SCSC NEWSLETTER

November 7, 2024

Newsletter Update

We are happy to bring you a refreshed SCSC monthly newsletter! This new format is designed to share positive news and charter school updates with our stakeholders. Each issue will highlight key initiatives, success stories, and important updates from the SCSC. Look for it in your inbox at the beginning of each month. State charter schools will now receive a weekly email with reminders and resources every Friday.

2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year Served as a State Charter School Educator

Holly Witcher, a teacher at Tesnatee Gap Elementary School, was named the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year for excellence in serving her students. Witcher works with other special education teachers in White County Schools and local businesses to introduce students to different community environments. She focuses on helping students with developmental delays build critical communication skills. Her hands-on approach includes community-based instruction and creating a language-rich classroom to help students express their needs and demonstrate their knowledge.

Previously, Witcher served as a lead teacher and Elementary School Assistant Administrator of Special Programs at Georgia Cyber Academy. Throughout her decade at the state charter school, Witcher played a key role in expanding virtual education for students with special needs.

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Witcher will advocate for public education statewide, drawing on her experiences in both traditional and charter schools to support and inspire educators across Georgia. We are proud to recognize this excellent educator who was an integral team member of our largest state charter school!

For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website.

2023-24 Milestones Results

State Charter High Schools Excel in 2023-24 Milestones and Graduation Rates

State charter high school students set a strong example in academic performance in the 2023-24 school year. On average, SCSC high school students matched or exceeded the state average in key subjects of the Georgia Milestones assessments.

The Georgia Milestones assessments are required for all public-school students and measure proficiency in English Language Arts and Math for grades 3-8, and Algebra I, American Literature, Biology, and U.S. History for high school. These assessments provide essential insights into student readiness and achievements.

Additionally, brick-and-mortar state charter schools had an average Graduation Rate of 94.4%, beating the state average of 85.4%.

The Georgia Milestones results and Graduation Rate will contribute to the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) scores, which will be released by the Georgia Department of Education later this year. CCRPI scores serve as a key metric within the academic section of the SCSC’s Comprehensive Performance Framework (CPF), which evaluates state charter schools’ academic success, financial health, and organizational strength. Together, these achievements highlight the ongoing impact of state charter schools in delivering quality educational opportunities for students across Georgia.

Congratulations to these state charter high schools for their achievements!

The following state charter schools had higher percentages of students scoring a Proficient or Above than the districts in which they are located in all subject areas – Algebra I, American Literature, Biology, and U.S. History – on the Georgia Milestones:

Academy for Classical Education
Baconton Community Charter School
Georgia School for Innovation and the Classics
Pataula Charter Academy
Southwest Georgia STEM Charter

The following state charter schools achieved a 100% Graduation Rate:

Academy for Classical Education
Georgia School for Innovation and the Classics

State Charter Schools Among Georgia’s Recognized Math Leaders

The Georgia Department of Education is recognizing schools with exceptional achievement or growth in mathematics as Math Leaders. For 2023-24, schools were honored for achieving high percentages of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in math, with particular emphasis on fifth- and eighth-grade Milestones assessments and substantial growth among schools with lower baseline achievement levels.

This recognition aligns with the first year of Georgia’s new K-12 Mathematics Standards, designed to deepen students’ mastery of math concepts. Early results are promising, with these state charter schools showing increased percentages of students scoring Proficient Learner level or above in mathematics compared to 2022-23 assessments.

Congratulations to our Math Leader state charter schools for their dedication to academic excellence and commitment to preparing students for success in math and beyond!

For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website: Press Release - Georgia Department of Education recognizes Math Leader schools

BIA Charter School	Pataula Charter Academy
Cirrus Charter Academy	Resurgence Hall Middle Academy
Coweta Charter Academy	SAIL – School for Arts Infused Learning
Furlow Charter School	Southwest Georgia STEM Charter Academy
Genesis Innovation Academy for Boys	Spring Creek Charter Academy
International Charter School of Atlanta	Utopian Academy for the Arts Charter School (state charter school during 2023-24 school year)
Odyssey Charter School

State Charter School Highlight

Georgia Connections Academy’s Hands-On Virtual Model

This month, we spotlight Georgia Connections Academy (GACA), a state charter school pioneering Georgia’s first certified virtual STEAM program. Inspired by its students, GACA combines rigorous academics with in-person learning to create a dynamic, relationship-driven experience that extends beyond classroom walls. Dive into the full Q&A to discover how Georgia Connections Academy is redefining virtual education through innovative programs like the NASA SPACE APPS Challenge and introducing real-world experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond.

Explore Georgia Connections Academy’s Approach

Replication and Expansion Cohort Program Featured at National Conference

Michele Neely, Senior Director of School Support and Outreach, recently presented at the 2024 National Association of Charter School Authorizers conference in partnership with Bellwether, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity in education. Their presentation showcased the highly regarded processes and tools designed to assess charter school readiness for replication and expansion, providing a structured framework for schools pursuing sustainable growth while maintaining high standards.

These tools are a part of the Replication and Expansion Cohort program, funded by Georgia’s Charter School Program (CSP) State Entity (SE) grant. The program was initiated in 2022 to provide intensive technical assistance to charter schools in Georgia considering replication or expansion plans. Participants engage with Bellwether to determine their readiness to grow and develop a strategic plan. The Georgia Charter Schools Association then provides support through the Incubator and Facility Resource Center to help participating schools operationalize their strategic plans. Participating state and locally-authorized charter schools and charter school networks receive tailored support in facilities, finance, planning, and implementation—all essential elements for scaling success. The collaborative cohort program is recognized as a national model for supporting charter schools seeking to grow their impact.

On October 28th, the third Georgia Replication and Expansion Cohort gathered for an in-person convening with Bellwether in Atlanta. This hands-on collaboration provides invaluable guidance as schools refine their growth strategies and leverage expertise to broaden their educational impact across Georgia. For more information on the Replication and Expansion Program, please visit FindaGaCharter.org. Applications are accepted each spring.

Updated SCSC Organizational Structure

The SCSC has made several changes to our organizational structure to serve schools and the State of Georgia more effectively and efficiently. We are proud to announce the creation of three new divisions: Finance, New Schools, and School Support and Outreach. We are also excited to welcome the Office of Charter School Compliance, pursuant to HB318. Please visit our website for more details and contact information for SCSC staff members.

New Team Members

The SCSC is pleased to introduce three new team members: Annie Chen as Financial Operations Manager, Guin Jones as Petitions Coordinator, and Molly Gassman as School Support and Outreach Specialist. Each brings valuable skills and a shared commitment to advancing SCSC’s mission of fostering high-quality charter schools across Georgia.

Annie Chen

Ms. Annie Chen brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, and grant management, including experience at a state charter school. As Financial Operations Manager, she oversees the financial assessment and monitoring of charter schools. Additionally, she supports the Senior Director of Finance in developing and maintaining purchasing and procurement systems and managing budgets and grant administration.

annie.chen@scsc.georgia.gov

Guin Jones

Ms. Guin Jones previously served as a Project Coordinator for a charter school consulting firm. As Petitions Coordinator, she assists the New Schools department with the development, planning, and coordination of SCSC petitions and new school initiatives.

guin.jones@scsc.georgia.gov

Molly Gassman

Ms. Molly Gassman was formerly a Program Coordinator with the State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia. As School Support and Outreach Specialist, she provides programmatic support for Georgia’s CSP SE grant and assists with initiatives in the School Support and Outreach division.

molly.gassman@scsc.georgia.gov

Internship Program

SCSC values the development of our team members and future leaders in public education. Every year, the SCSC welcomes undergraduate and graduate interns from local colleges and universities to engage in the work of the SCSC and prepare for a career in public service. The true measure of the value of an internship program is the career outcomes of interns. The SCSC internship program has become an invaluable part of the SCSC’s organizational growth, creating a pipeline for talent and continuity. As a testament to this, five former interns are now serving in full-time roles:

Left to right: Guin Jones, Molly Gassman, Katie Manthey, Kiara Thompson, Henry Siebentritt

Katie Manthey, Director of Research and Evaluation, joined full-time in 2014 after an internship and recently celebrated her 10th year with the Commission;
Kiara Thompson, Legal Programs Specialist, transitioned from intern to staff member in April 2021, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy degree;
Molly Gassman, School Support and Outreach Specialist, completed an 11-month internship in spring 2023, furthered her experience at the State Charter Schools Foundation, and returned to the SCSC in October 2024;
Henry Siebentritt, Academic Evaluation Analyst, served as a graduate intern in spring and summer 2024, following his time as a public school teacher in the Clarke County School district, and transitioned to a full-time position in July; and
Guin Jones, Petitions Coordinator, interned in spring 2024 and began her full-time role in October.

The SCSC Intern Program allows participants to gain invaluable insights into SCSC’s mission and operations, fostering talent and creating a seamless transition for those who join full-time. This intern-to-hire pathway reinforces SCSC’s commitment to developing and maintaining a strong internal foundation that aligns with and supports its mission and vision.

Start-up and Replication Petition Portal Now Open

The SCSC FY25 Start-Up and Replication Application Portals are now open and will close on March 14, 2025. The Letter of Intent, required for both petition cycles, is due by December 31, 2024.

Visit the SCSC Start a School Page for more information.

Start-Up Petition Information

Replication Petitioner Information

SCSC Board Update

CANCELED: November 13^th Board Meeting

The SCSC November 13, 2024, board meeting has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date. Please check the SCSC board governance website for updates.

scsc.georgia.gov

FindAGaCharter.org

The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) is a state-level, independent charter school authorizing entity. The SCSC has the power to approve or deny petitions for state charter schools and renew, nonrenew, or terminate state charter school contracts in accordance with Georgia law.