• • Notes from CEO Bill Sims
• • OAPCS expands Walton Family High Quality Start-up Eligibility
• • Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers
• • Ann Higdon awarded 2009 Purpose Prize, donates entirety back to school
• • Cleveland charter schools banding together under new management company
• • Conflicting rules might force charters to close, but fix may be at hand
• • The Intergenerational School, a nationally recognized, excellent rated school is offering free professional development
• • New Ind. state revenue forecast $1.83B lower
• • OAPCS Welcomes our New Members
• • New Membership Benefits
• • OAPCS 2nd Annual State Conference

Poetry Out Loud
The Ohio Arts Council, in partnership with Thurber House, the Ohioana Library, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, is offering the national recitation contest Poetry Out Loud in 2009 – 2010. This program provides an exciting avenue for high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. For more details and online registration, click here.

New Appropriations for Charters
For the full article click here

Congress ties federal charter school spending to quality controls
For the full article click here

Horizon Science Academy Cleveland Named Best High School by U.S. News & World Report
For the full article click here

Advocacy

Events

Quality Values and Principles

 
I have two “Urgents” to report to you this week that deserve your special attention, both relating to charter school revenue.

The first has to do with funding for charter schools by way of federal “Race-to-the-Top” dollars. New rules will provide broad distribution of funds to charters in Ohio based upon Title 1A formulations; however, you MUST  file an MOU with the State Department of Education by January 8, 2010.  This is critical and significant dollars are at stake.
 
Second, many of you are probably aware of the deadlock on the Ohio budget over “filling” the $851 million budget “hole.” This so-called hole is in the state’s education budget and it occurred because the original scheme to fund this piece of the budget, slot machines at race tracks, failed in the courts. The consequences of inaction are huge. What to do? Read below for more information about both of these issues.


URGENT – Information About Charter Schools Participation in Race-To-The-Top funding from the US Department of Education

Charter schools have recently been included in a more direct way with regards to access to “Race-to-the-Top” federal funds. Rather than the Ohio Department of Education selecting distribution of these funds, now at least fifty percent of the funding that Ohio receives will flow directly to participating LEA partners throughout the state.  All LEAs, including community schools, are eligible to participate in the RTTT program. While there are specific requirements for participation based on a willingness to support Ohio’s RTTT plan, this is not a competitive process for inclusion and every LEA that meets those requirements will be eligible to receive funding based on the Title I allocation formula.  

Participation requirements include the submission of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in fully completed form by 4:00 ET on January 8, 2010. Late submissions cannot be accepted. See below for details. The last minute nature of this is no fault of the Ohio Department of Education. The USDOE changed these rules at the 12th hour. We want to make sure that all of our members have the information necessary to summit and to comply.  Read below for more detail.

STATE SUPERINTENDENT DEBORAH DELISLE RECENTLY ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
Ohio is in the process of developing our Race to the Top (RTTT) grant application, which represents a significant opportunity for Ohio to expand upon existing improvements made to our state’s education system over the previous decade and, most recently, with the enactment of our systemic and comprehensive education reform plan. With the new education reform law and RTTT funds, Ohio will accelerate and expand the innovative approaches needed to increase student achievement, improve graduation rates, enhance instruction, and eliminate the achievement gap. 

During recent clarification from the U.S. Department of Education, all states were informed that all LEAs are eligible to participate in their respective state’s RTTT program. Ohio was placed in a funding category based on student population making the state potentially eligible for an award of $200 to $400 million over four years. Should Ohio receive RTTT funds, which remains uncertain as this is a competitive grant process, at least fifty percent of the grant must be distributed to participating LEAs based on their relative share of Title I, Part A allocations. Until the final grant award is made and the number of participating LEAs is finalized, the total available funds for participating LEAs cannot be calculated.

ODE recognizes that this grant program falls in the midst of an especially inconvenient time between winter recess and closures around the holidays. Unfortunately, because of the compressed nature of this process and the imminent application deadline imposed by the U.S. Department of Education, the timing cannot be changed. We encourage LEAs to consider this opportunity carefully and to make every effort to participate in this historic opportunity. 

What this means for your district
This process represents the only opportunity for your LEA to participate in RTTT funding. Your district must meet Ohio’s application requirements as defined in this communication in order to qualify. Responses are required by January 8, 2010.

Participation in Ohio’s RTTT program involves access to funding that is made available from the Federal Government for the purposes of education reform. At least fifty percent of the funding that Ohio receives will flow directly to participating LEA partners throughout the state.

RTTT represents a partnership between the education constituents of Ohio in order to achieve our education reform goals. It will be the responsibility of participating LEAs to develop detailed implementation plans that are consistent with the objectives and requirements specified in the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Executing against this plan will certainly require a deep commitment on behalf of your LEA to work diligently to achieve the goals of Ohio’s plan, to overcome the inevitable obstacles that will slow progress, and to devote local resources to ensure success.

Some of Ohio’s RTTT grant will be used to support structural improvements to our system broadly. Our data systems, academic standards and associated assessments, and teacher preparation programs, are among the areas in which we will invest to ensure that we prepare and support educators effectively.

Ohio recognizes that the hard work of education occurs in the classroom and many of the reforms that we have collectively embraced as part of House Bill 1 can be applied only by partnering with LEAs. It is the collective work between the state and LEAs that will drive changes in the way that we manage our human capital, and approach our daily work in the classroom. We also must address the issue of persistently low-achieving schools with a renewed appetite for dramatic change. The accompanying MOU details more specifically the expectations that Ohio has for LEAs use of RTTT resources.

Substantial financial and human resources will accompany your participation in RTTT. What is being asked of LEAs is difficult, uncertain in some respects, and sure to require resources beyond what you currently utilize. This is our opportunity to seize the moment and create a partnership for reform that creates breakthrough results for the students we serve.

IMPORTANT SPECIFICS THAT AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE
All LEAs, including community schools, are eligible to participate in the RTTT program. While there are specific requirements for participation based on a willingness to support Ohio’s RTTT plan, this is not a competitive process for inclusion and every LEA that meets those requirements will be eligible to receive funding based on the Title I allocation formula. 

Participation requirements:
• Submission of the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in fully completed form by 4:00 ET on January 8, 2010.  Late submissions cannot be accepted.
• Indications of acceptance of all the required elements of the preliminary statement of work that is included in the MOU.
• Signatures of the three required signatories or their equivalents (Superintendent, President of the Local School Board, and Local Teachers’ Union Leader).
• MOU submissions should be sent via email or U.S. Postal Service to: 
michael.dougherty@ode.state.oh.us  or   

Michael Dougherty
Ohio Department of Education
25 South Front Street; MS 701 
Columbus, OH 43215-4183  

Other details:
• We have asked for a small amount of summary data for your LEA.  This is required so that we can accurately complete our RTTT application.
• Your LEA will be responsible for developing a more specific statement of work and implementation plan should Ohio’s plan be accepted for funding by the U.S. Department of Education. This plan will be reviewed and approved by ODE.
• This is a partnership – we ask that you meet the commitments specified in the MOU, but expect that you will develop a specific implementation plan for RTTT based on your local context.
• As required by the RTTT grant, ODE will monitor LEA implementation.
• This MOU is only binding for Phase 1 of the RTTT grant process. Should we not win in this phase and resubmit for Phase 2, we will need to repeat this process.

SCHEDULE OF ODE RACE TO THE TOP CONFERENCE CALLS  
A series of conference calls will be conducted this week to provide a summary of the Race to the Top grant opportunity, an overview of Ohio’s goals in its application, and guidance to LEA’s in the completion of the MOU for participation.  The conference calls are scheduled for the following dates and times: 

• Tuesday, December 15: 1 – 2 p.m. 
• Wednesday, December 16: 9 – 10 a.m.  
• Thursday, December 17: 4 – 5 p.m.  
• Friday, December 18: 10 – 11 a.m. 

Instructions to Access the Conference Calls  
Step 1:  Dial the Toll-Free Conference Access Number: 1-866-200-6965
Step 2:  Enter the Participant PIN Code:   734854#
Step 3:  Callers will be placed on musical hold until the event begins

Each conference call will cover the same material. The same toll free dial-in number and participant PIN number will be used for each call. The maximum number of participants for each call is 150.  If the PIN code is not dialed or is dialed incorrectly, callers will be automatically transferred to the Customer Service department who will place participants into the conference. Instructions will be provided at the beginning of the session on how participants may submit questions. The Customer Service team can be reached at any time during your conference call simply by pressing *0 on your telephone keypad. 

Additional Information and Attachments to this Message
•    Conference Call Agenda and Overview    
•    Ohio’s Race to the Top State Success Factors   
•    Point Distribution Table   
•    Memorandum of Understanding
•    Race to the Top Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions


URGENT – Information About the Education Budget Crisis and What You Need to Do

You are probably aware of the deadlock on the Ohio budget over “filling” the $851 million budget “hole.” This so-called hole is in the state’s education budget and it occurred because the original scheme to fund this piece of the budget, slot machines at race tracks, failed in the courts. The consequences of inaction are huge. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have their heels dug in on this issue for reasons relating to delaying the pending 4.2% income tax cut, or not, alternative budget cuts, and changing rules relating to public construction contracting procedures. The bottom line is that millions of education dollars are at stake. Your school and your parents should contact lawmakers of both political parties to encourage them to make whatever concessions need to be made to get school funding resolved. Failure to do so could impact your funding after the first of the year and it could impact Ohio’s ability to benefit from millions of dollars in federal “Race-to-the-Top” funds and innovation grants.
 
This is a time for assertive activism on the part of schools, parents, and teachers to ensure that our funding continues to flow after the first of the year. Note the link to the article about Indiana cutting funding to K-12 schools in this edition. 

 
– Bill Sims

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OAPCS is happy to announce that we have been granted “geo-flex” by the Walton Family Foundation. This means that in addition to the target area of Columbus, OAPCS can consider two additional High Quality Start-up grant requests anywhere in Ohio. Grant requests are considered based on the likelihood of delivering strong academic programs. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Marianne Lombardo, mlombardo@oapcs.org, (614) 744-2266 ext. 201.

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The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, individuals who teach full time for five consecutive, complete academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools that serve low-income families and meet other qualifications may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 in principal and interest on their FFEL and/or Direct Loan program loans. For more information click here. This tool will allow you to search the Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory of public and private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools designated by the U.S. Department of Education as having a high concentration of students from low-income families.

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Ann Higdon, the founder of Dayton-based Improved Solutions for Urban Systems (ISUS), was one of ten people in the nation selected to receive a 2009 Purpose Prize.  The Purpose Prize honors social entrepreneurs over 60 who are using their experience and passion to take on society’s biggest challenges. Now in its fourth year, the six-year, $17 million program is the nation’s only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life. The 24 member judging panel of Encore Careers, the award sponsor, includes leaders in business, politics, journalism and the nonprofit sector, such as actor Sidney Poitier, social entrepreneur Thomas Tierney, former Senator Harris Wofford and journalist Cokie Roberts.
 
Ann Higdon joined other 2009 winners and 46 Purpose Prize fellows at a Summit on Innovation at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business’ Center on Social Innovation, one of the world’s leading academic centers focused on social entrepreneurship. Ann’s award honored her work inspiring dropouts to return to school not just for diplomas, but to also train for jobs in various sectors. The students give back to the community in big ways – building homes, refurbishing computers and volunteering in hospitals. ISUS operates four non –profits - three charter schools and a community development company.
 
True to Ann’s gracious nature, she donated the entirety of her $50,000 monetary prize back to the ISUS schools. Fuller summaries, videos and photographs for Ann Higdon are online at www.encore.org. Congratulations, Ann! You inspire us in so many ways!

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Monday, December 7, 2009
By Thomas Ott, The Plain Dealer

Cleveland, OH – Alan Rosskamm, former chief executive of Jo-Ann Stores Inc., has been hired to head Breakthrough Charter Schools, a new nonprofit management company being formed by Intergenerational School, Citizens' Academy, Entrepreneurship Preparatory School and Village Preparatory School. Alan Rosskamm, former chief executive of Jo-Ann Stores Inc., is putting his business knowledge to work for four Cleveland charter schools.
 
Rosskamm has been hired to head Breakthrough Charter Schools, a new nonprofit management company being formed by Intergenerational School, Citizens' Academy, Entrepreneurship Preparatory School and Village Preparatory School.
 
The publicly funded, privately managed charters are banding together for survival.
 
Charters receive state aid, but no local taxes, forcing them to rely heavily on benefactors. Rosskamm will concentrate on the schools' business side, finding ways for them to collaborate and save money.
 
"We're doing a great job for kids," Rosskamm said. "But we're struggling. We're struggling to pay our teachers, we're struggling to make ends meet."
 
If all goes well, Rosskamm also could help lead Breakthrough through expansion.
 
The group covets a part in the "transformation plan" that Cleveland schools Chief Executive Officer Eugene Sanders will present this month. Sanders has indicated that the plan will mix reform strategies, which could mean turning some buildings over to outside management.
 
The timing is good for a partnership with the Cleveland schools. Major urban districts such as New York and Chicago have embraced charter schools, and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is encouraging the growth of high-quality charters.
 
Rosskamm, 59, stepped down three years ago as president and chief executive officer of Jo-Ann Stores, the nation's largest fabrics and crafts retailer. He remains on the board of the Hudson-based chain that his grandparents co-founded.
 
He and the charter operators met in May, just as Rosskamm was wrapping up a 10-month run as interim chief executive of Charming Shoppes Inc., owners of Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherines Plus Sizes and Petite Sophisticate. He had concluded that urban education was the nation's most pressing crisis and wanted to be part of the solution.
 
"Alan is very passionate about education and social justice and brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to building an organization," said Perry White, executive director of Citizens' Academy. "We need as many smart people who share our values to get involved as possible. In Alan's case, his involvement turned into a full-time commitment."
 
Rosskamm will be paid $120,000 a year. The charters have received a Cleveland Foundation grant to pay the first six months of his salary and are seeking other assistance.
 
Charter management organizations have proliferated nationally in the last 10 years, with some, such as New York-based Uncommon Schools and Green Dot in Los Angeles -- gaining renown.
 
The Breakthrough schools, all on the East Side, have a combined enrollment of about 1,000 children who are predominantly black and poor. The schools are highly rated but follow distinctly different educational approaches that they have agreed to preserve.
 
Intergenerational is for kindergarten through eighth grade but mixes ages in groups that move at their own pace. Children also participate in activities with senior citizens.
 
Citizens' Academy, for kindergarten through fifth grade, stresses citizenship, while Entrepreneurship Preparatory, a middle school, emphasizes structure and discipline. "E Prep" is affiliated with Village Preparatory, an elementary school that opened this year with kindergarten.
 
The schools believe they offer alternatives to a homogenous, assembly-line system of public education.
 
"We're not at the table saying we have all the answers," said Brooke King, executive director of the Intergenerational School. "We are willing to be part of the answer."

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Monday,  December 7, 2009
By Jennifer Smith Richards, The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus, OH  –  Some charter schools that will be forced to close at the end of the school year are being unfairly singled out, charter advocates and some state legislators say.
 
Four of the 12 Ohio charters that have been sentenced to death this year would have a one-year reprieve if not for a legislative glitch. In essence, the four schools are feeling the effect of one revision to state law but not another.
 
Both rules were adopted in the state's two-year budget. One made it easier to close poorly performing charter schools; it took effect July 1. But the second change, which didn't go into effect until October, said the state should not judge charter schools' academics until their third year of operation.
 
For Scholarts Preparatory and Career Center for Children in Columbus and three other charters, that change would have meant another year of life. The other schools are Academy of Arts and Humanities in Warren; Lion of Judah Academy in Cleveland; and New Day Academy Boarding and Day School in Euclid.
 
Some state legislators have sought a fix; two bills are being considered.
 
"Reasonable people agree that two related provisions should have the same effective date," said Catherine West, vice president of governmental relations for Charter School Specialists.
 
The group, based in Pickerington, oversees the Academy of Arts and Humanities. The school improved its state rating from an F to a C this year, but because of its second-year grade, it is slated to close at the end of the year. If the second-year rating isn't considered, it would not be forced to close.
 
The three other schools haven't improved their ratings.
 
Rep. Steve Dyer, a Summit County Democrat, supports using the two-year waiting period as part of the closing criteria even if it means that some low-performing schools stay open another year.
 
Scholarts, Lion of Judah and New Day have scored an F grade for at least three years since they've been open. The new shutdown rules say that schools with an F rating for three of four recent years must close.
 
"We need to be fair to those charters, even though I would agree that it's a shame that they seem to be doing very poorly and I'm certainly not excited about keeping them open," Dyer said. "I'm less excited about being unfair."
 
Scholarts founder and CEO Cheryl Parchia said she hasn't told parents that her school could get a reprieve. The K-12 school has been open since 2004 and serves a large number of students with disabilities. About 200 students are enrolled.
 
"We're just so grateful that this is being considered," she said

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Through a state dissemination grant, The Intergenerational School (TIS) is able to offer on-site workshops for educators and/or administrators interested in learning more about the intergenerational learning model that this consistently high-performing school has developed. Key elements of the model include the use of an individualized developmental curriculum with aligned assessment, incorporating community volunteers into the daily life of the school to create a culture of civility, and use of an effective school-wide behavior approach that nurtures each child’s potential. Participants will spend ample time in TIS classrooms observing the implementation of the model. A workbook, DVD, and ongoing support will be available for all participants. A stipend will be provided to cover costs to the attendee, including travel and accommodations if needed, and substitute costs. The workshops will be offered on a monthly basis beginning in January. For more information please contact the school at 216 721-0120 or email Eric McGarvey, at emcgarvey@tisonline.org.

The Intergenerational School serves 208 K-8 students (95% African American, 65% disadvantaged) and about 250 multigenerational adults in the Cleveland community. The school has been rated Excellent for five years by ODE, and was selected as one of seven charters in the nation to be recognized for closing the achievement gap, by the U.S. Department of Education. Featured on NPR and PBS, TIS has been identified as a School of Promise, one of 13 ‘Cleveland Schools Making a Difference,’ and has won national and international awards for its work with seniors and successful aging.

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Tuesday Dec 15, 2009
By Mike Smith, AP Political Writer, Akron Beacon Journal

Gov. Mitch Daniels said Tuesday he will cut state spending on public schools by at least $300 million given a new revenue forecast that predicts Indiana government will take $1.8 billion less than what lawmakers thought when passing a two-year budget.

That spending plan passed in June was projected to leave Indiana with a $1 billion surplus at the end of the budget cycle in June 2011, but revenues for the first five months of this fiscal year already are $475 million below a May forecast. That previously prompted Daniels to order state agencies to cut their budgets by 10 percent, cut funding for higher education by $150 million and take other steps to save money.

"If we do nothing further, we will run through every penny of our reserves and still have $300 million in bills we can't pay by the end of the budget in 2011," Daniels said Tuesday. "We are now forced to our last resort. K-12 spending is half of the entire state budget and it will have to contribute something to keeping us in the black."

He said he has asked the State Board of Education to meet quickly and recommend by Friday ways of cutting at least $300 million from schools without laying off teachers.

The budget had given schools a 1 percent increase in state spending for fiscal year 2010 and less than that for 2011. State funding for schools amounts to about $6.4 billion a year. The increases will now be wiped out, and spending will be cut by another 2 percent.

Daniels suggested among other things that schools could absorb some of their cuts by joining the state's program for buying materials in bulk. They could also join the state's health insurance program and pay less in premiums, he said. The Board of Education is scheduled to meet Thursday.

The state's current budget is about $27.6 million.

Dennis Costerison, executive director of the Indiana Association of School Business Officials, said he was not surprised about the cuts.

"We're next in line," he said.

A bipartisan panel of fiscal analysts told the State Budget Committee that an updated look at economic conditions caused it revise its May revenue estimates downward. It said the state would take in about $1 billion less, or nearly 8 percent, than previously expected during the fisscal year that ends in June.

Tax collections for the next fiscal year are projected to be nearly $800 million less, or 5.8 percent, than previously predicted.

"The revenue loss in this recession is much, much more profound than in past recessions," said Dan Novreske, a member of the forecast committee.

The full Legislature is set to convene on Jan. 5. Besides the cuts the administration is making on its own, Daniels will present a cost-savings package for lawmakers to consider.

It will include a proposal to combine the administration of the Public Employees Retirement Fund and Teachers Retirement Fund. That is projected to reduce investment management fees and administrative duplication by at least $50 million per year.

He will also ask lawmakers to merge or eliminate several boards and commissions but said he will not seek any tax increases.

Daniels said debate over trying to preserve $1 billion in reserves was now over.

"The only question is whether we will use every penny of them or find a way to have something left," he said.

House Speaker Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, and Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, have said they will not consider any bills that spend money during the upcoming session.

Rep. Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington, said she could not fault Daniels, a Republican, for turning to K-12 education for savings.

"Everything has to be on the table," Welch said. "When you're in this fiscal situation you have to look at it all. But I know that we as House Democrats will be looking very carefully at what these cuts might be."

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MSB Services
OAPCS would like to welcome MSB Services as associate members. MSB is committed to providing industry-leading solutions to empower special educators to maximize their time with the children they serve. From efficient special education management to maximized Medicaid reimbursement, their mission is to provide school districts with the tools they need for district personnel to fulfill your ultimate purpose – helping students achieve.

As a leader in school Medicaid billing and administration, MSB™ Services has consistently provided quality service and the best returns to schools for more than 13 years. MSB™ Services is dedicated to partnering with your school district to meet the challenges of special education administration. Their focus is solving problems and providing industry leading solutions. MSB™ Customer Care continues to win the confidence of our customers with their proactive support, responsiveness and attention to detail.

Please visit their website at www.msb-services.com for further information


Mosaica Education Inc.
OAPCS would like to welcome Mosaica Education Inc., as an Associate Member.  Mosaica Education, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading operators of K-12 public schools. Mosaica-managed schools have yielded superior academic results to date by utilizing a unique school design, which combines a proprietary curriculum Paragon®, with state-of-the-art technology.

Mosaica Education also provides after-school and summer tutoring to students; assists public and private schools in the U.S. in strengthening their operations, professional development and curriculum; and helps other nations create their own schools of choice.
Mosaica is…
•    Recognized as a national leader in educational reform
•    A superior record of academic innovation and success
•    Proprietary Paragon® Curriculum
•    Effective use of technology
•    Business services for operations of public and private schools
•    Supplemental Educational Services
•    International Consulting


New Member Schools
Join the many schools that have recently joined OAPCS in the months of October and November!
•    Academy of Arts and Sciences
•    Arts and Science Preparatory Academy
•    Central Academy of Ohio
•    Columbus Arts and Technology Academy
•    Columbus Humanities Arts and Technology Academy
•    Columbus Preparatory Academy
•    Cornerstone Academy Community School
•    Foundation Academy
•    Great Western Academy
•    Horizon Science Academy-Lorain
•    Lorain Preparatory Academy
•    Shelly Salzman-New School Developer
•    Victory Academy of Toledo
•    Win Win Academy
•    Youngstown Academy of Excellence
•    Zenith Academy

Renewing Member Schools
Thank you to our member schools that recently renewed their membership in the recent months.
•    Arts and College Preparatory Academy- 2nd year members
•    Lighthouse Community and Professional Development – 2nd year members
•    Mound Street Health Careers  Academy-2nd year members
•    Mound Street IT Careers Acaeemy -2nd year members
•    Mound Street Military Career Academy-2nd year members
•    Washington Park Community School – 2nd year members

To join these our member schools, please contact Jennifer Brzoski at jbrzoski@oapcs.org. 

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Hertz Car Rentals for Member Schools, Associations and Their Employees

The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS) is offering a new benefit to all their Charter School and Associate Members. OAPCS has partnered with Hertz to offer a discount on business travel rates (a savings of up to 20% depending on the region) and a free membership to their #1 Club Gold Service.   

How can your company take advantage of this program?  

It is simple.  
1. When making a reservation always refer to the corporate identification number.
2. If you book your reservation directly from Hertz, call their dedicated Business Account reservations number at 1-800-654-8216.
3. To receive the CDP promotion code for the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools, please contact Jennifer Brzoski at jbrzoski@oapcs.org or at 614-744-2266 ext. 205.
 
You’re good to go with our rental car business partner – HERTZ!


The Staples Advantage Program

Together, Staples and the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools have developed an innovative program designed to help your school reduce costs, cut paperwork and control spending on the office and school supplies you use every day. Staples National Charter School program simplifies the way you do business and provides you with substantial savings, potentially thousands of dollars per year!

For more information on how your school can benefit from this agreement or to register to start saving today, contact:
Jennifer Brzoski
Senior Manager of Member Services and Community Services
Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools
614-744-2266 or jbrzoski@oapcs.org

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We have uploaded a select number of photos to the Picasa website. If you would like to see the photographs, please click here.

Next years 3rd Annual State Conference will be November 11 - 12, 2010 and held at a new location, the Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. More information will come as we get closer to the event.

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