New Hampshire

Center for School Reform

Bi-Weekly Newsletter

June 4, 2004

 

We are pleased to bring attention to New Hampshire's progress.


 Please direct inquiries to Susan Hollins (susan@nhschoolreform.org)

 

WEB SITES LAUNCHED

New web sites this week include Cocheco high school for arts and arts-related technology (Dover) www.catanh.org.  For the Exeter upper elementary program, go to www.seacoastcharterschool.org. For the Laurent Clerc Academy for students who are deaf and hard of hearing, information can be found at www.nhdeaf-hh.org.


 

STUDENT APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Applications are starting to flow to new charter schools. Parent meetings and seminars are being held. A calendar of events and a generic student application can be found on www.nhschoolreform.org Most web sites have their applications and calendars posted. If more students apply than there are spaces, charter school students are selected by lottery. The academy for deaf students will not have a lottery as they plan to take all eligible students, grades 1-8, who apply.

 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS CAN CONTRACT FOR SPACES

New Hampshire charter school law allows school districts and charter schools to enter into contracts for any reason, including securing seats for district students. Federal law now requires low-performing districts to offer “choice.” Having guaranteed spaces in a choice charter school addresses this requirement. For more information on district contracting, contact susan@nhschoolreform.org

 

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IS ALIVE & WELL

Businesses are stepping forward to offer new ways of handling school expenses. HR Knowledge of Boston has offered to provide payroll and benefit services at very reasonable costs and a Concord firm is offering charter schools free furniture, desks, chairs, files, and more. www.surplusnetwork.net

 

BENEFIT SEMINAR

Fixed benefit allocations and choice benefit programs are the topic of a seminar this Monday, June 7th, 2:30 p.m. at the Center for Education Reform, Concord. This approach assures that benefit costs are known and can be managed while also allowing employees individualized benefits that meet their needs. All welcome: 224-0366 for directions.

 

NATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL CONFERENCE

Registration is at an all-time high for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2004 National Charter School Conference in Miami, June 16th-18th. Topics range from accountability and facility financing to national policy and legislation. There is still time to register: http://www.conferencepros.com/conferences/charter/2004/index.htm