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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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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.
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.
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 10, 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.
FY2026-27 Allotments - All PSUs
The following items are scheduled for allotment by end of week:
- PRC 0025 - Advanced Teaching Roles Salary Supplements
- PRC 0110 - Title IV, Part B - 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Approvals as of September 4, 2026
Allotment Reminder: Federal Immediate Reversions – All PSUs
PRC 0082 No Cost Extension
In September, North Carolina received a no cost extension (extension of the period of performance) on its Special Education State Personnel Development (SPD) grant (PRC 0082). This grant is a five-year competitive grant offered by the U.S. Department of Education that was originally scheduled to expire on September 30, 2026; the no cost extension extends the availability of the funds through September 30, 2027. Any questions about the new timelines and any potential requirements for expending these funds should be directed to the Project Director, Ginger Cash at Ginger.Cash@dpi.nc.gov in the EC Division.
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.
Employee Bonuses FAQ - All PSUs
SBS has updated the Employee Bonus FAQ posted on our What's New page with additional questions we have received from the field. Please review those revisions and reach out to Salary@dpi.nc.gov if you have any further questions. We will continue to update our guidance as we receive them.
Prior Year Refunds Update - All PSUs
All FY2026 State refunds owed to NCDPI have been loaded 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 refunds in the Cash App unless you agree 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.
From the Office of School Nutrition - All PSUs
School Nutrition FY2026 Annual Financial Report (FC1-A)
Regular school districts (LEAs) and Federal Schools submit the report via the School Nutrition Technology System (SNTS) by October 31, 2026. All other SFA’s (including Charter Schools, RCCIs and Non-Public Schools) submit a modified version of this report via email sent to SchoolNutrition@dpi.nc.gov (please use appropriate subject line in your email, indicating “FC1-A Annual Report FY2026” and your SFA number and SFA Name). The most recent template of the modified report (dated 8/17/2026) is available to download from the Office of School Nutrition’s Financial Reporting page (under Financial Management > Financial Reporting > Charter Schools, RCCIs, NonPublic Schools). Always ensure that you are submitting your data on a most recent template.
The annual submission covers the period from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 and should include the 13th month data and auditor entries (if applicable). The Office of School Nutrition relies on the FC1-A to prepare a legislated report, as required by G.S. 115C-450, and is unable to grant extensions for late submissions. If you anticipate any delays in finalizing your report, we kindly ask that you submit a preliminary report and indicate in the comments section of the FC1-A that the submission is provisional and resubmit no later than December 31, 2026. Note that the data is considered final as of 12/31/2026 and will be used for the Spend Down Plan and Indirect Cost assessment. If you have any questions, contact SchoolNutrition@dpi.nc.gov.
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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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Khan Academic Support Program: ACTION NEEDED
The General Assembly established the Khan Academic Support Program to provide public school units (PSUs) with the opportunity to use Khanmigo, an academic support service developed by Khan Academy, Inc., for students and educators in grades 6–12.
Khanmigo uses artificial intelligence to support teachers with lesson planning and instructional preparation and students with lesson comprehension and learning.
Participation in the Khan Academic Support Program is optional and available to PSUs that choose to participate.
Interested in Participating:
If your PSU is interested in receiving access to the Khan Academic Support Program, please complete the form below by 5:00 p.m. ET on October 4, 2026. If your PSU is not interested in participating, no response is required.
For questions, please contact Dr. Kristi Day at kristi.day@dpi.nc.gov.
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.
Webinar: Your School’s Character Journey
A Step-by-Step Guide to Schools of Character Recognition
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
Join the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) for a webinar on how to apply for recognition as a State or National School of Character, a prestigious distinction awarded to schools that exemplify excellence in character education.
During this session, you will learn how to:
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Navigate the application process and craft compelling narratives: Gain practical tips for writing powerful, authentic narratives that reflect your school’s unique character journey.
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Select meaningful evidence aligned to the 11 Principles Framework: Learn how to identify and organize artifacts that best illustrate your school’s commitment to character development and whole-child success.
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Leading With Character Summit
December 9, 2026 | 9 am - 4 pm
The Friday Institute: 1890 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
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Gain insight into the 11 Principles of Character Education and practical ways to apply them in your school.
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Be inspired by success stories from State and National Schools of Character and learn how they revitalized their school communities.
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Connect with experts and fellow school leaders to deepen your understanding of Character Education.
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 Helps Students Explore What Comes Next with iWork@NCVPS
The iWork@NCVPS Speaker Series connects students with professionals and organizations that can help them better understand career pathways, college options, and the opportunities available after high school. Through live virtual sessions, students gain firsthand insight, hear practical advice, and have the opportunity to ask questions as they consider their next steps.
This fall, iWork@NCVPS is featuring a special College Choice series throughout September. Students can hear directly from representatives of NC’s Public Colleges and Universities, NC’s HBCUs, NC’s Community Colleges, and NC’s Private Colleges and Universities to learn more about the different paths available to them.
In October, the series will feature Student Development Coordinator–Fraternity and Sorority Life, giving students another look at the people and roles that shape the college experience. School leaders and counselors are encouraged to share these free virtual opportunities with students and families at ncvps.org/iworkncvirtual/.
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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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