OAPCS President and CEO RaShaun Holliman is holding a series of regional meetings in October across Ohio to meet with the charter school community.
September 13, 2016
Columbus, OH– The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS) President and CEO RaShaun Holliman released the following statement today in response to the final release of funds to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) of a $32.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) Charter Schools Program (CSP) State Educational Agency (SEA) grants competition. CSP grants fund the creation and expansion of high quality public charter schools across the nation.
“We are encouraged to see a resolution, after nearly a year, of terms for the grant release by the USDOE so that Ohio can move forward in supporting the grant’s intent to promote the growth of high quality charter schools,” Holliman said. “This is positive news in that providing quality options for families can create greater opportunities for students in challenged communities, particularly urban centers,” he said.
“The conditions placed on the grant spending for Ohio, including an advisory committee and independent monitor, strengthen the process so that continuous improvement in outcomes at the school and classroom level is achievable,” he added. “Progress in replicating effective models and successful charter schools requires the funding that the CSP program provides through its emphasis on performance and accountability for advancing student achievement.”
The CSP grants will provide financial assistance for the planning, program design, and initial implementation of high performing charter schools. No virtual schools are eligible to receive funding. Ohio’s initial grant award of $32 million announced last September can potentially, over five years, be renewed by USDOE for a total of $71 million if the state demonstrates fidelity and accountability in the grant process.
About the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS)
The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools is a membership organization that aspires to provide children with greater educational opportunities by improving the quality and fostering the growth of Ohio’s public charter schools. Approximately 125,000 students attend public charter schools in Ohio.
