Vendors and Other Business Associate Members

Vendors and Other Businesses:

• Achieve 3000, Inc. 

Achieve3000® is the leader in differentiated instruction. Our proven solutions, KidBiz3000™ (grades 2-5), TeenBiz3000®(grades 6-8), Empower3000™ (grades 9-12), and Spark3000® (for adult learners), are Web-based reading programs that improve reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing skills for all learners—from ELL and Special Ed to Gifted.

KidBiz®, TeenBiz®, Empower® and Spark® deliver daily nonfiction, standards-based reading content that is precisely matched to each student’s individual learning profile. These solutions are based on decades of scientific research to dramatically improve literacy and high-stakes test performance.
KidBiz, TeenBiz, Empower and Spark provide:

1. An online Lexile assessment tool for accurate initial placement.
2. Daily content that is precisely and scientifically matched to each learner’s reading ability. All students in the class read about the same current events, but the passages and follow-up activities adjust to their individual learning profiles. Spanish and Haitian-Creole versions make the program accessible for English Language Learners.
3. High-interest, contemporary content to motivate learners.
4. Ongoing assessment—built into the daily instructional routine—that provides continual progress monitoring.
5. A powerful reporting package that gives teachers and administrators the diagnostic data needed to track student usage and performance.
6. State standards-linked content, assignments, and reports.
7. Anytime, anywhere access for more time on task. Seventy percent of students using Achieve3000 access the solutions outside of school.

• CharterSafe

Members of the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools have access to an exclusive program for their schools’ insurance needs, the CharterSafe Insurance Program. CharterSafe is the first insurance program designed specifically for charter schools by school leaders and school insurance experts. CharterSafe was created as a direct response to schools’ needs of finding insurance options that provided the correct coverage at group reduced rates.

 Below are some important aspects of the CharterSafe insurance program that make it the most competitive and comprehensive program available in Ohio:

 1.     All inclusive insurance package including General Liability, Auto Liability, School Board Legal Liability, Sexual Abuse/Molestation, Property, and Risk Management Services. 

2.     Schools are saving up to 30% off their current premiums with enhanced coverage terms and significantly higher limits ($10 Million).

 3.     This program is more than just insurance coverage; it helps keep your school and students safe, as well as give you peace of mind and more money for your classrooms. 

CharterSafe is a customized insurance “package” —a new choice designed from ground up for charter schools. And, it’s available only from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, the world’s largest scholastic insurance broker.

• DeVry University
• Eastman & Smith Ltd.

Eastman & Smith is proud of its strong reputation built from providing a wide variety of legal services to businesses and individuals for over 160 years. Our practices in Education and Public Law are examples of our accomplishments.

Eastman & Smith Ltd.’s comprehensive education law practice serves clients in the public, private and higher education arenas. As a practice focused on current and pending public law and education trends, Eastman & Smith’s legal advice adds value in a context that takes into account, first and foremost, a successful future for its educational institution clients.

Our public and education law attorneys draft legislation and rules, lobby, develop and negotiate contracts for public services and improvements, handle public infrastructure and special assessment matters, construction and environmental issues, economic development projects, public employment issues, and the defense of claims in litigation. We are involved in all aspects of education law, from employment and labor to special education, student discipline and constitutional rights.

We have passion, integrity and advocacy to offer, and we have fun securing successes for our clients.  See, www.eastmansmith.com.

• Kennedy Cottrell Richards

Kennedy Cottrell Richards, located in downtown Columbus in the Arena District, is a firm of Certified Public Accountants licensed to practice in the State of Ohio.

We are a strong governmental accounting, auditing, and consulting firm that is able to offer its clients over 50 years of experience at the ownership level. We currently provide services to over 50 governments located throughout Ohio, including numerous public charter schools and traditional school districts. Our owners are leaders in the government industry who have made a commitment to staying technically sound. Two of our three owners are faculty members for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, teaching governmental accounting and auditing courses throughout the country. We believe that our unparalleled knowledge and expertise in regard to charter school accounting and auditing can be of great benefit to you.

Some of the services we offer charter schools include:

• Financial Statement Compilations
• Financial & Compliance Audits
• Licensed Treasurer Services
• Agreed-upon Procedures
• Account Reconciliations
• GASB Implementation
• Internal Control Procedures
• Grant Monitoring & Oversight
• Training & Continuing Education

Mangen and Associates   

• McGraw-Hill SEG

Please click here for more information and to find your counties representative.

• Miles Ahead Technology

Miles Ahead Technology has an extensive and diverse history of working with national educational institutions and the technology systems that support them. With our unique industry leading approach we are able to maintain our high standards while reducing the overall costs associated with information technology and facilities technology solutions. The Miles Ahead Technology team draws from over 100 years of combined technology industry experience to support our customers.

Miles Ahead Technology installs, services and supports all systems to a standard of superior quality. Our ability to remotely manage, monitor and support individual systems as well as the entire integrated network drastically improves the level of service delivered to the students and staff. CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) standards can be easily met and enforced. Each computer is configured such that student and faculty PCs can be locked down and every night automatically discard any and all undesired changes made during the previous day. System modifications, operating system alterations, viruses, spyware, malware and more will be cleaned with a simple reboot. As a result the computers are automatically restored to a pristine state each morning and faculty can spend more time with students and less time dealing with technology headaches. Ultimately everyone involved will spend less time worrying about technology issues.

The Miles Ahead Technology approach to service and support is unlike any other business in the industry. Our attention to detail and high quality standards allows monetary savings to organizations on the back end. With the full installed base of computers consistently and automatically re-imaging themselves, break-fix and desktop support costs are significantly reduced. This reduction of maintenance costs allows for increased flexibility in the technology budgets of educational institutions. Maintenance and upkeep savings enable educational organizations to invest in student and staff by opening the door to new and emerging technology.

Facilities technology is a key and often overlooked element of any technology plan. Premise security systems and access control can ensure that your facility, staff and students are safe. CCTV can provide an invaluable witness in the event of a liability concern, theft or vandalism. When integrated into the full technology plan, security, access control and CCTV systems are easily monitored and controlled from offsite. Imagine no more midnight visits to confirm that an alarm was false, let the police in and reset the system. Every aspect can, and should be, completed remotely.
Miles Ahead Technology provides value to educational institutions by combining installation and maintenance services for multiple systems. Miles Ahead Technology will reduce installation costs and improve the overall efficiency of all technology systems. By taking the Miles Ahead Technology approach, educational organizations reduce their overall systems maintenance costs, thus giving them flexibility in their budgets to invest in both expanding and upgrading their technology for the future.

Networking • IT Helpdesk Support • Workstations • Servers • Infrastructure Cabling • Premise Security • Burglar Alarms • CCTV • Camera Systems • Access Controls • Fire Notification • Telephony • Paging • Audio/Video Systems •Design & Consultation

 

• Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC

• Oswald Companies

Oswald Companies helps reduce employee risk through prevention programs and education. Ohio’s oldest independent insurance brokerage partners with clients when organizing and structuring risk reducing programs that deliver results: healthier employees, increased production and improved bottom-line performance. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, we enjoy strong relationships with highly respected clients throughout the country. We are a proud member of Assurex Global, the world’s largest association of privately held insurance brokers; resulting in service partnerships with 68 similar companies across North America, including representation on six continents. At Oswald Companies, we live our mission of “caring for our clients’ and employees’ needs, today and tomorrow.” Please learn more about us at www.oswaldcompanies.com.

• Portage County Educational Services Center

The Portage County Educational Service Center (PCESC) has what your organization needs to stay on top of federal and state mandates, provide specialized services to all students, conduct thorough assessments and data interpretation, raise test scores, offer excellent professional staff development, and participate in multiple collaboration opportunities that offer fiscal and educational benefits.

Our services can complement those provided in community schools. See what we have to offer and discover all of the ways we can be of service to you!

Gifted & Talented Services

The PCESC provides coordination services between children, school personnel, parents, and community members to recognize, support, and advance talent development.

Human Resources Services

The PCESC offers assistance in the recruitment of professional and classified employees, job classification, training and development, records management, employee relations, and human resources information systems. The PCESC also provides a variety of employee services ranging from research to the interpretation of state rules and related regulations.

Curriculum & Instructional Services

Consultants are available in the area of curriculum and instructional services including school improvement, curriculum mapping, and data collection and analysis.

Student Services & Special Education

The PCESC provides comprehensive programming for the instructional and assessment needs of exceptional children. Consultation, supervisory, and problem solving assistance are also available in providing compliance with federal and state regulations and in cost containment and best practices in utilization of resources for the school. PCESC can also assist Ohio’s community schools maximize reimbursement of federal Medicaid funding through the Ohio School Medicaid Program. This is possible through a unique partnership between PCESC, MSB and Ohio Charter Partners.

Fiscal Services

The Portage County Educational Service Center provides an array of fiscal support services, such as fiscal agent for grants, consortiums, and educational projects.

Business & Occupational Services

The PCESC provides many business support services related to maintenance, custodial, food service, and transportation responsibilities, as well as non-traditional student support programs.

• PSI

PSI has a highly skilled and experienced team of educational specialists that set us apart from other service providers to Ohio schools! It is the support and coordination of our internal team that enables PSI school consultants to ensure our services are uncompromised. Whether it’s conforming with general education, special education, school health mandates or best practice standards, we partner with our client schools in solving their varied needs:
• School Psychology
• School Health (Nurses, Certified Clinic Aides, Medical Assistants)
• School Wellness Programs
• Intervention Specialists and Tutors
• Speech/Language Pathology and Therapy
• RTI Training and Implementation
• Prevention/Intervention Programs
• School Improvement Teams
• Special Education Compliance and Administration
• LanguageCultureConnection© provides Spanish, Chinese and other critical language & cultural instruction
• TESOL Services (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages)
• School Marketing

You benefit from our thirty years experience! As a Winner of Ohio’s BEST Practices Award, PSI also offers child abuse training, anti-bullying modules, family life classes, and many other professional development seminars for Ohio’s Community Schools. Our nation-wide network of education experts is available to our partner schools.

Learn how these programs can be customized to fit your school’s needs and budget: 1-800-841-4774, ext 240, or info@psi-solutions.org, or visit us at: www.psi-solutions.org.

• Rea & Associates

A regional accounting firm with a team of government specialists, Rea & Associates performs audits, GASB 34 GAAP conversions and other compilations for school districts state-wide.

 

• School Insurance Consultants, LLC
• SchoolOne 

SchoolOne is a pioneer in web-based school software solutions. We serve thousands of users in charter, private, alternative, and public schools throughout Ohio and around the country. We are a full-service IT provider, supporting all infrastructure needs; we offer a secure, web-based student information system (SIS), and provide information services, including accountability and compliance expertise. Both our student information system and our information services are designed to support the new EMIS requirements. Our SIS gives schools a web-based tool to house data, plus we provide services, support, and expertise to help ensure successful reporting. Established in 1999, SchoolOne is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise as well as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, a Cisco Select Certified Partner, and a VMware Enterprise Partner. In addition, SchoolOne is the North American Reseller of the award-winning Studywiz products, so now charter schools and CMOs have the opportunity to purchase a complete online solution, including the ability to manage teacher and student workflow, curricula, and communications through online and mobile applications. SchoolOne’s products, services and relationships are an excellent value and resource for Ohio’s charter schools.

 

• School Pathways, LLC

School Pathways understands that charters who utilize an integrated SIS solution to build and track student profiles will have a competitive advantage in meeting the demands and supporting the success of students. Started in 1999 with a focus on alternative education, our SIS gives charters the flexibility needed to provide the best education outside the box. Along with the daily data tracking and student administration, EMIS state reporting is accomplished through easily created data extracts that can be submitted directly to the state. Customized reports on any data fields tracked make sure that timely decision making helps you improve both the student and administrative experience.

SpSIS is a web-based system that gives teachers and administrators the ability to use one system for individualized student learning, attendance tracking, assignments, grading, reporting and communication from school to home and back! Through a partnership with BrainHoney, School Pathways has closed the loop on online learning. All student work flows directly to the student information system for tracking.

An educational systems provider should understand your needs and challenges, becoming a partner that aligns their success with your success: School Pathways provides quality, low cost, technology solutions for charters.

• Signature Learning Resources, Inc. 

At Signature Learning Resources we are able to offer your school the highest quality professionals in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, counseling, and professional development. We can assist your school in developing and executing a successful special education and/or related therapy service program while holding paramount the educational needs of the child. We are truly committed to the diverse population of individuals we serve, helping people reach their maximum potential…and realize their dreams.

• Smart Solutions

Smart Solutions is a 27-year-old Ohio-based company with a national reputation for servicing IT needs in the education, government, corporate, and legal sectors.

Our Education Division works with over 100 school districts across the country. Our clients include Charter, Private, and Public Schools, MRDDs, ESCs, ITCs, and other educational entities.

We provide comprehensive IT Services to schools in the areas of: managed services, eRate, education technology audits, and professional development focused specifically on curricular integration.

As one of the nation’s leading eRate Priority 2 Vendors, we have completed over $40m in E-rate installations, hardware maintenance, and service since the inception of the program.

Our interdisciplinary account management teams include a diverse array of certified technical consultants, IT Directors, teachers, and education technology experts.
Smart Solutions has earned several industry honors, including being named one of the’500 Largest Solutions Providers in North America’ in 2006 and one of the ’50 Fastest Growing Solutions Providers in North America’ in 2004 by VAR Magazine. The president of Smart Solutions also received the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2005 as well as the George B. Davis Award for Service to the University by Cleveland State University in 2008.

• Staples

Ohio Alliance of Public Charter Schools (OAPCS) has teamed up with Staples Advantage®, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., to offer a competitive purchasing program for all your office supply needs. Staples is a trusted supplier with the financial strength to offer consistent, sustainable value over the long term. This opportunity allows each member to take advantage of OAPCS’s group buying power while still remaining independent with a separate account.

Staples makes it easy with programs that are designed specifically for schools and managed by education experts who understand your unique requirements. With a complete selection of school supplies, facilities supplies, classroom furniture and more, you’ll find everything your staff and students need to perform at their very best. Staples can supply your entire office—and does it all at an exceptional cost savings.

As a new member you can save an average of 10-20% on a huge selection of high quality products and services, access our easy online ordering website through StaplesLink.com and can take advantage of Staples free next day delivery. In addition, Staples has a wide variety of environmentally friendly products, to help you meet any company focused environment initiatives.

Learn more about our commitment to education as shown by our Staples Foundation for Learning® – which helps fund K-12 educators and school programs nationwide. This foundation provides educational and job skill opportunities to all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. To learn more please visit www.staplesfoundation.org.

For more information or to join other OAPCS members who are already taking advantage of this program please contact your dedicated Account Manager, Julie Crist at julie.crist@staples.com or by calling 800-860-8500 Ext. 2009.

To learn more about the Staples Advantage program and all the products offered please visit www.staplesadvantage.com.
 

• StrategyONE, Inc.

Your Choice for Marketing Communications Excellence

• Student Recruiting and Retention Strategies
• Public Image and Reputation Management
• Meaningful Connections with Parents and Students

We understand. Your mission is all about the kids. You’ve hired the best teachers, the highest performing administrators and invested in the newest technology. When you look at yourself, you look pretty good, but what does your organization look like from the outside?

StrategyONE manages the image you project to the outside world. As a school of choice, you fight a constant battle for positive mindshare. Politicians, unions and competitors are constantly after you, and all you really want to do is help the students. We understand.

Our unique value comes from our ability to meet your target audience in a context they can understand. We can help you engage them in a relationship that results in higher enrollment, positive brand impressions and better retention. In a marketplace that craves direction
StrategyONE answers the call with smart and practical planning that transforms your potential into the kinetic energy of marketing communications.

We aren’t certified to teach. We aren’t qualified to do your legal work. We’re lousy at building maintenance. What we are really good at is getting new students to your door, making sure the image you project is crisp and professional, and ensuring the media who talk about you are getting the story right.

Leveraging our unique ability to create human-oriented marketing messages that support and deliver, you will experience enrollment gains, improve attendance and retention, and enhance the perception of your image among your constituencies.

Throughout the years we have helped charter, parochial and public schools, large and small, across the country. They all have one thing in common… a positive experience with StrategyONE.

• Teachers’ School Supply, Inc.,

Teachers’ School Supply has been providing the finest in classroom furniture, equipment and supplies to charter, community and private schools, universities, daycares, churches and more since 1987. With our lowest price guarantee, lifetime warranty, and commitment to our customers, we help to put a smile on every student’s face. With well over 30,000 loyal customers and growing, and over 100 manufactures, we have the experience and resources to help any organization grow.

We can help you find what you need. Give us a call at (800) 477-7745 or visit our website at www.TeachersSchoolSupply.com – one of our friendly Sales Associates will be pleased to assist you today.
 

• The Capitol Link, LLC

Sally Perz, President

Ohio’s one-stop shop in the world of school choice, Capitol Link, LLC (CL) gives its clients access to a wide array of professional services delivered with competence and creativity!
Each client engagement is unique and targets the client’s desired outcomes. CL consultants work daily protecting and advancing choice and opportunities in education.

CL strategic consulting services include:

• Advocacy/Lobbying-There are times when laws, department rules and regulations need to be introduced, changed or eliminated. As a former legislator, Sally Perz knows the process and even advises seasoned lobbyists on issues related to school choice.
• Association Management-Capitol Link provides the structure and staff to associations, getting desired results at a fraction of the cost. Follow up is key and CL consultants are masters at that!
• Board Development

For high-performing Boards and those who want to be…..

No boring speeches, no ego tales, engaging sessions with involved participants!

• Board retreats (annual retreats recommended)
• Strategy Sessions
• Board Evaluations
• Reorganization
  

   

• Business Expansion
  
• Expanding into the education market
• Increasing enrollment
• Deepening market penetration
• Replicating a successful model
  

   

Specialized services through Capitol Link’s affiliate: “Research & Reporting Services”

• Annual Reports for schools, operators, etc.
• Newsletters and other targeted communication tools

CL does it all-from concept to design and writing to printed (or virtual) piece!

The unique difference is this: Protecting and enhancing school choice is not ONE of the areas of focus for Capitol Link. It’s THE focus, the passion, the experience and expertise that makes a difference for its clients and the movement as a whole,

Check us out:

• Read CL’s Buckeye Charter Briefs, the newsletter that speaks out the truth on key issues important to the charter school movement.
• Check our website www.capitol-link.com
• Give us a call at 419-385-0550

 

• The O’Neill Group 

The O’Neill Group is more than just another insurance provider…we are specialists when it comes to designing School Insurance Programs.

Total Education Solutions (TES) provides innovative, quality educational services to individuals with exceptional needs. In home, community, school, and clinical settings, we foster opportunities for success. Every decision made by TES—whether it be the programs we establish or the individuals we employ—is driven by our commitment to expand and enrich the quality and breadth of services available to children with special needs and their families.  For this reason, we utilize a multidisciplinary approach in our trainings, treatments, and service delivery.  Teams of experienced professionals from varying fields work together to create customized solutions and achieve student goals.   We work with public, charter, and private schools to ensure that all special education programs comply with the IDEA 2004, as well as local and state education standards and reporting requirements.  We also develop IEP goals and objectives and provide in-service training and workshops for staff.  In addition to compliance and administration, TES provides an array of services to fulfill your special education needs, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, intensive academic instruction, behavioral support, tutoring, physical therapy, special day instruction, psychological assessments, school counseling, social work, adaptive physical education, and school nursing. Call Tawnia Novak at (330) 668-4041. 

Thomas Van Auker, head of the division, is truly a leader in the school insurance industry. His CSRM (Certified School Risk Manager) designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research implies that he is committed to excel in the area of Charter School Insurance and to provide the highest quality professional insurance programs to Charter School clients. The designation certifies that Tom displays superior competency in measuring, handling, funding and administering school risks and is committed to meeting annual continuing education requirements to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing needs of charter, public and private schools.  

Press Release
Submission Date: October 29, 2010
For consideration of inclusion on: as space allows
Contact: Tracy Grabowski

The O’Neill Group Listed In Crain’s
Wadsworth, October 29, 2010:

The O’Neill Group has made the Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine Business List, which recognizes the top insurance agencies by number of licensed employees for the second consecutive year.
The O’Neill Group, an independent insurance agency in Wadsworth, Ohio, was ranked number 25 on the Crain’s list for 2010, one higher than their number 26 ranking in 2009. Licensed employees include Patrick O’Neill, President and CEO; Tom Van Auker, Executive Vice President; Jody Maibach, Chief Operating Officer; and Lori Bennett, Controller, as well as commercial and personal lines specialists.
“In a down economy, we couldn’t be prouder that we continue to grow and build our business,” said Patrick O’Neill. “We’re so happy that our efforts to provide continuing education, certifications and licensing are recognized by a publication such as Crain’s Cleveland Business. The 2010 ranking is really a testament to the quality of our staff – something we believe is greatly beneficial to all of our clients as well.”
The O’Neill Group offers custom-designed insurance programs from many top-rated companies. To contact the management team or a representative of Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, or Life and Health, call 330-334-1561 or toll-free 800-334-1561. The O’Neill Group can also be found online at www.oneillinsurance.com.
 

• Therapy Source Inc.
• Torinity Publishing Company
• Total Education Solutions

From 1924 through today, The O’Neill Group has been carrying out a legacy of protecting our clients through custom-designed insurance programs. The Charter School Resource Center, a division of The O’Neill Group, was developed to service the unique needs of the Charter School community.

The Charter School Division is one-stop-shopping for all of your insurance needs, including: Property Coverage, General Liability, Auto Coverage, Worker’s Compensation, School Leader’s Errors and Omissions, Sexual Misconduct & Molestation, Umbrella Liability, Bonds, Violent Event Response and Equipment Breakdown Coverage. The Group can also handle Group Health and Life and Employee Benefits Packages.

• WMAC
• Zaner-Bloser, Inc.

Zaner-Bloser is a premier publisher of research-based handwriting, reading, spelling, writing, and vocabulary programs for PreKindergarten through eighth grade. The company strives to create high-quality, dynamic, and appealing educational programs and services that inspire all students to become engaged, literate citizens. Zaner-Bloser Handwriting has been a national institution for several generations. The company’s other programs include Spelling Connections; Voices Reading, a core reading program; Reaching All Readers; Read for Real; Word Wisdom; and the award-winning Strategies for Writers. Ever able to adapt to the changing educational landscape, the company continues to grow through the addition of technology products.