Conference Program

CCAP traditionally gets a late burst of additional conference registrations just before the conference, and we are hoping for a repeat! We hope you can help spread the word about the conference and help nudge some “maybes” into the “yes” column. Here are a few highlights of conference offerings, in addition to the Wednesday Deeper Dives! 

• • The optional one-day preconference “Charter Authorizing & Oversight 101” on Monday, June 16, presented by the California Authorizer Support Initiative (CASI) — a great overview for newcomers to authorizing, a solid refresher for the more experienced, a wider lens for those whose authorizing duties may focus on one area, and the perfect orientation for the rest of the conference program;
    
  • A strong fiscal strand, including an introduction to fiscal oversight, a “bring your own financial documents” opportunity to share your own data and questions with someone very experienced in charter oversight, fraud prevention and the latest on collaborative efforts at self-help in the field, fiscal oversight at the “bookends” — preopening (“year zero”) and closure, and calculating and tracking authorizing expenditures for calculating oversight fees;
    
  • A strand on oversight and monitoring practices, including essential oversight steps and timelines, differentiated oversight based on school performance, simplifying reporting for impact, making the most of site visits,
    
  • Sessions on charter life-cycle and interventions, including year zero, renewals, corrective action plans, direct assistance, supporting charters after nonrenewable, and revocation;
    
  • Sessions on particular entities and situations, including small authorizers, overhauling authorizing functions, creating an authorizer-charters data collaborative, nonclassroom-based schools, and “dependent charters”;
    
  • Sessions on serving all students, including special education and English Language Development;
    
  • Opportunities to review existing and upcoming CCAP tools and provide your feedback; and
    
  • Role-alike meetings for larger/more urban authorizers, smaller/more rural authorizers, county authorizers, and non-authorizer partners!

Conference Schedule

THIS SCHEDULE IS CONTINUALLY UPDATED. Check back for more details, including presenters, as they will be added on an ongoing basis!

Monday, June 16, 2025

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM:  CASI Preconference on Charter Authorizing & Oversight 101 (optional event)

• • • Stand-alone, optional preconference. An overview of charter authorizing through the charter school life cycle and an orientation to the rest of the conference program for those who are new to authorizing, who could use a refresher, or whose experience so far relates to only part of the range of authorizing responsibilities. The preconference is presented by the Charter Authorizer Support Initiative (CASI), a collaboration among the California Department of Education (CDE), CCAP, and the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Charter Schools Department. The separate fee for this stand-along option is just $50.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM:  Meet-and-Greet

Sponsored by School Services of California, Inc.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

7:30 AM – 8:45 AM:  Breakfast & Conference Welcome

• • • Welcome and Some Introductions
    • Announcements
      

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM:  Break

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM:  Presentations Block 1

• • • The Renewal Petition Process in SY 2024-25: What Have We Learned?
      After the long hiatus from renewals, what trends, legal issues, appeal decisions, etc., have we seen so far as authorizers implement AB 1505? Based on this, what trends do we expect to see in the future? In hindsight, what are the statewide issues that authorizers should be thinking about as more renewal petitions are set to arrive in coming school years? Come find out and discuss solutions.
    • An Introduction to Financial Oversight
      Gain an solid overview of the fundamentals of financial oversight of charter schools, as well as a review CCAP’s relatively simple but effective Financial Health and Sustainability Framework, which can be customized by the authorizer — and can be a good resource for charter schools as well.
    • Unleashing Transparency: Simplifying Reporting for Impact
      Learn practical strategies for delivering clear, concise, and legally compliant information to boards and the public, integrating reader-friendly elements to simplify complex data and support actionable decision-making. A featured board member will share firsthand insights on the challenges of information accessibility, highlighting best practices that foster transparency and common pitfalls that hinder effective communication.
      
    • Oversight of Special Education and Engagement Between Authorizer and SELPA
      Review a resource listing and focusing on the most important areas of authorizer attention in special education, and discuss ways in which the work of the authorizer and of the Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) can be complementary, rather than duplicative.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM:  Break

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM:  Presentations Block 2

• • • Essentials of Charter School Oversight: Steps, Timelines, and Document Collection and Review
      This workshop will equip charter authorizers with essential strategies for effective documentation collection and management throughout the oversight process, covering both statutory requirements and recommended best practice materials. Participants will explore structured timelines for documentation collection, frameworks for evaluating submission completeness, and practical approaches to address oversight challenges before renewal or revocation considerations. Through guided discussions and case exercises, participants will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their documentation systems, fulfill core oversight responsibilities, and maintain compliance with all legal obligations.
    • Dependent Charters: Where They Fit into the Authorizer Landscape
      Although the term “Dependent Charter” does not appear in the Education Code, some authorizers Statewide have created and operated dependent charter schools since the inception of the Charter Schools Act. Without a fixed definition, statewide practice varies in terms of what makes a charter “dependent” and what that looks like. Discuss the most common indicators of what constitutes a dependent charter, best practices, and cautionary tales.
    • From Oversight to Insight: Piloting a Data Learning Network for Charter Schools in Riverside County
      Hear about an exciting research project that rigorously evaluates an initiative structured to increase data access, knowledge, and use among charter leaders, part of Riverside County’s responsive framework for collaborating with charter schools. Unpack the mid-study findings and examine their impact on data use, charter school renewal, and oversight. Engage in a dynamic discussion and gain actionable insights to leverage evidence for more effective oversight.
      
    • Start-up Charter Schools: Monitoring, Case Studies, and Ghost Stories! What Happens with Grant Funds When Things Hit the Skids?
      One of the charter schools in your authorizing portfolio was awarded a California Department of Education (CDE) Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) Start-Up subgrant. What are your responsibilities for monitoring? What steps do you need to take to make sure the CDE is aware of any issues? What happens if the school closes? Come find out!
      

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM:  Break

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM:  Lunch & First Plenary Session

Sponsored by Reportwell

• • • Panel Discussion: The California Charter Landscape and Policy Outlook

11:45 PM – 1:30 PM:  Break

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM:  Presentations Block 3

• • • Scaling Success: How Small Authorizers Build Compliant, Trust-Based Charter Oversight
      Learn how can small authorizers can meet rising compliance demands while building strong, trust-centered relationships with the charter schools they oversee, from a panel featuring superintendents and charter leaders who have built durable, collaborative relationships across multiple districts. Discuss real-world strategies for maintaining compliance without losing the relationship focus that drives long-term success, as well as CCAP resources for small authorizers.
    • Unlocking Potential: Optimizing Charter Performance with Differentiated Oversight
      Explore how differentiated oversight—tailored to school performance—can drive better outcomes. Examine, through case studies, how adjusting oversight based on performance can lead to measurable improvements. Identify one key issue facing one of your charters and consider how your approach to oversight might evolve. Leave with concrete ideas to implement differentiated oversight that supports school improvement while maintaining accountability.
    • Fraud Prevention: Self-Help for Authorizers and Charter Schools
      Review the recommendations of the broad-based Anti-Fraud Task Force convened by CCAP for how charter schools, authorizers, and all LEAs can help protect themselves against fraud. Learn about the latest state legislation focusing on fraud prevention. And hear about the current collaborative efforts among local authorizer and charter school volunteers to develop models and supports to make implementing the Task Force recommendations easier for everyone.
    • When Oversight Gets Tricky: A Real-World Discussion of Charter Oversight Challenges
      Discuss the various circumstances that trigger oversight-related intervention, from requests for information to notices of violation, as well as best practices for addressing challenging oversight matters. Gain an understanding of authorizer oversight obligations and valuable information on appropriate responsive actions to take when a problem arises.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM:  Break

Sponsored by Capitol Advisors Group, LLC

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM:  Presentations Block 4

• • • Visiting with Purpose: Making Annual Site Visits an Important Part of Your Oversight
      Review example processes and resources for ensuring that each charter school annual visit is productive, informative, and an essential part of the annual review process. Learn how digital tools such Google Forms and ChatGPT can create structure, and processes you can use prior to, during, and after site visits to get the most value from each visit.
    • Navigating Transitions: Supporting Charter Schools After Non-Renewal
      Nonrenewal of a charter school initiates a period of significant change, both emotionally and operationally. Learn how to support charter school leaders through the grieving process, empowering leaders to manage their emotions while maintaining a strong, positive presence for their staff and students. Consider coordination between district and charter leaders to ensure a smooth transition for students, and cover best practices for closing procedures, including timelines, responsibilities, and ensuring all stakeholders are informed and involved.
    • Charter Schools and English Language Development: What’s the Deal?
      Authorizer oversight of charter school English Language Development (ELD) programming involves ensuring compliance with legal standards, fostering effective curriculum and instruction, monitoring student progress, and providing targeted supports for all learners, including those with special needs or in secondary education. Learn about what is required of charter schools with regard to ELD, why it is required, and what it looks like in practice.
      
    • Bring Your Own Financial Documents! One-on-One Consultation
      Bring financial documents that you are reviewing, along with your questions, and consult individually with people who have deep experience in financial oversight of charter schools!

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM:  Break

4:15 PM – 5:15 PM:  Role-Alike Meetings

• • • County offices of education – County Charter Authorizing Representative Collaborative (CCARC) in-person meeting
      Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Hunt, Office of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools; and Angel Arrington, Office of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
    • Larger/more urban school districts
    • Smaller/more rural school districts
    • Non-authorizer partners (charter schools, charter management organizations, back office providers, attorneys, consultants, vendors, associations, et al.)

5:15 PM – 5:30 PM: Break

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM:  Reception & Networking

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

7:30 AM – 8:45 AM:  Breakfast & Day’s Opening

Sponsored by Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law

• • • Presentation of 2025 California Awards for Excellence in Authorizing

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM: Break

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM:  Presentations Block 5

• • • Charter Revocation: Case Studies, Best Practices, and Cautionary Tales
      Review the fundamental legal requirements for a successful revocation, and strategies for oversight and documentation of charter school performance, evaluating remedies, and presenting the authorizer’s revocation case to its board. Also discuss post-revocation closure procedures, including the oversight of wrapping up charter school operations, transfer of educational and business records, and reconciling financial obligations.
      
    • Tales from Year 2: Reflections on (Re)Building a Charter Authorizing Office
      Hear reflections on two authorizing journeys: 1) establishing an authorizing office in an urban school district with a large charter portfolio, emphasizing dual priorities of building internal district capacity and fostering strong relationships, and 2) picking up the pieces in a small district caught up in the A3 fraud case and reorganizing to serve as a high-quality authorizer of larger schools. Explore strategies for prioritizing needs, developing systems, navigating inherent tensions, strengthening internal understanding, and collaborating across district departments and/or external supports.
      
    • Financial Oversight “At the Bookends”: Startup (“Year Zero”) and Closure
      Learn about fiscal requirements of pre-opening charter schools and related authorizing responsibilities even before the school begins receiving LCFF funding. Review the authorizer’s financial tasks and practices in a closure — including the closure of a school that has failed even to progress successfully through “Year Zero” to opening.
    • Collecting Student Exit Data for Effective Oversight
      Explore the process of collecting, analyzing, and utilizing student exit data to strengthen oversight. Examine the development of a student exit template, methods used to collect data from schools, and a student exit dashboard tool over time. Take part in an activity of collecting the information needed to begin laying the foundation for their own student exit review process.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM:  Break (extra time for hotel checkout if needed)

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:  Presentations Block 6

• • • Renewal Report Exchange: A Workshop for Shared Learning and Development
      Go through a staff renewal report development process, exchanging examples and insights into work to ensure documents are not only a legal tool but also authentic reflections of the community’s values and priorities. Conclude with some collaborative time where participants can work through their own staff report challenges and exchange practical insights about successful strategies and lessons learned from the 2024-25 renewal cycle.
      
    • Maximizing and Navigating the California Statewide System of Support Resources and Understanding CCEE Direct Technical Assistance Eligibility
      Join the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) for an introduction to the comprehensive supports and resources available to LEAs through the Statewide System of Support (SSOS), the pathways to Differentiated Assistance (DA) and Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) for charter schools, and, through a collaborative discussion, what it means to qualify for DTA and how these supports can be leveraged to foster improvement and success across LEAs.
      
    • Tracking Authorizing Expenditures for Calculating Oversight Fees
      As policymakers consider raising the oversight fees authorizers can charge charter schools — but also consider requiring that annual audits of authorizing entities include calculations of authorizing expenditures — come compare notes about how other authorizers track their staff time and other expenses to support calculation of their current fees.
    • Nonclassroom-Based Schools: Authorizing Amid Policy Changes and Debates
      As the moratorium on new nonclassroom-based charters is set to expire, and as changes to the funding and oversight of these schools are being considered by state officials, discuss how authorizing and oversight of them is similar and different from that of other charters, how to address some of the challenges, and what changes may be coming your way.

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM:  Break

11:45 AM – 1:30 PM:  Lunch & Closing Plenary Session

• • • Panel Discussion: The National Charter Landscape and Policy Outlook

1:30 PM – 1:45 PM:  Break

1:45 PM – 4:00 PM:  Optional Deeper Dives & Collaborative Opportunities (included)

• • • Option 1:  The Use of AI in Authorizing
      See real examples of authorizing related functions performed or facilitated by the use of AI. Try some tools and functions out for yourself. Discuss the option to form a continuing CCAP learning cohort on employing AI in authorizing!
    • Option 2:  From Data to Dashboard: Excel Tips and Tricks for Fiscal Oversight & Creating Your Own Fiscal Dashboard
      Learn and try out some easy but powerful ways to make Excel much easier for your fiscal oversight, and learn how to create — and start work on creating — your own fiscal dashboard to make your life easier. Bring your computer!
    • Option 3: Creating Your Annual Reports on Your Authorized School(s)
      If you don’t yet publish your own annual reports and could use a jump-start and a helping hand, this workshop is for you. Work with CCAP’s customizable Annual Reports Toolkit, review options that will work best for you, get the work started, and come away with your plan — and perhaps some continued collaborators to see it through!
    • Option 4: Kick-off Meeting for the New CASI Authorizer Mentoring Program
      The Charter Authorizer Support Initiative (CASI) will be offering a new mentorship program to support those new to authorizing work. Attending this in-person kick-off meeting is not a requirement for participating in the program, but join the conversation to get things rolling! Get information, brainstorm ideas, and volunteer!
    • Option 5 (by invitation): Authorizer Attorneys Meeting
      CCAP continues its conference tradition of convening attorneys who represent authorizers to compare notes, identify current challenges, and — in a potentially momentous year in charter school law, both federal and state — attempt to look beyond the legal horizon. If you are an authorizer attorney, for more information, please contact info@calauthorizers.org!

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM:  Optional Reporting-out from Deeper Dives & Social Hour for Die-hards!