BACONTON COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL Est. 2000 Home of the 'BCCS Blazers
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THIS AGREEMENT AND CHARTER (“Agreement”)

executed this 12^th day of October, 2004, by and between the Mitchell County Board of Education (hereinafter “Board”), the Georgia State Board of Education (hereinafter “State Board”) and Baconton Parents and Citizens for Better Education, Inc. (hereinafter “Charter School” or “BCCS”).

In consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties, and agreements contained herein and for other good and lawful consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

(1) Provide the name of a primary contact for the petitioner. 

            Lynn Pinson

            Administrator, Baconton Community Charter School

(2) Specify the proposed duration of the charter. 

This agreement shall commence on July 1^st, 2005, and shall expire at midnight, June 30^th, 2010, unless terminated or extended pursuant to the terms herein. The proposed duration of the charter of BCCS is five years beginning with the academic year of 2005-2006 and subject to renewal in accordance with O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-2064.  This charter is subject to renewal in its entirety in five year increments with consent of the Mitchell County Board of Education and the Georgia State Board of Education.

 (3) Describe the school’s mission. 

            The mission of Baconton Community Charter School is to provide a safe, nurturing atmosphere in which to guide a diverse student body in the development of character and academic potential through a rigorous, content-rich, hands-on curriculum and on-going character enrichment that leads to an understanding of virtuous behavior and civic responsibility.  High standards of teaching, study, and conduct, standards which lead to academic excellence and strong moral fiber, are central to the mission of BCCS. Parental involvement is critical to the BCCS mission.

            Baconton Community Charter School desires to create a sense of community in each student, teacher and parent by encouraging fellowship and participation, with all working toward common goals.  In this respect, the term Community in the school’s name shall refer to this sense of association, as opposed to a particular geographic area.  In addition, the school desires to create goodwill relationships with persons not directly associated with the school, also encouraging and welcoming their fellowship and participation in the school.

It is the philosophy of BCCS that children supported by family and community can learn to their maximum potential when offered a rigorous, content-rich, hands-on curriculum through stimulating teaching in a safe and nurturing environment.  It is fundamental that BCCS continue to develop the warm, friendly family atmosphere that is one of the hallmarks of the school. Such an atmosphere allows children to feel safe and cared for, lends itself to a positive learning environment and allows focus on a challenging curriculum. 

BCCS will continue to provide parents an unprecedented opportunity for involvement in the structure and operation of their children’s school.  BCCS is governed by a Governing Board, the majority of which is comprised of parents or guardians of students attending BCCS.

Our school was founded upon the simple premise that accountability for educational excellence should rest with the parents and guardians of those being educated.  It was not a new concept.  In fact, it was once a rich tradition in America that people, not “systems”, controlled the educational development of children.  Based upon a very clear mandate from our community to improve the quality of the educational experience, and with guidance from the State of Georgia, and assistance from the Mitchell County School Board, we intend to continue doing exactly that!

BCCS will continue to embrace and encourage family participation in the educational experience.  Believing that parental involvement is the key to a successful school and to the academic success of each child, parents, guardians or mentors of each student are asked to sign and comply with the BCCS Family Contract to volunteer at the school.  BCCS desires that parents volunteer a minimum of ten hours of service to the school each quarter, with single parents volunteering five hours each quarter.  Each family is viewed as a resource for the educational experience of BCCS.  Families bring a multitude of talents; they are expected to share their careers, talents, expertise, abilities, time and ideas with the students, faculty and Governing Board of BCCS.  Whether repairing and maintaining facilities, reading a storybook to a group of students, baking goodies for the Fall Festival, supervising a playground activity, or mowing the lawn and weeding the flowerbeds, every parent is welcomed and encouraged to be a part of their child’s education by spending time on the campus in a helping capacity.  Parental participation options include tasks that can be completed during school hours, in the evening, and on weekends.  In the event a parent or guardian faces a period during which volunteer hours would place undue hardship on the family, the parent or guardian may request exemption from the requirement for an agreed upon period of time. 

BCCS will offer a mentoring program whereby a relative or member of the community may sponsor a student and sign the BCCS Family Contract along with the parents or guardian. The mentor would support the student by assisting the family in meeting the obligations of the Family Contract.  Mentors will assist individual students and not groups of students.

The founders desired to encourage good citizenship, believing that education is an important step in producing top-quality citizens that can become the leaders of the community in future years.  We must prepare today’s students for lifelong accomplishment and commitment to civic responsibility.

(4) Describe the students to be served, including the students with special needs and disabilities. 

BCCS shall enroll students as provided in O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-2066.  Students shall be accepted into the charter school based solely on the submission of a timely application.  The charter school will accept students of all races and will accept students with special needs and disabilities. Each student with special needs and disabilities will have his/her needs assessed through collaboration with the Director of Special Education at the Mitchell County Board of Education and the administration of BCCS.  This collaboration will serve to ensure that the most appropriate and beneficial learning environment for the student is recommended.  Each student’s needs shall be addressed using the least restrictive environment.  In order to ensure that the requirements of IDEA are met, BCCS will work closely with the Director of Special Education Services at the Mitchell County Board of Education. BCCS, in compliance with state regulations, will implement a Student Support Team (SST) process to identify and plan alternative instructional strategies for students experiencing academic and/or behavioral problems prior to or in lieu of a referral to special education.  In meeting the needs of these students, BCCS will design and implement a comprehensive strategy that incorporates the following ideas:

            A focus on early intervention and identification of needs

A process that moves quickly, benefiting the student by reducing the delay for testing

Professional development for “regular” education teachers that supports accommodating various student needs through instructional modifications

Opportunities for each student to remain in the least restrictive environment when it is developmentally and academically appropriate

Necessary resources and support for special education teachers and staff to do their jobs well

Extensive training for teachers in research-supported teaching strategies to provide students with clear, consistent delivery of information in all content areas

A belief that traditional classroom teachers are vital in the education process of students with special needs, and they will serve as active participants in all aspects of meeting the instructional needs of all these students

BCCS will participate in an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program in accordance with Georgia Department of Education guidelines to meet the needs of qualifying students.

BCCS will provide a quality gifted education program to all eligible students in compliance with rules and regulations of the State of Georgia.  An individualized plan will be developed for all students who meet state requirements.  BCCS may seek to cluster gifted students, as well as teach across grade levels in its gifted program.

(5) Describe the ages to be included. 

Admission age requirements will be met according to O.C.G.A. 20-2-150.  The duration of this charter will include students who are eligible to attend grades pre-kindergarten through twelfth.

(6) Describe the grades to be included in the charter school. 

BCCS will include the Georgia Pre-Kindergarten Program through grade 12.

(7) Describe how the charter school will provide state and federally mandated services for students with disabilities. 

BCCS will focus on early identification and intervention of children with learning, physical, and behavioral difficulties.  In accordance with federal regulations, BCCS will comply with all applicable requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).  Children with disabilities who attend BCCS and their parents will retain all rights under Part B of the IDEA.  For example, all students with disabilities attending the charter school will receive services in accordance with a properly developed Individualized Education Program (IEP), and all procedural safeguards will be met in terms of provisions such as parental consent and written notice of meetings.  Qualified personnel will provide all special education services.   All identified special education students will have a current eligibility report developed according to state and federal regulations.  In collaboration with the Mitchell County Director of Special Education, BCCS will provide all required state and federally mandated services for special education students by using contracted specialists, part time staff or full time staff certified in the appropriate fields required.

 (8) Describe the focus of the curriculum.

            The BCCS curriculum focuses on reading. Reading instruction begins with learning to read, followed by reading to learn, and learning through literature and the content areas.  Attention to both decoding and comprehension skills will insure that BCCS students become proficient readers.  Specific reading instruction begins at the kindergarten level and continues throughout all elementary grade levels, with remediation available to students who may enter at any grade level unable to demonstrate reading proficiency.  In addition, further development of reading skills will be emphasized in the middle and high school courses.

            Additional focus will be placed on developing proficiency in all subject areas including math, language, science and social studies.  Critical thinking and problem solving skills will be addressed.

(9) Describe the instructional methods to be used. 

            BCCS will use Direct Instruction, a teaching method combined with curricular materials. Direct Instruction has evolved from a theory of instruction developed by Dr. Siegfried Engelmann of the University of Oregon.  Direct Instruction has been the focus of much research over the past 30 years, beginning with Project Follow Through, a large-scale federal research project that funded and examined a variety of approaches to educating disadvantaged students.  The Project Follow Through evaluation found that Direct Instruction was the most effective model in all three areas studied:  basic skills (reading, language, math, and spelling), cognitive skills, and affective behavior.  Studies have shown Direct Instruction to be highly effective for both regular education and special education students, as well as with both elementary and secondary students.  Direct Instruction, commonly abbreviated DI, “is one specific model of teacher-directed explicit instruction aimed at increasing not only the amount of learning but also the quality by systematically developing important background knowledge and explicitly applying it and linking it to new knowledge.”  DI is distinguished from other approaches “by its emphasis on both the importance of instruction (how a student is taught) and the importance of curriculum design (what the student is taught, in what order). The goal of DI is to accelerate student learning by maximizing efficiency in the design and delivery of instruction.  Efficiency is achieved when students generalize beyond the specific material in the lesson.”

(10) Describe any distinctive or unique instructional techniques or educational programs to be employed. 

Throughout the elementary grades, Direct Instruction programs in reading, language and spelling will be used.  Also, a math program using a similar philosophy and instructional method will be used.  The scripted lessons enable each group of students to have access to the same high quality instruction.

Though curricular materials for DI are available mostly for elementary levels of reading, spelling and language, and for remedial reading at the middle and high school levels, BCCS desires to incorporate the philosophy and delivery features of Direct Instruction into the middle and high school courses by training teachers to use the methodology. Delivery features include rapid pacing, choral group responses interspersed with individual turns, corrective feedback, re-teaching, reinforcement, review and practice, progressing from teacher-directed instruction to independent application, with ongoing monitoring of student progress and performance. 

Students are placed at appropriate instructional levels based on performance, so those who learn rapidly are allowed to accelerate and those who need additional assistance receive it.  For students entering BCCS without proficient reading skills, a Direct Instruction reading program will be available.

Course offerings at the middle and high school levels will have a strong academic focus, centering on the basics, including math, language, literature, science and social studies. Each student will have access to the required courses for high school graduation. Where possible, electives in the fine arts and technology will be made available to students.

BCCS will operate on a seven period daily schedule.  In most cases, one-credit courses will span the entire school year. BCCS may elect from time to time to offer block style scheduling for selected courses, providing a two period class in which a full credit may be earned in one semester.  High school students will have the opportunity to earn seven credits each year.  The yearlong course plan is in keeping with the Direct Instruction philosophy in that repetition and practice over a period of time is necessary in order to ensure content mastery and to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.  BCCS believes that students must have ample opportunities to practice their learning so that what they learn may become part of who they are.

Incorporation of technology instruction and use into the regular course content will ensure that students have access to the most modern instructional practices, as well.  With internet access in all classrooms and laptop computers for student use, BCCS students will be well-equipped for the future.

Yet another feature of the BCCS experience is student uniforms.  BCCS students will continue to wear the official school uniform adopted by the Governing Board.  Research has shown that uniforms aid in orderliness and in maintaining a positive school climate.  At BCCS, uniforms have proven to be beneficial.  After becoming accustomed to them, even the most opposed students have admitted that they like uniforms because they “put everybody on the same level.  You don’t know who has money and who doesn’t, who lives in a fancy, two-story brick house and who lives in a dilapidated singlewide.”  Others have said, “It’s so easy.  I don’t have to think about what to wear in the mornings.”  Parents have said that it’s much less expensive to outfit students in the uniform than in regular clothing, and that uniforms help alleviate the morning arguments over what to wear.

(11) Describe the credits or units to be earned in the charter high school. 

            In accordance with Rule 160-4-2.46, one Carnegie unit per yearlong course will be awarded.  One-half credit will be awarded for semester courses.  Yearlong courses will consist of a minimum of 150 clock hours of instruction, with semester courses consisting of a minimum of 75 clock hours. Semester long block courses will consist of a minimum of 150 clock hours and be awarded a full Carnegie unit. Appropriate courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education & health, and foreign language will be offered.

(12) Describe what completion credential will be awarded in the charter high school. 

            At the completion of the high school experience, students may receive one of the following: 

1.                              The High School Diploma will be awarded to students who have satisfied attendance requirements, Carnegie unit requirements and state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1.07 Testing Programs – Student Assessment.  In accordance with Rule 160-4-2-46 High School Graduation Requirements, students completing the Technology/Career Preparatory program and/or the College Preparatory program will have a seal placed on the diploma signifying the course of study. Students completing either or both of these programs with Distinction will receive a seal indicating such.

2.                              The High School Certificate will be awarded to students who do not complete all of the criteria for a diploma, but meet all requirements for attendance and Carnegie units.

3.                              The Special Education Diploma will be awarded to students with disabilities who have completed their Individualized Education Program (IEP), but have not met the state assessment requirements outlined in Rule 160-3-1-07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment, or who have not completed all of the requirements for a high school diploma.

(13) Designate the performance to be improved. 

Student performance in reading will be the targeted area for improvement.  Only by first becoming proficient readers can students excel in other areas of academic study.

(14) Describe how the charter school will measure the improvement in the designated performance. 

Each year BCCS students will take the Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition to measure their academic progress.  For each grade level, the expected annual average percentile scores in reading and math will be equal to or greater than the following levels:

                        Kindergarten                                        75%ile

                        First Grade                                           70%ile

                        Second through fifth grades                   60%ile

                        Sixth through twelfth grades                  60%ile

These average grade level scores will include regular education students enrolled for the entire school year.

Additionally, BCCS students will take state-mandated testing, which is currently the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT).  It is expected that 90% of students enrolled for the entire school year in regular education at BCCS will meet or exceed the performance standards on the CRCT in reading and math each year. 

Each student’s success is vital.  Therefore, results from the Stanford 9 and CRCT will drive decisions regarding individual students.  For those students who do not meet standards on the CRCT and/or those who score below the 50^th percentile on the Stanford 9, a Student Support Team (SST) will meet to identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses and establish a Student Improvement Plan (SIP) with individualized performance goals.

BCCS recognizes that the research-based reading instruction program that is the core of the BCCS curriculum has attracted many students who have not been successful in other settings.  This has resulted in a growing population of at-risk students, including not only those eligible for special education services, but also those whose health impairments significantly affect their ability to learn, those who are classified as slow learners, and those who have fallen far below grade-level performance.  BCCS expects to assist these learners through early identification, appropriate placement within the curriculum, and intensive instruction.

BCCS will regularly monitor individual student progress.  Individual student records indicating the date of entry into the program, baseline curriculum levels at which the student entered the programs, results of all standardized testing, and average daily attendance will be monitored for progress.

(15) Describe over what period of time the performance will be improved.

Though BCCS will test students annually and monitor student performance, the improvement trend will be plotted over a period of five years.  It is at that time that global judgments as to the effectiveness of the program should be made.

(16-18) Describe how the performance will be improved through the waiver, in whole or in part, of specifically identified state and local rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, or provisions of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia, other than the provisions of the Charter School Act of 1998.  Describe how the waiver does not undermine, and is consistent with, the intent of the waived state and local rules, regulations, policies and procedures, or the provisions of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia.

            As proposed in Section 20-2-2061 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated

(Charter School Act of 1998), BCCS proposes to substitute an academic based contract (its Charter) which shall be approved by both the Georgia State Board of Education and the Mitchell County Board of Education in lieu of state and local rules, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures not specifically applicable to schools chartered under the Charter School Act of 1998 effective July 1, 1998, and as it may be amended.

 The waiver will specifically allow Baconton Parents & Citizens for Better Education, Inc. to continue operating a school in the north Mitchell County attendance zone for those who choose to attend the school.  Mitchell County parents will continue to have a choice as to whether to send their children to the nearby Baconton Community Charter School or to the traditional Mitchell County schools located in the county seat of Camilla.  In counties with larger populations, parents may choose schools based upon where they choose to live within a county or city.  Prior to the establishment of BCCS, Mitchell County parents did not have a school choice because of centralization of services.

It should also be noted that this waiver allows BCCS to continue implementing the Direct Instruction curriculum, regardless of the curriculum employed by other schools in the system.  This research based instructional program requires teaching students at their individual ability levels, a method not typically available without the waiver.  BCCS remains accountable for the academic performance of its students and must be allowed to select the curriculum and instructional methods which will lead to the highest achievement.

Furthermore, the waiver allows the school to operate more efficiently than it would otherwise.  BCCS will continue to employ faculty members who are multi-talented, thus offering more flexibility and efficiency of resources.  BCCS will continue to have the freedom to hire the best candidates for the positions it fills, regardless of certification. Believing in the principles of the charter school, having a clear understanding of the school’s mission, and possessing a personal & professional standard of excellence are critical to the continued success of the school.  Eliminating unnecessary administrative positions that weigh heavily on a budget are possible through the waiver.

Additionally, BCCS will continue to seek innovative means to improve student achievement, encourage further parental and community involvement, reduce expense, and forever change the outlook for public education in this community.

To achieve these goals, BCCS must continue to operate under the waiver allowed by the provisions of the Charter School Act of 1998.

BCCS will not waive the accountability provisions of O.C.G.A. Section 20-14-30 through Section 20-14-41.

Without limiting the provisions of O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-2065(a)(4) and to clarify the applicability of certain provisions, BCCS and its employees shall be expressly entitled to the protections afforded by the following code sections as are now or hereafter may be in effect:

1.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-780, Change of Custody

2.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-773, Student Health Services

3.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-795, Reporting of Crimes

4.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-1180, Loitering Upon School Premises

5.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-1181, Disruption of Public School

6.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-1182, Persons Other than Students who Insult Teachers

7.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-1184, Reporting of Student Committing Prohibited Acts

8.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-1195, School Safety Rules

9.      O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-1000, Limitation of Civil Damages for Disciplining Student

10.  O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-1001, Definition of Educator and Immunity from Criminal Liability

11.  O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-210, Annual Performance Evaluations and Confidentiality of Such Evaluations

12.  O.C.G.A. Section 20-2- 506, Multi-Year Lease Purchase Contracts

13.  O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-720, Inspection of Student Records by Parents

14.  O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-999 through 20-2-994, Non-Waiver of Immunity and Liability Insurance

 (19) Specify the proposed attendance zone for the school. 

The Baconton Community Charter School attendance zone is included in the attached map (Appendix 1).  Students residing within these defined areas and/or have these defining highways as their registered addresses will be considered eligible for priority enrollment.  Proof of residence will be required in the form of the following:

·        Voter registration

or two of the following:

·        Power bill

·        Phone bill

·        Water bill

(20) Describe the rule and procedures concerning admission of students.

BCCS will accept students into its program as provided in O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-2066.  In accordance with the Charter School Act of 1998, BCCS shall enroll any student who resides in the school system in which BCCS is located (Mitchell County) and who submits a timely application as specified in the charter. BCCS shall give enrollment preference to students who reside in the attendance zone (North Mitchell County Attendance Zone).  Should the number of applications exceed the capacity of a program, class, grade level or building, students shall have an equal chance of being admitted through a random selection process. BCCS will advertise its enrollment window for priority students in a variety of ways including but not limited to:      

·        Announcement printed on the City of Baconton water bill

·        Announcement and applications placed in all area churches

·        Announcement and applications placed in local businesses

·        Announcement placed in the local newspaper

·        A community open-house during the enrollment window

The enrollment procedure involves three different phases:

1.      Enrollment of currently enrolled BCCS students and siblings

2.      Random selection process for students in the North Mitchell County  Attendance Zone

3.      Random selection process for students living outside the attendance zone but within the Mitchell County School District

Letters of intent for currently enrolled students and their siblings will be issued during the first two weeks in February.  These letters will be processed to determine the number of available student spaces for the coming year.  The enrollment window to participate in the random selection process will begin on the first Monday in February and continue through the first Saturday in March.  Applications may be submitted through the mail or hand delivered to the school office.  On the first Saturday in March at 12:00 P.M. the enrollment window will close and all applications will be processed.  If more applications have been submitted than available slots allow, a random selection process will immediately be held.  This process will be open to the public for viewing. These students will be properly placed on the class roster or on a waiting list by order of the random selection process.   Priority enrollment will be given to employee’s children, siblings of currently enrolled students and to students residing in the attendance zone.

(21)Describe the rules and procedures concerning student discipline.

(22)Describe the rules and procedures concerning student dismissal.

(23)Describe the rules and procedures concerning student Code of Conduct.

BCCS’s Conduct Code (Appendix 2 ) will be treated as an inseparable part of BCCS’s character curriculum.  The Conduct Code, (BCCS’s statement of rules and consequences) is intended as one method to instill virtues of character.  Each family will be provided a copy of the Conduct Code and asked to sign and support the Conduct Code.  The Conduct Code shall govern every student attending BCCS and consequences stated in the Conduct Code will be enforced by the teachers, Administrator, and Governing Board.  The Administrator and Governing Board of BCCS will have the authority to suspend or expel a student from BCCS if the student’s behavior violates the Conduct and Discipline Code and/or the parent, guardian, or mentor fails to take responsibility for the conduct of the student or fails to cooperate with the school in efforts to correct the student’s behavior.  Parents, guardians, and mentors of a student will be provided five days written notice (mailed to the address provided by the parents, guardian, or mentor) of the date upon which the Governing Board of BCCS will vote upon a recommendation to expel the student and will be provided an opportunity to speak to the Governing Board of BCCS on behalf of the student. 

BCCS will use a uniform discipline report that indicates the student’s name, violation, and the action taken to discipline the student.  After a student has been written up twice for any of the major violations listed in the Conduct Code, he/she will be placed on a Discipline Contract. 

The Academic and Discipline Committee will use a Discipline Contract to hold BCCS students accountable for their behavior.  This contract is a signed document involving the student, the parents, and the Administrator.  This contract indicates problems, goals, and consequences for the student.  Regular meetings with the student will be held with the Academic and Discipline Committee in a determined effort to redirect the student’s behavior in a positive direction.  BCCS will follow a “three strikes-you’re out” policy.  If a student is in violation of his/her contract three times, he/she will be recommended to the Governing Board for expulsion.  For each strike, parents will be contacted by the disciplinary committee.  In-school suspension and/or out of school suspension may be assigned as a consequence for each individual strike.

The following violations may result in an automatic recommendation for expulsion:

1.      Possession of weapons and/or dangerous instruments on campus or during school sponsored events

·        Guns

·        Knives

·        Any device that can be used as a weapon

2.      Possessing or being under the influence of narcotics, alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco products

3.      Pregnancy (male or female involved)

4.      Threats or assaults against any employee or volunteer of BCCS

5.      Damage, destruction, or theft of property

6.      Arrest and conviction of any student while on or off campus

Academic Contracts will also be used for students who are not performing up to their potential.  If any student is failing two or more subjects at a nine week grading period, he/she will meet with the Academic and Disciplinary Committee to determine potential causes for the failing grades.  Should the failing grades be determined to be the result of the student’s work ethic and attitude, that student will be placed on an academic contract.  Once a student is on an Academic Contract, he/she will be required to improve all grades to a C or better during the next nine week grading period.  Tutoring is offered at BCCS for students in need.  A Homework Lab is provided for students who need extra help in completing assignments.  If a student on Academic Contract does not improve his/her grades, a recommendation will be given to appear before the BCCS Governing Board to determine future enrollment privileges. 

Students on Disciplinary and Academic Contracts will remain under contract for the duration of the school year.  Students under contract may enter the next year on a probationary period of four weeks, at which time their contracts and progress will be evaluated.  If the student has successfully attended the first four weeks with no disciplinary violations or failing grades, the contract will be terminated. 

All recommendations for expulsion and Board referrals will be at the discretion of the Administrator.

As stated in O.C.G.A. 20-2-2066, a student may withdraw without penalty from BCCS at any time and enroll in the Mitchell County School System pursuant to local policies of the Mitchell County Board of Education.  A student who is suspended or expelled from BCCS as a result of a disciplinary action taken by BCCS shall be entitled to enroll in the Mitchell County School System, if, under the disciplinary policy of the Mitchell County School System, such student would not have been subject to suspension or expulsion for the conduct which gave rise to the expulsion or suspension. 

(24)Will you utilize a local school council, as provided for in O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-85?  

BCCS will not utilize a school council, but will utilize a local governing board elected by the parent body.

(25) If you will use another similar board, state that it will be subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A. Section 50-18-70 et seq. (Open and Public Meetings).

BCCS will utilize a local governing board.  This body will conduct all manners of business in accordance with O.C.G.A. Section 50-18-70 which defines the characteristics of Open and Public Meetings.

(26) If you will use another similar board, state that it will be subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A. Section 50-18-70 et seq. (Inspection of Public Records).

The local governing board of BCCS will be subject to the inspection of all public records as stated in O.C.G.A. Section 50-18-70. 

(27) Describe the board’s role.

It is the intention of the school founders to have a governing board that serves and is accountable to the parents, faculty, students, and community. The Governing Board shall execute its primary role as the policy maker of the school with the intentions to always represent the desires and concerns of all whom it represents.  It is not the intention or desire to micro-manage the charter school, but to carefully and thoughtfully create the policies that will dictate the daily functions of the school. The Governing Board shall oversee the selection process of the administrator.  Upon the selection of the administrator, the Governing Board will issue to the administrator the authority to manage and implement the policies and practices of the Board within the confines and dictates of the charter and by-laws.  The administrator will report directly to the Governing Board of Directors and seek their advice and guidance on all issues of policy and procedures. 

(28) Describe the board’s function. 

The Governing Board shall be ultimately responsible for the management and the overall operations of BCCS and shall have the authority to independently exercise, consistent with federal and state law, including, but not limited to, the following powers and such other powers as provided elsewhere in the charter:

·        Upholding the mission and charter of BCCS

·        Establishing a yearly budget

·        Contracting for goods and services

·        Approving/disapproving recommendations made by the Administrative Staff in the area of hiring/firing and staff assignments

·        Dividing all responsibilities via committees, including, but not limited to:

o       Facilities

o       Curriculum

o       Student Issues

o       Budget

o       Personnel

·        Maintaining contact with state and local boards of education to ensure BCCS is abiding by current laws and terms of its charter agreement.

·        Representing the best interest of the students, staff, parents and community of BCCS.

·        Procuring insurance

·        Leasing and purchasing of facilities, equipment, supplies, and furniture for school purposes

·        Accepting and expending gifts, donations or grants of any kind in accordance with such conditions prescribed by the donor as are consistent with law and not contrary to any term of the Charter.  Written notification shall be given to the Mitchell County Board of Education of all accepted gifts, donations, and grants, and any conditions thereof, within thirty school days of receipt.

·        Approving/disapproving disciplinary action against staff and students upon recommendation of the Administrator or Discipline Committee.

·        Other items as required.

(29) Describe the board’s composition. 

The Governing Board of BCCS shall maintain a membership of ten members. This number can be changed, as necessary, through an amendment to the By-Laws.  The majority of its members shall be composed of parents or guardians of students enrolled at BCCS.  BCCS values and actively solicits the input of community leaders. Membership on the Governing Board is open to community leaders and their representation on the Board will always be highly encouraged. Because BCCS believes that its teachers and their input are the key to the school’s success, the faculty will elect a representative to serve on the Governing Board.  The Administrator will serve as an ex-officio member of the Board.

(30) Describe how members of the board should be selected. 

The Chairman of the Governing Board shall send a letter soliciting recommendations for directors to the parent body, the BCCS faculty/staff, and the current Governing Board.  A nominating committee appointed by the Chairman of the Governing Board will review the nominations and prepare a panel of qualified nominees.  This slate of nominees will be presented for election at the Annual Meeting of the parents which will be held on the second Thursday in May.  The nominees shall be present to address any questions and issues presented by the parent body.  Nominations from the floor shall also be accepted, providing the nominee is present to consent and address the parent body.  By secret ballot, one parent or guardian from each family shall have a vote for each Governing Board seat up for election.  The Governing Board will select the following officers to serve a one year term, beginning in June of each year: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.  These officers will be elected yearly at the June meeting of the Governing Board.

(31) Describe when the members of the board should be selected.

The directors of the Governing Board shall be elected each year at the annual meeting of the parents which shall be held the second Thursday in May.  The terms of the directors shall be three years.  The terms of the board members shall be staggered in an effort to provide consistency and stability in the leadership of the school. Any expired term shall be filled at the annual meeting.  Directors are eligible for re-election if re-nominated and elected by the parent body.  The new members shall take their seat at the June meeting of the Governing Board.  In the event of a dismissal or resignation from the Board, volunteers will be asked to apply, and a volunteer will be selected by a majority vote of the Governing Board.  The Governing Board, at its own choosing, can determine whether or not to reorganize the officers at the time of seating the new member.  Attendance at Governing Board Meetings is mandatory.  Missing three meetings in a row will result in immediate dismissal from the Governing Board.  If a child of a Governing Board member graduates during the term of the parent, the parent will be allowed to complete his or her term.  Should a child of a Board Member be expelled, the completion of the unexpired term will be at the discretion of the Governing Board.

(32-38) State that the charter school shall provide an annual report to: 

·        Parents or guardians of students attending the charter school

·        The local board

·        The State Board

·        The community

BCCS shall prepare an annual report concerning its operation, progress made toward improving education, policy development issues, student attendance and discipline information, and personnel matters.  This annual report will indicate the progress made in the previous year in meeting the performance based goals identified in the charter.  It will also include the state-mandated accountability indicators.  This written report shall be available for review one month after the receipt of all formal testing results.  This report shall be made available to the parents of the students attending BCCS, the Mitchell County Board of Education, the State Board of Education, the Office of Charter School Compliance and the community at large.

(39) Describe the proposed staff qualifications. 

It will always be the intent of BCCS to hire the most qualified personnel who also possess the innovative and creative spirit that encompass the charter school mission.  With this in mind, the qualifications of all instructors classified as lead teachers will include the minimum of a four year college degree and where possible, a demonstration of mastery in the field of teaching using the state administered certification test for specific content areas.

(40) Describe employee recruitment procedures. 

BCCS will accept applications for employment throughout the year via fax, mail, e-mail or in person.  After conducting an informal needs assessment for the following school year, BCCS will advertise potential positions in the local legal organ and in any other newspaper, professional magazine or appropriate website as it chooses.  In addition, notices concerning opportunities may be posted at colleges and universities.

(41) Describe hiring practices.

A leadership team comprised of faculty members and the Administrator shall review all applications for teachers, select those which most closely fit the predicted needs of the school, and conduct interviews with potential candidates.  After the interview, candidates may be encouraged to visit the school during the school day to observe classrooms, instructional and discipline practices, and to become more familiar with the operation of the school.  Promising candidates will be asked to read the charter and other guiding documents to gain a clearer perspective of the school’s mission, after which candidates may elect to have a follow-up meeting with the Administrator and/or the leadership team to clarify any questions or concerns.  At the discretion of the Administrator, applicants for paraprofessional and staff positions may be considered by only the Administrator or by the leadership team, as well.

BCCS affords equal opportunity to all qualified faculty and staff applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, or national origin, other than to the extent that sex or age is legally a necessary bona fide occupational qualification.

Through contracts with employees and its personnel policy, BCCS shall establish the terms of employment at BCCS including, but not limited to, hiring, work hours, duration of employment, termination of employment, training, evaluation and disciplinary action.  The terms and provisions of such contract form shall be subject to approval by the Mitchell County Board of Education and may be amended from time to time by agreement of BCCS and the Mitchell County Board of Education.  The contract form shall expressly provide the following:

1.      That each employee acknowledge that he/she is an at will employee, subject to termination with or without cause.

2.      That employment at BCCS shall not constitute any basis for tenure under any laws of the State of Georgia.

3.      That employee shall be employed upon recommendation of the BCCS Governing Board to the Mitchell County Board of Education.

4.      The Mitchell County Board of Education shall approve or deny this recommendation based upon BCCS’s compliance with the terms of this Charter and The Charter School Act of 1998 as amended in selecting employees, shall not attempt to amend or interfere with this Charter by denying approval and shall not unreasonably withhold approval of employees recommended by BCCS.

5.      Upon termination by BCCS, any such employee may apply for employment at the Mitchell County Board of Education on terms and conditions then available to others applying to the Mitchell County Board of Education in general.  That is, employees of BCCS, upon ceasing employment at BCCS, shall not be entitled to preference in employment by the Mitchell County Board of Education.

6.      Salary shall not be based upon State salary schedules, but shall be based upon terms and conditions as agreed upon between BCCS and the prospective employee. Terms and conditions of such employment may contain additional provisions agreed to by BCCS and the Mitchell County Board of Education.

7.            That the employee has waived any present due process rights in connection with termination other than those rights provided by the contract with BCCS or so provided in the school’s Personnel Policy.

All faculty, staff and persons who perform services for Baconton Community Charter School shall serve at the will of the Governing Board and shall be employed in accordance with such terms and conditions as are contained in the Personnel Policy, the Charter, or agreed to between BCCS and of such employees by written contract.  Continued employment at BCCS is subject to the continued need for services and satisfactory performance and conduct, all as determined by the Governing Board of BCCS.  Employment at BCCS will be “at will” and subject to termination at any time by either the employee or the Governing Board with or without cause with the notice period stated in the employment contract.  Any provisions of the Charter inconsistent with these provisions shall be deemed amended or modified.  Immediate discharge is generally observed for offenses which violate trust or simply cannot be tolerated, i.e. offenses for which the following are examples:

            Use of drugs or alcohol on campus

            Conviction of a felony crime

            Theft of any property

            Willful destruction of school property

Reporting to work under the influence of any alcoholic or illegal substance

Possession of firearms or other illegal weapons on school premises

Deliberately making or using false records, material requisitions, passes, etc.

Employees whose behavior and conduct are deemed to be detrimental to BCCS’s character curriculum will not be retained by BCCS.  Upon an employee’s termination, resignation or non-renewal from BCCS, BCCS will immediately notify the Mitchell County Board of Education of the employee’s change in employment and the conditions resulting in such action.

(42) Describe compensation. 

Compensation shall be negotiated by the Administrator and each employee.  Salaries shall not be based upon state salary schedules, but shall be based upon terms and conditions as agreed upon between BCCS and the prospective employee.  Terms and conditions of such employment may contain additional provisions agreed to by BCCS and the Mitchell County Board of Education.

            To the extent elected in writing by the Governing Board of BCCS, the employees who serve at BCCS shall be eligible in such programs and benefits as are made available to persons employed by the Mitchell County Board of Education in like positions in the Mitchell County School System, including, but not limited to, health insurance, disability or accident insurance, sick leave, vacation benefits, and retirement programs.  Unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, all benefit programs will be handled and administered by Baconton Community Charter School, employees will be entitled to sovereign immunity protection and coverage under any inter-local risk management or self-insurance fund which is available to or provided to any employees of the Mitchell County Board of Education.  Mitchell County Board of Education will provide to BCCS all information, policies, procedures, or manuals regarding any and all benefits available provided to other Mitchell County Board of Education employees to be distributed to BCCS employees.

All employees of BCCS will be entitled to elect to be members of the Georgia Teachers’ Retirement Program and subject to its requirements.

All employees of BCCS shall be entitled to the limitations on liability provided in O.C.G.A. Sections 20-2-1000 and 20-2-1001.

BCCS will administer payroll functions for its employees.  BCCS reserves the right to contract with a payroll service for this purpose.

(43) Describe employee evaluation procedures. 

The Governing Board of Baconton Community Charter School will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the school Administrator on an annual basis.  The school Administrator will be responsible for the evaluation of all school employees on an annual basis.

Evaluation of teachers may include, but not be limited to, classroom observations of instruction, a review of attendance and punctuality, parent and student satisfaction, student performance, and overall contribution to the school.

Specific evaluation criteria for other employees will be established by the school Administrator based upon the employee’s job description.

(44) State if you propose that students will be taught by individuals other than those certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

While Baconton Community Charter School recognizes the value of professional certification for its teachers, not all teachers at BCCS hold certification. 

(45) Describe the qualifications of your teachers. 

A large proportion of BCCS teachers hold professional certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.  Some faculty members hold master’s degrees and higher.  Additionally, several faculty members are enrolled in higher education courses working toward advanced degrees and add-on certificate fields. 

At BCCS, teachers are selected based on their demonstrated ability to engage students in the learning process in the most effective manner, no matter their degree field or certification.  Persons committed to the BCCS mission and philosophy of instruction may teach students.  In accordance with the federal legislation No Child Left Behind, teachers of academic subjects will hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.  BCCS may from time to time seek employees with experience from outside the realm of education in an effort to broaden the scope of experience for our students.  BCCS endeavors to meet the certification guidelines required by the Georgia Accrediting Commission for the category appropriate for charter schools.

BCCS provides professional training in Direct Instruction to all teachers and paraprofessionals.  BCCS has developed a cadre of DI coaches within its faculty.  These coaches have undergone additional training and are available on campus to address implementation issues and to provide ongoing classroom training in the proper use of the curriculum.

(46) State that all personnel employed by the charter school will be fingerprinted. 

All persons employed by Baconton Community Charter School will be fingerprinted.

(47) State that all personnel employed by the charter school will have a criminal record check prior to employment. 

All persons employed by Baconton Community Charter School will undergo a criminal background check prior to employment.

(48) Describe financial policies and procedures proposed that are to be followed by the charter school to assure sound fiscal management.

It is the firm commitment of the BCCS Governing Board to be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars which fund BCCS.  With this always in mind, BCCS will practice efficiency in all areas, but remain committed that first and foremost, the end result of every dollar that flows through this school is an investment in our future through a quality education for the students who are in attendance.  The policies and practices adopted by the BCCS Governing Board are in support of this belief.

Disbursements from BCCS operating account over the amount of $30,000 will require the signature of the Administrator and the Governing Board Treasurer.  BCCS reserves the right to re-allocate funds from one line item to another if purchasing practices or conservation result in expenditures more or less than that budgeted.

Should a deficit occur in any school year, BCCS will be responsible for managing, reducing, and/or eliminating said deficit, BCCS will be responsible for the sound fiscal management and will borrow money as required and will be fully responsible for its repayment.

BCCS retains the right to purchase goods and services through contracts in effect with the Mitchell County Board of Education and its vendors.  BCCS also reserves the right to obtain competitive bids and services when it is in the best interest of BCCS to do so, and to enter into purchasing contracts in substitution for or beyond those in place with the Mitchell County Board of Education.

Unless purchased under an existing Mitchell County Board of Education contract, contractual services and purchase of supplies, material, and equipment shall be procured through a system of competitive bidding for expenditures or purchases valued at greater than $10,000.00.

Services to the Mitchell County Board of Education available at low, reduced, or no cost will be made available to BCCS and the Mitchell County Board of Education will disseminate information about such goods and services to BCCS. 

Payments which are authorized by BCCS to be made through the Mitchell County Board of Education will be deducted from payments that are otherwise due BCCS.

(49) Describe financial policies and procedures proposed that are to be followed by the local board or state board to assure a predictable flow of funds to the charter school.

During the duration of this Charter, the Mitchell County Board of Education will provide funding to the school in the amount provided for in O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-2068 (1).  So long as BCCS is not in breach of the Charter, public funding will be made in monthly installments consistent with the fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2005. 

(50-51) Provide a financial plan for the first fiscal year.

  Provide a budget for the full term of the proposed charter.

Appendix 3

(52) Provide an estimate of all public and private dollars available per student. 

BCCS estimates an average amount of $4,100 dollars to be made available per pupil based on the QBE Funding Formula. Federal and State grant funds will be allocated based on the site’s eligibility for such funds consistent with the allocation methods for other schools. For Fiscal Year 2003-2004, Federal Grant funds in the amount of $78,813.58 were awarded.

(53) Provide an itemized list of working capital and assets, including cash, bonds, and real estate.

            Appendix 4

(54) Provide a monthly cash flow projection detailing revenues and expenditures. 

BCCS projects a monthly cash flow of $226,600 based on QBE Funding, Federal and State Grant Allocations. Monthly expenditures are projected in the amount of $216,950. (2005-2006)

(55) Provide all potential sources of funding that BCCS is actively pursuing.

BCCS will use as its primary source of funding the funds earned using the state’s QBE funding formula.  BCCS may accept charitable donations.  These donations will be available for audit.  Other funding sources will include monies earned by BCCS through federal grants allotted to the Mitchell County School System.  BCCS will pursue grants and corporate sponsors to fund the Accelerated Reader Program, the media center, the Extended Day Program and the interscholastic athletic and academic programs.

(56) Describe how annual financial audits will be conducted. 

BCCS agrees to maintain appropriate financial records in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, and make such records available to the Mitchell County Board of Education in accordance with their auditing and accounting procedures.  BCCS agrees to participate in the annual auditing process of the Mitchell County Board of Educations and reserves the right to secure an independent audit of its financial and administrative operations.  The results of this audit shall be shared between the BCCS Governing Board and the Mitchell County Board of Education.  Any cost associated with an independent audit authorized by BCCS Governing Board will be borne by BCCS.  Any cost associated with any audit required by Mitchell County Board of Education will be borne by the Mitchell County Board of Education.  Mitchell County Board of Education will provide necessary accounting codes and forms, etc., to facilitate any special request of said audits.

(57) Describe how the school will be insured.

BCCS will be insured with general liability insurance covering the premises and operations.  Property insurance will cover all buildings and its contents.  Workmen’s Compensation is covered by our payroll carrier, National Workforce, Inc. 

(58-59) Describe the terms and conditions of the insurance. 

 Describe the amounts of coverage of the insurance.

Without waiving any protections afforded public school employees under the doctrine of sovereign immunity or as otherwise protected by law, BCCS shall be insured as follows: 

The amounts of coverage of the insurance, property, contents and building are $452,000.00 with a $5,000 deductible.  The Liability Insurance information is as follows:

General Liability

Educator’s Legal Liability

BCCS shall indemnify and save and hold Mitchell County Board of Education, their partners, employees, officers, directors, subcontractors, and agents (collectively known as “Board Indemnitees”) harmless against any and all claims, demands, suits, costs, judgment or other forms of liability to third parties, actual or claimed, including reasonable attorney fees, for injury to property or persons (including but not limited to violations of civil rights), occurring or allegedly occurring, in connection with the operation of BCCS from conduct committed by BCCS, or by its employees, officers, directors, subcontractors or agents, during the term of this charter or any renewal thereof.  Upon a timely written notice from Mitchell County Board of Education, BCCS shall defend Mitchell County Board of Education in any such action or proceedings brought thereon.

Each party shall give prompt written notice to the other of the assertion of any claim or commencement of any litigation for which indemnification is sought and shall cooperate with the indemnifying party in the defense of the claim or litigation.

Except as expressly provided herein or in connection with insurance coverage required to be provided in the Charter Agreement by one party for the benefit of the other, each party shall be responsible for its own legal representation and legal cost.  Except where there is an actual or potential conflict of interest, BCCS and Mitchell County Board of Education shall fully cooperate with legal counsel for one another in connection with any legal claim asserted against either of them in connection with the charter.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, neither party shall settle or compromise any claim against the other without express written permission of that party.

This indemnification shall not apply to the extent that any claim, lien, demand, suit or liability results from the sole negligence or wrongful act or omission of any Board Indemnitees or from any act or omission of BCCS required by law or this Agreement.

Nothing herein shall waive the right of Board Indemnitees or BCCS employees and Governing Board Members to assert any statutory or legal defense of sovereign immunity or official immunity.

This indemnification, defense and hold harmless obligation shall survive the termination of this Agreement.  Any indemnified party shall have the right, at its own expense, to participate in the defense of any lawsuit, without relieving the indemnifying party of its obligation hereunder.

The parties expressly acknowledge that BCCS is not acting as the agent for Mitchell County Board of Education except as required by law or this agreement, and Mitchell County Board of Education assumes no loss or injury resulting from (1) the acts and omissions of BCCS, its directors, agents or employees or (2) any debt or contractual obligation incurred by BCCS.  BCCS acknowledges that it is without authority to, and will not, extend the faith and credit of Mitchell County Board of Education to any third party.

(60-61) Describe the facilities to be used and describe the location of the facilities. 

With grateful acknowledgment to the late Elizabeth Ford Leary, Baconton Community Charter School is housed in the charming 1940’s schoolhouse formerly known as Baconton Elementary School.  Located on historical Walton Street in the tiny southwest Georgia town of Baconton, this schoolhouse was void of schoolchildren for many years.  In fact, it had become an eyesore. 

The original petitioners were overwhelmed and delighted by Mrs. Leary’s generosity.  The facility was purchased by Mrs. Leary and donated to Baconton Parents and Citizens for Better Education, Inc. for the purpose of establishing a charter school in this community.  Soon after the first charter was approved, volunteers began the extensive cleanup and renovation needed to open the school in the fall of 2000.  Additional donations were sought from members of the community and businesses to purchase the supplies needed to bring the building up to code.  Baconton parents, grandparents and interested citizens proved their commitment to the charter school movement through their dedication and long hours of hard work.  With all talents pooled, the schoolhouse quickly took on a new life and soon welcomed the laughter and happy footsteps of children once again.

The large brick structure houses a 300+ seat auditorium, two offices, nine classrooms, boys and girls restrooms, and a faculty workroom and restroom.  Two additional concrete block buildings house six additional classrooms, restrooms and the school library. Currently, the school is leasing mobile units to house 18 additional classrooms, a lunchroom and a couple of offices.  The front campus is flanked by large oak trees providing shade for the two playgrounds.  A large open area is used by physical education classes.  The nearby Baconton Lions Ballpark, owned and managed by the City of Baconton, also is used during the school day and for athletic competitions.

Land adjacent to the school property is available for future classroom expansion. An athletic complex adjacent to U.S. 19 is under development by the Baconton Blazers Booster Club for use by the school’s athletic teams. The athletic complex land was purchased through a donation by the J. R. Miller family.  Donations continue to be sought for the completion of these projects.

(62) Attach documentation of ownership or lease of the facility. 

            Documentation of ownership of permanent structure---Appendix 5

            Documentation of lease of facilities---Appendix 6

(63) Attach certification that the building is in compliance with all building code standards and regulations, fire requirements, safety requirements, environmental requirements, and accessibility requirements. 

            Appendix 7

(64) If the facilities have not been obtained or the document is not available at the time the petition is submitted, provide a timeline for obtaining such facilities or providing such documentation.

            The documentation is provided for in number 63.

(65) Address whether transportation will be provided and if so, provide a brief description of the transportation program for the charter school. 

One of the many concerns addressed by the original petitioners was that children living in the northern part of Mitchell County boarded a school bus around 6:30 A.M. and traveled for over an hour before being dropped off at their school in Camilla, with the afternoon return trip taking just as long.  Parents were very concerned about the toll such a lengthy day was taking on their children.  By establishing a school much closer to their homes, parents would be able to bring their children to school in a more reasonable amount of time and still be able to get to their jobs on time.

It is most desirable that parents bring their students to school and, likewise, pick them up. This provides a greater connection between school and home, adding also to the sense of community. Parents and teachers have more opportunity to develop a relationship and work together for the benefit of the students when parents come to the campus regularly.   In addition, for students living within the town limits, all residential areas are within walking distance for those families wishing to incorporate physical fitness into their daily routine. 

Presently, Mitchell County Board of Education has elected to provide bus transportation for charter school students who reside in the priority attendance zone.  Should this policy continue, parents of BCCS students will make all transportation arrangements through the Mitchell County Board of Education. Parents must understand that the BCCS school calendar differs slightly from the Mitchell County School System calendar and bus transportation may not be available on some days during the school year.

In consideration of working parents, BCCS will continue to provide, free of charge to enrolled students, early morning care beginning at 7:00 A.M. and after school care until 6:00 P.M.  In this way, BCCS students remain in supervised activities while their parents are at work.

(66) Address whether food service will be provided and if so, provide a brief description of the charter school’s proposed food service program.

At this time, Baconton Community Charter School will not provide a food service program due to facility restrictions. The school will provide an area supplied with tables and seats, microwave ovens and a refrigerator.  Snacks and drinks will be for sale during the lunch hours and after school.

Parents will be expected to supply their children with a lunch from home or make arrangements with a local restaurant for delivery of a hot lunch for their children.  In this way, and in keeping with the school’s emphasis on developing productive, responsible citizens, parents are assuming responsibility for their children’s well-being.  Should this arrangement cause a hardship for any family, mentors will be assigned to assist the family in providing lunch for their children.

Mitchell County Board of Education has presently elected to provide a food service program at BCCS under USDA regulations.  Should this policy continue, BCCS will cooperate with the Mitchell County Board of Education in providing such a service by scheduling lunch times during the allotted time as space allows, reporting lunch counts each morning, providing space in the lunchroom area for necessary warming, refrigeration and storage areas, and providing electricity. 

(67) Describe how parents, members of the community and other interested parties were directly involved in developing the petition.

This petition is submitted as a renewal, therefore allowing the charter writers a broad base of interested parties from which to obtain valuable and experientially based input.  The parent body was surveyed using a written format to solicit opinions and ideas. To encourage parental support and input, volunteer hour credits were assigned to each family who completed the surveys and attended P.T.O. discussion forums.  The involvement of the teachers at BCCS was highly encouraged through written surveys and discussion forums.   Teachers were also represented on the different committees assigned to complete the charter writing process. 

(68) Describe how parents, members of the community, and interested parties will be involved in the school. 

·        Partnership with parents is first and foremost the key to the success of BCCS.  With that always in mind, the Governing Board, the administration, the faculty and the staff is committed to providing every avenue possible for parents to be active participants in their children’s education.  Volunteering by parents is a commitment made by all who choose BCCS.  Each family will be encouraged to donate forty hours per year of volunteer service.  Single parent families are encouraged to donate 20 hours per year. New Parent Orientation will be held each year to help parents learn how to be volunteers in the school. 

·        Parents, members of the community, and other interested parties will be involved in the control and management of the charter school by participation or representation on the Governing Board.

·        Required parent/teacher conferences will be held twice a year, providing a method by which concerns can be discussed and addressed. 

·        An open line of communication will always be encouraged between the home and the school.  Concerns should always be addressed primarily to the teacher and then to the administrator who will report and be held accountable to the Governing Board.

(69) State that the charter school is to be subject to the control and management of the local board of the local school system in which the proposed charter school will be located, as provided in the charter and in a manner consistent with the Charter School Act of 1998 and the Constitution. 

BCCS will be subject to the control and management of the Mitchell County Board of Education, as provided in this Charter and in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the Charter School Act of 1998.

BCCS will:      

·        Provide a proposed budget, a student capacity number, and a current list of registered students to the Mitchell County Board of Education at their March Board Meeting.

·        Provide a current list of faculty and faculty credentials

·        Provide monthly and annual financial reports

·        Provide annual summaries of all evaluations generated by the students, parents, guardians, faculty and staff.

(70-71) State that the charter school will be organized as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of Georgia.  State that the charter school will be operated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of Georgia.

BCCS is organized and will operate as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of Georgia.  BCCS shall at all times maintain itself  as a Georgia not-for-profit corporation capable of exercising the functions of BCCS under the laws of the State of Georgia, shall remain in good standing under the laws of the State of Georgia, and shall timely make all required filings with the Georgia Secretary of State. 

(72) Attach a copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the nonprofit corporation.

Appendix 8

(73) Attach a list of the current board members of the corporation.

      Appendix 9

(74)  State if the nonprofit corporation intends to contract or has contracted for the services of a for-profit entity.

BCCS will not contract for the services of a for-profit entity. 

(75) Attach a copy of the contract to the petition. 

            There will be no contract.

(76) If the contract has not been entered into at the time the petition is submitted, include a timeline for providing such documentation. 

            There will be no contract.