Rule 3301-102-03 | Initial approval of sponsors.
(A) The department shall establish an application and approval process, including cycles and deadlines during the fiscal year, for eligible entities seeking to become sponsors of conversion or new start-up community schools and post that information on the department's website (education.ohio.gov) by July fifteenth of each year with a defined cut score and rubric.
(B) An eligible entity shall obtain a written application from the department to become a sponsor and shall complete it and submit it to the department no later than December thirty-first of each year.
(C) Confirmation of applications received shall be posted on the department's website.
(D) The department shall provide written notice to each applicant of the department's approval or rationale for disapproval of each application after completion of the department's review process by March thirty-first of each year.
(E) An applicant shall provide as part of its initial written application, as well as during the application review process, evidence requested and deemed necessary by the department, including, but not limited to, evidence of its willingness to do all of the following:
(1) Demonstrate that the applicant is an eligible entity capable of sponsoring a conversion or new start-up school(s);
(2) Demonstrate that if the applicant sponsors or operates schools in another state, at least one of the schools sponsored or operated by the applicant is comparable to a "C" or better on the Ohio school's report card its successor equivalent rating under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code;
(a) Applicants must provide performance on a state accountability system of at least one of the schools sponsored or operated equivalent of the Ohio school's report card. The department will analyze the data provided and determine if a comparable scale can be developed for comparison using the accountability system from another state. If the department can develop a comparable scale, the department will analyze the performance data provided and determine if the school meets the criteria established in paragraph (E)(2) of this rule.
(b) If the department determines a comparable system cannot be developed using the accountability system from another state or the applicant does not meet the criteria established in paragraph (E)(2) of this rule, the application will be denied.
(3) Demonstrate, in its application that the applicant or its representative(s) possess the requisite skills, professional knowledge and expertise to provide technical assistance and monitor, oversee, and hold accountable for compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and terms of the community school contract for each community school that it proposes to sponsor;
(4) Demonstrate the applicant's specific willingness to comply with all other sections of the Revised Code and all rules of the Administrative Code which are applicable to sponsors and community schools;
(5) Demonstrate the applicant's understanding and commitment to meet the criteria for adherence to quality practices as defined by the sponsor evaluation required under section 3314.016 of the Revised Code;
(6) Demonstrate the applicant has a record of financial responsibility through submission of audited financial statements without findings or going-concerns;
(7) If the applicant is an education-oriented entity, demonstrate the applicant has successfully implemented educational programs through the submission of outcome data related to the goals of the applicant's educational program and may include progress measures, financial measures and other indicators of added value to the program participants and others;
(8) Indication of the entity's ability and willingness to comply with provisions of division (D) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code through assurances; and
(9) Applicants intending to sponsor schools within an alliance municipal school district, as defined in section 3311.86 of the Revised Code, must demonstrate they have sought recommendation from the Cleveland transformation alliance to sponsor community schools.
(F) Any applicant that has been approved as a sponsor of a community school shall enter into a sponsorship agreement with the department before it enters into any preliminary agreement or community school contract.
(G) The decision of the department to disapprove an applicant for sponsorship of a community school may be appealed by the applicant in accordance with section 119.12 of the Revised Code.
Last updated November 16, 2022 at 11:24 AM
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