Agenda Item
b. DeKalb PATH Academy ~ Charter Contract Extension
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Kina M. Champion; Director, School Innovation; Division of Access & Opportunity
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve an extension of the charter contract of DeKalb PATH Academy for two years ending June 30, 2027.
Why: The charter petition review committee identified aspects of the petition that benefit students attending the charter school:
The petitioner presents a compelling case for the unmet need in the DeKalb County School District that DeKalb PATH Academy meets. The school maintains a waiting list of approximately 500 students. The school administration and educators have an understanding of the unique characteristics of DeKalb County’s educational landscape.
The Governing Board, staff, and stakeholders demonstrate a deep, realistic, or authentic understanding of the targeted population. The petitioner demonstrates an understanding of the economic, political, historical, and social contexts of the community it serves.
Financial policies/protocols are comprehensive. DeKalb PATH Academy has adequate levels of cash on hand, including cash reserves and/or contingencies for unexpected shortfalls.
Concerns:
DeKalb PATH Academy has agreed with its current leaser to a two-year lease extension ending June 30, 2027. However, the Governing Board did not provide a plan for leasing or purchasing a facility beyond June 30, 2027.
In 2019, PATH’s current charter was renewed with the condition that “the petitioner will consistently adhere to Georgia’s Open Records and Open Meetings laws by making all required documentation and information available on its Governing Board web page in a timely and organized manner.” This condition has not been met. The petition review committee recommends a corrective action plan to address persistent non-compliance with Georgia’s open meetings/records requirements.
As acknowledged in the petition, DeKalb PATH Academy did not meet CCRPI content mastery targets for either of the data reporting years in the current charter term. Additionally, PATH did not meet its 2022-2023 elementary progress score target.
Details: Each year, the district accepts applications from existing charter school Governing Boards to renew their charter contracts. On October 17, 2024, the Governing Board of DeKalb PATH Academy submitted a renewal petition. The charter school’s current charter contract will expire on June 30, 2025. Upon initial review by the School Innovation Department, the application was deemed complete. Per DeKalb Board of Education policy, the petition moved through the formal review and evaluation process. The petition review committee conducted site visits (which included stakeholder focus groups and classroom observations) on October 4, 9, and 10. School Innovation facilitated the Governing Board Capacity Interview for DeKalb PATH Academy on October 30. The Superintendent's site visit was held on November 7. On November 8, DeKalb PATH Academy submitted its response to the Initial Clarification Memo and its final revised petition.
The recommendation of the petition review committee is based on an evaluation of the written petition (narrative and exhibits), the petitioner’s response to the Initial Clarification Memo, the Governing Board Capacity Interview, governing board observations, site visits, classroom observations, data analysis, and independent due diligence.
Financial impact: The two-year financial impact on the general fund is estimated to be $10,207,740.50.
Contact: Dr. Triscilla Weaver; Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity, 678-676-0485
Ms. Kina M. Champion; Director, School Innovation; Division of Access & Opportunity, 678-676-0718
Effective: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027
Status: Approved by General Counsel
Charter School Final Petition Evaluation Rubric
DeKalb PATH Academy
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 founding 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 Meets
“how” (education model), and the “why” (educational the Standard
philosophy).
- The petitioner describes how members of the community
have been involved in the design and will continue to be
Community
involved in the implementation of the school. Partially Meets
Support & Need
- The community engagement to date and plan for moving the Standard
forward incorporate diverse stakeholders, touchpoints, and
tactics, which are well-suited to reach the school’s target
population.
- The petitioner understands the unique characteristics of Below
DeKalb County’s educational landscape and is aware of its the Standard
communities’ needs, assets, and strengths.
The Final Petition Evaluation Rubric and Governance Board Capacity Interview Rubric are adapted from the Application
Evaluation Criteria published by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers at National Association of Charter
School Authorizers at www.qualitycharters.org.
1
- 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 the Standard
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 presents a compelling case for the unmet need in the DeKalb County School District
that DeKalb PATH Academy meets. The school administration and educators have an
understanding of the unique characteristics of DeKalb County’s educational landscape.
- The Governing Board, staff, and stakeholders demonstrate a deep, realistic, or authentic
understanding of the targeted population. The petitioner demonstrates an understanding of the
economic, political, historical, and social contexts of the community it seeks to serve.
- An awareness of the community's needs, assets, and strengths is evident in the final revised
petition.
- Focus groups indicated involvement of DeKalb community members, organizations, families, and
community partnerships to support the mission and vision of DeKalb PATH Academy.
Evidence of Standard Rating
Meets
- The Board collectively has the capacity to implement all aspects the Standard
of 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 Governance - The governance structure creates a forum for parent, teacher, the Standard
and community input and the strategies for communicating
Board priorities and decisions include all stakeholders.
- The Board clearly articulates both its policies and a decision- Below
making process for determining when and how to adjust its plans the Standard
based on feedback.
- The Founding 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 members have a broad and varied knowledge base. The Governing Board
reflects the sociodemographic diversity of the DeKalb PATH community. However, it is unclear
what role(s), if any, Board members played in the petition development process.
- Although DeKalb PATH Academy has been an established charter school for over 20 years,
concerns were raised that the petition indicates that Governing Board committees were
reestablished only recently.
- During the most recent charter term, the Governing Board has been non-compliant regarding
aspects of Standard 15 - Standards for Effective Governance of Georgia Nonprofit Charter School
Governing Boards. The Petition Review Committee recommends a corrective action plan to
address persistent non-compliance with Georgia’s Open Meetings/Records requirements.
The Final Petition Evaluation Rubric and Governance Board Capacity Interview Rubric are adapted from the Application
Evaluation Criteria published by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers at National Association of Charter
School Authorizers at www.qualitycharters.org.
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- The Governing Board demonstrates the capacity to implement most aspects of the education
program or to meet the needs of the target student population.
Evidence of Standard Rating
- The petitioner addresses student subgroups individually,
recognizing and planning for the diverse needs of diverse
students.
- The application describes mechanisms and/or strategies Meets the Standard
that ensure equitable access to the curriculum for all
students, including students with disabilities (SWDs) and
English Language Learners (ELLs).
- Embedded in the instructional methods and resources are
concrete strategies and materials to support SWDs, ELLs,
and academically struggling students. Partially Meets
- The petition describes a student behavior management the Standard
system that is likely to result in a low rate of out-of-school
Academic suspensions and expulsions, is not overly punitive, and
Performance/ distinguishes between outcomes that are automatic versus
Plan those that are discretionary.
- The petitioner has planned for all contingencies, including
Below
different rates of SWDs, ELLs, and academically struggling
the Standard
students, different 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. Far Below
- The Board has demonstrated understanding of federal, the Standard
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:
− As stated in the petition, PATH did not “meet” targets for either of the data reporting years in either
Measure 2 or Measure 3 in the current charter term; however, PATH demonstrated significant
progress on Measure 2 and met in Middle school for Measure 3.
− The petitioner addresses student subgroups and plans for the diverse needs of its students.
− The Petition Review Committee raised concerns about the need for a defined curriculum for ELLs at
DeKalb PATH Academy.
− DeKalb PATH Academy uses restorative practices to build and maintain positive, healthy
relationships, and resolve conflict.
Financial
Evidence of Standard Rating
Performance/
The Final Petition Evaluation Rubric and Governance Board Capacity Interview Rubric are adapted from the Application
Evaluation Criteria published by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers at National Association of Charter
School Authorizers at www.qualitycharters.org.
3
Plan - The budget is balanced, error free, and based on realistic
expectations for income and expenditures.
- The financial plan demonstrates a clear understanding of
Meets
the statutory funding formula, private funding opportunities,
the Standard
and all 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
Partially Meets
revenue, the application details a strong fundraising plan
the Standard
and the Board includes a member or advisor with significant
fundraising expertise.
- The identified facility will meet the needs of the education
program, and there are effective measures to ensure the
health and safety of students.
- The facilities financing plan is based on realistic market
Below
expectations and includes contingencies in the case that
the Standard
the 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 Far Below
transactions; strong financial and accounting procedures the Standard
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:
- The budget is based on realistic expectations for income and expenditures and
reflect all needs outlined in the Academic Plan, including personnel, technological resources,
facilities, curricular resources, and mission specific expenditures.
- A contingency budget to address other options for building space/locations was requested as part
of the initial clarification memorandum.
- Financial policies/protocols are comprehensive.
- DeKalb PATH has adequate levels of cash on hand, including cash reserves and/or contingencies
for unexpected shortfalls.
Evidence of Standard Rating
- The Board has, collectively, expert professional knowledge
Organizational and requisite skills in all areas needed to open a successful
Performance/ Plan public charter school, including organizational, financial, Meets
legal, real estate/facilities, start-up, and other operational the Standard
capabilities along with extensive, recent, and relevant
teaching/school leadership experience with a population
The Final Petition Evaluation Rubric and Governance Board Capacity Interview Rubric are adapted from the Application
Evaluation Criteria published by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers at National Association of Charter
School Authorizers at www.qualitycharters.org.
4
similar to that the school plans to serve. Experience with
ELLs, SWDs, and/or economically-disadvantaged students
is evident. Partially Meets
- The Board has identified the school leader(s) or the skills the Standard
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 Below
support the school’s academic program. the Standard
- 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 Far Below
population may require. the Standard
- 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:
- PATH’s current leaser has offered the school a two-year lease extension. The Governing Board’s
plan to secure a new lease or facility is unclear. The Petition Review Committee expressed
concerns about the lack of a plan to navigate this uncertainty.
- The professional development plan sufficiently addresses support for special student populations.
Evidence of Standard Rating
Meets the Standard
- Applicant met all submission deadlines and requirements.
- The essential elements of the mission, philosophy, and
school program are infused in each element of the Partially Meets
Minimum application. Standard
Requirements - Petitioner presented evidence to support the program design
and sufficiently responded to clarifying questions and/or
evidence that challenged or refuted elements of the Below the Standard
proposed program.
- Petition includes specific examples of waivers or flexibility
needed to accomplish the school’s goals. Far Below
the Standard
Review Committee’s Comments or Concerns:
- The petitioner met all submission deadlines and requirements.
- The petition includes specific examples of waivers or flexibility needed to accomplish the school’s
goals.
The Final Petition Evaluation Rubric and Governance Board Capacity Interview Rubric are adapted from the Application
Evaluation Criteria published by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers at National Association of Charter
School Authorizers at www.qualitycharters.org.
5
Overall Assessment/Final Evaluation
Meets Partially Meets Below Far Below
the Standard the Standard the Standard the Standard
Written Petition
X
Evaluation
Governing
Board Capacity X
Interview 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.
The Final Petition Evaluation Rubric and Governance Board Capacity Interview Rubric are adapted from the Application
Evaluation Criteria published by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers at National Association of Charter
School Authorizers at www.qualitycharters.org.
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