Charter School Authorization

Charter School Proposal

The purpose of this document is to help you develop a proposal for receiving authorization to start a new charter school in the State of Utah. Proposal development is the first stage of a multi-step process that will be described below.  Prior to starting the proposal, you must attend mandatory training with the Director of UT Tech Charter School Office.  This training will contain helpful information as well as provide an opportunity to ask questions.  Once the training has been completed, the applicant can begin the proposal.

When completed, your proposal will be reviewed by The Utah Tech University Board of Trustees or their designees.   This review will result in an evaluation of the overall merit of your proposal and determine if it warrants an invitation for you to proceed to the next stage of charter authorization, the proposal interview.

PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

The Utah Tech Board of Trustees or their designees will be looking for a clear, articulate, coherent, and consistent description of your proposal, which must include the following:

Background Information
  • Name of proposed charter school
  • Name of person or persons applying
  • Authorized agent
  • Full mailing address, phone number, and email address of authorized agent
  • Proposed location, including school district
  • Include if school is virtual or in-person

Proposed Board Members
  • Name, position, and expertise (education, legal, financial) of each proposed board member
  • Previous charter school affiliations of each board member

Learning Mission
  • State and describe the proposed school’s learning mission
  • Describe the educational need met by the school’s mission
  • Describe the academic learning goals of the proposed school
  • Describe additional goals of the school
  • Describe the legislative purpose of the school outlined in UCA 53G-5-104
  • Describe the alignment with Utah Tech University’s mission and values

Program of Instruction
  • Describe the research and evidence to support your proposed instructional program
  • Describe the educational philosophy that will support student learning
  • Describe how the student learning goals may be accomplished through this program of instruction
  • Describe how the Utah Core Standards will be taught and how proficiency will be achieved
  • Describe how students with disabilities, English language learners, advanced learners, and students with other educational disadvantages will be served
  • Describe how graduation requirements will be met (9th-12th)

Market Analysis
  • Describe the demographics of the target population the proposed school will serve
  • Describe the characteristics of an appropriate site
  • Describe how this site will support your overall proposal, including the purpose, mission, and goals of your school
  • Describe site (if identified or secured)
  • Describe process to secure site or locate site, if not identified
  • Describe why the proposed school and educational program is needed in that location
  • Describe the surrounding demographics and why the proposed school will serve the needs of this demographic
  • Describe the characteristics of the proposed school that will set it apart from other schools in the target location
  • Describe any risks, barriers, or regulations that may impact the proposed school’s success

Enrollment Model
  • Grade levels served
  • Grade-level alignment with district and surrounding districts
  • Target opening school year Funding Plan
    • Describe funding plan for the proposed school; include projections for revenue and expenditures
  • Governance and Operational Structure
  • Describe the proposed operational infrastructure, elements, and process to support student learning
  • Proposed time frame for benchmarks and opening
  • Waivers requested (If applicable)
  • Include rule numbers and titles
  • Signature of Board members and Authorized Agent
  • Assurance all information in the proposal is complete and accurate
  • Code of Ethics Statement
  • Confirmation Utah Law and Rules related to Charter Schools have been read and understood

Funding Plan
  • Describe funding plan for the proposed school; include projections for revenue and expenditures

Governance and Operational Structure
  • Describe the proposed operational infrastructure, elements, and process to support student learning

Proposed timeframe for benchmarks and opening
  • Include your proposed timeframe for your benchmarks and opening

Waivers requested (If applicable)
  • Include rule numbers and titles

Signature of Board Members and Authorized Agent
  • Assurance all information in the proposal is complete and accurate
  • Code of Ethics Statement
  • Confirmation Utah Law and Rules related to Charter Schools have been read and understood

Related Resources

Proposal Checklist

Contact

Suzanne Bolar

Director of Charter School Authorization

Email: charterauthorizing@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4789

Office: COE 153