I would like to invite all of our charter leaders to attend one of the free regional meetings being held by TCSA during the month of February.  These meetings are scheduled for San Antonio on February 12^th, El Paso on February 13^th, East Texas on February 19^th, the Metroplex-area on February 20^th, and West Texas on February 27^th.  For details on locations, times, and to register for a regional meeting near you, click here.  These meetings are open to both member and non-member schools.

As a former charter superintendent, I would often make excuses as to why I didn’t want to leave my campus to attend a meeting, with the usual reasons being that I had too much to do, the building might catch on fire if I left, or there would be a ten-foot tall stack of phone messages to return when I got back.  But upon reflection I discovered that many charter directors/CEOs/superintendents were dealing with the same challenges that I faced, whether it was issues with student enrollment, finances, facilities, and curriculum and instruction, to name a few.  Participating in regional meetings allowed me an opportunity to stay current in what was happening in the charter movement, both across the state as well as nationally.

Regional meetings allow leaders an opportunity to hear the most recent TEA updates, share ideas, challenges, and successes, as well as develop professional networks which are vital as we all strive to accomplish the same goal – provide students across the state of Texas a great charter school education.  Specific to this round of regional meetings are topics that are hot-button issues for the charter movement in regards to advocacy, legal issues, and changes in accountability.   In addition, we will share the latest information concerning grant opportunities, waivers, special education policy, student assessment, as well as enhancements to the TCSA member portal that will improve your ability to have your current school data at your fingerprints.

We know that your time is valuable, so plan for a meeting that has plenty of current information as well as opportunities for networking and discussion.  Lunch is provided.  Please take a minute to register for a regional meeting near you.  We look forward to seeing you there!