|
Some Upcoming Dates of Note
- 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
- October 31st- 2026 Fiscal Audit due for schools up for charter renewal. Others due 12/31/26
|
|
|
|
October Office Hours
1. 10/8-10 Million Book Challenge
2. 10/13- OEL; BOG, RtA, DiBeLs
3. 10/15- Exceptional Children’s Division
-
October VOH- "10 Million Book Challenge" with Mark Dressner
Host: Norins, Natasha
Thursday, October 8, 2026
10:00 AM |
|
|
 |
Join Chief Communications Officer at NC DPI, Mark Dressauer, and Strategics Partnership Manager, Molly McGowanGorsuch, to learn about the 10 Million Book Challenge and the ease of participating in the year-long challenge for students to engage in reading and earn great prizes throughout the community! 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.
-
10/8- 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.
-
10/13- OEL; BOG, RtA, DiBeLs
The Office of Early Learning's Tonia Parrish joins OCS to share all Read to Achieve, Literacy Resources and Offerings for the year. You won't want to miss the amazing free professional development being provided for charter school educators from this office. See you there! Be sure to register early!
-
10/15- Exceptional Children’s Division
The Office of Exceptional Children joins OCS to share best practices and outreach from their expert consultants. This is an opportunity you will want to register for in order to provide high-quality EC services at our charter school. See you there! Be sure to register early!
The October CAO Connect Bulletin is here—your monthly touchpoint to stay aligned, informed, and connected as we continue moving statewide priorities from vision to practice. This edition highlights key State Board actions, important opportunities and deadlines, and continued work to strengthen coherence and support across North Carolina’s teaching and learning system.
In this issue, we're featuring:
-
Key updates from the September 29–October 1 State Board of Education meeting, including approval of the K–12 Mathematics Standards, Competitive Speech and Debate and After-school Robotics grants, Exceptional Children Competitive Grant awards, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 19 competition.
-
The emerging North Carolina Teaching and Learning Framework, including highlights from the State Board work session and opportunities for CAOs and instructional leadership teams to continue helping shape a framework that connects statewide direction to core instruction and the student experience.
-
CAO Connect at NCCAT and our next Advisory meeting, including key themes we heard from CAOs around the Teaching and Learning Framework, Regional Support Model, Standards Implementation Specialists, and moving statewide work into district practice.
-
Important opportunities and deadlines for your teams, including the Khan Academic Support Program interest form by October 4, OALGE Autoenrollment in ELA Survey by October 16, NC Competency-Based Education Innovation Grant application by October 18, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 19 application by November 18.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the thoughtful input you continue to bring to this work. Together, we are strengthening the connections between statewide vision and district practice while staying focused on the experience we want for every student: Ignite Curiosity. Empower Voices. Accelerate Achievement.
Updated School Attendance and Student Accounting (SASA) Manual
This is a MUST HAVE resource for all charter school administrators.
2026-2027 SASA Manual
SAVE THE DATE for CSI-LP, CSI-LG, CSI-AT, & TSI-AT Convenings
Dear Charter or Lab School Leaders,
We are excited to announce that the Office of Federal Programs will host a series of in-person convenings for Public School Unit (PSU) leaders who support Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) / Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) schools! These sessions will provide an engaging opportunity to connect, collaborate, and prepare for the important work ahead. We are also pleased to welcome our colleagues from the Office of Accountability and Testing and the Office of Charter Schools, who will join us to share valuable information. Together, we will explore key topics related to CSI and TSI-AT schools, including the PSU Resource Allocation Reviews (RAR) that will begin in January 2027. Participants will leave with greater clarity, NCStar knowledge, and practical information to support their schools and prepare for the Resource Allocation Review (RAR).
We invite all leaders who contribute to decision-making regarding curriculum and instruction, finance, federal programs, testing, and accountability in support of CSI and/or TSI-AT schools.
Charter and Lab School Convenings:
- Monday, October 26 @ NCDPI in Raleigh, NC
OR
- Monday, November 16 @ Rowan-Salisbury Schools Central Office in Salisbury, NC
Please use the registration link below to select the date and location that fits your PSU and works best for your team. If you are unable to attend, please indicate that through the registration form as well.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP / REGISTER
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!
Just a few more days to register for the Fall 2026 Social Studies Leaders’ Institute!
The Fall 2026 Social Studies Leaders’ Institute registration closes October 13, 2026, and this is a meeting you do not want to miss!
This school year, SSLI has returned to its original fall gathering, giving social studies leaders an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and engage in professional learning early enough in the school year to put new ideas into action.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your leadership and leave with resources you can bring to your district or charter school, and strategic plans and ideas you can use right away! Go ahead and register and make plans to attend now!
-
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
-
Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
-
Where: In person at the Guilford County Schools Professional and Community Education Center (PCEC)
-
- Institute Theme: Leading Social Studies Forward: From Strategy to Impact!
- Featured leadership motivational speaker and general session presenter: Our own Dr. Keith Parker, former social studies teacher and curriculum leader. Dr. Parker is the current superintendent for the Elizabeth City Pasquotank Schools and a strong supporter and advocate for central office and building-level social studies leaders, and classroom teachers. You don’t want to miss his message and his motivational leadership session designed specifically to address the work of the social studies curriculum leaders implementing and supporting programs and initiatives in social studies.
We look forward to seeing you in Greensboro!
The Time is HERE! NEW PMR Detail Reports are LIVE!
New PMR reports came with the new version installed on the evening of October 1, 2026. There are a lot of new opportunities with the PMR Reports, but it is a LOT of information! To help keep you from being overwhelmed, there are a series of new articles to lead you through a process to use these reports to validate your PMR. You may use them as a reference (such as when you have a certain FATAL or WARNING error), or you can use it to lead you through the whole process. Please check them out at:
Principal's Monthly Report (PMR) | NC Department of Public Instruction
|
|
October 1, 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.
Prior Year Refunds Update - All PSUs
This week, we have processed all refund payments made in the Cash App as of September 30th. The next processing date will be October 30th. Penalties (PEN) accruing as of October 1 for unresolved or unpaid unspent days used (PYD) refunds have been uploaded into the refunds module.
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.
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, PYM, or PYS), we will not be able to provide a refund.
FY2026-27 Allotments - All PSUs
The following items are scheduled for allotment by end of week:
- PRC 0026 - McKinney - Vento Homeless Assistance Act - Approvals as of 10/1
- PRC 0060 IDEA – Group/Foster Home – Approvals as of 9/24
- PRC 0066 – Teacher Assistant Tuition Reimbursement – Approvals as of 9/28
- PRC 0089 – CWD Special State Reserve – Approvals as of 9/24
- PRC 0090 – CWD Group Homes, Foster Homes, or Similar Facilities – Approvals as of 9/24
- PRC 0092 – CWD Community Residential Centers – Approvals as of 9/24
- PRC 0101 – Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program
- PRC 0110 – 21st Century Community Learning Centers – Approvals as of 9/21
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 which ended September 30, 2026, please see the 9/24/26 or 9/17/26 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.
From the Office of Federal Programs - All PSUs
In-person Convenings for CSI-LP, CSI-LG, CSI-AT, & TSI-AT PSU Leaders
We are excited to announce that the Office of Federal Programs will host a series of in-person convenings for Public School Unit (PSU) leaders who support Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) / Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) schools! These sessions will provide an engaging opportunity to connect, collaborate, and prepare for the important work ahead. We are also pleased to welcome our colleagues from the Office of Accountability and Testing and the Office of Charter Schools, who will join us to share valuable information. Together, we will explore key topics related to CSI and TSI-AT schools, including the PSU Resource Allocation Reviews (RAR) that will begin in January 2027. Participants will leave with greater clarity, NCStar knowledge, and practical information to support their schools and prepare for the Resource Allocation Review (RAR). We invite all leaders who contribute to decision-making regarding curriculum and instruction, finance, federal programs, testing, and accountability in support of CSI and/or TSI-AT schools.
CSI / TSI-AT Convenings:
- Monday, October 26 @ NCDPI in Raleigh, NC for Charter/Lab Schools
- Tuesday, October 27 @ NCDPI in Raleigh, NC for District Leaders
- Monday, November 16 @ Rowan-Salisbury Schools Central Office in Salisbury, NC for Charter/Lab Schools
- Tuesday, November 17 @ NCDPI in Raleigh, NC for District Leaders
Please use the registration link to select the date and location that fits your PSU and works best for your team. If you are unable to attend, please indicate that through the registration form as well.
|
|
Deadline Reminders
ALL PSUs
|
DUE DATE
|
TOPIC
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
10/30/2026
|
Prior Year Refunds - October Processing |
10/01/2026
|
|
10/30/2026
|
SS-200 Full-Time Personnel Report |
09/17/2026
|
|
10/31/2026
|
School Nutrition Annual Financial Report (FC1-A) |
09/10/2026
|
|
12/31/2026
|
Expenditures for Ending Federal Grants |
08/20/2026
|
|
|
|
|
From the Center for Safer Schools
NOTE: To ensure that you receive communication from the Center for Safer Schools, please have your public school unit’s IT department whitelist both the cfssnc.gov domain and Constant Contact.
-
Trusted Adult
The Trusted Adult Workshop from Sandy Hook Promise is tailored to adults seeking to enhance their impact as Trusted Adults. Participants will identify key behaviors that exemplify a Trusted Adult when addressing warning signs or threats from youth.
The session is ideal for school staff including administrators, teachers, counselors, mental health specialists, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Teams and School Resource Officers.
Trusted Adult will be offered Wednesday, Nov. 4 at RISE Academy Southwest at Mitchell Community College in Statesville.
-
Building Resilience
Building Resilience from Sandy Hook Promise provides participants with strategies and resources to support the success of youth, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, trusting and collaborative environments.
The session is ideal for school staff including administrators, teachers, counselors, mental health specialists, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Teams and School Resource Officers.
Building Resilience will be offered Tuesday, Oct. 27 at RISE Academy Northwest at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine.
Questions: stephanie.cinque@sandyhookpromise.org
-
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:
-
Robeson Community College (Oct. 5)
-
Vance-Granville Community College (Oct. 14)
-
Haywood Community College (Oct. 22)
-
Mayland Community College (Oct. 27)
-
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. -
Life Changing Experiences
Please see the attached flyer and letter from Center for Safer Schools Executive Director Karen W. Fairley regarding our partnership with Life Changing Experiences. If you have questions, send an email to CFSS School Safety Strategic Coordinator John Van Arnam ( jvanarnam@cfssnc.gov). Thank you for supporting our efforts to end bullying and to create safer school climates.
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: Transporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
|
Charter School Compliance Forum: Best Interest & Dispute Resolution
Thursday, October 8, 2026
|
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
-
Gain insight into the 11 Principles of Character Education and practical ways to apply them in your school.
-
Be inspired by success stories from State and National Schools of Character and learn how they revitalized their school communities.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
-
Collaborate with educators from across North Carolina.
-
Strengthen your co-teaching practices using evidence-based strategies.
-
Develop classroom-ready resources to share statewide.
-
Grow as a teacher leader while making a lasting impact on multilingual learner instruction.
-
Receive sponsorship for approved costs related to required in-person meetings.
-
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
|
|
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
-.
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
|
|
When your school needs a teacher, NCVPS has you CoverEd
Whether it’s long-standing vacancies or an unexpected staffing gap, our team can step in quickly to provide full instructional support with licensed North Carolina teachers.
Schools across the state already rely on NCVPS’s CoverEd to keep learning on track for entire classes. Our licensed teachers paired with our flexible, high-quality online courses are a seamless solution that minimizes disruption and maximizes student success. Connect with us whether you need whole-class or individual student enrollments. We’re ready to help, and we’ve got you CoverEd.
Open a ticket with our Virtual Support Center or contact us at ncvpsinfo@ncpublicschools.org to talk about how we can best serve your school or district.
Want to explore more ways we can support your school?
Visit our Building Your Partnership with NCVPS page to discover how we can extend your team’s capabilities, expand course offerings, and strengthen student outcomes.
|
|
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
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
