PROPERTY PURCHASED OR LEASED WITH STATE FUNDS Effective September 1, 2001, the Texas Education Code provides that a property interest acquired by a charter holder with state funds after September 1, 2001, is considered public property held in trust by the charter holder for the benefit of the students of its charter school. See attached.

TRS HEALTH INSURANCE DEADLINE HB 3343 requires that all charter schools must decide by September 1, 2001 whether or not they will participate in the new Texas Health Insurance program for the 2002-2003 school year. For information check online at www.tea.state.tx.us/school.finance/topics/index.html. See attached sample letter.

$26 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS FOR TEXAS CHARTERS The Resource Center will host a grant writing workshop for instructions on preparing proposals for the Federal Repair and Renovation Grant funds (RFA#701-01-027) that will be available on a competitive basis for Texas charter schools and ISD's. The workshop will be on Wednesday, August 29, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Mexican-American Unity Council building, across from La Escuela Charter School, 2300 West Commerce, San Antonio. See attached map. Grant writing training will be conducted by Michele Sabino, Grant Officer of Houston Endowment and Christi Martin, Executive Director of the Association of Charter Educators. Representatives from TEA will also provide helpful hints for preparing schedules and meeting other requirements related to standard federal grant application forms. Training will be conducted by Susan Barnes, Senior Director of the TEA Charter Schools Division and Esther Murguia, Education Specialist. RSVP to the Resource Center by Friday, August 24 at 210-348-7890. No cost for the workshop or lunch. For more information and to print a copy of the RFA go to the Texas Education Agency at www.tea.state.tx.us; then to School Finance and Grants; then to grant information; then to available grants and contracts.

ALTERNATIVE ACCOUNTABILITY WORKSHOPS

• The deadline for registering to participate in the TEA alternative accountability procedures is Friday, September 14. The alternative accountability procedures are designed to provide more flexibility for schools that serve non-traditional populations. Schools must register to participate each year.

• The Association of Charter Educators (ACE) is partnering with the John H. Wood Charter School, Dallas Can! Academy, and Varnett Charter School to offer three regional work sessions to help schools choose accountability indicators that will best reflect the progress of their students. There is no charge for attendance and all charter school representatives are welcome. Although there is no need to RSVP, you may contact Christi Martin at 512-771-8753 for more information. Dates, times, and locations are as follows:
  • DALLAS    Friday, August 24, 2001 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Dallas Can! Academy-Oak Cliff . 214-943-2244
    325 W. 12th St. (2nd Floor)

  • HOUSTON    Monday, August 27, 2001 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Varnett Charter School . 713-723-4699
    5025 South Willow Drive

CHARTER SCHOOL DIRECTOR'S SURVEY The School of Urban and Public Affairs has sent their Charter School Director's Survey, Year 5 to all of the directors of Texas charter schools that opened on or before August 2000. Please complete and return the survey to the School of Urban and Public Affairs as soon as possible. Call Theresa Daniel, 817-272-3071, for more information.