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Some Upcoming Dates of Note
- September 15th- PBOR submissions due
- September 15th- School Mental Health Plan due
- September 16th- OCS Virtual Office Hour; EVAAS
- September 17th- OCS Virtual Office Hour; Advanced Learning and Gifted Education
- September 29th- NCED Symposium
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2025-2026 EC Transfer Funding - Charters Only
Section 7.56 of SL 2026-41 directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to allocate additional Exceptional Children (EC) funding to eligible charter schools that did not receive an additional prorated allocation for a child with disabilities enrolled during the first 60 days of the 2025-2026 school year.
This survey is only for charter schools that did not complete the survey during the 2025-26 school year. If your school completed the survey during the 2025-26 school year, you are not eligible and should not submit another response.
A direct link to the survey was emailed to each charter school that did not complete the survey last school year. If you received the link, please complete the survey by September 15, 2026. If you did not receive a survey link and believe your school is eligible, please review the eligibility list posted in the What's New section of our webpage.
As a reminder, being eligible to complete the survey simply means your school did not complete it during the 2025-26 school year. Survey eligibility does not indicate eligibility to receive funding. One survey is required per every ten eligible students.
Funding eligibility requirements and the verification process are outlined in the guidance document available on our webpage. Please review that document for additional information.
If you have any questions, please contact cody.edwards@dpi.nc.gov.
September Office Hours
The Office of Charter Schools at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has two offerings for PD sessions in the month of September, so take advantage of as much learning as you can to start the new year. We look forward to welcoming you to the first of several support sessions planned throughout the year.
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September 16th Virtual Office Hour:
Paul Marshall, the state’s EVAAS consultant, will provide annual updates and guidance for schools responsible for claiming core teachers in EVAAS. This session will equip schools with the information needed to meet September deadlines and explain how to contact Paul for additional support.
September 17th Virtual Office Hour:
Join the Office of Charter Schools and the Office of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education for a collaborative office hour highlighting available resources, services, and support. Schools interested in developing a state-approved AIG plan can learn more about the process, explore College Connect, and discover additional OALGE offerings.
Updated School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
This is a MUST HAVE resource for all charter school administrators.
Current SASA Manual
Register for 2026 NCED Connect Symposium
Registration is now open for the 2026 NCED Connect Symposium, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.
Educators, technology leaders, school library media coordinators, student information systems professionals and education partners from across North Carolina will explore digital learning, artificial intelligence, instructional technology, leadership and more. Attendees will discover new ideas, connect with colleagues and expand their professional networks.
Whether the focus is digital learning, AI, instructional technology, school library media, student information systems (NCSIS) for school and central office leadership, Cybersecurity, NCEES, Schoolnet/Instructional Improvement System, or other educational initiatives, there's something at this symposium for everyone in the field for school and district based leadership. It's a great opportunity to connect with educators and leaders from across North Carolina, pick up ideas and strategies to bring back to your schools and districts, and grow professional networks. We will also have our first AI Student Showcase where you can learn straight from students across the state along with implementation from our PSUs.
NCDPI will host an AI Implementation Expo and Student Showcase during the NCEDConnect Symposium. Full details are available in this document, but here is a quick overview:
When: September 30, during Day 2 of the NCEDConnect Symposium
Where: Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC
What: Student AI Design Challenge and Showcase
About the event: During the morning, students will work together to solve real-world problems using AI (no prior AI experience is required). That afternoon, they will showcase their ideas and creations.
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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.
New Homeless Liaison Training for Charters
The North Carolina Homeless Education Program (NCHEP) will be hosting the New Homeless Liaison Training for North Carolina’s charter and lab schools on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Homeless liaisons with two years or less of experience should attend this required training. Registration is required. REGISTER HERE
If you have questions about registration or this training, please contact NCHEP Program Administrator, Savannah Gay.
Charter School TOY/POY
We’re excited to begin preparations for the 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year and the 2027 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year selection processes!
To help ensure a smooth and connected nomination cycle, we ask that each charter school update their district point of contact information for both programs using the Google Form linked below.
2026 Update - NC TOY/POY Coordinators
As the TOY and/or POY Coordinator for your charter school, you are responsible for following your local selection guidelines. Please note the following eligibility requirements:
Principal of the Year (POY) nominees must:
- Have at least four years of experience as an administrator
- Hold a valid principal's license
- Be a practicing school administrator for the full duration of the recognition year
Teacher of the Year (TOY) nominees must:
- Hold a Standard Professional II (Continuing) License
- Be employed full-time
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Spend at least 70% of their time providing direct instruction to NC public school students
Note: Teachers with Initial, Residency, International Faculty, Permit to Teach, Emergency, or Limited Licenses are not eligible to advance.
After local selection, I will communicate directly with your school’s Teacher and Principal of the Year to support them and collect their portfolios. Submission deadlines are:
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TOY Portfolios: Due September 16, 2026
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POY Portfolios: Due October 21, 2026
If you have any questions or need support at any point in the process, please feel free to reach out to the program coordinator directly:
Elizabeth Santamour
elizabeth.santamour@dpi.nc.gov
Thank you for your continued partnership in celebrating and elevating excellence in education!
Nominations Open- NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year
Dear Superintendents and BT Coordinators,
Nominations for the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year are now open. Please submit your district or charter school’s nominee to this link by Friday, October 2nd. Details regarding eligibility and awards can be found at the BTOY webpage- www.nccat.org/btoy. Should you have any questions, please contact emily.langdon@nccat.org
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September 4, 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.
September State Board Meeting Update - All PSUs
The NC State Board of Education (SBE) approved the changes to the manuals below during its monthly meeting this week. The adjustments have been made in each manual and posted to our What’s New webpage.
Allotment Policy Manual
State Allotments:
- Definition of Terms
- State Initial Allotments — Replaced the Textbooks allotment (PRC 0131) with the new Instructional Materials (PRC 0133) allotment approved at the August meeting.
- Regional School – Updated to reflect that the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (NERSBA) is now the only permitted regional school in NC.
- Principal Recruitment and Retention Supplement (PRC 0028) – Title revised to include the new retention supplement passed in SL2026-41 and outlined in the NC Public School personnel State Salary Manual.
- Locally and Federally funded School Nutrition and Custodial Employee Bonuses (PRC 0220) / State Funded School Employee Bonuses (PRC 0045) – New allotments for the one-time bonuses allocated in the budget to State-funded teachers, instructional support, principals, assistant principals, central office staff, and non-certified staff. Locally and Federally-funded school nutrition and custodial employees will also receive a bonus.
- Employer Benefit Costs (various PRCs) – Updates the hospitalization and retirement rates to comply with the 2026 Appropriations Act.
- Textbooks for the Visually Impaired Accessible Educational materials (PRC 0131) – Removed as allotment is being sunset; State Textbook Fund Remaining Balances (also PRC 0131) will remain until funds are expended.
- ABCs Transfer of Funds (various PRCs) – Adds the new Instructional Materials allotment (PRC 0133) approved at the August meeting to the list of unallowable transfers.
- Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) Program Grant (PRC 0022) – Revises formula to include provisions on planning and implementation funds.
- Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) Salary Supplements (PRC 0025) – Replaces “adult leadership teachers” with “collaborative impact leaders” and “classroom excellence teachers” with “teachers of distinction”. Adds a $5,000 supplement for partial-release collaborative impact leaders.
- After-School Robotics Grant Program – LEA Allotment (PRC 0209) – New allotment to implement provision in the 2026 budget.
- Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) (PRC 0210) — New allotment to implement provision in the 2026 budget.
- Carlina Competency-Based Education Innovation Grant Program (PRC 0211) — New allotment to implement provision in the 2026 budget.
- Hurricane Relief and Recovery (PRC 0230) – Removes language related to technology and school nutrition funds eliminated by the appropriations act.
- Just Right Reader Program – LEA Allotment (PRC 0086) — New allotment to implement provision in the 2026 budget.
- Khan Academic Support Program (PRC 0212) - New allotment to implement provision in the 2026 budget.
- Magic School Support Program (PRC 0213) — New allotment to implement provision in the 2026 budget.
- Speech and Debate Grant Program (PRC 0214) — New allotment to implement provision in the technical corrections law SL2026-61.
- Teacher Apprentice Grant Program (PRC 0252) – Limits grant eligibility to only LEAs that participated in the program in the 2025-26 fiscal year. They shall receive funds until either all eligible apprentices no longer qualify for funds for tuition or salary supplements.
- TeachReadyNC (PRC 0250) — New allotment to implement provision in the 2026 budget.
Federal Allotments:
- Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers (PRC 0110) – Revises the year 3 grant installment provisions.
NC Public School Employee Salary Manual
- Chapter 2 –Changes and Legislation Impacting the 2026-27 Fiscal Year
- Brief summary of the changes to the salary schedules, benefits, and bonuses provided to teachers, instructional support, principals, assistant principals, and noncertified staff.
- Chapter 5 – School-Based Administrators (Principals and Assistant Principals)
- Updates the most recent fiscal years that determine Principal growth scores for the purpose of determining principal pay.
- Adds language outlining the new Principal Salary Supplement to be distributed by DPI by January 31, 2027.
- Revision to the Principal Recruitment and Retention Supplement to include an annual salary supplement for qualifying principals who remain employed at a low-performing school for 36 months.
- Chapter 6 – Teachers and Student Services Personnel
- Added language pertaining to the report LEAs must provide on teacher and instructional support salary schedules to the Office of the State Auditor.
- Revision of the principal pay basis calculation from days in a month to 261 annual days.
- Updates the qualifying employment years for the Highly Qualified NC Teaching Graduate program.
- Adds teachers working in an advanced teaching role to the list of staff eligible for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Differential Pay.
- Updates to the School Nurse language to comply with the Qualifications of School Nurses rule brought to the board in June.
- Chapter 7 – Non-Certified Personnel
- Added language pertaining to the central office position and salary information districts are required to post to their websites.
- Chapter 8 – Absences
- Revises the day’s pay deduction calculation from the days in the pay period to the daily rate of pay for each employee type.
School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
- Preface, Scope
- Added a reminder that any instructions for the Student Information System (SIS) are provided for informational purposes, but are not SBE policy. (p. 6)
- Chapter 1, Enrollment in a Public School Unit
- Removed paragraph permitting charter schools to automatically readmit students withdrawn due to Helene in the 2025-26 school year. (p.17)
- Chapter 2, Enrollment and Admission Status Codes
- Removed section on transferring students from year-round schools to traditional schools; the day count is automatic in the SIS. (p. 26)
- Added a VST3 (Visitor) code for part-time graduating students. Students with this status are not included in funded membership, but are eligible for graduation. (p. 26)
- Chapter 3, Withdrawing a Student from School
- Clarified the “no-show” process to include the functionality of the SIS. (p. 28)
- Updated the “withdrawing to home school” section to align with Accountability requirements and DNPE current practices. (p. 28)
- Updated the W6 withdrawal code description to clarify timing. (p.31)
- Chapter 4, Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Education Governing Compulsory School Attendance
- Provided instructions for taking attendance in a blended remote academy. (p. 33)
- Clarified that students are required to attend school when it is in session, even if they are exempt from an exam taking place that day. If a student is not present in the school or in a place other than the school for the purpose of attending an authorized school activity approved by the appropriate school official, the student is unlawfully absent. (p. 33)
- Clarified that students attending a hospital school on the first day of school should receive the present code of 1H. (p. 34)
- Removed authorization for local boards to convert a set number of tardies to unexcused absences, per DPI attorney. (p. 34)
- Added clarifying language about local attendance policies and grades. (p. 34)
- Updated the list of specific relatives for whom a “Death in the Family” absence is permitted, per DPI attorney (p. 36)
- Per SL 2026-41, added the 1J excused absence code for students attending agricultural or equestrian events. (p.37)
- Per SL 2026-41, added the 1U excused absence code for students attending religious instruction classes. (p. 39)
- Added the 2P attendance code for unexcused early pickups at the request of the field. This code will cover common reasons why students leave school early, such as a parent wishing to avoid the pickup line or a grandparent taking a student for an extended lunch. It is calculated in the same way as a tardy. (p. 39)
- Clarified that existing suspension codes may be used for partial-day suspensions if the school enters time in and time out information into the SIS. The SIS will accurately calculate the number of instructional minutes a student received for existing discipline reports. (p. 39)
- Chapter 5, Student Accounting Calculations & Reports
- Added a definition of “school month” and clarified that Months 1 and 2 must contain exactly 20 instructional days each. (p.41)
- Added clarification that Pre-K ADM is only for principal salary band placement and that suspended students are in membership (p. 41)
- Removed the location of Pre-K ADM on the PMR, as it can vary (p. 43)
- Removed PMR report timing information to reflect the functionality of the SIS.
- Chapter 7, School Calendar
- Removed remote academies from the list of school types exempt from legislated opening and closing dates. This was added during COVID and was overlooked for deletion. (p. 56)
- Added a requirement for schools to enter their start and end dates, start and end times, school month setup, and instructional period setup in the SIS by April 1. This aligns with other calendar reports and gives DPI staff time to work with the schools to correct errors and violations. (p.58)
- Clarified that the number of days schools are closed for emergencies is now pulled directly from the SIS. (p.58)
- Chapter 8, Transfer and Retention of Student Records
- Added information about the North Carolina Historical Student Data site, which contains student records from before 2014 that are not in the SIS. (p.61)
Cash Calendar Deadlines - All PSUs
Friendly reminder that the deadline to request State, Federal and Local cash is Mondays at 11:45 PM,
unless stated otherwise. The cash processing and request deadlines next week will follow this schedule.
Upcoming cash deadlines can be found in the cash request calendar on the homepage of the PCA. Please review and plan accordingly with your team to ensure your PSU does not miss any cash requests. 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.
Allotments Update
FY2026-27 Allotments - All PSUs
The following items are scheduled for allotment in the following week:
- PRC 0025 - Advanced Teaching Roles Salary Supplements
- PRC 0026 - McKinney - Vento Homeless Assistance Act Approvals as of September 2, 2026
- PRC 0079 - Career Technical Education - Education & Workforce Innovation Grants
Allotment Reminder: Federal Immediate Reversions – All PSUs
For the latest updates regarding immediate reversion of federal funds ending September 30, 2026, please see the 8/20/26 or 8/27/26 newsletters.
If you have general questions, please email allotments@dpi.nc.gov.
Prior Year Refunds Update - All PSUs
This week, SBS loaded all FY2026 State refunds owed to NCDPI into the PSU Cash App, with the exception of overspent salaries (PYS), which will be posted later this fall. Please note that overspent days used (PYD) refunds have replaced overspent months used (PYM) refund types from FY26 onward to reflect the transition from months to days in LicSal. PYM refunds will remain in the Cash App for FY25.
The amounts owed have been updated in the 702. Prior Year State Overages report in DART in the PSU folder. This report includes all refunds owed, including overspent salaries (PYS). Although overspent salaries are not available for payment yet in the Cash App, please review these amounts and contract the Salary Section for any amount you believe to be in error. Note that this report is static as of September 1st and will not be updated after that date. To review your updated balances, please refer to the refunds module in the Cash App.
All LEAs have until September 30th to clear any overspent days used that are generating amounts owed in LicSal. If you believe that section is accurate, you are welcome to submit repayment in the Cash App. If you are working with our Salary Section to resolve errors in LicSal that are leading to amounts owed, please be sure that you have sent all supporting documentation to Salary@dpi.nc.gov. DO NOT pay PYD refunds in the Cash App unless you are sure your PSU owes those funds. Once you make a payment for salary-related overages (PYD or PYS), we will not be able to provide a refund.
Deadline Reminders
ALL PSUs
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DUE DATE
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TOPIC
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NEWSLETTER
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09/15/2026
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2025-2026 EC Transfer Funding
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08/13/2026
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09/30/2026
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Encumbrances for Ending Federal Grants |
08/30/2026
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09/30/2026
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Prior Year Refunds - September Processing |
09/03/2026
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From the Center for Safer Schools
School Safety Grants
The Center for Safer Schools School Safety Grant application period closes Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 11:59 p.m. This grant provides funding for Safety Equipment, Services for Students in Crisis and Training to Increase School Safety. As you prepare and submit your application, please carefully review the applicable legislation, grant requirements and program guidelines. It is important that all applications and grant expenditures comply with the requirements established by the General Assembly and outlined in the School Safety Grant guidelines.
To ensure you receive the most accurate and timely assistance, all questions regarding the School Safety Grant should be submitted to SchoolSafetyGrants@cfssnc.gov. You may also ask questions during our weekly SRO/School Safety Grant Office Hours. Dates and links for the virtual sessions are posted on the CFSS Training Calendar. RISE Academy
The Center for Safer Schools launches its new RISE Academy series, intended to bring directly to school staff, law enforcement and youth-serving agencies the training necessary to support their schools.
The first two RISE Academy events will be held at College of the Albemarle (Currituck Campus) in Barco on Friday, Sept. 18 and at Brunswick Community College in Bolivia on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Session topics will include Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, Human Trafficking, Teen Dating Violence and Vaping.
School Tours
The Center for Safer Schools has completed a full school year as a division of the State Bureau of Investigation. As the 2026-2027 school year begins, CFSS Executive Director Karen W. Fairley plans to resume her school tours. If your public school unit has already requested a tour, CFSS staff will reach out to you first. If your PSU would like to host a tour, please complete our online Tour Request Form. If you have questions, send an email to cfss@cfssnc.gov. ASIST Training
The Center for Safer Schools will host ASIST training in September and October. Participants in LivingWorks ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) learn how to engage directly with a person thinking about suicide, reduce immediate risk and co-create a personalized Safety Plan that promotes hope, safety and connection. Check the CFSS Training Calendar for registration links. National Bullying Prevention Month
September marks the launch of National Bullying Prevention Month preparation across North Carolina! The Center for Safer Schools invites schools to join the Choose Kindness. Take Action. Create Change. campaign beginning in October.
Classroom Contest: Register in September and participate in the Kindness Connection Bingo throughout October for a chance to win a set of new Chromebooks for your classroom!
Registered schools will receive a separate email with the contest Bingo card, guidelines and additional bullying prevention activities.
Free Course from NC Department of Insurance
The North Carolina Department of Insurance is excited to introduce Protecting Yourself and Others: Teen Driving, a new, free educational resource designed for high school classrooms and driver education programs. This interactive program helps young drivers build a better understanding of automobile insurance, including how it works, why it matters, what affects insurance costs, and common insurance terminology. The program also supports financial literacy standards, helping students connect insurance concepts to real-world financial decisions they will face as new drivers. Educators can request an in-person presentation, virtual presentation, or classroom materials to facilitate the lesson themselves.
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Legislative Change for Driver's Ed
After October 1, 2026
SL2026-46 eliminates driving eligibility certificate requirements for the issuance of learner’s permits and provisional driver's licenses.
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After Oct. 1st, 2026, teen drivers will no longer be required to show an eligibility certification to apply for a license.
Take Your Co-Teaching Partnership Statewide!
Applications are open for the 2026–27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)!
Great co-teaching brings together the expertise of ML and content teachers to create stronger learning opportunities for multilingual learners. The NCDPI ML/Title III Team invites current ML–content co-teaching pairs to apply together for this statewide community of practice.
Approximately 10 selected pairs will study evidence-based guidance, strengthen their collaborative teaching practices, and develop classroom-ready resources to share with educators across North Carolina. Individual applicants are also welcome and may be matched with compatible participants.
From November 2026 through June 2027, members will attend three MLTN meetings and the Summer Conference and devote approximately one hour per week to required readings, partner collaboration, and resource development. Selected participants will receive sponsorship for approved costs associated with the required in-person convenings.
Why Apply?
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Collaborate with educators from across North Carolina.
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Strengthen your co-teaching practices using evidence-based strategies.
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Develop classroom-ready resources to share statewide.
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Grow as a teacher leader while making a lasting impact on multilingual learner instruction.
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Receive sponsorship for approved costs related to required in-person meetings.
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Join a statewide community dedicated to improving outcomes for multilingual learners.
First meeting: One day during the week of November 16–20, 2026.
Apply by Thursday, October 15, 2026
26-27 Webinar Series
The CTE Data and Impact team is pleased to share their upcoming webinar series for 2026-2027!
Please click the link below for the flyer and the Zoom link.
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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.
Other Resources from DPI and beyond
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NCVPS Expands Computer Science Options for Spring 2027
NCVPS is expanding its Computer Science offerings with two new courses for Spring 2027.
These additions give students more opportunities to build knowledge and skills in growing areas of technology while giving schools additional options for meeting North Carolina’s Computer Science graduation requirement.
Current Computer Science Courses
- CP10 – Python Programming I Honors
- 2A02 – AP Computer Science A
- 0A02 – AP Computer Science Principles
- CS31 – SAS Base Programming Honors
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CS10 – Introduction to Computer Science - New course launched Fall 2026 for high school and middle school
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CS30 – Introduction to Data Science - New course launched Fall 2026 for high school and middle school
New for Spring 2027
NCVPS is continuing to grow our Computer Science offerings to support schools and districts across the state.I
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CA10 – Artificial Intelligence - New course launching Spring 2027 for high school and middle school
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CI30 – Cybersecurity I Honors - New course launching Spring 2027 for high school
View all courses at: ncvps.org/catalogs.
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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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Charter School Job Postings
Job postings will include the posted date and will be removed 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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