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The Northeast Charter Schools Network’s mission is to support and expand New
York’s and Connecticut’s high-quality charter school movement. NECSN is the
leading statewide advocate and proponent for charter schools. Our agenda
strengthens the charter movement and we are always “on-call” to fend off attacks
against charter schools. Our member services are designed to help schools
operate more effectively, with a particular emphasis on academic achievement and
responsible governance.
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Advocacy
Our experienced advocacy staff understands that despite tremendous promise
and performance, charter schools are under constant attack. NECSN’s team has
been successful on many fronts, bringing significant victories to the charter
school movement despite tough budget cycles. During the 2012 legislative
session, NECSN’s staff was successful in repeatedly fighting off a renewal of
the devastating "funding freeze" for charter schools in New York, and in 2010 we
played a significant role to more than double the cap on the number of charter
schools in that state. In addition to our front-line advocacy efforts, we
provide immediate updates to schools on policies and proceedings in Albany and
Hartford, circulate legislative updates, help organize advocacy visits for
schools and parents, and communicate with the media.
Member Services
Our suite of member services is designed to help charter schools operate efficiently and effectively at all levels. Experienced
staff members are available to answer questions and work with schools on a variety of policy and compliance topics through the Help Desk. We have a rigorous interview and referencing process in place to identify preferred vendors
that will connect with member schools and provide services at a discounted rate. Additionally, member schools have access to Elevate Charter Schools, which offers three
programs to schools at various points in the chartering process.
Elevate provides: charterGO, a charter start program for new school applicants; charterSHIELD, an audit and compliance program featuring a continuous improvement plan that is based on an in-depth review and alignment of a school's charter to its academic
program and authorizer requirements; and, charterRENEW, a program designed to walk schools through preparation for charter renewal. These services emphasize academic achievement and good governance, and are customized for each school based on individual charter
agreements, autonomy in school design, and differences in authorizer requirements. NECSN service members have access to these programs at a discounted rate.