Planning Year

Upon approval of a charter school’s application, the school’s board is required to engage in a planning year. During this time, the Office of Charter Schools (OCS) provides guidance, technical assistance, and training on important information relevant to opening a successful charter school. 

Planning Year Sessions

The Planning Year typically consists of five (5) sessions, in person or virtual, from September to January.  All board members are required to attend. Virtual check-ins may also occur from February through May. Information regarding date, time and location of planning year sessions will be sent to the school’s board of directors in May or June. 

New Charter School Leaders Institute

Upon completion of the Planning Year Sessions and final approval from the Charter Schools Review Board to open, the New Charter School Leaders Institute is held in person over two (2) days in June. Attendance is required for the charter school’s leader(s), and one board member is highly suggested to attend. Participants will receive training from experts in areas such as school safety, beginning teacher support, Exceptional Children/IDEA, Student Information System, and more.

Currently operating charter schools who have a new school leader and/or a new board member may also attend. Please reach out to the RTO Lead for registration information.  

Dr. Norins can be reached at natasha.norins@dpi.nc.gov

Regulatory References

General Statute 115C-218.5

State Board of Education Policy CHTR-013