2023-2024 Traditional Internet- or Computer-Based School Application

  • This application is for developers seeking to open an internet- or computer-based school. Please review the call for new schools, cover letter, timeline, and attachment list before beginning this application. Schools may now be located in any district and not only in challenged districts. Please note that all file uploads are required to be in PDF format and titled according to their attachment number. You also have the option to “copy and paste” text from a document into a text box. At the bottom of the Application, there is a Save and Continue Later option for your convenience.
  • General Information

    Name of the Primary Contact for the application and the Organization completing the application on behalf of the school:
  • Enter the address of where the school will be operating from. If an address is not yet known, please enter the city.
  • Management Company/Operator Affiliates

  • Is the management company/operator affiliated (individual, organization or nonprofit organization that is officially connected to the operator) with any other operators throughout the state of Ohio? If yes, please list the operators and the capacity of the affiliation. You may click the plus sign to add additional rows.
  • Charter/Community SchoolCapacity 
  • Development Team

    This section focuses on the development team for the proposed school. The development team plays a critical role in starting the school and Team members should have a varied range of expertise. This section will be scored on the following criteria (based on the resumes uploaded below): 1. the team consists of several individuals with diverse skills; 2. evidence was provided showing the team members have expertise in at least three (3) of the following areas: business, education, finance, technology and governance.
  • Provide a current resume for each development team member and upload as a single PDF document titled Attachment 1. Note: Each resume must contain current contact information (mailing address and phone number).
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
    • If any member of the development team plans to continue to be involved with the school or the governing authority after opening, please describe the role. If no members intend on transitioning to the school or governing authority, please enter “N/A”.
    • Governance

      The governing authority’s role is vital to the school’s success and future existence. The governing authority sets policies, establishes the budget and is the fiduciary agent for the community school. The governing authority is responsible for compliance with the community school contract and applicable local, state and federal laws. The governing authority of the community school is the responsible entity and contracting party for any community school contract. Ohio Revised Code requires no fewer than five (5) members. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3314.036, the governing authority must employ legal counsel, who is independent from the school’s sponsor and the operator. Independent counsel shall negotiate the school’s contract with the sponsor or the school’s contract with the operator.
    • Provide the names and email addresses for each governing authority member. Click the plus symbol to add additional rows. Provide a resume for each governing authority member and upload the resumes as a single PDF titled Attachment 2. This section is scored based on the number of governing authority members with all requested information provided as well as an assessment of the resumes to determine members’ experience and expertise with community schools and governing authorities. Note: to receive a “Meets” you must provide, at a minimum, information and resumes for at least five members. Less than five receives a “Partially Meets” and no information and/or resumes receives a “Does Not Meet”.
      NameEmail address 
    • Drop files here or
      Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
      • Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3314.036, the governing authority must employ legal counsel who is independent from both the school’s sponsor and the operator. Independent counsel shall negotiate the school’s contract with the sponsor or the school’s contract with the operator. While no score will be given for this section, the expectation is that the legal counsel listed has experience with Ohio law as it pertains to community schools.
        Name of Legal CounselContact Information Phone and EmailExperience with Ohio charter school law 
      • Describe the governing authority structure (including how/when meetings are held, committees, terms, etc.), recruitment and future development plans (this information is typically contained in the bylaws. If you have a draft of the bylaws, you may upload as your response). This section will be scored based on applicant providing a clear plan with all of the requested information. Plan should include that all members will work or reside within 50 miles of the school.

        Note: You may provide the information in the text box and/or upload a file. All of the requested information must be included. If uploading a file, it must be a PDF titled Bylaws/GA Structure. If ONLY uploading a file, please enter “See Attachment” in the text box.

      • Drop files here or
        Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 300 MB.
        • Describe the governing authority’s plan to monitor, measure and evaluate the management organization’s or the superintendent’s performance. If you have a monitoring/evaluation tool, you may upload it as supporting documentation. If uploading a file, it must be a PDF titled GA Monitoring.
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          Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
          • Management Company/Operator Information

          • What type of organization is the management company?
          • Company NameContact PersonPhone Number and EmailManagement Company EINManagement Company IRN 
          • Upload a narrative describing the management company/operator’s experience with internet- or computer-based community schools in the state of Ohio as a PDF document titled Attachment 3.
            Drop files here or
            Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
            • Upload a narrative that describes the operator’s assessment of the degree to which each of the operator’s affiliated internet- or computer-based schools is meeting the operating standards for online schools as a PDF document titled Attachment 4.
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              Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
              • Provide a narrative describing if the operator ever terminated its agreement with an internet- or computer-based school and an explanation describing the circumstances leading to the decision to terminate the agreement for each school. Describe the specific actions taken by the operator and timeline for each action. If the operator has not had to terminate its agreement with an internet- or computer-based school, describe what circumstances would lead the operator to terminate an agreement with an internet- or computer-based school and specific actions the operator would take, including the timeline for each action. Upload the narrative as a PDF document titled Attachment 5.
                Drop files here or
                Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                • Has the operator managed a school that received a full-time equivalency (FTE) determination by the state education agency? If yes, upload a narrative that details the school(s), year(s) and an explanation of the determination as a PDF document titled Attachment 6.
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                  Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                  • Please provide the following:
                    • • Provide a higher-level description of the management company’s role with managed school(s), and
                    • • Describe the management organization’s responsibility to the governing authority.
                    • • Upload a copy of the management agreement as a PDF document titled Attachment 7. If a management agreement has not been finalized, provide a copy of the management agreement template as a PDF document titled Attachment 7. To receive a “Meets” on this section, a final or template management agreement must be submitted AND a detailed description of the management organization’s roles and responsibilities.
                  • Drop files here or
                    Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                    • Please provide the following:
                      • • Describe the organizational structure of the management organization including specific individuals who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and success of the proposed school.
                      • • Upload the EMO or CMO organizational chart with description of each person’s responsibilities as a PDF document titled Attachment 8 with defined responsibilities for each individual.

                        To receive a “Meets Expectations” all of the information above must be provided.

                    • Drop files here or
                      Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                      • In the box below, please provide:
                        • • A formal statement of business goals, reasons they are attainable and plans for reaching them which contains information on the academic, financial and operational position of your organization over multiple years.
                        • • Include how many schools the organization plans to open over the next five (5) years.
                        • To receive a “Meets Expectations” the plan provided must contain all of the required elements and demonstrate the management organization’s capacity to achieve the stated goals.
                      • Record of Success – Management Organization

                      • Please upload the following as a PDF titled Attachment 9a. A comprehensive list of all schools managed by the operator in the state of Ohio since the operator’s first year in operation. The list must include:

                        – Name and IRN of each school

                        – Type of school (site-based or online)

                        – First and most recent calendar years for which the operator managed the daily activities of the school

                        – Total years operator managed school

                        Please Note: All requested information must be provided for the application to be considered complete.

                        Drop files here or
                        Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                        • Please upload the following as a PDF titled Attachment 9b. A comprehensive list of all schools managed by the operator outside the state of Ohio since the operator’s first year in operation. The list must include:

                          – Name and unique identifier of each school

                          – Type of school (site-based or online)

                          -state school is located in

                          – List each school year with affiliation

                          -Overall state report card grade for each year of affiliation

                          – Total years operator managed school

                          -Link to an explanation of the state’s accountability system.

                          Please Note: All requested information must be provided for the application to be considered complete.

                          Drop files here or
                          Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                          • Provide data evidencing the management organization’s or superintendent’s (for self-managed schools) financial and business experience related to starting and operating schools. This information should include:

                            – Audits of affiliated schools,

                            – The number of affiliated schools that owe money to the management company and how much is owed,

                            – Debt carried by affiliated schools.

                            This information should be provided for each school listed in the Record of Success in Academics section.

                            You may provide the information in the text box and/or upload a file. If uploading a file, it must be a PDF titled Record of Success Financial/Business. If ONLY uploading a file, please enter “See Attachment” in text box.

                            To receive a “Meets” there must be clear evidence that shows the management organization or superintendent has a record of success in the financial and business aspects of starting and operating schools.

                          • Drop files here or
                            Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                            • Describe and provide data evidencing the management organization’s or superintendent’s (for self-managed schools) experience and success with underserved student populations.

                              If a superintendent has not yet been selected, provide the job description and/or the job posting that shows the characteristics of the person being sought.

                              You may provide the information in the text box and/or upload a file. If uploading a file it must be a PDF titled Record of Success in Underserved Student Populations. If ONLY uploading a file, please enter “See Attachment” in the text box. To receive a “Meets”, there must be strong evidence showing experience with underserved student populations.

                            • Drop files here or
                              Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                              • Additional Contractors

                                List below the names of all contractors, or potential contractors, that will provide daily support services to the school that are not provided by a management organization or listed in self-management section. If a provider has not been selected, list the service and who you are in talks with.
                                • Click the plus symbol to add additional rows, if needed.
                                • To receive a “Meets” it must be clear that between support services described in the Daily Operations section, combined with those described in the Contractor section, all required daily support services will be provided.
                              • NameServices to be ProvidedContact Information Phone and Email 
                              • Conflict of Interest

                                Has any member of the governing authority or development team, including management company or treasurer/fiscal officer, been involved with an entity that was involved in a bankruptcy, closed for financial reasons, had a finding for recovery, or designated as not auditable by the Auditor of State? If YES, please list the school(s) or entities and identify the basis of the relationship in the fields below (i.e., contractor, employee of operator, treasurer, board member, etc.) You may click the plus symbol to add additional rows, if needed.
                              • School or EntityRelationship 
                              • Educational Program

                                This section focuses on the educational program of the proposed school.
                              • Please upload a narrative describing the proposed internet- or computer-based school as a PDF document titled Attachment 10. The narrative must include the following:

                                – Reasons Ohio would benefit from an additional internet- or computer-based community school.

                                – Community and student population (demographics, ages and grade levels) school intends to serve

                                – Enrollment area (specific counties in Ohio)

                                description of how the submitted education plan aligns with standards developed by iNACOL

                                -Expectations of academic performance, including academic achievement status or proficiency, academic growth, post-secondary readiness, and expectations for mission-specific performance measures

                                – Expectations of any non-academic school or student goals to which school will hold itself accountable

                                Note: All areas above must be addressed.

                                Drop files here or
                                Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                • Please complete the education plan document that is found on the Application page of the website and upload it as a PDF document titled Education Plan. (If the application is approved, the education plan attachment will become part of the contract agreement). The education plan is broken down into the following sections: 6.3a Mission, Vision, Philosophy, 6.3b Curriculum, 6.3c Instructional Delivery Methods and Resources/Materials, 6.3d Continuous Improvement and Professional Growth, 6.3e Prevention and Intervention, 6.4a Goals and Performance Indicators, 6.5 Assessment Plan, 8.1 Organization and Staffing. Note: Please see the scoring rubric for detailed information on how this section will be scored.
                                  Drop files here or
                                  Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                  • Demographics and Market Research

                                    This section focuses on the demographics and marketing research of the proposed school.
                                  • Please provide the following:

                                    – Describe the targeted area the school will draw from.

                                    – Describe how the school will serve the unique needs/characteristics of the targeted area.

                                    – Provide specific data that shows the targeted area’s need for this school’s model.

                                    You may provide the information in the text box and/or upload a file. If uploading a file it must be a PDF titled School Model and Community. If ONLY uploading a file, please enter “See Attachment” in the text box.

                                  • Drop files here or
                                    Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                    • Upload a list of all schools (traditional and community) that offer the same grades and programming that this school is offering. Also provide the following:

                                      – Using the list of schools provided, describe the current educational options available.

                                      – What deficiencies or lack of capacity exists from the existing schools and how will this school fill those deficiencies?

                                    • Note: You may provide the information in the text box and/or upload a file. If uploading a file, it must be a PDF titled Market Research. If ONLY uploading a file, please enter “See Attachment” in the text box. To receive a “Meets” you must provide all of the requested information.
                                  • Drop files here or
                                    Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                    • Upload evidence of community support for your school as a PDF document titled Attachment 11, such as:
                                      • • Letters of support showing how the school will serve the community and meet student and family needs,
                                      • • Surveys of local residents indicating a need/desire for a new community school,
                                      • • Other community indicators of support for the school.
                                      • The letters of support must:
                                        • • Be dated within one year of application date,
                                        • • Specifically support this school in this location.
                                        • To receive a “Meets Expectations” support of the community must be shown. Providing a robust plan to establish community support may receive a “Partially Meets” and not providing either receives a “Does Not Meet”.
                                      Drop files here or
                                      Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                      • Please provide the following:
                                        • • Discuss the school’s current recruitment and marketing plans.
                                        • • Discuss plans to maintain student enrollment at the lowest grade level and attrition at all grade levels.
                                        • • Future marketing strategies.
                                        • • Upload copies of promotional or recruitment materials including; media plans, marketing plans, open house schedules, etc. as a PDF document titled Attachment 12.
                                        • To receive a “Meets Expectations” the evidence provided must reflect a realistic and attainable plan to recruit students and maintain enrollment. This should align with the enrollment projections listed below.
                                      • Drop files here or
                                        Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                        • Enrollment Projections

                                          Please enter projected enrollment in the boxes provided below, enter N/A for grades not served. Please note that Ohio law requires at least 25 students be fully enrolled to open. These projections will be considered in conjunction with the Facilities, Financial and Staffing (Ed Plan) portions of the application.
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                                        • Operational Budget

                                          This section focuses on the operational budget of the proposed school.
                                        • Identify the school’s fiscal officer.
                                        • Using ODE’s Community School Annual Budget template (found with the application supporting documents or on ODE’s website), provide the school’s first-year budget with monthly detail showing expected cash flow, assets and liabilities as a PDF document titled Attachment 13. The information in the budget should align with the enrollment projections listed above. To receive a “Meets Expectations” the budget must be complete and realistically reflect the enrollment, revenue and expenditures of the school.
                                        • Drop files here or
                                          Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                          • Please provide the following:

                                            – Upload a sample five-year forecast for the proposed school using the template prescribed by ODE as a PDF document titled Attachment 14a.

                                            – Upload the most recent five-year forecasts for all internet- or computer-based schools currently operated, and not sponsored by St. Aloysius, as a PDF document titled Attachment 14b

                                            – If necessary, provide a brief explanation of your five-year forecast.

                                          • Drop files here or
                                            Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                            • Upload signed letters of commitment for contributions of funds or in-kind services as a PDF document titled Attachment 15, if applicable. If necessary, provide a brief explanation of the contributions. If none, enter “N/A” in the box below.
                                            • Drop files here or
                                              Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                              • Describe the governing authority’s plan to maintain the school’s short and long term financial stability and viability, including potential reductions in expenditures relative to fluctuating enrollment. Note: You may provide the information in the text box and/or upload a file. All of the requested information must be included. If uploading a file, it must be a PDF titled Financial Stability. If ONLY uploading a file, please enter “See Attachment” in the text box.
                                              • Drop files here or
                                                Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                                • Compliance

                                                  The purpose of this section is to verify knowledge and understanding needed to maintain compliance with state and federal guidelines and appropriate operational procedures. Inclusion of complete policies, benefit manuals, or handbooks are not needed at this time.
                                                • As part of the application, the compliance site visit reports from the previous school year will be collected and reviewed for all internet- or computer-based schools managed by the operator. CSS staff will collect compliance site visit reports for schools currently sponsored by St. Aloysius.

                                                  Upload copies of all reports of site visits conducted by another sponsor from the previous school year as PDF documents titled Attachment 16. If any items are non-compliant, provide a brief explanation below of the reason for non-compliance and explain steps taken to achieve compliance.

                                                • Drop files here or
                                                  Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                                  • Describe your experience with compliance as it relates to internet- or computer-based school. You must include the following:

                                                    1. Provide evidence showing knowledge and understanding of attendance rule and law for online schools.

                                                    2. Evidence of a state and diagnostic testing logistics plan.

                                                    3. Evidence of systems and attendance tracker.

                                                    You may enter the information in the text box and/or upload a document as a PDF document titled Compliance Internet or Computer Based Schools. If only uploading a document, enter “See Attachment” in text box.

                                                  • Drop files here or
                                                    Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                                    • Have any of the schools managed by the operator been on probation and/or received an intent to suspend notice? If yes, provide copies of all probation or intent to suspend notices and any school responses as a PDF document titled Attachment 17.
                                                    • Drop files here or
                                                      Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
                                                      • Capacity to Execute

                                                        Each section of the application will be used to inform reviewers of the capacity of the applicant to execute the plan as described throughout the application. If there is any information you would like to provide that is not previously stated in the application, please provide below.
                                                      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.



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