Pub. 1 2011-2012 Issue 2

5 T’S By DeLaina Tonks, Board Chair | UAPCS BOARD Message UTAHASSOCIATIONOF PUBLICCHARTER SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: SUSIE ASHLIMAN GERRY HASSELL TINA SMITH LINCOLN FILLMORE JESSIE KIDD DELAINA TONKS SONIA WOODBURY STAFF CONTACT INFO: CHRIS BLEAK, PRESIDENT 801-680-8141 CHRISRBLEAK@UTAHCHARTERS.ORG TWITTER: @UTAHCHARTERS FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/UAPCS WWW.UTAHCHARTERS.ORG I t has been a thrill to watch the legislative session unfold this year! After creating our strategic plan last year we knew great things lie ahead. We went into the Legislative Session with high hopes and while there were a few bumps in the road charter schools came out on top. We secured $2.5 million in start up grants for new charter schools and $3 million in one-time monies for the charter school moral obligation fund. Other than these charter school only dollars, the WPU value increased by $239 and growth was fully funded for administrative costs and local replacement funding. Beyond the money, which we have a tendency to focus most of our energy on, we were also able to make some positive policy changes. HB 500 requires the State Office to look at reports and minimize the number you are required to file, we also were able to make some changed in teacher licensing rules as well as increase preferences for charter enrollment. With a historic legislative year, we now look forward to our continued growth. This Fall four new charter schools will open across the state. The State Charter School Board approved six new charters (waiting on the State Board’s final approval) to open in Fall 2013. Granite School District also chartered a school that will open this Fall. We are also looking forward to our upcoming annual confer- ence. We are anticipating our largest conference ever on June 12-13 at the South Towne Expo Center. We have an entire day dedicated to board members, directors, and business managers. We are bringing in national experts from across the county to share best practices, inspire and help you succeed. We hope you will join us. We are committed to providing networking opportunities, train- ings, and advocacy for board members, directors, teachers, and stakeholders of charter schools. We stand in awe at your work and dedication. If you have anything you would like to share with us, please email us at: board@utahcharters.org