Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools
The Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS) has begun meeting with Black and Brown Charter School Leaders in Ohio! The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss issues charter leaders in Ohio face and explore ways to address them.

FCCS was established in July 2019 to elevate the voices of Black and Brown charter school leaders, founders, advocates, and families to the forefront and respond to a persistent, clear and present danger to the public charter school movement.

A group of influential Black and Brown charter school leaders saw the need for our authentic voice to educate our communities and nation to the foundational role that Black and Brown led charters play in our pursuits of equity and selfdetermination. We know that a community which does not control its education can never be free.

FCCS exists to lay claim to our truth and to press on towards an immutable, powerful Black and Brown voice that will be cemented in the minds of all who engage in conversations about educating the public.

RaShaun (Holliman) Kemp, a former Ohio charter school leader at a Buckeye Community Hope Foundation-sponsored school, and former Director of the ODE Office of Community Schools, is the Executive Director of FCCS.

Contact RaShaun via email (rashaun@freedomccs.org) to join FCCS meetings and stay informed about the work the group will be doing throughout Ohio.
Request to Join FCCS Meetings

Changes to School Funding
December will see the first major overhaul to funding for Ohio's schools in over 30 years. This change has created many questions and left many board members and school leaders wondering how to proceed with budgeting. In order to help bring clarity to the situation, it is important to understand how we got to this point and what steps schools should be taking moving forward. Read Full Article

GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
1. Classics for Kids Foundation: K-12 Music Programs
The Classics for Kids Foundation believes playing a stringed instrument can transform children and provide them with experiences and skills that help make them succeed in life.

To that end, the foundation invites applications for its matching grant program which will award grants to schools or nonprofit organizations that incorporate string instruments in their K-12 music education programs. All instruments in the string family are supported.

Deadline: December 31, 2021 Apply for Grant

2. Big Lots Foundation: Programs that Enrich Lives of Families, Children The Big Lots Foundation, the charitable arm of national retailer Big Lots, invests in partnerships aimed at improving and enriching the lives of families and children.

To that end, the foundation invites applications in support of programs in the areas of health care, housing, hunger, and education, especially those serving women and children. Proposals in the following categories will be considered: health care, housing, hunger, and education.

Deadline: January 1, 2022 Request Support

3. JAMS Foundation: Pre-K-12 Conflict Resolution and Training
The JAMS Foundation works to provide financial assistance for conflict resolution initiatives with national and international impact and to share its dispute resolution experience and expertise for the benefit of the public.

To that end, the foundation, in partnership with the Association for Conflict Resolution, has issued a request for initial proposal ideas for the 2022 funding cycle of the ACR/JAMS Foundation Initiative for Students and Youth.

Deadline: January 14, 2022 Complete RFP

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT UPDATE
Creating a Culture of Coaching and Success

As we speak to school leaders and read about concerns for student success, it is clear that we need to depend on our teachers more than ever. We know about teacher shortages—fewer college students enrolled in education programs and more teachers leaving the profession through retirement and pursuit other endeavors. As we deal with staff shortages and teachers who are not as experienced, we need to think about how to minimize the effect on our students. Read Full Article

COMPLIANCE & FISCAL UPDATE
1. Required Trainings for December: The following trainings must be completed by December 31, 2021:

Bloodborne Pathogens

School Safety

Seclusion and Restraint

Coaches Certification for OHSAA sports

As always, if you have any questions, reach out to your school's Sponsor Representative.

2. Vision & Hearing Screenings and Immunizations: Vision and Hearing Screenings are due by December 31, 2021. BCHF will review student files to verify schools use the forms provided by the State Director of Health. Immunizations must be sent to the Department of Health. Requirements for Hearing and Vision

3. Safety Drill Logs: Schools are required to submit safety drill logs to the State Fire Marshal at midyear (Dec/Jan) and year-end (May/Jun). The logs should be submitted via email to the Division of State Fire Marshal Code Enforcement Bureau - Ohio Department of Commerce. Be sure to copy your Sponsor Representative on the email.
Drills are required for in-person staff, even if the building is closed to students.

Safety Drills FAQ

Submit Safety Drill Log via Email