Resource Center for Charter Schools
and the
Texas Education Agency

present

The Sixth Annual
TEXAS
CHARTER SCHOOL CONFERENCE

April 29 - 30, 2002
Moody Gardens Hotel
Galveston, Texas

Registration Deadline: Monday, April 1, 2002
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Monday, April 8, 2002

For conference information contact
Resource Center for Charter Schools
Phone: 210-348-7890 Fax: 210-348-7899
E-mail: oneillp@texas.net www.charterstexas.org

Moody Gardens Hotel
Seven Hope Boulevard
Galveston, Texas
Phone: 888-388-8484 Fax: 409-683-4936

Texas Charter School Conference
April 29 - 30, 2002
Galveston

General Topics for Breakout Sessions
(Partial listing)

SIXTH ANNUAL TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOL CONFERENCE One registration form per person - duplicate as necessary Registration deadline is Monday, April 1, 2002. YES! Please register me for the Sixth Annual Texas Charter School Conference, Monday and Tuesday, April 29 & 30, 2002 at the Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston. Name_________________________________________________________________      Please type or print neatly. Circle one: Charter School Administrator / Board Member / Teacher / Support Staff / Other Title__________________________________________________________________ School/Organization_____________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________       List your school or organization address. This address will appear in our Conference Directory. City/State/Zip__________________________________________________________ Phone__________________ Fax________________ Email_____________________ Conference expenses per person exceed $200. The Resource Center has secured contributions to reduce your conference cost, therefore, your registration fees are as listed below. Registration fees will increase by $100 in each category if received after April 1, 2002. Fees: [Registration fee includes five meals: breakfast and lunch on both days, and the evening dinner on Monday, April 29th.] _____ $100 Texas Charter School Staff, Teachers & Board Members _____ $150 TEA & Region Service Center personnel _____ $200 All other attendees _____ $400 Vendors [Fee includes one registration and one vendor table. Fees for additional vendors at your table will be $200.] I have enclosed a check for $___________________ payable to the: Resource Center for Charter Schools. Registrations are non-refundable. Please send registration form with check to: Resource Center for Charter Schools 40 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 408 San Antonio, Texas 78216 Phone: 210-348-7890 Fax: 210-348-7899

PURCHASING ADVISORY FROM ACE

Construction, Repair, and Renovation. The new commissioner's rules defining the procedural requirements charter schools must follow when awarding contracts for the construction, repair, renovation, improvement, or addition to real property are not yet final. Under the proposed rules, charter schools would have the option of amending their charters to give them the same variety of options that school districts have. These rules are not expected to be final, however, until early April. It is our understanding that TEA's position is that until the rules are final and a charter school has amended its charter, the charter school must follow the competitive bidding requirements under Subchapter B, Chapter 271, Local Government Code, when awarding a contract for construction, repair, renovation, improvement, or addition to real property. The Association of Charter Educators (ACE) is mailing each school a copy of this Subchapter of the Local Government Code. Once the commissioner's rules are final, a charter school can amend its charter to adopt the purchasing options available under Subchapter, Chapter 44, Texas Education Code (see the new Texas School Law Bulletin or go to www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/ed/ed004400.html#ed012.44.031 to review these options). There is also the possibility that the State Board of Education will revise this rule to allow additional purchasing options as well. ACE will be presenting these additional options to TEA and the Board for consideration. If you have suggestions for additional options, please e-mail them to Christi Martin at ChristiRMartin@aol.com.

Professional Services. Additionally, charter schools must follow the statutory requirements under Subchapter A, Chapter 2254, Government Code when awarding a contract for the services of certain professionals, including accountants, architects, professional engineers, real estate appraisers, and land surveyors. (See statute for a full list.) Essentially, this statute requires that the selection of covered professionals be made on the basis of "demonstrated competence and qualifications." The statute also states that the contract must be "for a fair and reasonable price." ACE is also mailing a copy of this statute to all charter schools.

Note: The foregoing does not substitute for the advice of legal counsel. It is recommended that a charter school consult their attorney before entering into the types of contracts discussed above.

Request for Readers
Dissemination Grant

Name:	__________________________________________________  (First, Last)
Mailing Address:	__________________________________________________ (Address)
	__________________________________________________ (City, State, Zip)
Telephone Number:	(____)_____________________________________________
Fax Number:	(____)_____________________________________________
E-mail Address:	__________________________________________________
Current Position:	__________________________________________________
Teaching Experience (Include area(s) of specialty):
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
Administrative Experience:
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Complete and submit this form via fax to 512-936-9281 or mail to the following address: