CSMC

The countdown is on! Just 4 days until Kristin Nowak takes the stage at the California Charter Schools Conference in Long Beach! Kristin will be sharing insights on “Creating Impactful Charter Renewal Narratives with Data”—you won’t want to miss it!

When: Tues. February 24th @ 2:50 PM
Where: 201B, Long Beach Convention Center

☕ Headed to CCSA? Coffee’s on us!
Stop by CSMC Booth #800 for coffee and conversation on Tuesday & Wednesday (2/24–2/25), 10am–2pm. Whether you’re between sessions or want to chat about your school’s goals, we’d love to see you.

The countdown is on! Just 6 days until Kristin Nowak takes the stage at the California Charter Schools Conference in Long Beach! Kristin will be sharing insights on “The School Success Trifecta: Money, Kids & Facilities”—you won’t want to miss it!

When: Tues. February 24th @ 11 AM
Where: 101B, Long Beach Convention Center

We’re thrilled to share our new partnership with Ascend Charter Group (ACG)—a venture led by Tom Nichols and supported by Sandro Lanni that expands the way we support charter schools. From easing the burden of bureaucracy and external demands to assisting during crises, ACG helps leaders stay focused on what matters most: students and strong, resilient schools.

Read the full announcement: https://qrco.de/bgI6mT

📌 CA Charter School Compliance: Don't miss these key dates.

✅ Prop 28 Certification
Certify use of arts education funds via the CDE (https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/prop28artsandmusicedfundingfaq.asp). No board approval required.

✅ LCAP Approval
Your Local Control and Accountability Plan is due **July 1** and **must be board approved**. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/lc/lcfffaq.asp )

✅ Preliminary Budget
Board-approved budget must be adopted by **July 1**. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fi/ir/budgetstatus.asp)

✅ Dashboard Local Indicators
Review and approve indicators in a public board meeting before submitting to the **CA School Dashboard**. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/localindicators.asp)

✅ ConApp / CARS Reporting
Ensure timely submission of Title funding reports via CARS. Check (https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/co/index.asp). Board approval may be required.

📆 Keep this checklist handy—and share it with your leadership team to stay compliant and confident.

📝 ConApp / CARS Reporting
Category: Federal Programs
Board Approval: ⚠️ May be Required (check LEA policy)
Action: Submit report forms via CARS

The CARS system is how LEAs apply for Title funding and report usage. Submission deadlines vary—don't delay.

🔗 https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/co/index.asp

📊 Dashboard Local Indicators Report
Category: Accountability & LCFF
Board Approval: ✅ Required
Due Date: Varies (before fall Dashboard submission)

Local Indicators must be reviewed and approved in a public board meeting before being submitted through the California School Dashboard.

🔗 https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/localindicators.asp

💰 Preliminary Budget Approval
Category: Finance
Board Approval: ✅ Required
Due Date: July 1

All LEAs must adopt a Preliminary Budget by July 1 each year. Make sure it’s board-approved to stay compliant.

🔗 https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fi/ir/budgetstatus.asp

📅 Approval of LCAP
Category: Finance & Planning
Board Approval: ✅ Required
Due Date: July 1

Charter schools must adopt a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) by July 1, using the official CDE template.

🔗https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/lc/

🎨 Prop 28 Annual Certification
Category: Finance
Board Approval: Not Required ✅

Each year, LEAs must certify that Prop 28 funds are being used to support arts education. Submit your certification via the Arts & Music in Schools Portal.

🔗FAQ: https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/prop28artsandmusicedfundingfaq.asp

Our final San Diego webinar is just around the corner! Join us to explore essential topics on school accountability:

🏛️ Levels of Accountability: Understand how Federal, State, County, District, and School levels interact.
📊 CALPADS/Dashboard: Dive into the data that drives your school’s performance.
📝 SARC, LCAP, Local Indicators: Learn to navigate and leverage these key reporting tools.
💰 Budgeting & Audits: Master the financial side of accountability to ensure compliance.

📅 Date: September 18 @ 9am
🔗 Register Now: https://bit.ly/3WDmh90
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your school’s accountability practices! 🎯

🎉 Exciting news! Susan Lefkowitz from CSMC will present at alongside Kimberly Palmore. Don’t miss their session on Governing Board Fiscal Training. Charter Schools Development Center