The School Site Council (SSC) is a stakeholder group that is required for schools that receive Federal funding. Most Springs Charter Schools receive the following federal funding allocations:

Title I – Improving Academic Achievement

Title II – Teacher/Principal Training (Staff Development)

Title III – Limited English Proficient (English Learners)

As an SSC, we are tasked with overseeing the expenditures of funds in both Title I and Title III programs. These expenditures must be within the federal guidelines for these programs and adhere to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Federal Addendum that is developed/revised each year. Citrus Springs Charter School, Empire Springs Charter School, Harbor Springs Charter School, Pacific Springs Charter School, River Springs Charter School, and Vista Springs Charter School are Local Education Agencies (LEA), not “schools”, for purpose of Title I.

Title I is defined as:

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (formerly ESEA/NCLB) requires all states to implement statewide accountability systems based on challenging state standards in reading and mathematics, annual testing for all students in grades three through eight, and annual statewide progress objectives ensuring that all groups of students reach proficiency within 12 years. Assessment results are disaggregated by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, disability, and limited English proficiency to ensure that no group is left behind.

Citrus Springs Charter School, Empire Springs Charter School, Harbor Springs Charter School, Pacific Springs Charter School, River Springs Charter School, and Vista Springs Charter School (collectively referred to below as “Springs Charter Schools”) distribute to parents of Title I, Part A students, a school-parent compact (Compact). The Compact (which has been jointly developed with parents) outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The Compact describes specific ways Springs Charter Schools and families will partner to help children achieve the state’s high academic standards. The Compact addresses the following legally required items, as well as other items suggested by parents of Title I, Part A students:

• Springs Charter Schools’ responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction (ESSA Section 1116[d][1]).
• The ways parents will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning (ESSA Section 1116[d][1]).
• The importance of ongoing communication between parents and teachers through, at a minimum, annual parent-teacher conferences; frequent reports on student progress; access to staff; opportunities for parents to volunteer and participate in their child’s class; and opportunities to observe classroom activities (ESSA Section 1116[d][2]).

Springs Charter Schools engage Title I, Part A parents in meaningful interactions. The Compact supports a partnership among staff, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement. To help reach these goals, Springs Charter Schools have established the following practices:

Springs Charter Schools provide Title I, Part A parents with assistance in understanding the state’s academic content standards, assessments, and how to monitor and improve the achievement of their children (ESSA Section 1116[e][1]).

Springs Charter Schools provide Title I, Part A parents with materials and training to help them work with their children to improve their children’s achievement (ESSA Section 1116[e][2]).

With the assistance of Title I, Part A parents,

Springs Charter Schools educate staff members on the value of parent contributions, and how to work with parents as equal partners (ESSA Section 1116[e][3]).

Springs Charter Schools coordinate and integrates the Title I, Part A parental involvement program with other programs, and conducts other activities, such as parent resource centers, to encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children (ESSA Section 1116[e][4]).

Springs Charter Schools distribute Information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities to Title I, Part A parents in a format and language that the parents understand (ESSA Section 1116[e][5]).

Springs Charter Schools provide support for parental involvement activities requested by Title I, Part A parents (ESSA Section 1116[e][14]).

Springs Charter Schools provide opportunities for the participation of all Title I, Part A parents, including parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory students. Information and school reports are provided in a format and language that parents understand (ESSA Section 1116[f]).

For more information or to join the School Site Council, please contact Laura Banda.