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Some Upcoming Dates of Note
- September 29th- NCED Symposium
- October 8th- OCS Office Hour; 10 Million Book Challenge
- October 13th- OCS & OEL; BOG, RtA, DiBeLs
- October 15th- OCS Office Hour with the Exceptional Children’s Division
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October Office Hours
Stay tuned for details on our upcoming topics:
10/8-10 Million Book Challenge
10/13- OEL; BOG, RtA, DiBeLs
10/15- Exceptional Children’s Division
October VOH- "10 Million Book Challege" with Mark Dressner
Host: Norins, Natasha
Thursday, October 8, 2026
10:00 AM |
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Connecting Charter schools to 10 Million Books
In January, 1.5 million North Carolina public school students will start reading toward one shared goal: 10 million books in a single year, and every charter school is invited to join from page one. The 10 Million Book Challenge is a voluntary, year-long reading celebration for students in pre-K through 12 (not a test, mandate or reporting requirement), and NCDPI provides ready-made staff, family and celebration materials so even a team of one can bring their school along. Join us for the webinar overview of 10 Million Book Challenge for Charter Schools on [October 8 from 10:00-11:00 at link], and register your school in two minutes, with no commitment, at Sign up here.
Updated School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
This is a MUST HAVE resource for all charter school administrators.
2026-2027 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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Charter School 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
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
21st CCLC Cohort 19 Competition Coming Soon!
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is preparing to launch the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Cohort 19 grant competition, pending approval of the Request for Proposals (RFP) by the North Carolina State Board of Education at its October 1, 2026 meeting.
Following State Board approval, the Cohort 19 competition will officially open, and all competition information will be posted on the NCDPI 21st CCLC webpage on October 2, 2026. Important Dates
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October 1, 2026: State Board of Education consideration and anticipated approval of the Cohort 19 RFP
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October 2, 2026: Competition information and RFP posted on the NCDPI 21st CCLC webpage
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October 8 & 9, 2026: Virtual RFP Training, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. each day
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November 18, 2026: Cohort 19 Application Deadline at Noon
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the 21st CCLC webpage beginning October 2 to access the RFP, application information, training registration links, and additional competition resources.
Please note: The competition schedule and release of the RFP are contingent upon approval by the North Carolina State Board of Education.
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September 24, 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.
Federal Grants Ending on or Before Sept 30, 2026
As a reminder, there are several federal grants whose period of performance ends September 30, 2026.
Federal Immediate Reversions Update – All PSUs
PRC 0102 Grant Years 2024, 2025, and 2026 will all expire on 9/30/2026. An updated chart of the grants ending 9/30/2026 has been posted to our What's New page, as well as the list of allowable encumbrance account codes.
Immediate Reversion Report - All PSUs
The funds at risk of being reverted can be identified using the DART 300. PSU Immediate Reversions Report or the 4. Funds Available to Request Report in the Cash App, filtered by grant year. The DART 300 report is based on current MFR data. Please review and check expenditures, valid encumbrances, and invalid encumbrances. The report will be updated based on September MFR data during the September zero out and used to calculate allotment reversions.
Please review your federal allotments and ensure that your encumbrances are recorded to the proper object codes, otherwise funds will revert. This includes ensuring you have recorded all expenditures, and if needed eligible encumbrances, to the appropriate grant year in your system. All encumbrances must be reflected in your September MFR file. Please work with your software vendor before uploading your September files to ensure all encumbrances are recorded correctly.
Reminder: Grant year reporting means that expenditures and cash draws are all accounted by grant year for the federal grant funds. These must align. Please work with your software vendors if you are still unclear how to appropriately account for these funds using the new grant year code segment in the Chart of Accounts (COA).
Encumbrances for these grants must be liquidated by December 31st. During the liquidation period, PSUs cannot request cash through the PSU Cash App for expenditures related to these funds. Instead, cash reimbursement will be provided through the monthly zero-out process through December 31, 2026. Federal cash will be disbursed when PSUs convert their encumbrances and record the associated expenditures during the liquidation period in their datafiles.
21st Century Community Learning Centers - Non-LEAs/ERaCA Users
If you use ERaCA to access funds for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program, please note
that you must expend all expiring funds (grant years 2022-2025) on or before September 30, 2026. ERaCA
will be open through October 31, 2026, for you to request reimbursement for these expenditures, but all
expenditures must be dated on or before September 30, 2026.
If you have questions regarding these funds, please contact SchoolFinancialReporting@dpi.nc.gov.
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.
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.
Reminder: Annual Audit Engagement Questionnaire - All PSUs
Several PSUs did not submit their response to the Auditor Questionnaire by the deadline and are now overdue. If your PSU hasn't completed the survey, please do so as soon as possible.
This mandatory questionnaire verifies that each PSU has engaged, or is in the process of engaging, an independent certified public accountant for the annual financial audit covering the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, per state financial oversight requirements and audit timelines. All PSUs are required to submit, with the exception of new Charter Schools opening in the 2026-27 school year.
If you need additional information, please contact the Monitoring and Compliance team
at Monitoring@dpi.nc.gov.
Deadline Reminders
ALL PSUs
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DUE DATE
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TOPIC
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NEWSLETTER
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09/30/2026
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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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10/30/2026
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SS-200 Full-Time Personnel Report |
09/17/2026
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10/31/2026
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School Nutrition Annual Financial Report (FC1-A) |
09/10/2026
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From the Center for Safer Schools
RISE Academy
The Center for Safer Schools continues its RISE Academy series this fall. RISE Academy brings directly to school staff, law enforcement and youth-serving agencies the training necessary to support their schools.
RISE Academy will be held at the following locations in October:
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Robeson Community College (Oct. 5)
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Vance-Granville Community College (Oct. 14)
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Haywood Community College (Oct. 22)
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Mayland Community College (Oct. 27)
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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. -
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. -
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.
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.
North Carolina Homeless Education Program; Charter School Compliance Forums
This school year, NCHEP will host virtual Compliance Forums for charter and lab school homeless liaisons to expand their knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Act and develop practices to best support their students experiencing homelessness. All homeless liaisons are required to attend the annual Compliance Forums. Homeless liaisons must attend at least three Compliance Forumsof the four Charter School Compliance Forums listed below and are welcome to participate in all four sessions. Registration is required.
Charter School Compliance Forum: McKinney-Vento Identification & Eligibility
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Charter School Compliance Forum: Building Collaborations at the Local Level
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Charter School Compliance Forum: Transporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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Charter School Compliance Forum: Best Interest & Dispute Resolution
Thursday, October 8, 2026
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If you have questions about the Compliance Forums, please contact your NCHEP Program Administrator, Savannah Gay.
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
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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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