Agenda Item
c. International Community School – Charter Renewal Petition
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Kina M. Champion, Director of School Innovation, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the charter renewal petition of International Community School for five (5) years with an increase in maximum enrollment from 475 to 550.
Why: The recommendation of the petition review committee is based on evaluation of the written petition (narrative and exhibits), independent due diligence (which includes data analysis, stakeholder focus groups, site visits, and governing board observations), and the governing board capacity interview.
Details: On January 5, 2023, the Governing Board of International Community School (ICS) submitted a letter of intent to submit a renewal petition. Included with the letter of intent was a written request to increase the maximum enrollment of ICS effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. At its business meeting on April 17, 2023, the DeKalb Board of Education approved the amendment of International Community School’s (ICS) charter school contract to increase the maximum enrollment of ICS from 450 to 475 effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. ICS proposes increasing its maximum enrollment incrementally from 475 to 550 in the next charter term. The former Medlock ES does not have the capacity to support 550 students inside the facility. To accommodate this growth, ICS will modify classroom assignments (Years 1 and 2) and increase the number of modular units (Year 3) at the existing site. The school currently has 8 portables which are used for offices, EIP, ESOL, and specials. The ESOL delivery model will shift from pull-out to push-in.
Financial impact: The five-year financial impact of the International Community School charter renewal is estimated to be $38,029,676.20.
Contact: Ms. Kina M. Champion, Director of School Innovation, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.676.0718
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.676.0218
Effective: July 1, 2024
Status: Approved by General Counsel
Charter School Renewal Final Petition Evaluation Rubric
School Name: International Community School
Date: November 15, 2023
The Petition Review Committee will use the following criteria to rate the petition. Within each category, specific
criteria define the expectations for a response that meets expectations. Reviewers will reach consensus when rating
responses by applying the following guidance:
Rating Characteristics
Meets the Standard The response reflects a thorough understanding of key issues. It addresses
the topic with specific and accurate information that shows thorough
preparation; presents a clear, realistic picture of how the school operates
and expects to operate; and inspires confidence in the applicant’s capacity
to carry out its plans effectively.
Partially Meets the Standard The response meets the criteria in some respects but lacks detail and/or
requires additional information in one or more areas.
Below the Standard The response is wholly undeveloped, demonstrates lack of preparation,
and/or is unsuited to the mission of the authorizer.
Far Below the Standard The response is significantly incomplete, raises substantial concerns about
the viability of the plan and/or the applicant’s ability to carry it out.
Recommendations from the Petition Review Committee will be based on evaluation of the written petition
(narrative and attachments), independent due diligence, and the governing board capacity interview. In addition to
meeting the criteria that are specific to that section, each part of the petition should align with the overall mission
and vision, educational program, and organizational and financial performance/plans.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The petitioner demonstrates a deep, realistic, and authentic
understanding of the “who” (targeted population), the “how” Meets
(education model), and the “why” (educational philosophy). the Standard
• The petitioner describes how members of the community have
been involved in the design and will continue to be involved in the
implementation of the school. Partially Meets
• The community engagement to date and plan for moving forward the Standard
incorporate diverse stakeholders, touchpoints, and tactics, which
Community
are well-suited to reach the school’s target population.
Support &
• The petitioner understands the unique characteristics of DeKalb
Need Below
County’s educational landscape and is aware of its communities’
the Standard
needs, assets, and strengths.
• The petitioner demonstrates an understanding of the economic,
political, historical, and social contexts of the community it seeks to
serve. Far Below
• The petitioner demonstrates that the school will continue to have the Standard
the necessary community support to carry out its proposed
program, especially with regard to building and sustaining
community partnerships.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• ICS proposes increasing its maximum enrollment from 475 to 550 in the next charter term. The former
Medlock ES does not have the capacity to support 550 students inside of the facility. To accommodate
this growth, ICS will modify classroom assignments (Years 1 and 2) and increase the number of modular
units (Year 3) at the existing site. The school currently has 8 portables which are used for offices, EIP,
ESOL, and specials. The ESOL delivery model will shift from pull-out to push-in.
• The petitioner demonstrated an understanding of the community or communities the school serves.
• ICS has developed partnerships with several community organizations that support their diverse school
community.
Evidence of Standard Rating
Meets
• The Board collectively has the capacity to implement all aspects of the Standard
the education program and is, therefore, able to meet the needs of
the target student population and those not in the target
population but likely to enroll. Partially Meets
School
• The governance structure creates a forum for parent, teacher, and the Standard
Governance
community input and the strategies for communicating Board
priorities and decisions include all stakeholders.
• The Board clearly articulates both its policies and a decision-making Below
process for determining when and how to adjust its plans based on the Standard
feedback.
• The Governing Board reflects the sociodemographic diversity of the
community served by the charter school. Far Below
the Standard
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- The governing board is high-functioning, knowledgeable and collaborative. Functioning committees are
evident. The Board’s progress monitoring process is clear and evident.
- The governing board works with the administration to ensure student success and achievement.
- ICS recently presented at the IB Global Conference on the topic of multicultural family engagement. The
Beloved Community is an example of the school’s engagement of multicultural families.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The petitioner addresses student subgroups individually,
recognizing and planning for the diverse needs of diverse students. Meets the
• The application describes mechanisms and/or strategies that Standard
ensure equitable access to the curriculum for all students, including
students with disabilities (SWDs) and English Language Learners
Academic (ELLs). Partially Meets
Performance/ • Embedded in the instructional methods and resources are concrete the Standard
Plan strategies and materials to support SWDs, ELLs, and academically
struggling students.
• The petition describes a student behavior management system that
Below
is likely to result in a low rate of out-of-school suspensions and
the Standard
expulsions, is not overly punitive, and distinguishes between
outcomes that are automatic versus those that are discretionary.
• The petitioner has planned for all contingencies, including different Far Below
rates of SWDs, ELLs, and academically struggling students, different the Standard
disabilities, different levels of need, and how the school will adjust
its programs and processes accordingly.
• Vision for school culture or ethos that will promote high
expectations, a positive academic environment and intellectual and
social development for all students, including those with special
needs, English Language Learners, and students who struggle
academically.
• The Board has demonstrated understanding of federal, state, and
local laws, regulations, and policies to appropriately identify, serve,
and report data for all subgroups of students.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- ICS experienced significant growth in ACCESS scores during SY22-23. The Board allocated additional
funds for ELL. Additional ESOL staff have been hired. The school has a focus on ensuring that staff
reflect the diversity of the student population.
- A larger percentage of students have been identified as gifted (increased from 7 to 21). ICS credits
implementation of a Wonder Lab model for the increase.
- The MTSS process at International Community School has been enhanced through collaboration with
the DCSD MTSS team.
- The special education population at ICS is increasing. An increase in targeted interventions and support
is evident.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The budget is balanced, error free, and based on realistic
expectations for income and expenditures.
• The financial plan demonstrates a clear understanding of the Meets
statutory funding formula, private funding opportunities, and all the Standard
applicable federal funds.
• The budget reflects all necessary outlays outlined in the Academic
Plan, including personnel, technological resources, facilities,
curricular resources, and mission-specific expenditures.
• If the budget includes substantial private fundraising revenue, the Partially Meets
application details a strong fundraising plan and the Board includes the Standard
a member or advisor with significant fundraising expertise.
Financial • The identified facility will meet the needs of the education
Performance/ program, and there are effective measures to ensure the health
Plan and safety of students.
• The facilities financing plan is based on realistic market Below
expectations and includes contingencies in the case that the the Standard
preferred financing method is unavailable.
• The applicant has established protocols to ensure strong financial
performance, compliance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) and major federal fund requirements.
• Financial policies are comprehensive and likely to prevent fraud,
including clear job responsibilities of the staff and board members
who direct or execute financial transactions; strong financial and Far Below
accounting procedures and internal controls; clear, robust policies the Standard
for managing actual or perceived conflicts of interest; direct Board
oversight of procurement contracts; and in-depth reviews of
budgets, actuals, forecasts, and external financial audits.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- The financial plan is developed and aligned with the school’s mission, vision, and education program.
- Resources are strategically allocated to support academic priorities.
- ICS met the standard on all measures of financial performance.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The Board has, collectively, expert professional knowledge and
requisite skills in all areas needed to open a successful public
charter school, including organizational, financial, legal, real Meets
estate/facilities, start-up, and other operational capabilities along the Standard
with extensive, recent, and relevant teaching/school leadership
experience with a population similar to that the school plans to
serve. Experience with ELLs, SWDs, and/or economically-
disadvantaged students is evident.
• The Board has identified the school leader(s) or the skills and Partially Meets
experiences necessary for the leaders who will operate the school. the Standard
Organizational • The applicant has a thorough and accurate plan for how the school
Performance/ will meet its expected growth trajectory.
Plan • Staff recruitment and retention plans are likely to attract and retain
the quality and specific expertise needed to support the school’s
academic program. Below
• The PD plan is broad, covering all necessary areas to prepare the Standard
teachers to fulfill the school’s goal, including offering consistently
high-quality instruction, as well as flexible enough to respond to
teacher/PD needs as they develop throughout the school year.
• The PD plan specifically addresses any supports the student
population may require. Far Below
• The charter school’s faculty, staff, and students reflect the the Standard
sociodemographic diversity of the community served by the school.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- Opportunities for continuing education and opportunities for growth within the school are examples of
ways ICS acknowledges staff needs. Wellness and self-care days for staff are held. ICS offers
competitive benefits to keep staff healthy. PD opportunities for staff are provided—including through
the District.
- The ICS instructional staff is strong. ICS had 100% staff retention for SY23-24. Ninety percent of the
teachers are certified. Almost 100% of those have achieved ESOL certification.
- An external review of school leader turnover was conducted by Georgia State University 10 years ago.
The first step to address root causes was to create an Executive Director (ED) role. International
Community School has effectively navigated recent leadership changes by engaging the school
community in the ED and principal selection processes. Both positions were filled by internal candidates
which may have prevented negative impacts on school climate/culture. The Board has a succession
plan.
Evidence of Standard Rating
Minimum • Applicant met all submission deadlines and requirements. Meets the
Requirements • The essential elements of the mission, philosophy, and school program are
Standard
infused in each element of the application.
• Petitioner presented evidence to support the program design and
sufficiently responded to clarifying questions and/or evidence that Partially Meets
challenged or refuted elements of the proposed program. Standard
• Petition includes specific examples of waivers or flexibility needed to
accomplish the school’s goals.
Below the
Standard
Far Below
the Standard
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- International Community School met submission deadlines and sufficiently responded to all clarifying
questions and/or evidence that challenged the proposed program.
Overall Assessment/Final Evaluation
Meets Partially Meets the Below Far Below
the Standard Standard the Standard the Standard
Written Petition
X
Evaluation
Governing
Board Capacity Interview X
Evaluation
Final Evaluation X
Meets the Standard - The petition may be recommended for approval without any further action on the part of the
applicant.
Partially Meets Standard - Additional supplemental information and/or clarification is required before a
recommendation to approve or deny the charter can be made to the DeKalb Board of Education (DBOE).
Below the Standard - The petition requires substantial and material revisions before a recommendation to approve
or deny the charter can be made.
Far Below Standard - Petition is irreparably flawed and will be recommended for denial.