Agenda Item
b. DeKalb Preparatory Academy – 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 DeKalb Preparatory Academy for a term of three (3) years. The school shall be placed on probationary status effective immediately through June 30, 2025, due to multiple incidents of noncompliance with FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) as outlined in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act); persistent instability in leadership, including during the current two-year contract extension; and academic performance. DeKalb Preparatory Academy shall provide a corrective action plan to the district for review and approval within 30 days.
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: Due to concerns regarding academic performance and leadership instability, DeKalb Preparatory Academy was last recommended for a two-year contract extension in 2021 to allow the school an opportunity to demonstrate progress toward academic and organizational performance goals. DeKalb Preparatory Academy was recommended for a three-year conditional renewal in 2018 due to concerns regarding academic performance. DPA’s charter contract was extended for two years in 2016 to allow the school an opportunity to fully execute a new organizational model after the school severed ties with its Education Management Organization.
The petition review committee identified the following concerns:
During the current two-year extension, the petitioner has been cited for multiple incidents of noncompliance with FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) as outlined in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
During the current two-year extension, the instability in leadership that led to the extension has persisted. The current Head of School has been in this role since August 2023 and was preceded by three different Heads of School during the term of the two-year extension. The two current Principals have been in place since September 2023. The attrition rate for staff was 53% in both SY21-22 and SY22-23.
Though the broad flexibility of the charter contract allows for the waiver of certification, the high percentage of non-certified teachers does not appear to yield significant academic returns for students. Per the petitioner, the percentage of certified teachers for both 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 is 50%. The school’s Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade summary report indicates that DPA did not outperform the district or state at any grade level in ELA or mathematics, including 8.77% proficiency in 4th grade mathematics, 5% proficiency in 5th grade mathematics, 14.55% proficiency in 8th grade mathematics, and 23.64% proficiency in 8th grade ELA.
Financial impact: The three-year financial impact of the DeKalb Preparatory Academy charter renewal is estimated to be $20,860,561.80.
Contact: Ms. Lenise Bostic, Head of School, DeKalb Preparatory Academy DPA), lbostic@dekalbprepacademy.org, 404.937.2000
Ms. Suzette Arnold, Governing Board Chair, DeKalb Prepartory Academy (DPA), board1@dekalbprepacademy.org, 404.937.2000
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: DeKalb Preparatory Academy
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 Meets
authentic understanding of the “who” (targeted the Standard
population), the “how” (education model), and the Partially Meets
“why” (educational philosophy). the Standard
• The petitioner describes how members of the Below
community have been involved in the design and will the Standard
continue to be involved in the implementation of the
school.
• The community engagement to date and plan for
Community
moving forward incorporate diverse stakeholders,
Support & Need
touchpoints, and tactics, which are well-suited to reach
the school’s target population.
Far Below
• The petitioner understands the unique characteristics of
the Standard
DeKalb County’s educational landscape and is aware of
its communities’ needs, assets, and strengths.
• The petitioner demonstrates an understanding of the
economic, political, historical, and social contexts of the
community it seeks to serve.
• The petitioner demonstrates that the school will
continue to have 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:
• The petitioner provided examples of two community partnerships. The petition review committee
expressed that this number was relatively low.
• New leadership has a historical context for and connections to the community.
• As indicated on the “heater map” provided to the school by DCSD’s Planning Department, community
partners and staff understand that the student population represents all of DeKalb and not just the
former Region 6.
• Families perceive DPA and its education model as a viable option in the community.
• The petitioner did not make a compelling case for the unmet need in the District that the school seeks
to address. Though research is presented in the petition, the effectiveness of implementing these
strategies at DPA is not clearly articulated or supported by the school’s data.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The Board collectively has the capacity to implement all Meets
aspects of the education program and is, therefore, able the Standard
to meet the needs of the target student population and Partially Meets
those not in the target population but likely to enroll. the Standard
School • The governance structure creates a forum for parent, Below
Governance teacher, and community input and the strategies for the Standard
communicating Board priorities and decisions include all
stakeholders.
• The Board clearly articulates both its policies and a
Far Below
decision-making process for determining when and how
the Standard
to adjust its plans based on feedback.
• The Governing Board reflects the sociodemographic
diversity of the community served by the charter school.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• During the two-year extension, two ethics policy/personnel related ethics complaints were lodged.
The responses for both were not answered in a timely manner:
• In addition to the letters of concern outlined in the academic plan and organizational plan sections
below, the school was issued a letter of concern for adherence to mandated reporting requirements
(3/30/22).
• DCSD Operations and Maintenance visited the school on 2/1/2023 and issued a report with numerous
maintenance concerns. On 3/3/2023 the teams returned to find that the issues were resolved.
• Parental complaints decreased from SY22-23 to the first semester of SY23-24.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The petitioner addresses student subgroups individually,
recognizing and planning for the diverse needs of Meets the Standard
diverse students.
Academic • The application describes mechanisms and/or strategies
Performance/ that ensure equitable access to the curriculum for all Partially Meets
Plan students, including students with disabilities (SWDs) and the Standard
English Language Learners (ELLs).
• Embedded in the instructional methods and resources
are concrete strategies and materials to support SWDs, Below
ELLs, and academically struggling students. the Standard
• The petition describes a student behavior management
system that is likely to result in a low rate of out-of-
school suspensions and 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 rates of SWDs, ELLs, and academically
struggling students, different disabilities, different levels
of need, and how the school will adjust its programs and
processes accordingly. Far Below
• Vision for school culture or ethos that will promote high the Standard
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:
• Progress Monitoring for DeKalb Preparatory Academy is incomplete for the first 4.5 Progress
Reporting period of SY23-24. Teacher acknowledgements, which includes accommodations, behavior
intervention plans, and any other necessary IEP (Individualized Education Program) documents, have
not been provided to staff members that teach students with disabilities (SWD). A letter of concern
was issued by the District in October 2023. This has been an ongoing concern since SY22-23.
Progress monitoring for the 2022-2023 school year was completed during the month of June 2023 for
46 of the 53 SWDs by one teacher. Progress monitoring should be completed in a timely manner
(every 4.5 weeks) and reported to parents according to the grade reporting periods.
• Special Education Staffing – The DCSD Big Picture dated 10/19/2023 notes 8 full-time special
education teachers, two 1:1 paraprofessionals, and two supportive paraprofessionals are required.
The school is currently staffed by 3 contracted full-time teachers and 4 part-time retired special
education teachers that are scheduled to leave at 12:00 each day; 1 1:1 para and 2 program paras.
The petition review committee raised concerns about how the needs of students with disabilities are
being met after these staff members depart for the day.
• FAPE - The findings of a GaDOE Complaint dated 8/18/2023 cited concerns regarding the following:
Evaluations and Reevaluations (Child Find) and Provisions of Free Appropriate Public Education
(FAPE).
• FAPE – DPA was issued a letter of concern on March 10, 2023, because SWDs were not served
according to the services in their current IEPs on FTE count day. A directive was made to place
staff/substitutes in all SE classes.
• FAPE - A probe of Infinite Campus on August 18, 2022, validated a parent complaint that teachers
had not received accommodations for SWDs; the Teacher Acknowledge forms had not been
triggered nor uploaded. The Head of School indicated that the special education teachers would
provide the general education teachers with the accommodations and obtain signatures by Tuesday,
August 22, 2022. A letter of concern was issued by the District on August 22, 2022, regarding how
SWDs’ IEPs were being implemented. General education teachers had not been provided with a
copy of student accommodations as documented in Infinite Campus.
• DPA demonstrated single-digit proficiency rates in some areas of the 2023 EOG test, including 8.77%
proficiency in 4th grade mathematics and 5% proficiency in 5th grade mathematics. Additionally, the
school demonstrated 14.55% proficiency in 8th grade mathematics and 23.64% proficiency in 8th
grade ELA.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The budget is balanced, error free, and based on realistic Meets
expectations for income and expenditures. the Standard
• The financial plan demonstrates a clear understanding of Partially Meets
the statutory funding formula, private funding the Standard
opportunities, and all applicable federal funds. Below
• The budget reflects all necessary outlays outlined in the the Standard
Academic Plan, including personnel, technological
resources, facilities, curricular resources, and mission-
specific expenditures.
• If the budget includes substantial private fundraising
revenue, the application details a strong fundraising
plan, and the Board includes a member or advisor with
significant fundraising expertise.
• The identified facility will meet the needs of the
Financial
education program, and there are effective measures to
Performance/
ensure the health and safety of students.
Plan
• The facilities financing plan is based on realistic market
expectations and includes contingencies in the case that
the preferred financing method is unavailable. Far Below
• The applicant has established protocols to ensure strong the Standard
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 accounting procedures
and internal controls; clear, robust policies 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:
• DeKalb Preparatory is able to project enrollment in a way that enables it to adequately budget.
• The school maintains an appropriate balance of cash on hand and meets the standard of unrestricted
cash flow.
Evidence of Standard Rating
• The Board has, collectively, expert professional
Meets
knowledge and requisite skills in all areas needed to
the Standard
open a successful public charter school, including
Organizational
organizational, financial, legal, real estate/facilities,
Performance/ Partially Meets
start-up, and other operational capabilities along with
Plan the Standard
extensive, recent, and relevant teaching/school
Below
leadership experience with a population similar to that
the Standard
the school plans to serve. Experience with ELLs, SWDs,
Far Below
and/or economically disadvantaged students is evident.
the Standard
• The Board has identified the school leader(s) or the skills
and experiences necessary for the leaders who will
operate the school.
• The applicant has a thorough and accurate plan for how
the school will meet its expected growth trajectory.
• Staff recruitment and retention plans are likely to attract
and retain the quality and specific expertise needed to
support the school’s academic program.
• The PD plan is broad, covering all necessary areas to
prepare 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.
• The charter school’s faculty, staff, and students reflect
the sociodemographic diversity of the community served
by the school.
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
• During the two-year extension, instability in leadership persisted. The longest tenured administrator
is the Director of Operations with one year of experience. The current Head of School has been in this
role three months and was preceded by three other Heads of School during the term of the two-year
extension. The Academic Specialist and two Principals have all been in place for less than three
months. A letter of concern from the District (dated March 16, 2023) requested that DPA respond in
writing with the timeline and plan for filling the Head of School position. A clear timeline and plan
were never received.
• The attrition rate for staff was 53% in both SY21-22 and SY22-23.
Evidence of Standard Rating
Meets the Standard
• Applicant met all submission deadlines and
requirements.
• The essential elements of the mission, philosophy, and
Partially Meets
school program are infused in each element of the
Standard
Minimum application.
Requirements • Petitioner presented evidence to support the program
design and sufficiently responded to clarifying questions
Below the Standard
and/or evidence that challenged or refuted elements of
the proposed program.
• Petition includes specific examples of waivers or
Far Below
flexibility needed to accomplish the school’s goals.
the Standard
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- The petitioner did not infuse essential elements of the school’s mission, philosophy, and school
program into each element of the application.
- The petitioner’s response to the notification of incompleteness was provided after the deadline.
Overall Assessment/Final Evaluation
Meets Partially Meets the Below Far Below
the Standard Standard the Standard the Standard
Written Petition
Evaluation
X
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.