026 ELA Standard Course of Study (SCOS) in all 8 State Board of Education regions. PSUs are invited to register for a full-day initial statewide implementation session introducing the 2026 English Language Arts K-12 Standard Course of Study. The promo flyer reiterates the following information and provides another way to access the registration link.
Please note: Only one registration form is needed per PSU, and ELA Leaders are encouraged to coordinate with district and school leadership to select appropriate attendees before completing the form.
Purpose
With a team from your PSU, join us for a one-day professional development--specifically targeted to ELA Leaders--to learn more about the new 2026 ELA SCOS which is scheduled for implementation in the 27-28 school year. Topics covered will include
- Standards basics and a high-level review of the newly adopted ELA SCOS
- Resource exploration including unpacking documents, glossary, crosswalk, and vertical progression
- Support for local messaging and communications
- Implementation guidance for planning and considering next steps
Audience
Each PSU may register up to four team members to attend this training. ELS’s will receive a separate training opportunity, so please do not include this individual on your team. Suggested representatives include
- PSU ELA Leaders (e.g., district/school admin, district/school coach)
- K-5 Teacher Leader that will support local implementation
- 6-12 Teacher Leader that will support local implementation
Dates and Locations
Training will be offered in all 8 regions of the state. Dates and host cities are provided below. Specific venue information and session times will be emailed to participants upon registration confirmation.
- Sandhills - June 16, 2026 - Fayetteville, NC
- North Central - June 17, 2026 - Durham, NC
- Southwest - June 23, 2026 - Kannapolis, NC
- West - June 25, 2026 - Asheville, NC
- Northwest - June 30, 2026 - Morganton, NC
- Northeast - July 9, 2026 - Washington, NC
- Piedmont-Triad - July 14, 2026 - Greensboro, NC
- Southeast - July 16, 2026 - Wilmington, NC
Please note: Registration confirmation emails for this PD will include details about directions, room locations, session times, and any necessary preparation. Charter school training will be done virtually at a later date, but charter school teams are welcome to come to any of the regional in-person dates listed above.
The ML/Title III team has begun receiving nominations for the ELD Recognition Award. You have until May 17th to submit your nominee.
Important reminders:
- Each PSU will nominate one distinguished ESL teacher
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Please create a link/URL of the portfolio (this link will be shared in the nomination form). It can be a google doc or pdf. Please be sure to adjust viewing permissions so that it can be accessed by the reviewers.
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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
Safety Director of the Year
Do you know a Safety Director who goes above and beyond with their leadership skills, knowledge and safety implementation? We encourage public school units to submit a nomination for their safety director as 2025-2026 Center for Safer Schools Safety Director of the Year.
Nomination Process: Submit a document (no more than four pages) explaining why your nominee should be chosen for this award. Please explain how he or she meets or exceeds the criteria listed below. Use examples to demonstrate why the nominee deserves this award. Judging will be conducted by a panel composed of CFSS staff, members of the CFSS Policy and Leadership Forum, and the previous winner.
Judging Criteria
- Nominee exhibits outstanding leadership and management abilities
- PSU morale is high, even under difficult circumstances
- Nominee fosters excellent community relations and extensive involvement with the public (students, parents, employees, faculty, etc.)
- Nominee develops initiatives that increase school safety
- Nominee employs innovative solutions (“outside the box” thinking) when necessary
- Nominee adheres to all PSU legislative requirements for school safety
Eligibility: Nominees must oversee safety initiatives at a PSU (district or charter school) in North Carolina.
Note: All submitted materials become the property of the Center for Safer Schools and cannot be returned. Please limit the number of pages of your entire entry – including references, photos and explanations – to four pages.
Submit all nominations to CFSS@cfssnc.gov by Friday, May 29.
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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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Section 8
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 In-Real-Time
North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) continues to expand access to our In-Real-Time (IRT) program, our synchronous instructional model designed to deliver live, whole-class middle school courses taught by certified North Carolina teachers.
IRT is an excellent solution for schools needing instructional support, particularly when a certified teacher isn’t available. Whether working alongside a substitute or supporting a new educator, our IRT teachers provide high-quality, real-time instruction to help ensure student success.
We will be hosting an informational webinar on May 14th at 11 a.m. and July 30 at 11 a.m. To attend, please register for one of the events here:
IRT Webinar May 14
IRT Webinar July 30
All districts and schools are invited to attend to learn more about the NCVPS IRT Program.
Other Resources from DPI and beyond
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Section 9
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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NC SECU People Helping People Scholarship Awards 10 High School Seniors!
Congratulations to these 10 Charter High School Seniors across the state who received the North Carolina State Employees Credit Union People Helping People Scholarship. These seniors were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities at the May 11th CSRB Meeting, where the CSRB board members heard of their future career aspirations, along with the role models who inspired them during their educational journeys. The NCSECU PHP scholarship awarding occurs each year, where the Office of Charter Schools selects 10 deserving seniors for this award. The 2027 awarding process will be shared in the November 2026 newsletters, and applications are submitted by March the following year.
Ethan Tomko, Community School of Davidson
Gabriel Young, Gray Stone Day School
Hayes Davis, Roxboro Community School
John Wallace Blackwell, The Hawbridge School
Kayla Lee, Longleaf School of the Arts
Kyla-McKenzie Greene, Cornerstone Charter Academy
Kynzie Jordan, Chatham Charter
Landon Oakley, Voyager Academy
Mia Chaney, Lincoln Charter School
Zuri Agie, Rocky Mount Preparatory School
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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Section 10
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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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