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SWPS
CHARTER*
Southwest Winners Foundation Inc. (SWWF) proposes to operate a 9-12 grade Open-Enrollment Charter School named Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) that will be located at SWWF’s two current locations in Northeast San Antonio and Southeast San Antonio and will serve youth from Bexar County. Two locations will facilitate the enrollment of at-risk youth from a diverse population in Bexar County. SWPS locations are seven miles apart and conveniently located on major streets near bus stops and nearby housing projects. The Southwest Preparatory School will be operated as a subsidiary of SWWF Inc. and will open the North East location in the fall of 1998 with fifty (50) students enrolled in the first year and the South East location will open in the second year. The total enrollment by the fifth year will be two hundred fifty (250). Enrollment will be on a first come first serve basis to those living in the Bexar County. The mission of the Southwest Preparatory School is to provide an adaptive and effective learning environment that will prepare high school age youth to succeed in the workplace and/or college. This mission will be successfully accomplished by establishing goals that support a clear vision of the mission statement, identifying specific objectives to measure the success of these goals and managing information from a comprehensive data base system that will report the progress of each of the objectives to be accomplished. Southwest Winners’ enviable record of nine years of success with at-risk youth is predicated on a business philosophy of accountability. The curriculum will include an emphasis on character education (self reliance, responsibility) and moral education. Health will include a unit on abstinence education that emphasizes the four tenants of moral responsibility (Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance and Justice). English classes will include readings from the Book of Virtues. In preparation for the workforce, much of the method of instruction will support a philosophy of “Technology as a Second Language.” Dual enrollment for credits will be available via Internet as per an existing articulation agreement with a local community college. Classes are self paced and managed by individual weekly goals. Emphasis is on developing self motivation through the success of weekly academic goals. The Southwest Preparatory School is an academic/vocational school. Students spend four hours in the classroom and work in the afternoons for credit. Students may work in the private sector or community service with the school. Students electing community service write a business plan and learn all aspects from manual labor to day-to-day business decisions faced by an owner. Community service consists of first learning about operating a business and subsequently applying that knowledge into operation of the business. Students receive 1 ½ credits per semester for their participation in a work program. The School-to-Work competencies are part of preparation for the workplace to ensure students are prepared for the world of work. The Southwest Preparatory School features two important ancillary services. Students may attend after school (3:30 - 5:30 P.M.) tutoring in TAAS and TASP preparation, SAT/ACT prep and any high school subjects. Once graduated, students may utilize the Graduate Placement Center. Students will be provided assistance in pre-employment skills training in such subjects as resume preparation, interviewing, and job search. Once completing pre-employment skills training (20 hrs), students will be able to download jobs from TWC and check postings from SWW’s Job Placement Center. The Southwest Preparatory School will serve both In-School and Out-of-School youth. Students who have dropped out and have more than 17 credits may be enrolled to complete their diploma. Those with less than 17 credits will be enrolled in a GED program. The day-to-day operation of the school will be managed by a Board of Directors with direct input from students, parents and teachers. The SWPS Board will be responsible for providing progress reports and required TEA reports to SWWF Inc. Board of Directors. SWW Inc’s Board of Directors have 9 years of experience overseeing 30 federal contracts without any audit exceptions. The Southwest Preparatory School will produce a product that is competitive for jobs in the workplace and prepared for the job market or college classroom as a result of the education and training provided. In summary, Southwest Winners has the following accomplishments and expertise that uniquely qualify us to operate a charter school. * Five years of experience as an alternative high school working with an average enrollment of more than 90% of at-risk youth and yielding the following results: • Exceptional track record of success acknowledged by school officials, parents, students and proven track record. • Close working relationship with school officials and business community to assist the educational and vocational needs of at-risk youth. • An effective and successful philosophy and curriculum of educating at-risk youth. * Nine years experience working with economically disadvantaged youth in JTPA (Job Training Partnership Act funded through the Department of Labor) both In-School and Out-of-School that has yielded the following results: • Successful operation of nine Summer Youth Employment Training Programs (SYETP) providing work experience to approximately 4000 youth, 14-21, from all parts of Bexar County. One of the top providers each year with an average of 98% returning back to school after completion of the program. • Established linkage with at-risk counselors in all school districts of Bexar County. These linkages have been essential in identifying at-risk youth for enrollment into SYETP and follow-up to see that the students return to school for the fall semester. • Established linkage with community based organizations and employers to provide meaningful jobs to students. • Successful track record in operating In School and Out-of-School programs that include the operation of out-of-school programs in section 8 housing projects and In-school programs at local schools serving youth referred by at-risk counselors. Each year SWW has been one of the top providers. * Business philosophy and approach to education and job training. • Accountability and goal setting are the corner stones of SWW’s track record of success. SWW has operated 30 federal contracts without an audit exception, contract violation or failure to meet a performance standard. SWW is the only JTPA agency locally contracted in both youth and adult programs that has always meet or exceeded performance standard requirements. • SWW management staff utilizes database information to effect performance by making sound business management decisions based on a comprehensive tracking system. Student success has been directly related to assisting students in setting their academic goals (weekly, 6 weeks and semester) that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) and tracking their progress and notifying parents and students when goals are not met. By operating a school in a business atmosphere and philosophy, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. * Existing staff policies and procedures in place to provide charter school services. Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) offers the following features in its design that uniquely qualify SWPS for selection as a charter school. •No Start Requirements. As in business, one of the key obstacles to overcome as a new charter school is the necessary resources required to start up that include capital, establishing a reputation for a quality product, staff, curriculum, equipment and the corporate knowledge necessary to integrate all of the above components in a manner that applies sound business and education policies and philosophies. SWPS will open it’s doors in the fall of 1998 with all of this in place. •Innovative Approach to Education that includes a business philosophy, character education, distance learning, a Graduate Placement Center and after school hours tutoring. •A community service program offering students not employed an opportunity to earn credits while learning a business approach to operating a company and world-of-work skills. • Curriculum with the flexibility to meet the needs of the at-risk student that includes high and clear academic expectations defined by student academic goals, self paced instruction facilitating open entry and exit during a semester, individualized instruction both on computers and one on one, committed staff that will provide tutoring after school if needed and a small family atmosphere for learning and support. •Opportunities for teachers to prosper and develop. Teachers will have freedom and flexibility in the classroom, opportunities to upgrade and continue their education and professional development, be a partner in site based management and have accountability for their product or student achievement. •Parental Involvement. Parents will have an opportunity to join the parent teacher organization, the Board of Directors, Committees of the Board and mentoring programs. •Student Involvement. Students will have a representative serving on the Board of Directors, Committees of the Board and SWPS will have an active student council involved in the leadership and decision making of the school. •Family Atmosphere SWPS will remain small enough to maintain the current family atmosphere that has successfully nourished at-risk students. State Board of Education District 5
OPEN-ENROLLMENT CHARTER APPLICATION Southwest Winners Foundation, Inc. (SWWF), if approved by the State Board of Education, agrees to operate Southwest Preparatory School described below in accordance with the provisions described within this document and the attached assurances. 1. VISION AND GOALS (Give the long range vision (5-10 years) and the goals (of at least the first year) of the school.) Background Southwest Winners was started in 1988 with three employees and a clear shared vision; to prepare tomorrow’s workforce today. This mission statement was inspired by SWW’s past President and current Chairman of the Board’s work in the private industry. As a business consultant, Ms. Hipp learned one of the most common and serious problems facing employers was finding qualified, competent and motivated workers. To this end, SWW became a Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) provider and has been funded since, to train and place economically disadvantaged youth and adults and dislocated workers into demand occupations. Locally, each and every year, SWW has been one of the top providers in performance. Last year, SWW performed at the highest level in all contracts awarded. This accomplishment was a first in San Antonio. This is a result of an organization setting goals that are steered by a clear and shared vision by management and staff. That is to say, if you produce a product (our participants) that the employer (our customers) want, the results will be predictable. As a result of this philosophy; SWW has successfully completed 30 JTPA contracts, 15 serving at-risk youth, with successful compliance and performance while serving more than 700 adults and 4000 youth. (Attachment 1) Vision The single most important quality of a successful school is a clear sense of purpose and direction that is shared by staff, board of trustees, parents, students and teachers. This vision must include the future goals of both the school and students. The vision for the school is secured if the vision for the product (student) is met. The vision for students at Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) is to produce a graduate that is self motivated, employable, self reliant, optimistic about the future, secure in their education and ability to learn and possess citizenship skills and decision making incorporating the principles learned in character education. The vision of producing this product will guide the decision makers in every aspect of planning and operations. The Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) at the onset of the first organizational meeting will establish a clear vision supported by goals and articulate this vision to all employees, parents and students. If this vision is met, Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) will thrive in the market place of school choice and the vision SWWF Inc. has for Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) will unfold. The five year vision is to purchase land adjacent to and owned by Hope Presbyterian Church and construct a real Charter School building as a beacon of hope in a neighborhood desperately in need of a school that can produce the type of citizen described in our vision for our graduate. The projected schedule is to lease space for classroom use in the second year with an option to buy the adjacent land in year three contingent on the success of the program. In year three raise enough capital to build the school; year four build the Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) building and open SWPS Charter School building in year five with an enrollment of 150. SWPS vision is supported by a business plan that is comprehensive in nature and detailed for planning purposes (Atch 2 ). SWW has a track record of community support in terms of in-kind contributions that will be beneficial in generating capital in a twenty four month period to build the charter school building at Hope Presbyterian Church. SWW was recently selected by the Department of Health to provide Abstinence Education to at-risk youth. For selection, a criteria of raising three dollars for every four requested was required. SWW exceeded the match requirement in a two week period of time, generating $244,900.00 in kind to support the program for at-risk youth, Young Winners Leadership Training Program. Enrollment
Growth by Site
Goals The following goals will guide the school through the first year and establish a standard for success. All objectives will be measured by information provided by a comprehensive data base. If goals are met our vision will be met. Specifics for the evaluation of the measurable objectives are found in Section 4 under accountability. Goal One Successfully incorporate character education in the curriculum and as a result students exhibit qualities in the classroom that will improve academic performance. Measurable Objectives: - Contrast absences prior to enrollment to absences during the first year at SWPS - Contrast frequency of discipline problems prior to enrollment to discipline problems during the first year at SWPS - Contrast school credits attained prior to enrollment to credits attained during the first semester at SWPS - Contrast grade point average prior to enrollment to grade point average during the first year at SWPS Goal Two Structure SWPS to facilitate parental, student and teacher community involvement in the governance of the school. Measurable Objectives: - Determine that the Board of Directors is operational, and trained with one elected student (President of Student Council or an elected student member) and one elected parent (the President of the Parent Teacher Organization) represented on the Board of Trustees and one teacher elected member. Goal Three Provide a curriculum that meets the needs of the student and will encourage and challenge students to meet their full academic potential. Measurable Objectives: - Each student will establish academic weekly, six weeks and semester goals. Assistance will be provided to ensure goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely and challenging. - Number of dropouts. Goal Four Provide a curriculum that is well balanced, academically sound and prepares each student with academic skills for success in the real world. Measurable Objectives: - Each student will be pre and post tested in reading, math and language using McGraw Hill’s Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). SWWF supports the validity of TABE as an academic skills assessment instrument and our assessment unit has been administering the TABE by trained staff since 1989. Pre/post results will be contrasted with a standard for improvement. - Each student completing Algebra I and Biology will be required to take the Algebra I and Biology Texas end-of-course test. - Each student required, will take the TAAS test. Goal Five Upon completion, the Graduate Placement Center will be available to assist students in their transition to school and/or work. Measurable goal - Students who apply for college will be enrolled. - Students seeking employment will enter the workforce. - Students seeking job training will enter job training programs.
2. GOVERNANCE, BOARD, AND THE ROLE OF ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, PARENTS, STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE LEADERSHIP AND DECISION MAKING OF SWPS A. Governance The Southwest Preparatory School (SWPS) will be managed by a seven member Board of Directors that represent the community served by having a blend and balance of appointed and elected representatives from school, business, and education. Three members will be from the student body, parents and teachers. The students will be represented by either the President of the Student Council or if s/he elects not to serve, an elected student. The parents will be represented by the President of the Parent Teacher Organization or if s/he elects not to serve, an elected parent. The teachers will be represented by a teacher representative. Three members will be appointed by the Superintendent, two from the business community and one a professional educator. One member will be elected from Hope Presbyterian Church. These appointments will provide important expertise in the decision making and operation of the board. The three members appointed by the Superintendent will serve a two year term as will the representative from Hope Presbyterian Church. The three elected from the students, parents and teachers will serve a one year term, thereafter all members will be elected or appointed starting at the May board meeting in the year 1999. All terms of board members are staggered and will be two years in duration with the exception of student representation which may change annually with the election of a new student council president. A parent elected to the board who has a student that graduates before the term is expired, will be allowed to complete their term. A teacher or student that transfers during their term, will trigger an election within 30 days to select their replacement. The Superintendent will appoint new representatives within 30 days of vacancies created by the resignation of their appointments. 1. Operation of the SWPS Board The Board will meet quarterly or more often if needed, to discuss the operations, hear reports, consider requests, hear concerns of parents, students and community and review and consider policy changes when necessary. The board may not act unless a quorum of board members or directors are present. All SWPS meetings will follow all requirements outlined in Chapter 551 and 552 of the Texas Education Code. SWPS will comply with the Texas Open Meeting Act and the Texas Public Information Act. 2. Relationship Between the Managing and Governing Board The ultimate responsibility for the governance of SWPS lies with the Board of Directors of the Southwest Winners Inc., a 501(c)3 non profit organization. (See attachment 3 for documentation for non profit organization documentation, a copy of SWW’s financial statement and assurances.) All personnel policies; to include hiring and firing authority, budgeting or contractual issues, audits, insurance policies and required decisions that impact all SWW Inc. employees fall under the auspices of SWW Inc. Financial policies and procedures are attachment 4, Personnel Policies are attachment 5, SWPS policies are attachment 6. SWW Inc. Board of Directors has successfully managed federal contracts totaling $5,750,000.00 in the past nine years. In addition, the Chairman of the Board has 13 years of contract compliance as owner of Southwest Resource Development, a small, native American, woman-owned and operated business certified as an 8(a) by the Small Business Administration. This expertise is crucial in the oversight of the operation activities of Southwest Winners Inc. and the Southwest Preparatory School. The President of SWPS Board of Directors and the Superintendent will met quarterly with Southwest Winners Inc. Board and provide a report on the management status of the school. It is the responsibility of the SWPS Board as previously described to provide management of SWPS through oversight and involvement in committees that work closely with school staff to ensure the school is operated in compliance with the charter. 3. SWPS Board Members (Atch 7 for resumes) Superintendent’s Appointments (two year term appointments) Education Dr. Gary Short Dr. Gary Short will be an invaluable member, not only serving on the board but also providing training to board members prior to the first board meeting and providing additional expertise as needed by the administrative staff. Dr. Short is one of the most respected educators in San Antonio, holding positions in all aspects of education including as a teacher, principal, director of curriculum and headmaster. Dr. Short has certifications in superintending, mid-management, counseling language and learning disabilities, counseling in language and learning disabilities counselor and secondary social science. Dr. Short’s currently is a certified curriculum auditor (AASA) NASSP Administration Assessor, offers organizational/communication effectiveness workshops to schools and is the Headmaster at St. Anthony’s Catholic High School in San Antonio. Business Jeanne Martin Jeanne Martin will bring a business approach and philosophy to SWPS board. As President of Career Quest Inc., Ms. Martin oversees the day-to-day operations of her proprietary school that includes the training of high school and GED graduates in demand occupations in computer technology and travel. Ms. Martin has an impeccable reputation in San Antonio for providing quality training services in compliance with Texas Workforce Commission requirements. Charlene Smith Ms. Smith is a very accomplished African American holding degrees as a Registered Nurse, Master of Nursing and Doctorate at Jurisprudence. In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Smith is the Volunteer Coordinator of Placement and Development for the Christian Women Job Corps whose mission is to assist in the spiritual, educational and vocational development of homeless women in San Antonio. Ms. Smith’s legal expertise and reputation in the community will be very beneficial in guiding the board. Appointment from Hope Presbyterian Church Michael Smith Mr. Michael Smith is the current Pastor at Hope Presbyterian Church and a professor at St. Phillips College. Mr. Smith is very involved in community, minority, family and criminal justice issues-all important issues for SWPS. Mr. Smith will be a vital link to the congregation of his church and to Presby, the governing body that must approve any property acquisition. Elected Representation In October 1998 and thereafter each April, the student body will elect the Student Council President that may be their representative on the SWPS school board for the school year. If the Student Council President chooses not to serve on the board, the students will elect a representative for that position in May. Also in Oct 1998 and thereafter each April, the teachers and parents will elect their representative to serve on the board. 4. Southwest Winners Inc. Board Members
5. SWPS Board Committees The SWPS Board will initially have five committees. Additional committees may be established by the Board of Directors if deemed appropriate. The Board will appoint members of these committees from staff, parents and teachers in addition to board members. a. Teacher Review Committee The Teacher Review Committee will be appointed by the SWPS Board of Directors and will consist of three members from the SWPS Board. The Teacher Review Committee will be responsible for reviewing the results of the teacher evaluation for classroom performance of SWPS teachers and teachers aides (full and part time). Teacher observations will be performed at least once each semester by the Principal. Each semester after completion of teacher observations, the Teacher Review Committee will report its findings to the Board of Directors with any recommendations. The Principal will perform an annual formal evaluation of each teacher and the results of the evaluation along with the evaluation of the Teacher Review Committee will be forwarded to the Board of Directors and become part of the permanent file. For obvious reasons, the student and teacher representative on the SWPS board will not be included in this committee. In addition to teacher evaluation review, the committee will also hear grievances from staff and by a majority vote rule on that grievance. b. Discipline and Dress Code The Discipline and Dress Code Committee will be appointed by the Board of Directors and it will include one board member and two parents. If the board member appointed is the student body representative, they may not be involved in any issues involving disciplinary action regarding a student. It will be the responsibility of the Discipline and Dress Code Committee to determine what the proper dress code will be and monitor discipline issues and report their findings to the Board of Directors. c. Accountability Committee It will be the responsibility of the Accountability Committee to meet with the Principal each month and review the progress of SWPS in meeting the objectives and goals and ultimately the mission statement. This Accountability Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and will be composed of one board member and two parents. The Accountability Committee will report their findings to the Board of Directors with any recommendations. If at any time the Accountability Committee finds that the objectives are not being met, they have the authority to establish a two member oversight committee to meet weekly with the Principal until the Accountability Committee is satisfied that the objectives and goals of the SWPS are being met. d. Budget Committee The budget committee will be responsible for the review of expenditures and make recommendations for the upcoming budgets to be adopted by the SWWF Inc. Board. The committee will be appointed by the Board of Directors and will have three members, all from the SWPS Board of Directors. e. Community Relations Committee The Board of Directors will appoint one board member and two parents to promote the school in the community, organize the Parent Teacher Organization, fund raisers parent volunteers for committee memberships and organize events such as parents night. The Community Relations Committee will keep the Board of Directors appraised of their activities. B. Staff/Administrators and Faculty (Attachment 9 is organization chart) 1. Administrators The administration in the first year will consist of one Superintendent (President of SWW Inc.), and one Principal/Teacher. Superintendent The Superintendent is the liaison between SWPS, Board of Directors, SWWF Inc. Board of Directors, and TEA. The superintendent, and author of this proposal, Jim Neal will be the point of contact with TEA. The Superintendent will oversee the administration of the school and be responsible for accurate concise reporting to the Board of SWW Inc. and TEA. The Superintendent will serve at the will of SWW Inc. Board of Directors and is accountable to that Board for the success of the Charter School. The Superintendent is the final decision maker in carrying out the will of SWWF Inc. Board of Directors. Principal/Director The Principal will be charged with day-to-day decision making to ensure that the school operates in compliance with the Charter and all of the objectives and goals of the school are met. These duties include financial transactions, testing personnel scheduling, arranging for substitute teachers and aids, teacher evaluations, coordination with SWPS Board Committees and reporting to SWPS Board. The Principal is directly responsible to the Superintendent for meeting all goals and objectives of SWPS. In year two the Principal of the Austin Hwy location, Wes Roberts, will also be the Director of both schools overseeing the newly hired principal for the Hope Presbyterian location. 2. Faculty Teachers Teachers will play an active role in the decision-making through their representation on the SWPS Board of Directors, participation on SWPS Board Committees, involvement with the PTO and in their day-to-day decision making based on SWWF’s site based management philosophy that encourages decision making on classroom issues. Site-Based Management The process used for the day-to-day decisions affecting the school will be site-based management, that is to say decisions will be made at the lowest possible level by the most qualified staff at that level. For example, teachers will make curriculum and classroom decisions with minimal oversight from administration. Attendance issues in most cases will be resolved by a trained administrative assistant without involving a Principal unless warranted. By utilizing site-based management techniques, staff are more effective in dealing in their area of expertise without bureaucratic layers of inefficiency. SWW staff is, by design, budgeted to encourage site-based management with the majority of dollars spent on teachers who will be expected to be effective decision makers in their arena of expertise. The result of this decision making process, is a staff that is motivated to take responsibility for their success and shortcomings in an atmosphere of professional growth. The Principal has ultimate authority for the management of the school, however, as an effective manager, Mr. Roberts has a track record of delegating responsibility and the decision making authority for those responsibilities relegated to the area they belong. Parents The Parent Teacher Organization, a representative voice on the SWPS Board of Directors and SWPS Board Committees will offer many opportunities for parents to be involved in the decision making and leadership of SWPS Students Students will elect a student council with the responsibility and authority to provide leadership in student matters such as field trips, guest speakers and many options provided by staff. SWWF’s philosophy of interacting with at-risk youth whether it be as a result of disciplinary action or praise, is to offer options to students. During the course of the year students will have opportunities for playing an important leadership role at SWPS. 3. Community Members Three community members are appointed to the SWPS Board and will have a very active role in providing leadership to the SWPS Board and in the shaping of policies that will guide SWPS. 3. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (GRADES 9 - 12 AND GED) (Describes the educational program to be offered, including the required curriculum under Texas Education Code (TEC) 28.002, and student attendance requirements.) A. SWPS Pedagogy Foundational Philosophy: The following are the underlying principles of SWPS Pedagogy. 1) Basic Rights: Students are entitled to essential educational materials, a conducive learning environment, and qualified instruction. 2) Choice: Learning is best accomplished when students are allowed as much choice as possible to experience the repercussions of their own decisions, but are still given enough boundaries to prevent serious negative outcomes. Students are allowed to choose from options, even letting them choose what staff would consider the “wrong” option. This helps put the student in charge of his/her life, and accept responsibility for consequences based on their own decisions. Through experience and staff assistance, students learn to make more choices leading to successful outcomes and less of those leading to failure. 3) Non-interference: Students not motivated to learn must not interfere with those motivated to learn. In situations when this does occur, offending students will be removed from the classroom and sent to the “Think Tank” room or off campus if needed. In the “Think Tank” room adjacent to the main classroom, students cannot interfere with those students desiring to learn. Here, different motivational techniques are utilized; intensive discussions, SCANS software, personal development projects, plus reevaluation of the goals and criteria that were initially agreed upon to obtain the privilege of attending the school. A definite game plan is put together with the goal of reentering the “Academic” room by earning a minimum of 100 points, at least 50 being earned in other-than-academic areas (Attachment 6 - Operational Policies). If a student remains in the “Think Tank” room more than two weeks, a parent/teacher/student conference will be held to explore problems and see if they can be overcome. 4) Motivation: All students can learn, some much longer and others at varying rates, and to facilitate the best methods of implementing SWPS’s curriculum for the individual learning needs of the student, SWPS may upon entry administer the Wechsler Scale test. This test will determine the most suitable modality of learning (auditory, visual, tactile or tactile and visual) and a design that may assist in implementation of the curriculum with an emphasis on that modality. Motivation and ability to learn are inseparable in education. Many students are not behavioral problems if they can be provided an opportunity to be an active learner, however, without this opportunity, loose motivation to learn and become a discipline problem. 5) Separation of Student and Behavior: It is critical to separate who the student is from his/her behavior. In other words, students must have our unconditional recognition of their self-worth, but know inappropriate behavior must be addressed and consequences consistently applied. Behavior norms will be constantly clarified in a manner that will not be disruptive in the classroom. When negative behavior warrants, students will be quietly separated from their peers and the appropriate consequences will result. When positive behavior occurs students are praised and rewarded in front of their peers. B. Methodology Classes are open entry open exit meaning a student may enter at any point in a school year and receive credit after successful completion of the course work and pass the end of semester test. A student who has been denied credit due to absences and maintained a passing grade average at the time of completion, may take a semester exam and have the credit restored. Students receive a course syllabus for each subject by semester (Sample of English syllabus is at Attachment 10). The syllabus includes a combination of work from state approved text books and computer programs. Self paced instruction allows each student to progress at their own rate unaffected by the progress of others. Self motivated students may finish courses at a more rapid pace than the conventional school pace thus allowing students the opportunity to “catch up” with their class and graduate on time. Students unable to complete a course at the end of a semester may continue the following semester without having to start over with a new class. Each student is required to complete all work of each syllabus and pass an end of semester test before credit is awarded. Supporting documentation of course mastery will be maintained for three years. C. Content - When students enroll, they are given a pretest to determine reading, math and language proficiency. Any student reading below the eighth grade level, as part of their English curriculum, will complete a Reading Improvement Class either by computer or text as part of their required curriculum. 1. Self-Improvement/Character Education: Once accepted into the school, all students will begin their program with lessons from Napkin Notes: The Art of Living and The Book of Virtues. This curriculum will begin implanting and reinforcing ideas about taking responsibility for one’s own life and using higher-order thinking to apply morality in making difficult decisions - those involving characters from stories and those involving their own lives. The following character traits have been important values that should be taught, modeled and practiced. Personal Responsibility: Being responsible for one’s own actions and future. Having ownership and being accountable for the outcomes of decisions, and learning from mistakes. Honesty/Integrity: Honesty - truthfulness, genuineness, being true to one’s beliefs, attaining goals in a fair manner. Integrity - being true to one’s ethical beliefs and taking action based on those beliefs. Self Discipline: Being able to control or improve one’s pattern of behavior in moral, mental, emotional and physical wellness. Courage: Having the internal strength to follow through on what one believes to be right or fair. Courage includes taking action on personal commitments. Social Responsibility: Being willing to participate in or develop community through volunteerism, voting, community service, and showing respect for country. Kindness: Thinking and caring about the welfare of others. The considerate personal interaction that enriches the lives of others. Respect: Recognizing the worth and rights of self and others, the value of property and the environment. Respect includes valuing authority and being courteous to others. Justice: Upholding what one believes to be fair. Being fair-minded in the treatment of others. Staff will assist students in the creation of a portfolio that will support the mastery of each trait students perform in school. The completion of the portfolio will allow a student to earn a Winners Certificate of Accomplishment. In order to earn Winners Certificate of Accomplishment, the learner will have the opportunity to: Personal Responsibility * use strategies to meet goals and timelines * demonstrate the ability to learn independently * demonstrate the ability to solve independently Honesty and Integrity * use outside resources and research materials to support original proposals with proper citations * take a position on a controversial topic and support your view with reasoning and research Self Discipline * plan and carry out projects which have multiple steps, are open ended, and challenging * establish clear goals and high standards for their personal and academic success Courage * create high quality products and present them publicly Social Responsibility * plan and carry out a community service project such as volunteering at parks, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Kindness * use communication skills to resolve conflicts in a positive way * plan and carry out a project demonstrating concern for the welfare of others Respect * demonstrate respect for self * work successfully in groups to solve problems and create products * use communication skills to resolve conflicts * demonstrate respect for the rights of others 2. Academic Education: (See Attachment 10 for curriculum) Academics are taught through several mediums; text book, computer program, video, etc. This offers a wider range of options to keep the interest of a wider range of students. Students follow a self-paced program of curriculum based on goals set weekly throughout the school year. Text books are the more familiar tools and allow the student easier access to instruction. They also allow more after-school progress to be made. SWPS will use TEA approved textbooks. Computer-aided instruction offers another way to teach/learn, often more interesting to today’s student. The heart of our computer curriculum is the Advanced Learning System (ALS) from the American Education Company. These programs allow the student to learn subject material, practice testing and take exams for grades. They also provide classroom management tools to document progress and grades. ALS curriculum is correlated to state and national standards (TAAS and TEKS). All tests both by computer and text require mastery of TEKS. In addition, a wide selection of additional software is available to augment the ALS programs. These programs cover all major academic areas; language, science, math, social studies plus electives. Encyclopedias are also available; Compton and Encarta on CD-ROM and book. If additional research material is needed, students will be permitted to schedule trips to local libraries. D. Documentation: Each student will have an academic file containing several key documents for monitoring progress; 1) Goal Sheets, 2) TEKS checklist, 3) Course Completion forms, 4) Semester Grade Report form, and 5) a Graduation Requirements checklist. When a student completes assignments correlating to prior goals the respective lessons will be checked off the goal sheet. In addition, the related TEKS will be checked off the TEKS checklist. After students complete a course, a Course Completion form will be filled out. A copy is filed in each student’s file. Course completion is documented in the student’s file on the Semester Grade Report form. As an additional record, the completed course is checked off the Graduation Requirements checklist. Throughout the student’s tenure at SWPS, constant monitoring and documentation will occur for TAAS, attendance, academic credit, book fines, and anything else that could prevent a student from graduating. When a senior begins his/her last semester, a graduation evaluation will be done to ensure all requirements are met. A graduation application will be completed and filed in the student file. If a senior has deficiencies, these will be documented on a diploma review form. The student will not receive a diploma until all discrepancies are corrected and this form has been updated to reflect status changes. Vocational Education/Work; A key element of our program is preparing students for employment, now (as many students need to work to support families) and preparation for adulthood. Students will receive initial Pre-employment Work Maturity testing (PEWM) to determine strengths and weaknesses regarding employment skills. Over the course of a semester, students will work on improving/upgrading their skills through computer-assisted instruction. This progress will be assessed through testing and documented through PEWM forms. Many students will practice these skills in obtaining and keeping part-time jobs after school. Those students not electing to pursue jobs will participate in a community service project. Phase I will focus on forming a business and learning the skills to make it successful (e.g., legalities, personnel, finance, marketing, etc.). Phase II will encompass putting the knowledge learned to practical application by providing a service to the public. The first scheduled SWPS community service project will be a xeriscaping business dedicated to helping the local community reduce monthly water costs and deal with recent water rate increases. Students are not employees but may be eligible to receive an incentive payment, an available method for non profits to compensate students. Students who prefer to work for another non-profit for community service may do so. Students in hole Multiple Occupational Career Training (MOCT) in the private sector or students in community service projects receive 1½ credits per semester for their work. Basic Skills: All students entering the school will receive initial basic skills testing using the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) battery. This will help determine which students need additional instruction in math and reading. Students deficient in English, including those Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students, will undergo an intense focus on English skills (reading, writing, speaking) before attempting other school curriculum. Interest Inventories: Students desiring to find out about their interests and capabilities may take one or both interest inventories on hand in our Assessment office; the Self-Directed Search (SDS; national database) and the Demand Occupation Interest Test (DOIT). College View: A dedicated computer and career/college interactive software (College View) will be available. This software is divided into three areas: 1) Professional Edition, 13-disc CD-ROM program used to search for colleges 2) Scholarship Edition, students can search for scholarships by matching their backgrounds with potential awards; and 3) Career View - allows students to match unique interests and abilities with over 7000 potential careers and includes job outlooks, effective resume writing, etc. (SCANS): An interactive CD-ROM set is also available from Wasatch that will take students through three very beneficial areas: 1) Basic Skills for the Real World - provides the student with instruction and practice on using math and reading skills in everyday life; 2) Job Skills for the Real World - allows students to learn critical job skills; and 3) Projects for the Real World - tasks the student to produce higher-level thinking skills in solving real world problems and decision making. Abstinence Education: Health is a required class. All students enrolled in health will have an option of enrolling into Abstinence Education as part of their health curriculum. Abstinence Education will focus on moral reason, laws and virtue. SWPS will utilize the curriculum Sexuality Commitment and Family by Teen Aid. This curriculum places human sexuality in the context of commitment, marriage and family. Parents must approve the enrollment into this class. School Population SWPS will be an open-enrollment (first come first serve) school capable of meeting the needs of special education students, academically and economically at-risk students and students behind in credits who reside in Bexar county. SWPS is expected to be full before the fall class with only 50 slots available and with the interest that has been shown by parents and community leaders. For that reason if at any time the enrollment exceeds the capacity of SWPS, all subsequent applications will become part of a waiting list. If space becomes available, SWPS will determine future enrollments by lottery. The lottery will abide by the following guidelines: 1) All students on waiting list will be in the lottery 2) The lottery will be conducted July 31st each year. Each student’s lottery draw will determine the number that student has on the waiting list for the following school year. Special Populations With a projected enrollment of 90% at risk of dropping out, it is important that SWPS has guidelines best adaptive to this population. Academic and behavioral policies (Attachment 5) support the likelihood of at-risk youth succeeding in an alternative, adaptive setting. Attendance The goal for attendance must be to have all students meet state attendance requirements (attend at least 90% of school days). SWPS will heavily monitor this critical element of success. Students will be required to coordinate excused absences in advance if possible, and bring in supporting documentation. If a student is absent over two days and has not previously coordinated this with staff, we will call the parent(s) to discuss the situation and address any attendance issues. Once a student has more than 5 days of absences, an aggressive approach will be taken to make up these days on a volunteer basis. Any student with more than 9 days of absences (excused or unexcused) must mandatorily make up the time either after their normal school day or during periodic Saturday classes.Extracurricular Activities Mentoring: During academic time, select students who have volunteered to mentor other students may do so. A sign-up sheet will be passed out during the semester asking for qualified and committed volunteers for specific areas of academic study. Students who qualify and successfully mentor for at least a three month period will receive points towards a reward. Tutoring: From 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekdays, tutoring will be available for all SWPS students. Tutoring for a fee will be available to students for other school districts. This service is provided at a very competitive rate, with a primary goal being to ensure this type of service is affordable for desiring students. It will encompass a multitude of areas: high school academic curriculum; college testing (SAT/ACT/TASP, etc.). Students will bring their academic course material if receiving tutoring in high school curriculum. SWPS will provide other materials. Student Council: A class council will be elected by students each semester to practice leadership roles/skills. Qualifications to run for and remain in office will include maintaining at least an 80% grade point average, at least a 90% attendance rate and virtually no inappropriate behavior incidents. Elected students will be responsible for representing the ideas, complaints, suggestions, etc. of the student body to the staff members in an effort to improve any aspects of the school. The President will be a member of SWPS Board of Directors. Before discussions, student council members are encouraged to “do their homework”; they must research, prepare, organize and discuss the pertinent issues and come to a mutual consensus with the rest of the class. During discussions among themselves and with staff members, student council members will practice communication skills, small group management skills and higher-order thinking. The council will include a President, Vice President and Special Events Coordinators. Recognition: At the end of each semester, various awards will be presented to deserving students during graduation ceremonies. The following categories of awards are normally presented: SWW "Senior Superlatives": ‑ Best Dresser ‑ Most Originally Dressed ‑ Most Interesting Hair ‑ Most Congenial ‑ Best Sense of Humor ‑ Most Artistic ‑ Most Down to Earth ‑ Most Intelligent ‑ Most Improved ‑ Most Valuable Special Awards ‑ "Attendance Awards" (90% and above) ‑ "High Achiever" Awards ‑ Academic Excellence (GPA > 90%, > 2.5 credits) ‑ "Leadership Awards" - Winner Award All students who complete their character education portfolios will receive a Winner Award. - Eagle Award: Presented to the student who has made the greatest transition since attending SWPS "Given in recognition of the highest standard of academic level achieved. Given in honor of the attainment of academic goals, unmatched by others. Given in appreciation of your contribution as a leader, passing on a better school to those who follow. The eagle is the most majestic of birds, soaring unaccompanied to heights admired by all. So too, has been your flight at Southwest Winners. As you leave, your flight will be an inspiration and challenge for us to dare to dream and be our best." Field Trips: Approximately 3 or 4 times per semester, the class will take local field trips (e.g., museums, art galleries, libraries, correctional facilities, etc.). These educational trips will be rewards/incentives for successful behavior and accomplishments. Guest Speakers: On an as-needed basis, guest speakers will be invited to speak to students. Topics such as drug abuse, career counseling, colleges, etc. will be addressed. Out-of-School Youth Dropouts seeking a high school diploma or a GED may enroll at SWPS with a transcript from their previous school. Dropouts with 17 or more credits are eligible to enroll to complete the final credits for a diploma. Dropouts with less than 17 credits are eligible to be enrolled in SWPS GED Program. SWPS will utilize Contemporary’s Interactive GED Computer-Based Preparation for the GED Test software. This program features: * A student driven menu * Pre/post tests in each subject * Predictive test scores * Diagnostic placement into the appropriate level. 4. Accountability Student Performance Goals and Additional Accountability Provisions Goal #1 Successfully incorporate character education in the curriculum and as a result students exhibit qualities in the classroom that will improve academic performance. After one semester (18 weeks) of attendance, SWPS will retrieve information from the previous school attended by each student and contrast the last semester of performance at their past school to the performance of the first semester at SWPS and on an average the following objectives will be met for those that are completing the school year: * Students will on an average have 20% fewer absences. * Students will have fewer disciplinary referrals. * Students will have attained more credits. * Students will have attained a higher grade point average. Goal #2 Structure SWPS to facilitate parental, student and teacher involvement in the governance of the school. Measurable Objective: This goal is measurable by confirming the participation of one student, parent and teacher as representatives on the Board of Directors. This is a commitment to the community as well as TEA. Goal #3 Provide a curriculum that meets the needs of the student and will encourage and challenge students to meet their full potential. * 80% of students will successfully master 80% of the weekly goals each semester * 80% of students will accomplish two-thirds of their six week academic goals and 80% of their semester goals Measurable Objective: SWPS will maintain a dropout rate below 6% after the first year (the enrollment will be to small in the first year to have a meaningful percentage). Goal #4 Provide a curriculum that is well balanced, academically sound and prepares each student with academic skills for success in the real world. OBJECTIVE: Each student will pre and post test in reading, math and language using McGraw Hill’s Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Pre/post results will be contrasted with a standard for improvement of 1.5 grade level per year average in reading, math and language. Students will be tested within the first week of enrollment and the last week of school and the results will be contrasted to determine if students average an improvement of 1.5 grade level. Students eligible to be counted at the end of the year; must have attended 100 class days and scored less that 11.4 on the pretest. Students not enrolled for 100 days will be post tested after completion of 100 class days. The counselor will administer the TABE locator test to determine the appropriate level (Easy, Medium, Difficult or Advanced) TABE test is appropriate. Students will then take Form 7 if it is a pretest and Form 8 if it is a postest. All answer sheets will be scanned and results will be provided by SCAN TRON. All tests are administered in accordance with the examiners manual by qualified staff. Results of the tests will be available upon request. OBJECTIVE: At a minimum, students eligible to take the TAAS will perform as follows: * 70% of students taking the TAAS Reading will pass in the first two attempts * 70% of students taking the TAAS Writing will pass in the first two attempts * 65% of students taking the TAAS Math will pass in the first two attempts The above is a minimum required of our charter, however SWPS will set a goal to target as 5% above the minimum. Measurable Objective: At a minimum, the following performance standard will be met: Algebra I Texas end-of-course test These goals are established after review of the results of other schools in this community. 25% of special education students who take the test will pass 30% of at-risk students will pass 55% of non special education/at-risk students will pass Biology I Texas end-of-course test These goals are established after review of the results of other schools in this community. 50% of special education students who take the test will pass 50% of at-risk students who take the test will pass 70% of non special education/at-risk students who take the test will pass Goal Five Upon completion, the Graduate Placement Center (GPC Attachment 11) will provide assistance to students in their transition to school and/or work. Measurable Goal: Of students applying for assistance at the GPC at a minimum: 80% of students who apply for college will be enrolled 80% of students seeking employment will enter the workforce 80% of students seeking job training that qualify will enter job training programs Those needing to pass the TAAS after completing the required courses for graduation, will be enrolled in a TAAS remediation class prior to entry into the GPC. Timeliness and procedures of submission of student performance to TEA On June 15th of each year, Southwest Preparatory School will complete the student performance results and have them entered into SWW Inc’s data base with the results reported to SWWF Board of Directors no later than June 30, 1997. After review by SWW Board of Directors, the results will be forwarded to TEA no later than July 15th of each year. Student performance results are directly tied into each goal and objective. The format for collecting this data base is provided in attachment 12. 5. Statement of Impact - Bexar County Schools
6. Geographic Area SWPS will have one site open in the fall semester of 1998 and one additional existing site open in the fall semester of 1999. Both locations offer easy access from local neighborhoods with concentrations of at-risk youth. Students or dropouts residing in Bexar County will be eligible to attend SWPS. By drawing from all of Bexar County, it will ensure many student populations will be eligible to attend. Students residing outside Bexar County may attend only it there are slots available after the students in Bexar County have been admitted. In the first year with the location at 1248 Austin Hwy, SWPS will draw students and dropouts from the neighboring Cross Creek Apartments at 2818 Austin Hwy and the Beldon Apartments at 2511 Harlow Drive. Both are low income San Antonio Housing Authority projects with a concentration of at-risk youth and welfare families. Students from these neighborhoods attend Northeast ISD and specifically Roosevelt High School. Southwest Winners Inc. is well known for providing summer jobs to these communities during the summer as part of our JTPA Summer Youth Employment Training Program (SYETP) since 1988. The trust and working relationship with the community is established and will be an important foundation for parental involvement and trust. In the second year, with the Hope Presbyterian Church opening, SWPS will draw students and dropouts from Antioch Village at 1514 Upland Drive and the Rigsby Apartments at 4303 McCombs. Both are housing projects with low income families and at-risk youth that attend Sam Houston High School. Southwest Winners has been a SYETP program provider in this neighborhood since 1988 and a learning center at Hope Presbyterian Church for a year and a half. Our work at our Wheatly Courts Learning Center has received recognition from the Mayor and the Eastside City Councilman. Each summer Eastside students in SWW’s SYETP have been involved in community projects to enhance the quality of life on the Eastside and as a result of these projects SWW is well networked in the community for recruitment of at-risk students and dropouts. (Attachment 14 identifies the locations of school and adjoining neighborhoods with at-risk students) 7. Enrollment Admission Policy and Procedures SWPS enrollment policy will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, academic or athletic ability, or the district the child would otherwise attend in accordance with the Texas Education Code. Additionally, none of the members of the governing body, personnel or students of SWPS will be required to subscribe to particular religious beliefs or belong to a particular church of demomination. The following enrollment policy will be used by SWPS: * Enrollment will be on a first-come-first-serve with applications available June 1, 1998 to Bexar County residents. * Applications must be completed, accompanied with a Letter of Intent and received by July 31, 1998. * If more apply to be enrolled than enrollment capacity, a waiting list will be established after capacity is met. A lottery will be held on August 5, 1998. * The rules governing the lottery are as follows: * All students on the waiting list will be allowed to enter * Each student’s lottery draw will determine the number that student will be on the waiting list for the following year. * If fewer apply to be enrolled, residents living outside Bexar County will be eligible to apply for enrollment. SWPS will not exclude a student who has a documented history of criminal offense, juvenile court adjudication or discipline problems under TEC Chapter 37, Subchapter A. Outreach SWW Inc. has received so much support for our youth programs in the past and in the writing of this proposal, (Attachment 15) that enrollment numbers should be easily met by the beginning of each semester for both locations by word-or-mouth contact in neighborhoods and with school officials. If additional promotion is need, SWPS will advertise in the local newspaper 8. Qualifications of Professional Employees Continuing Education Requirements and Teaching Philosophy Before employing any applicant, SWPS will run a criminal history check. A. Professional Employees (Attachment 16 has SWPS resumes and abbreviated job descriptions) (1) Administration Both the Superintendent and Principal must have a Masters Degree and be additionally TEA certified or have equivalent experience of 3 years or more of management responsibilities. (2) Teaching Staff Teachers Teachers must have a college degree. (B) Special Education Teachers Special Education Teachers must be TEA certified in Special Education. ( C ) Counselors Counselors must be TEA certified teachers with one year toward a degree in counseling. (D) Bilingual Teachers Bilingual teachers will be TEA certified in bilingual education. (3) Other Staff All other staff must demonstrate the abilities necessary to efficiently carry out their responsibilities. B. Continuing Education, Training, All teachers are expected to maintain their professional training and knowledge current through continuing education courses including workshops. Each year, teachers will be required to enroll and complete 3 hours of adult education in the form of workshops, college course work or seminars. Teachers may be eligible for a 50% reimbursement with advanced approval. Teachers are required to submit documentation of completed course work to meet this requirement. Documentation will be maintained in the personnel file and become part of the evaluation process. In addition to ongoing professional development, teaching staff will be required to complete a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and a First Aid Training Class within the first 90 days of employment. Returning teachers are required to enroll in refresher courses every three years from the date of the prior class. SWW will include the cost for CPR and First Aid Training in the proposed budget. Two weeks before students arrive, the Principal will have in-service training for staff that will include all responsibilities and expectations of each position. C. Teaching Philosophy The teaching philosophy of SWPS is one of a holistic approach. Students have a minimum of four hours of contact each day with staff members creating an opportunity for an atmosphere of family. An atmosphere of a family approach means taking a personal interest in all aspects of a students life after building a solid foundation of consistency, trust and sincerity. To provide a family approach to teaching requires low student to teacher ratios, dedicated staff with effective people skills and an administration that supports such a philosophy. A family approach does not foster dependency with nurturing, but rather praise for accomplishment and encouragement to continue on the path of success by setting goals. Students relate learning to personal experiences such as one-on-one and classroom relationship with staff and as a result, often classwork and education are seen as exciting or boring based on their personal relationships with staff. SWPS will build the student-teacher relationships necessary to ignite the desire to learn in students who may lack motivation. Initially in the first year, all teaching staff (including the Principal) will be cross trained to teach all subjects, provide counseling and assist in the Graduate Placement Center and in the after school tutoring program. This will allow more opportunities for teachers to interact with students in a variety of roles and build relationships that are conducive to a holistic approach. In the second year as enrollment increases, speciality teachers will be hired for arts and crafts etc. and counselors will assume duties for full time counseling. Often the reason for the motivation to learn disappearing can be tied to a curriculum disconnected to the relevance of the real world. SWPS philosophy of education includes the emphasis of relating classwork to real world situations and problems facing students in the future. Human nature dictates that motivation to achieve is based on a “What’s in it for me” equation. If a student is unable to see any personal benefit from learning other than the requirement by law or parents, the at-risk student is quite likely to lose the motivation to learn. SWPS staff will bring a fresh approach of real world experience and background into the classroom settings that will excite, stimulate and motivate students to achieve. SWPS charter is based on the philosophic view of a preparatory school, providing a bridge between the classroom and the real world by offering post graduation activities including college enrollment assistance, job training/vocational training assistance and entry into the job market. Students will see first hand the benefit of an education as classmates prepare resumes and apply for college. Classes in school-to-work and preemployment have a strong emphasis on real world reading and math skills relating to the job market. Students are enrolled in community service or have employment as part of their curriculum, providing an opportunity for students to see the value of education as it relates to the workplace. 9. Finances, Budgeting, Audits, PEIMS, Facilities, Food Service and Transportation A. Annual Budget SWPS will operate from TEA funding. Each January, the SWPS Board of Directors will forward to the SWWF Inc. Board of Directors the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. SWWF Board of Directors rely heavily on the expertise of the SWPS recommendations, however, if budget adjustments are required for reasons such as compliance with the Charter, unjustifiable costs or budget overruns the budget will be modified accordingly. SWW Board has a long history of fiscal compliance. This expertise will be utilized as needed. All decision of the SWWF Inc. Board will be final as ultimate responsibility for fiscal and contractual obligations to TEA. It is the responsibility of the Principal/Director to assemble the rough draft of the budget for the day-to-day operational support of the school excluding salaries and contracts. The Principal/Director will solicit input from staff and the Parent Teacher Organization in the process of developing the budget. From this framework, the Superintendent will finalize the budget and present it for approval to the SWPS Budget Committee and SWPS Board. (Attachment 17 is the proposed budget for the first year of SWPS. (Budget for years 2-5 are in attachment 2, Business Plan) B. Audits Each SWWF Board of Directors, within 120 days of the close the fiscal year (Aug 31) will have an independent audit of SWPS. A CPA will review all PEIMS financial information. C. PEIMS SWPS will have PEIMS services contracted with Region 20 Education Service Center during the first year. The agreement includes RSCCC software applications in compliance with TEA mandates and reporting requirements. Applications include the Student Registration System that include attendance, grade reporting, scheduling, health records, special education management system and disciplines (attachment 18). Mr. Neal has contacted Mr. Jerry Davis of Region 20 and the price for providing this service the first year is $10,000.00 (their minimum cost). This is a high price for a small school and consequently it is part of the business plan to operate our own PEIMS system in the second year after a determination is made as to whether it is more cost efficient to provide this service in house. Facilities SWPS has approval from SWW’s landlord to operate a charter school at our current location and approval from Hope Presbyterian Church to utilize their space with an option to purchase. (Attachment 19) SWWF’s current location is 1248 Austin Hwy., Suite 220. SWWF has plans to expand to the adjacent 2,615 square feet when SWPS opens in August 1998. Insignia, our landlord has left this space available for our use. (Attachment 20) The space has no store frontage and as a result is only available to SWW at our current reasonable rate of 60¢ per square foot (including common area maintenance fee). The design of the new space will provide for expansion from an initial enrollment of fifty in the first year to one hundred in the fifth year. Space will include one large classroom and the ability to adapt and add two more classrooms. SWWF’s Austin Hwy location is ADA compliant and is conveniently located with a bus stop directly in front providing easy access. SWWF is located in Alamo Hills Shopping center with ample parking for students and staff. SWWF’s Hope Presbyterian location has been modified to be ADA compliant with the exception of the restrooms. Currently clients are allowed to go across the street as part of an agreement between SWWF and Shamrock. Before the Hope Presbyterian site opens, the bathrooms will be remodeled to comply with ADA. Hope Presbyterian Church is located at 735 S.W.W. White Rd, a major artery for transportation with a bus stop less than 50 feet away. Food Service SWPS students will utilize the current break area at SWW that has two vending machines. Students will be encouraged to “brown bag it.” Transportation SWPS will provide student bus cards that VIA offers all students in Bexar County that allows them to ride the bus for 35 cents. SWWF will lease a used van for pick-up and delivery of special education students when it is mandated by the Individual Education Plan of the ARD.
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