Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
1.00
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
1.1 These rules shall be known as the
Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Education Service
Cooperatives.
1.2 The State Board
of Education enacted these rules pursuant to its authority as set forth in Ark.
Code Ann. §§
6-11-105,
6-13-1001 et seq., and
25-15-201 et seq.
2.00
DEFINITIONS
2.1 "Capital Outlay Expenditures" means land,
land improvements, buildings, infrastructure and equipment having a unit value
of $1,000 or more and a life expectancy of more than one year.
2.2 "Declining Balance" means the current
year expenditures exceeding current year revenues.
2.3 "Education Service Cooperative" means
intermediate service units in the state's elementary and secondary education
system established by the State Board of Education pursuant to Ark. Code Ann.
§
6-13-1001 et seq.
2.4 "Fiscal integrity" means the education
service cooperative's ability to comply completely, accurately, and timely with
financial management, accounting, auditing, and reporting procedures required
by state or federal law and regulations.
2.5 "Material" means that the act, omission,
or violation jeopardizes the fiscal integrity of the education service
cooperative.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1027
3.00
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
3.1 Each education service
cooperative shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of one (1)
representative appointed by each school district board of directors within the
boundary of the education service cooperative.
3.2 No school district may have official
representation on more than one (1) education service cooperative board of
directors.
3.3 The board of
directors of each established education service cooperative shall function as a
public corporate body, shall meet, except as otherwise provided in Ark. Code
Ann. §
6-13-1007 and Section 8.00 of these
rules, at least eight (8) times each year, and shall exercise general fiduciary
responsibilities for the education service cooperative with regard to policies
and practices which guard the integrity of the agency and maintain public trust
in its operation.
3.4 Such
responsibilities, consistent with funds available, shall include, but not be
limited to:
3.4.1 Employment of a director of
the education service cooperative who shall serve as the nonvoting executive
officer of the board of directors;
3.4.2 Establishment of policies and
procedures for the operation and management of the education service
cooperative which shall be in written form and shall be filed with the State
Board of Education;
3.4.3
Preparation of an annual budget estimating income and expenditures for programs
and services in accordance with procedures established by the state
board;
3.4.4 Receipt and
expenditure of funds needed to provide programs and services in the
area;
3.4.5 Making such surveys or
other inquiries which may be required to determine the service needs of school
districts in the education service cooperative and developing plans to provide
such needed services;
3.4.6
Employment, upon the recommendations of the director of the education service
cooperative, of such personnel as may be required to provide the services
requested by the school districts in the area;
3.4.7 Implementation of policies established
by the state board for the operation of education service
cooperatives;
3.4.8 Cooperation
with other education service cooperatives, school districts, and other agencies
to provide programs and services for children and adults residing within their
respective areas;
3.4.9 Renting,
leasing, purchasing, constructing, or receiving by gift such facilities and
buildings as may be required to provide authorized programs and services;
and
3.4.10 Carrying out such other
duties as may be required for the efficient operation of the education service
cooperative for which the board of directors is responsible.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1006
4.00
MULTICOUNTY EDUCATION SERVICE COOPERATIVES - ESTABLISHMENT
4.1 The State Board of Education is
authorized to establish a statewide system of not more than fifteen (15)
multicounty education service cooperatives of school districts. Such education
service cooperatives shall be intermediate service units in the state's
elementary and secondary education system and as such shall be eligible to
receive and expend funds from state and federal governments, school districts,
and other public or private sources.
4.2 Education service cooperatives
established by Title 6, Chapter 13, Subchapter 10 of the Arkansas Code will
provide to school districts which choose to use them assistance in:
4.2.1 Meeting or exceeding accreditation
standards and equalizing educational opportunities;
4.2.2 Using educational resources more
effectively through cooperation among school districts; and
4.2.3 Promoting coordination between school
districts and the Department of Education in order to provide services which
are consistent with the needs identified by school districts and the
educational priorities of the state as established by the General Assembly or
the State Board of Education.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1002
5.00
BOUNDARIES
AND ADJUSTMENTS
5.1 The State Board of
Education shall establish tentative boundaries for the system of education
service cooperatives authorized by Title 6, Chapter 13, Subchapter 10 of the
Arkansas Code.
5.2 These education
service cooperatives shall be established so that:
5.2.1 They include at least three (3) but no
more than nine (9) counties;
5.2.2
They include at least ten (10) but no more than thirty-five (35) school
districts;
5.2.3 They include at
least twenty thousand (20,000) pupils in kindergarten through grade twelve
(K-12) average daily membership;
5.2.4 They include at least one (1)
postsecondary education institution; and
5.2.5 There is no more than fifty (50) miles
distance or approximately one (1) hour driving time to the area's main offices
for ninety percent (90%) of the school districts.
5.3 The State Board of Education may make
adjustments in the boundaries when criteria such as minimum average daily
membership and maximum driving distances conflict. However, no more than four
(4) of the areas formed may contain fewer than twenty thousand (20,000)
students. In no case shall any education service cooperative be established
with fewer than twelve thousand (12,000) pupils.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1003
6.00
REQUESTS FOR
ESTABLISHMENT
6.1 Education service
cooperatives shall be established when seventy-five percent (75%) of the school
districts in a proposed education service cooperative area request such action
by formal resolutions filed by the school district boards of directors with the
Commissioner of Education.
6.2 Each
resolution shall, in addition to requesting establishment of an education
service cooperative, indicate by name or position that school district's
representative on the board of directors of the proposed education service
cooperative.
6.3 Requests must be
filed by seventy-five percent (75%) of the school district boards of directors
by May 1 if an education service cooperative is to be established for the
following school year.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1004
7.00
ALTERATION OF
BOUNDARIES
7.1 The State Board of
Education, upon the request of one (1) or more school district boards of
directors, and consistent with the provisions of §
6-13-1003, may alter the boundaries
of a proposed or operational education service cooperative when it determines
such alteration to be in the best interest of the school districts in the
education service cooperatives involved.
7.2 Consistent with §
6-13-1003, a member of an education
service cooperative formed after January 1, 1984, under The Public School
Educational Cooperative Act of 1981, §
6-13-901 et seq., may not be moved
to another education service cooperative without that member's consent.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1005
8.00
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
8.1 In a meeting, with a
majority of its members present and voting, the board of directors of an
education service cooperative may elect from its membership an executive
committee of seven (7), nine (9), or eleven (11) members.
8.2 Candidates for the executive committee,
if one is formed, shall be chosen so that the school districts within the
education service cooperative are equitably represented.
8.3 All subsequent members of the executive
committee shall be elected by a majority vote of the board of directors in
attendance at the annual meeting.
8.4 The function of the executive committee
shall be to carry out those duties delegated to it by the governing board of
directors, the provisions of Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1006 and Section 8.00 of these
rules notwithstanding.
8.5 Terms of
executive committee members shall be three (3) years except for the initial
members which shall have terms assigned by lot so as to stagger terms to
equalize as nearly as possible the number of members to be elected each year.
Vacancies occurring after the annual meeting shall be filled by the executive
committee until the next annual meeting.
8.6 Should an executive committee be
established in any education service cooperative, it shall meet at least nine
(9) times per year, and the requirements for board of directors meetings shall
be reduced to three (3) times annually. The president of the board of directors
shall serve as chair of the executive committee. No person, however, may serve
in this position for more than two (2) consecutive years.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1007
9.00
TEACHER CENTER AND
TEACHER CENTER COMMITTEE
9.1 Each
education service cooperative shall establish a teacher center which will
provide, consistent with funds available, curriculum development assistance,
educational materials, and staff development services to teachers within the
school districts in the service area.
9.2 A teacher center committee, composed of
at least one (1) representative from the staff of each school district, shall
advise the director and the governing body on the staffing, programs, and
operation of the teacher center.
9.3 The governing body of each cooperative
shall determine the initial composition of the teacher center committee to
achieve a balance of elementary, middle school or junior high, and high school
personnel and assure that at least one-half (1/2), but not more than two-thirds
(2/3), of the members are classroom teachers.
9.4 All positions on the committee shall be
assigned to school districts by lot.
9.5 Each teacher must be elected by
colleagues in his or her school district, and each administrator or support
person shall be appointed by the superintendent.
9.6 Initial terms shall be determined by lot
for equal or nearly equal periods of one (1), two (2), and three (3)
years.
9.7 Thereafter, terms shall
be for three (3) years.
9.8 The
committee shall meet at least three (3) times per year.
9.9 In the last meeting each year, positions
represented by expiring terms shall be reassigned by lot.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1008
10.00
OTHER NECESSARY
COMMITTEES
Each education service cooperative may establish other
committees of local school personnel needed to keep its programs responsive to
the schools it serves.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1009
11.00
DIRECTOR
11.1 Each education service cooperative shall
be administered by a director who shall perform the following duties:
11.1.1 Administer the programs and services
of the education service cooperative;
11.1.2 Recommend the employment of
professional and nonprofessional personnel authorized by the education service
cooperative's governing body;
11.1.3 Prepare the budget for adoption by the
education service cooperative's governing body;
11.1.4 Direct expenditures of funds within
the budget; and
11.1.5 Perform
other duties as required by the education service cooperative's governing body
and the policies, rules, and regulations of the State Board of
Education.
11.2 The
director of each education service cooperative shall:
11.2.1 Hold an administrator's license and
meet all requirements to serve as a superintendent of schools in the State of
Arkansas; or
11.2.2 Have an
equivalent level of education and administrative experience and obtain the
approval of the state board.
11.2.3
The governing body of any education service cooperative may enter into a
contract with a director for a period not to exceed three (3) years.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1010
12.00
PERSONNEL
12.1 Personnel of education
service cooperatives shall be employed in accordance with laws, rules,
regulations, and procedures applicable to the school districts of this
state.
12.2 In lieu of a salary
schedule, an education service cooperative annually may submit to the
Department of Education a complete listing of all employees of the education
service cooperative and each employee's position, salary, and
benefits.
12.3 Licensure
requirements shall be the same as those expected of persons holding similar
positions in local school districts.
12.4 Termination or contract nonrenewal of
education service cooperative personnel shall be as provided by law for the
school district personnel.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1011
13.00
PERSONNEL
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
With the approval of an education service cooperative's
governing body, the assistant commissioners in the Department of Education may
assign state educational agency personnel to that education service
cooperative.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1012
14.00
GENERAL POLICIES, RULES AND
REGULATIONS
14.1 The Board of
Directors of each education service cooperative has the obligation to oversee
administrative and program expenditures of the education service
cooperative.
14.2 The Board of
Directors of each education service cooperative shall operate the education
service cooperative in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws
and regulations.
14.3 Each
education service cooperative shall adopt and file for approval by the
Commissioner of Education guidelines for settling possible disputes between
member school districts and in equity or jurisdictional matters relating to
shared assets and services. The guidelines shall contain at a minimum:
14.3.1 The right of any school district
within the boundaries of the education service cooperative to file a complaint
regarding any issue related to the programs and services of the cooperative, or
regarding any obligation of the cooperative under law or these Rules;
14.3.2 The right of any school district in
contract with the education service cooperative under Section 19.04 to file a
complaint regarding any issue related to programs and services of the
cooperative for which the school district has contracted;
14.3.3 The procedure by which a complaint may
be filed; this procedure may impose a time limitation on the filing of
complaints of no less than thirty (30) days after the act or omission
complained of;
14.3.4 The authority
of the director of the education service cooperative to investigate the
complaint and issue an initial written decision within no more than sixty (60)
days of receipt of the complaint;
14.3.5 The right of the complaining party, or
any affected school district, to appeal the initial decision to the board of
directors or executive committee of the education service cooperative, as
chosen by the cooperative in its guidelines; and
14.3.6 The responsibility of the board of
directors or executive committee to grant a hearing on no less than thirty (30)
days' notice, and to issue a final written decision within no more than sixty
(60) days of receipt of the appeal.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1013
15.00
LIAISON FOR
SHARING AND COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES
15.1 The Department of Education shall
encourage sharing and coordination of activities among the education service
cooperatives.
15.2 The Commissioner
of Education shall name a person to serve as liaison between the department and
the education service cooperatives.
15.3 This liaison shall provide information
on resources and programs and be the general contact person in the department
for the education service cooperatives.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1014
16.00
LIAISON
WITH POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS
16.1
Each education service cooperative, in carrying out its programs and services,
shall cooperate with the various state-supported postsecondary educational
institutions located within its area.
16.2 Each such postsecondary institution,
within the availability of funds and personnel, shall establish liaison with
the education service cooperatives in its service area and assist them in all
practical ways.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1015
17.00
ANNUAL
SURVEYS AND NEEDS ASSESSMENTS
17.1
Each education service cooperative shall conduct annual surveys and needs
assessments to assist the education service cooperative in its first priority
of helping school districts improve their educational programs and
practices.
17.2 Such activities may
include written surveys, visits to schools to meet with local personnel, and
other means to identify local needs throughout the service area.
17.3 Each education service cooperative shall
work with the Department of Education to conduct statewide surveys which
complement, rather than duplicate, the work of the Department of
Education.
17.4 The objective shall
be to obtain statewide, area, and local data with as little duplication as
possible.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1016
18.00
PROGRAMS
AND SERVICES
18.1 The programs and
services of each education service cooperative shall be based upon the needs of
the school districts included in its service area and upon the educational
priorities of the state.
18.2 Each
education service cooperative shall provide a teacher center as its basic
curriculum and staff development capability.
18.3 Education service cooperatives may
provide shared educational programs and services such as needs assessment and
school improvement planning, staff development, curriculum development,
itinerant teachers, instructional materials, adult and vocational education,
programs for gifted and talented, education for children with disabilities,
alternative educational programs, secondary area vocational centers,
community-based education programs and other services which the State Board of
Education may approve or which school districts may support with local funds.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1017
19.00
PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
19.1 Each school district within the service
area of the education service cooperative shall be entitled to participate in
those programs and services which are fully supported by state funds.
19.2 No school district shall be required to
participate in any service.
19.3
School districts may enter into contracts with the education service
cooperative for services supported partially or completely by local school
funds.
19.4 School districts within
one (1) education service cooperative may also contract for services with
another education service cooperative.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1018
20.00
FUNDING OF
EDUCATION SERVICE COOPERATIVES
20.1
The state shall provide funds to support the basic structure of the education
service cooperatives established under the provisions of Title 6, Chapter 13,
Subchapter 10 of the Arkansas Code and these rules.
20.2 This structure shall include:
20.2.1 Salaries and fringe benefits for a
director, a teacher center coordinator, and support staff;
20.2.2 Costs such as travel, utilities, rent,
equipment, and supplies;
20.2.3
Funds to support staff and curriculum development activities; and
20.2.4 Funds in an annual amount not to
exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the travel expenses of
itinerant personnel employed by the education service cooperative to serve the
part-time needs of local school districts.
20.3 School districts may contract with their
education service cooperative for services and part-time personnel to be
supported in whole or in part by local funds, but no school district shall be
assessed a membership fee.
20.4
Categorical state or federal funds may also be assigned to any education
service cooperative upon approval of its governing body and under conditions
set by the State Board of Education.
20.5 As a public agency, each education
service cooperative shall be eligible to receive and expend public and private
funds.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1019
21.00
POLICIES,
PROCEDURES, EXPENDITURES, REPORTS AND AUDITS
21.1 On or before August 31 of each year,
each education service cooperative shall file with the State Board of Education
for the state board's approval:
21.1.1 The
policies and procedures of the education service cooperative, including without
limitation the board of directors' policies and procedures for overseeing the
administrative and program expenditures of the education service
cooperative;
21.1.2 A record of the
education service cooperative's employment policies and practices for the year
that includes without limitation:
21.1.2.1
The race and sex of each person the education service cooperative employed or
terminated during the year;
21.1.2.2 The race and sex of every person who
sought employment with the education service cooperative during the
year;
21.1.2.3 The name of each
person employed by the education service cooperative during the year who is
related by blood or marriage to another employee or board member of the
education service cooperative; and
21.1.2.4 A report of its receipts and
expenditures made in accordance with uniform accounting procedures adopted by
the Commissioner of Education.
21.1.2.5 The report shall contain without
limitation:
21.1.2.5.1 An itemization of
administrative and program expenditures; and
21.1.2.5.2 The result of the board of
directors' review of the expenditures made under its oversight
function.
21.2 The Department of Education may
prescribe the forms and procedures for filing the information required by
Section 21.01 of these rules.
21.3
Each education service cooperative is subject to an annual audit by the
Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.
21.4 In an annual meeting of the board of
directors which must convene between May 15 and July 15, each education service
cooperative shall report to its constituent school districts on the year's
operations.
21.4.1 The report also shall
include information on fiscal distress under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1027 and Section 27.00 of
these rules.
21.4.2 The education
service cooperative shall supplement its report with written reports to each
school district and to the department on a school-by-school, service-by-service
accounting basis.
21.5
Following the end of each fiscal year, any balances in particular service
accounts must be apportioned and returned to the schools involved or credited
to their accounts for the following year.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1020
22.00
EVALUATIONS
AND PERFORMANCE RATING
22.1 Each
education service cooperative shall be evaluated during the 2012-2013 school
year, and at least once within each five-year period, on a schedule established
by the Commissioner of Education, all active education service cooperatives
must be visited by an evaluation committee of not more than nine (9)
persons.
22.2 Each evaluation shall
include, but not be limited to, an investigation of user satisfaction, service
adequacy, extent of local financial support, staff qualifications, and
performance and administration effectiveness.
22.2.1 At least fifteen days (15) calendar
days prior to the on-site evaluation conducted by the evaluation committee, the
education service cooperative to be evaluated shall complete a self-study and
submit the self-study to the Commissioner of Education or his or her designee.
The self-study should include an analysis of each of the evaluation categories
listed in Section 22.5 of these rules. A self-study guide is attached as
Appendix 1 to these rules.
22.2.2
During the on-site evaluation, the evaluation committee shall review available
evidence to verify the conclusions of the self-study.
22.3 The final evaluation, including any
self-evaluation, shall be included in the annual report to the Department of
Education required by Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1020 and Section 21.00 of
these rules, and made available on the website of the education service
cooperative.
22.4 The evaluation
criteria herein have been developed collaboratively between the Department of
Education and the director of each education service cooperative.
22.5 The evaluation criteria is outlined in
the rubric for evaluation attached as Appendix 2 to these rules.
22.5.1 Each education service cooperative
shall receive an overall evaluation rating from one (1) to five (5). The
overall evaluation rating will consist of an average of the individual category
ratings as outlined in the rubric for evaluation attached as Appendix 2 to this
rule.
22.6 The report of
the evaluation committee shall be filed with the education service cooperative
visited, with its constituent school districts, and with the State Board of
Education.
22.6.1 The State Board of Education
shall acknowledge receipt of the report and comment on any deficiencies
identified in the report that should be corrected for the education service
cooperative to remain eligible for base funding.
22.6.2 The report shall identify each
education service cooperative as being in one (1) of the following category
levels, based on the evaluation:
22.6.2.1
"Level 5", education service cooperative of excellence;
22.6.2.2 "Level 4", education service
cooperative exceeding standards;
22.6.2.3 "Level 3", education service
cooperative meeting standards;
22.6.2.4 "Level 2", education service
cooperative on alert; or
22.6.2.5
"Level 1", education service cooperative in need of immediate
improvement.
22.6.3 As
set forth in Ark. Code Ann. §§
6-13-1021 -
6-13-1022 and Sections 22.00-23.00
of these rules, the evaluation committee may recommend to the State Board of
Education that an education service cooperative be dissolved.
22.7 The intent of this evaluation
procedure is to provide a means for school districts to express their concerns
about the operation of their education service cooperative and to ensure that
each education service cooperative remains alert and responsive to the needs of
the local schools it serves.
22.8
An education service cooperative that receives a performance category level of
level 1 shall be reevaluated during the evaluation cycle the following
year.
22.9 For all education
service cooperatives that receive a performance category level of level 1 for
two (2) consecutive years, the Department of Education shall:
22.9.1 Withhold base funding to the education
service cooperative; or
22.9.2 Take
over administration of the education service cooperative.
22.10 For each evaluation, the Commissioner
of Education shall appoint the committee and designate its chairperson.
22.10.1 The committee shall include the
following from outside the boundary of the education service cooperative being
evaluated:
22.10.1.1 A Department of
Education staff member;
22.10.1.2 A
teacher;
22.10.1.3 An
administrator;
22.10.1.4 A college
staff member; and
22.10.1.5 A
present or former staff member of an area education service agency.
22.10.2 In addition, the committee
shall include from within the education service cooperative's area:
22.10.2.1 A member of a school district board
of directors;
22.10.2.2 A
representative of business and industry; and
22.10.2.3 A school parent from each of two
(2) school districts.
22.11 Each education service cooperative
shall pay the reasonable costs of its evaluation.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1021
23.00
DISSOLUTION
OF AN EDUCATION SERVICE COOPERATIVE
23.1 The State Board of Education shall be
authorized to dissolve any education service cooperative upon the request of a
majority of its school district boards of directors or upon the recommendation
of the evaluation committee provided for in Ark. Code Ann. §§
6-13-1021 -
6-13-1022 and Sections 22.00-23.00
of these rules.
23.2 A dissolved
education service cooperative's area shall be assigned to one (1) or more
adjacent education service cooperatives, the provisions of Ark. Code Ann.
§
6-13-1003 and Section 5.00 of these
rules notwithstanding, with the dissolved education service cooperative's base
funding apportioned to all remaining education service cooperatives in the
state.
23.3 After payment of debts,
the assets of a dissolved education service cooperative shall be distributed to
the school districts in its service area based on each school district's
three-quarter average daily membership for the immediately preceding school
year.
23.4 Any active grant funds
held by the dissolved education service cooperative shall be distributed to the
Commissioner of Education in accordance with the grant requirements, state and
federal law, and the best interests of the school districts within the
boundaries of the dissolved cooperative. To the extent allowed by the grant
requirement or by law, active grant funds may be transferred to one or more
public school districts or education service cooperatives, or to the
Department, for future administration of the grant funds.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1022
24.00
TECHNOLOGY
CENTERS
24.1 Consistent with funds
available and upon a majority vote of the members present and voting, the board
of directors of each education service cooperative established under Title 6,
Chapter 13, Subchapter 10 of the Arkansas Code is authorized to establish a
technology training center and employ a technology coordinator who has
demonstrated expertise in computer technology and staff development.
24.2 The duties of the technology coordinator
at such technology training center shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
24.2.1 To provide staff development
for personnel of member schools;
24.2.2 To assist member schools with
determining technology needs and types of computer hardware and software
necessary to meet those needs;
24.2.3 To assist with technology system
analysis and local network design;
24.2.4 To provide member schools with
information on technology standards and specifications;
24.2.5 To develop and coordinate a technology
training center located at the education service cooperative;
24.2.6 To coordinate information with the
Arkansas Public School Arkansas Classrooms, and the Governor's Technology Task
Force so that member schools will be informed on technological activity in the
state; and
24.2.7 To assist with
requests for proposal development and bid analysis so that member schools will
be better able to spend funds for technology.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1023
25.00
MATHEMATICS
AND SCIENCE CENTER
25.1 Consistent
with funds available and upon a majority vote of the members present and
voting, the board of directors of each education service cooperative
established under this subchapter is authorized to establish a mathematics and
science center and to employ a mathematics and science coordinator who has
demonstrated expertise in mathematics and science content, in pedagogy, and in
staff development.
25.2 The duties
of the mathematics and science coordinator at the mathematics and science
resource center shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
25.2.1 Providing mathematics and science
staff development for and individual technical assistance to personnel of
member schools;
25.2.2 Assisting
member schools with determining mathematics and science curricula, with
instruction, and with assessment of needs and resources necessary to meet those
needs;
25.2.3 Enhancing curricula
and instruction using technology;
25.2.4 Providing member schools with
information for curriculum alignment with mathematics and science standards and
state frameworks;
25.2.5 Developing
and coordinating a mathematics and science resource center located at the
education service cooperative; and
25.2.6 Assisting with the development of
requests for proposals for teacher enhancement in mathematics and science.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1025
26.00
COOPERATIVES AS LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES
26.1 Education service cooperatives created
by Title 6, Chapter 13, Subchapter 10 of the Arkansas Code meet the definition
of "local education agencies" by virtue of the fact that each is a public
authority, legally constituted within this state to perform a service function
for a public elementary and secondary school in school districts and other
political subdivisions of the state and to form a consortia of school districts
which are recognized by the General Assembly as administrative agents for
public elementary and secondary schools.
26.2 This section intends to recognize the
function of the cooperatives and to provide eligibility to cooperatives to
receive state and federal funds upon written requests from the school
districts.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1026
27.00
FISCAL
DISTRESS - EDUCATION SERVICE COOPERATIVES
27.1 Any education service cooperative that
meets one (1) or more of the following criteria may be identified by the
Department of Education as being in fiscal distress upon final approval of the
State Board of Education:
27.1.1 A declining
balance that jeopardizes the fiscal integrity of the education service
cooperative. The Department of Education shall not use capital outlay
expenditures from the education service cooperative's balance for facilities to
identify the education service cooperative as being in fiscal
distress;
27.1.2 A material failure
to meet the education service cooperative's obligation to maintain the
education service cooperative's facilities;
27.1.3 A material violation of local, state,
or federal law or regulations relating to:
27.1.3.1 Fire, health, or safety
codes;
27.1.3.2 Construction
codes;
27.1.3.3 Audit requirements;
or
27.1.3.4 Procurement, bidding,
and purchasing requirements;
27.1.4 A material failure to provide timely
and accurate legally required financial reports to the department, the Division
of Legislative Audit, the General Assembly, or the Internal Revenue
Service;
27.1.5 A material failure
to maintain sufficient funds to cover payroll, salary, employment benefits, or
legal tax obligations;
27.1.6 A
material default on any debt obligation;
27.1.7 A material discrepancy between
budgeted and actual expenditures; or
27.1.8 Any other fiscal condition of the
education service cooperative that the Department of Education determines
materially impacts the education service cooperative's delivery of education
services.
27.2 The
Department of Education may identify an education service cooperative as being
in fiscal distress at any time a fiscal condition of the education service
cooperative is discovered to have a detrimental negative impact on the
continuation of educational services provided by the education service
cooperative.
27.3 If the Department
of Education identifies an education service cooperative as being in fiscal
distress, the Department of Education shall notify the education service
cooperative in writing of the identification of fiscal distress within ten (10)
calendar days.
27.4 The Department
of Education shall identify in the notice each criteria for fiscal distress on
which the department based the identification of fiscal distress.
27.5 The Department of Education shall
deliver the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, and addressed
to:
27.5.1 The president of the education
service cooperative's board of directors; and
27.5.2 The director of the education service
cooperative employed under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1010 and Section 11.00 of
these rules.
27.6 The
identification of fiscal distress made by the Department of Education under
Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1027 and Section 27.00 of
these rules may be appealed to the State Board of Education under Ark. Code
Ann. §
6-13-1031 and Section 31.00 of
these rules in which case the final order entered upon appeal is the final
classification of fiscal distress.
27.7 Within two (2) weeks following the date
the education service cooperative receives the final classification by the
State Board of Education of fiscal distress, the education service cooperative
shall:
27.7.1 Notify in writing each public
school district in its service area that the education service cooperative is
classified as being in fiscal distress; and
27.7.2 File with the Department of Education
a fiscal distress plan under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1028 and Section 28.00 of
these rules.
27.8 An
education service cooperative that is identified as being in fiscal distress
shall not incur any debt without the prior written approval of the
department.
27.9 The education
service cooperative shall include in the annual report to constituent school
districts under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1020(d) and
Section 21.00 of these rules the progress the education service cooperative had
made on its fiscal distress plan.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1027
28.00
FISCAL
DISTRESS PLAN
28.1 An education
service cooperative that is classified by the State Board of Education as being
in fiscal distress shall file with the Department of Education a fiscal
distress plan that:
28.1.1 Addresses each area
of fiscal distress identified by the Department of Education;
28.1.2 Describes how the education service
cooperative will remedy the areas experiencing fiscal distress; and
28.1.3 Establishes the schedule by which the
education service cooperative will implement the fiscal distress plan. The
fiscal distress plan implementation schedule shall not exceed two (2) years
from the date of the final classification of fiscal distress.
28.2 The Department of Education
shall approve the fiscal distress plan before the education service cooperative
implements the fiscal distress plan.
28.3 An education service cooperative
identified as being in fiscal distress is required to receive on-site technical
evaluation and assistance from the Department of Education.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1028
29.00
FISCAL
DISTRESS ACTIONS
29.1 To address the
identified areas of fiscal distress of an education service cooperative, the
Department of Education shall:
29.1.1 Conduct
an on-site evaluation and make recommendations regarding the staffing and
fiscal practices of the education service cooperative. The recommendations of
the Department of Education are binding on the education service
cooperative;
29.1.2 Every six (6)
months during which the education service cooperative is classified as being in
fiscal distress, submit to the State Board of Education a written evaluation on
the fiscal status of the education service cooperative;
29.1.3 Monitor the fiscal operations and
accounts of the education service cooperative; and
29.1.4 Require the education service
cooperative administrative staff and employees to obtain instruction or
training in areas of fiscal concern for the education service
cooperative.
29.2 The
Department of Education also may take one (1) or more of the following actions:
29.2.1 Reorganize the administrative unit of
the education service cooperative by:
29.2.1.1 Removing and replacing the director
of the education service cooperative employed under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1010 and Section 11.00 of
these rules.
29.2.1.1.1 An individual
appointed to replace the director shall administratively operate the education
service cooperative under the supervision and approval of the Commissioner of
Education.
29.2.1.1.2 The
Department of Education may compensate nondepartment agents operating the
education service cooperative from the education service cooperative's
funding.
29.2.1.2
Removing, replacing, or reassigning other administrative staff of the education
service cooperative; or
29.2.2 Impose reporting requirements on the
education service cooperative.
29.3 Within two (2) consecutive school years
of the State Board of Education's final classification of fiscal distress, the
Department of Education shall determine whether to recommend that the education
service cooperative be removed from fiscal distress status.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1029
30.00
REMOVAL
FROM FISCAL DISTRESS
30.1 The
Department of Education shall certify in writing to the education service
cooperative that the education service cooperative may be removed from fiscal
distress status when the department determines that the education service
cooperative has:
30.1.2 Corrected all of the
criteria under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1027 and Section 27.00 of
these rules that led to the classification of fiscal distress; and
30.1.3 Complied with all Department of
Education recommendations and requirements for removal from fiscal distress
status.
30.2 Within
thirty (30) days of receiving the Department of Education's certification under
Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1030(a) and
Section 30.01 of these rules, an education service cooperative may petition the
State Board of Education in writing for removal from fiscal distress. An
education service cooperative may not petition the State Board of Education for
removal from fiscal distress status before the Department of Education makes
the certification under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1030(a) and
Section 30.01 of these rules.
30.3
Within sixty (60) days of receiving the petition for removal from fiscal
distress, the State Board shall deny the petition or remove the education
service cooperative from fiscal distress status.
30.4 If an education service cooperative
fails to meet the Department of Education's requirements for removal from
fiscal distress status within two (2) consecutive school years of being
classified in fiscal distress, the State Board of Education shall:
30.4.1 Reorganize the administrative unit of
the education service cooperative under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1029 and Section 29.00 of
these rules; or
30.4.2 Issue a
written finding supported by a majority vote of the State Board of Education
explaining in detail that the education service cooperative could not comply
with Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1030 or Section 30.00 of these
rules due to impossibility caused by external forces beyond the education
service cooperative's control. The State Board of Education shall extend the
classification of fiscal distress for one (1) additional year within which time
the education service cooperative shall comply with all conditions for removal
from fiscal distress status.
30.05
Within fifteen (15) days of making a decision under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1030 and Section 30.00 of
these rules, the State Board shall notify the education service cooperative of
its decision and include with the notice a copy of a written finding issued
under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1030 and Section 30.04.2 of
these rules.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1030
31.00
APPEAL OF
FISCAL DISTRESS IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION
31.1 An education service cooperative may
appeal to the State Board of Education the identification of fiscal distress
under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1027 and Section 27.00 of
these rules.
31.2 The education
service cooperative may lodge an appeal by filing a written appeal with the
Commissioner of Education by certified mail, return receipt requested, within
thirty (30) days of the date the education service cooperative received notice
of the identification of fiscal distress.
31.3 The written appeal shall state in clear
terms the reason why the education service cooperative should not be classified
as being in fiscal distress.
31.4
The State Board of Education shall hear the appeal within sixty (60) days of
receipt of the written notice of appeal.
31.5 Notwithstanding any appeal rights in
this section, no appeal shall stay the State Board of Education's or the
Department of Education's authority to take action to enforce the education
service cooperative's compliance with financial management, accounting,
auditing, and reporting procedures required by state or federal law and
regulations.
31.6 The decision of
the State Board on the appeal is a final order. There is no further right of
appeal except to Pulaski County Circuit Court pursuant to the Arkansas
Administrative Procedure Act, Ark. Code Ann. §
25-15-201 et seq.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §
6-13-1031
APPENDIX 1 - SELF-STUDY GUIDE
The Department of Education is charged by statute to conduct an
evaluation of each educational service cooperative at least once each five-year
period. In order to meet the provisions of the statute, the Commissioner of
Education has determined that each education service cooperative will
participate in an evaluation process that culminates with a one-day visit
during the 2017-2018 school year, and every five years thereafter, by an
evaluation team that meets the stipulations of the statute. This Self Study
Guide provides a resource guide, such that when fully implemented, will meet
the structure as outlined.
The Department of Education suggests the following steps so
that the format will be consistent across each evaluation visit:
1. An assigned ADE staff member will organize
the evaluation teams, coordinate the evaluation visits, and work with the
regional service cooperative staffs to establish a schedule for the visits to
be completed by the end of the school year.
2. This Self Study Guide organizes the
statutes that authorize and provide structure for the management and
programming of the cooperatives. Three areas of review are suggested:
* User Satisfaction and Service Adequacy
* Staff Qualification and Administrative Effectiveness
* Extent of Local Financial Support
3. Prior to an evaluation visit, the local
staff of the education service cooperative shall conduct a self-study and
prepare a written summary that can serve as an overview of how the cooperative
has interpreted and implemented management and programming as it serves the
local school districts in the region. These summaries along with all supporting
evidence and displays should be available for electronic review fifteen (15)
days prior to the evaluation visit. The self-study documents along with summary
statements provided by the visiting evaluation committee shall comprise the
evaluation documents to be maintained by the Department of Education and
subsequently reported to the General Assembly.
4. The Commissioner will project a list of
individuals to compose the visiting evaluation team in keeping with statute.
The director and teacher center coordinator of each education service
cooperative may suggest potential visiting evaluation committee members and
should concur in the team composition prior to it becoming a final list. ADE
staff will contact each proposed visiting evaluation committee member and
confirm his/her participation in the evaluation visit. The agenda for the day
shall include an orientation of visiting evaluation committee members to the
evaluation process and a discussion of expectations of visiting evaluation
committee members at the close of the day.
5. A calendar for the evaluation visits will
be proposed by ADE staff with agreement from the education service cooperative
staff.
6. The ADE staff member
assigned to the team will serve as chair of the visiting evaluation
committee.
Click
here to view image
Education Service Cooperative:
Director:
Teacher Center Coordinator:
Education Service Cooperative Demographics
Prepare a table of information that is an accurate and complete
analysis of the cooperative demographics as it relates to A.C.A. §
6-13-1003, including any boundary
changes within the previous five (5) years:
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Section
6-13-1003
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text
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Status/Documentation
|
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(1)
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They include at least three (3) but no more than nine
(9) counties;
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(2)
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They include at least ten (10) but no more than
thirty-five (35) school districts;
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(3)
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They include at least twenty thousand (20,000) pupils
in K-12 average daily membership (ADM);
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(4)
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They include at least one (1) postsecondary education
institution; and
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(5)
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There is no more than fifty (50) miles distance or
approximately one (1) hour driving time to the area's main offices for ninety
percent (90%) of the school districts.
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User Satisfaction and Service Adequacy
Prepare a narrative description and data or other evidence to
support the user satisfaction and service adequacy of the education service
cooperative in meeting the documented needs and priorities of the local school
districts in the established service territory as noted in "3 Meeting
Standards." Additional narrative description, data or other evidence may be
included to meet the requirements of "4 Exceeding Standards" or "5 Excellence."
Evidence may include but not be limited to:
* Describe the teacher center committee and the impact on
responsiveness to member districts.
* Describe the design and administration of such surveys
(inquiries), which may be required to determine the service needs of school
districts in the education service cooperative and develop plans to provide
such needed services.
* Describe procedures of data collection such as surveys and/or
visits to local schools to meet with school personnel (administration and
instructional staff).
* Affirm that the focus of the cooperative programming
coordinates with emphases of the State Department of Education and does not
duplicate services provided directly by the Department.
* Attest to collecting data in such fashion as to minimize
duplication of reporting to the extent possible.
* Describe the analysis process for reviewing survey data and
prioritizing needed services to be provided by the cooperative.
* Describe the extent to which state, local, and other
resources collectively are deemed to meet the educational needs of
participating local school districts as determined by assessments
conducted.
* Employ such personnel as may be required to provide the
services requested by the schools and districts and documented by the surveys.
* Demonstrate how cooperative programming and sharing of
services help extend educational resources of the local districts.
* Demonstrate cooperative relationships with other education
service cooperatives, school districts, postsecondary institutions, and other
agencies to provide programs and services for children and adults residing
within the service area.
* Demonstrate how the services local districts are provided to
meet and/or exceed accreditation standards and student performance expectations
are equalizing educational opportunity for the member districts.
* Demonstrate how cooperative programming and services provided
through the education service cooperative extend the priorities of the
Department of Education, the State Board of Education and/or the General
Assembly.
* Provide data regarding the satisfaction of users and
evaluation of service adequacy including but not limited to:
* User satisfaction surveys of services provided.
* Evaluations from individual participants in the professional
development events conducted by cooperative staff and consultants.
* Evaluations of direct services provided to school districts
and individual schools such as group purchasing, shared professional staff
(special education supervisors, federal programs administration, gifted and
talented supervisors, etc.)
* Provide documentation of reporting duplications, cost
analysis studies, and/or best practices.
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Reference In Rules
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5 Excellence
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4 Exceeding Standards
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3 Meeting Standards
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2 Alert
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1 In Need of Immediate Improvement
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22.2 Annual user Satisfaction Survey Results (all
personnel of member districts)
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90% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
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80-89% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
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70-79% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
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60-69% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
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50-59% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
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22.2 Summative PD session evaluation responses
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3.8 or higher on 4.0 scale
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3.4 to 3.7 on 4.0 scale
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3.0 to 3.3 on 4.0 scale
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2.6 to 3.2 on 4.0 scale
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2.5 or below on 4.0 scale
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17.00 Annual Surveys and Needs Assessments
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Meets 4 of the 4 criteria
AND
Reports survey and needs assessment results to member
districts and the Department
AND
Reports any duplications to the Department
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Meets 4 of 4 criteria
AND
Reports survey and needs assessment results to member
districts.
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Meets 4 of 4 criteria listed below:
1. Evidence that a Professional Development Needs
Survey was administered;
2. Evidence that the survey data was reviewed by
cooperative leadership;
3. Evidence of ongoing input of district needs from
various groups (id Teacher Center Committee, job alike groups, etc.
4. Works with the Department to conduct surveys that
complement, rather than duplicate the work of the Department.
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Meets 3 of 4 criteria.
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Meets 2 or less of the 4 criteria.
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4.2
Provide Assistance
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Meets 3 of the 3 criteria
AND
Provides evidence that exceeds the expectation in at
least two (2) areas such as exceeding accreditation standards and equalizing
education
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Meets 3 of the 3 criteria.
AND
Provides evidence that exceeds the expectation in at
least one (1) area such as exceeding accreditation standards and equalizing
education
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Meets 3 of the 3 criteria listed below:
1. Assist member districts in meeting or exceeding
accreditation standards and equalizing educational opportunities;
2. Using educational resources more effectively through
cooperation among school districts; and
3. Promoting
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Meets 2 of the 3 criteria.
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Meets 1 of the 3 criteria.
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opportunities
AND
a cost analysis study of coordinated services.
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opportunities OR a cost analysis study of coordinated
services.
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coordination between school districts and the
Department in order to provide services that are consistent with the needs
identified by school districts and the education priorities of the
state.
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9.00 Teacher Center Committee and
10.00 Other Necessary Committees
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Meets 5 of the 5 criteria.
AND
Lists the other committees and the purposes or
responsiveness to member districts.
AND
Best practices are shared publicly.
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Meets 5 of the 5 criteria.
AND
Lists the other committees and the purposes or
responsiveness to member districts.
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Meets 5 of the 5 criteria listed below:
1. A teacher center will provide, if funds are
available, curriculum development assistance, educational materials, and staff
development services to teachers within the area.
2. A teacher center committee is composed of a least
one (1) representative from the staff of each school district;
3. At least one-half (1/2), but not more than
two-thirds (2/3) of the members are classroom teachers;
4. The committee meets at least three (3) times per
year; and
5. Other committees of local school personnel are
convened to be responsive to the member districts.
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Meets 4 of the 5 criteria.
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Meets 3 or less of the 5 criteria.
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16.00 Liaison with Postsecondary Institutions
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Collaborates with more than two (2) postsecondary
institutions on a regular basis.
AND
Best practices are shared publically.
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Collaborates with more than one (1) postsecondary
institution on a regular basis.
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Shall cooperate with the state-supported postsecondary
institution located within its area.
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Cooperates with one (1) postsecondary institution
within the state.
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Does not cooperate or collaborate with a postsecondary
institution.
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Staff Qualifications and Administration
Effectiveness
The impact of the education service cooperative is dependent on
the effective and efficient performance of the director, teacher center
coordinator and staff. In this section of the review, provide such policy
documents and other documentation that determine the extent of effective
administration and management of the cooperative as noted in "3 Meeting
Standards." Additional narrative description, data or other evidence may be
included to meet the requirements of "4 Exceeding Standards" or "5 Excellence.
Evidence may include but not be limited to:
* Provide evidence of Board of Director meetings and if
applicable executive committee meetings.
* Provide evidence that the director holds an administrator's
certificate and meets all requirements to serve as a superintendent of schools
in the State of Arkansas
* Provide evidence that personnel of the education service
cooperative maintain licensure or certification requirements, same as those
expected of persons holding similar positions in local school districts.
* Provide evidence of established (written) policies and
procedures for the operation and management of the education service
cooperative.
* Provide evidence that Maintain fiscal accounting procedures
are in keeping with APSCN and appropriate standard accounting
procedures.
* Provide evidence that all Address recommendations (if any)
from the most recent (five-year) cooperative evaluation report have been
addressed or corrected.
* Provide evidence of current personnel policies and most
recent review date.
* Document that all personnel meet minimum certification
requirements for the position(s) held.
* Describe the process for staff performance evaluation and
display the rubric used to conduct such personnel reviews. Describe the extent
to which staff performance evaluations lead to merit pay or salary
increases.
* Describe the process adopted by the Board of Directors to
review and evaluate the administrative effectiveness of the Director of the
education service cooperative.
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Reference In Rules
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5 Excellence
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4 Exceeding Standards
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3 Meeting Standards
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2 Alert
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1 In Need of Immediate Improvement
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11.00 Director
12.00 Personnel
14.00 General policies, rules and regulations
21.00 Policies, procedures, expenditures, reports and
audits
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Meets 5 of the 5 criteria
AND
All audit findings are addressed
AND
Best practices are shared publicly
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Meets 5 of the 5 criteria
AND
All audit findings are addressed
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Meets 5 of the 5 criteria listed below:
1. All positions requiring licensure are occupied by
personnel possessing licensure or approved alternative
2. Evidence of staff formal evaluations including
performance evaluation of director
3. Personnel policies are in place and current
4. Annual reports are compiled and disseminated to
individuals and entities required by statute
5. There is no evidence of fiscal distress as witnessed
by any one of criteria in 27.00 of the Rules
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Meets 4 of the 5 criteria.
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Meets 3 or less of the 5 criteria.
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3.00 Board of Directors
8.00
Executive
Committee
|
The Board of Directors meet more than eight (8) times
each year, and written policies and procedures for operation are filed with the
State Board.
AND
Records of internal improvement in efficiency of
operation are available upon request.
May substitute: The executive committee and
board of directors meet more than required.
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The Board of Directors meet more than eight (8) times
each year, and written policies and procedures for operation are filed with the
State Board.
May substitute: The executive committee or
board of directors meets more than required.
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The Board of Directors meet at least eight (8) times
each year, and general fiduciary responsibilities for the cooperative are
documented.
OR
The executive committee meets at least nine (9) times
per year, and the board of directors meets at least three (3) times annually.
The president of the board shall serve as chair of the executive
committee.
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The Board of Directors meet less than eight (8) times
each year, and/or general fiduciary responsibilities for the cooperative are
minimally documented.
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The Board of Directors meet less than eight (8) times
each year, and/or general fiduciary responsibilities for the cooperative are
not adequately documented.
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Extent of Local Financial Support
Prepare a narrative and data that will define the Cooperative's
procedures regarding local financial support. Documentation should include
evidence of financial stability of the regional service cooperative and its
financial ability to serve the local school districts as noted in "3 Meeting
Standards." Additional narrative description, data or other evidence may be
included to meet the requirements of "4 Exceeding Standards" or "5 Excellence.
Evidence may include but not be limited to:
* Provide evidence of programs and services available to all
member districts.
* the benefit of all district consortia members. The consortium
financial resources are managed in ongoing fashion for the service benefit of
all consortia members. Provide documentation that consortia members are
provided monthly financial report of consortia revenue and expenditures.
* Provide evidence of all district contracts for services and
part-time personnel to be supported in whole or in part by local funds
* Provide evidence, if applicable, that school districts
outside of the education service cooperative contracted for services.
* Provide evidence of all categorical state or federal funds
approved by the governing body and under conditions set by the State Board of
Education.
* Provide evidence of cost analysis studies and the reporting
procedures of such studies.
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Reference
In current rules
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5 Excellence
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4 Exceeding Standards
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3 Meeting Standards
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2 Alert
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1 In Need of Immediate Improvement
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18.00 Programs and Services
19.00 Participation of Local School Districts
22.2 extent of local financial support
24.00 Technology Centers
25.00 Mathematics and Science Center
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Meets 3 of the 3 criteria.
AND
Programs and services are documented based on needs
assessment and evaluation is reported.
AND
Resources of the educational service cooperative are
enhanced by forming support networks among the member schools to provide
extended services, provide new services and combine funding to support programs
such as group purchasing, thus maximizing local school district funding. 90% or
more of member districts participate by purchasing services and providing
release time for staff to engage in specialized training & services.
AND
Cost analysis study has been performed for 1/5 of
member districts annually and the findings have been shared in a face-to-face
meeting with the superintendent.
AND
Best practices are shared publicly.
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Meets 3 of the 3 criteria.
AND
Programs and services are documented based on needs
assessment.
AND
50% or more of member districts support the cooperative
in offering extended services in two (2) or more activities or events or
purchased services with local funds.
AND
At least one (1) cost analysis study has been performed
and the findings have been shared in a face-to- face meeting with the
superintendent (s)
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Meets 3 of the 3 criteria listed below:
1. Programs and services are based on the needs of the
member districts and priorities of the state;
2. Each member district is entitled to participate in
programs and services that are fully supported by state funds
3. Programs and other services may be supported by
local funds.
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Meets 2 of the 3 criteria.
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Meets 1 or less of the 3 criteria.
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Evaluation of Education Service Cooperative
The self-study (self-evaluation) documents and evidence along
with summary statements provided by the visiting evaluation committee shall
comprise the evaluation documents to be maintained by the Department of
Education and subsequently reported to the General Assembly. Each education
service cooperative shall be assigned an overall evaluation score.
TOTAL EDUCATION SERVICE COOPERATIVE
EVALUATION
|
Cooperative Evaluation Level
|
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Level 5 - Excellence
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Level 4 - Exceeding Standards
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Level 3 - Meeting Standards
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Level 2 - Alert
|
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Level 1 - In Need of Immediate Improvement
|
Level 5 - A cooperative must receive a majority
score of 5 on categories (at least 6 out 8 categories); and no scores below
3.
Level 4 - A cooperative must receive at least six
(6) scores of 4 or some combination of 4 or 5; and no scores below 3.
Level 3 - A cooperative must receive at least six
(6) scores of 3 or some combination of 3, 4, or 5; may include only one score
of a 2 (if some combination of 4 or 5 was assigned) with no additional scores
below a 3.
Level 2 - A cooperative scores 2 in 2 or more
categories.
Level 1 - A cooperative scores 1 in 1 or more
categories.
APPENDIX 2 - EVALUATION RUBRIC
User Satisfaction and Service Adequacy
|
Reference In current rules
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5 Excellence
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4 Exceeding Standards
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3 Meeting Standards
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2 Alert
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1 In Need of Immediate Improvement
|
|
22.2 Annual user Satisfaction Survey Results (all
personnel of member districts)
|
90% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
|
80-89% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
|
70-79% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
|
60-69% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
|
50-59% or greater satisfied/very satisfied
|
|
22.2 Summative PD session evaluation responses
|
3.8 or higher on 4.0 scale
|
3.4 to 3.7 on 4.0 scale
|
3.0 to 3.3 on 4.0 scale
|
2.6 to 3.2 on 4.0 scale
|
2.5 or below on 4.0 scale
|
|
17.00 Annual Surveys and Needs Assessments
|
Meets 4 of the 4 criteria
AND
Reports survey and needs assessment results to member
districts and the Department
AND
Reports any duplications to the Department
|
Meets 4 of 4 criteria
AND
Reports survey and needs assessment results to member
districts.
|
Meets 4 of 4 criteria listed below:
5. Evidence that a Professional Development Needs
Survey was administered;
6. Evidence that the survey data was reviewed by
cooperative leadership;
7. Evidence of ongoing input of district needs from
various groups (id Teacher Center Committee, job alike groups, etc.
8. Works with the Department to conduct surveys that
complement, rather than duplicate the work of the Department.
|
Meets 3 of 4 criteria.
|
Meets 2 or less of the 4 criteria.
|
|
4.2
Provide Assistance
|
Meets 3 of the 3 criteria
AND
Provides evidence that exceeds the expectation in at
least two (2) areas such as exceeding accreditation standards and equalizing
education opportunities
AND
a cost analysis study of coordinated services.
|
Meets 3 of the 3 criteria.
AND
Provides evidence that exceeds the expectation in at
least one (1) area such as exceeding accreditation standards and equalizing
education opportunities OR a cost analysis study of coordinated
services.
|
Meets 3 of the 3 criteria listed below:
4. Assist member districts in meeting or exceeding
accreditation standards and equalizing educational opportunities;
5. Using educational resources more effectively through
cooperation among school districts; and
6. Promoting coordination between school districts and
the Department in order to provide services that are consistent with the needs
identified by school districts and the education priorities of the
state.
|
Meets 2 of the 3 criteria.
|
Meets 1 of the 3 criteria.
|
|
9.00 Teacher Center Committee and
10.00 Other Necessary Committees
|
Meets 5 of the 5 criteria.
AND
Lists the other
committees and the purposes or responsiveness to member
districts.
AND
Best practices are shared publicly.
|
Meets 5 of the 5 criteria.
AND
Lists the other committees and the purposes or
responsiveness to member districts.
|
Meets 5 of the 5 criteria listed below:
6. A teacher center will provide, if funds are
available, curriculum development assistance, educational materials, and staff
development services to teachers within the area.
7. A teacher center committee is composed of a least
one (1) representative from the staff of each school district;
8. At least one-half (1/2), but not more than
two-thirds (2/3) of the members are classroom teachers;
9. The committee meets at least three (3) times per
year; and
10. Other committees of local school personnel are
convened to be responsive to the member districts.
|
Meets 4 of the 5 criteria.
|
Meets 3 or less of the 5 criteria.
|
|
16.00 Liaison with Postsecondary Institutions
|
Collaborates with more than two (2) postsecondary
institutions on a regular basis.
AND
Best practices are shared publically.
|
Collaborates with more than one (1) postsecondary
institution on a regular basis.
|
Shall cooperate with the state-supported postsecondary
institution located within its area.
|
Cooperates with one (1) postsecondary institution
within the state.
|
Does not cooperate or collaborate with a postsecondary
institution.
|
Staff Qualification and Administrative
Effectiveness
|
Reference In current rules
|
5 Excellence
|
4 Exceeding Standards
|
3 Meeting Standards
|
2 Alert
|
1 In Need of
Immediate
Improvement
|
|
11.00 Director
12.00 Personnel
14.00 General policies, rules and regulations
21.00
Policies, procedures, expenditures, reports and
audits
|
Meets 5 of the 5 criteria
AND
All audit findings are addressed
AND
Best practices are shared publicly
|
Meets 5 of the 5 criteria
AND
All audit findings are addressed
|
Meets 5 of the 5 criteria listed below:
6. All positions requiring licensure are occupied by
personnel possessing licensure or approved alternative
7. Evidence of staff formal evaluations including
performance evaluation of director
8. Personnel policies are in place and current
9. Annual reports are compiled and disseminated to
individuals and entities required by statute
10. There is no evidence of fiscal distress as
witnessed by any one of criteria in 27.00 of the Rules
|
Meets 4 of the 5 criteria.
|
Meets 3 or less of the 5 criteria.
|
|
3.00 Board of Directors
8.00 Executive Committee
|
The Board of Directors meet more than eight (8) times
each year, and written policies and procedures for operation are filed with the
State Board.
AND
Records of internal improvement in efficiency of
operation are available upon request.
May substitute: The executive committee and
board of directors meet more than required.
|
The Board of Directors meet more than eight (8) times
each year, and written policies and procedures for operation are filed with the
State Board.
May substitute: The executive committee or
board of directors meets more than required.
|
The Board of Directors meet at least eight (8) times
each year, and general fiduciary responsibilities for the cooperative are
documented.
OR
The executive committee meets at least nine (9) times
per year, and the board of directors meets at least three (3) times annually.
The president of the board shall serve as chair of the executive
committee.
|
The Board of Directors meet less than eight (8) times
each year, and/or general fiduciary responsibilities for the cooperative are
minimally documented.
|
The Board of Directors meet less than eight (8) times
each year, and/or general fiduciary responsibilities for the cooperative are
not adequately documented.
|
Extent of Local Financial Support
|
Reference In current rules
|
5 Excellence
|
4 Exceeding Standards
|
3 Meeting Standards
|
2 Alert
|
1 In Need of Immediate Improvement
|
|
18.00 Programs and Services
19.00 Participation of Local School Districts
22.2 extent of local financial support
24.00 Technology Centers
25.00 Mathematics and Science Center
|
Meets 3 of the
3
criteria.
AND
Programs and services are documented based on needs
assessment and evaluation is reported.
AND
Resources of the educational service cooperative are
enhanced by forming support networks among the member schools to provide
extended services, provide new services and combine funding to support programs
such as group purchasing, thus maximizing local school district funding. 90% or
more of member districts participate by purchasing services and providing
release time for staff to engage in specialized training & services.
AND
Cost analysis study has been performed for 1/5 of
member districts annually and the findings have been shared in a face-to-face
meeting with the superintendent.
AND
Best practices are shared publicly.
|
Meets 3 of the 3 criteria.
AND
Programs and services are documented based on needs
assessment.
AND
50% or more of member districts support the cooperative
in offering extended services in two
(2) or more activities or events or purchased services
with local funds.
AND
At least one (1) cost analysis study has been performed
and the findings have been shared in a face-to- face meeting with the
superintendent(s)
|
Meets 3 of the 3 criteria listed below:
1. Programs and services are based on the needs of the
member districts and priorities of the state;
2. Each member district is entitled to participate in
programs and services that are fully supported by state funds
3. Programs and other services may be supported by
local funds.
|
Meets 2 of the 3 criteria.
|
Meets 1 or less of the 3 criteria.
|
TOTAL EDUCATION SERVICE COOPERATIVE
EVALUATION
|
Cooperative Evaluation Level
|
|
Level 5 - Excellence
|
|
Level 4 - Exceeding Standards
|
|
Level 3 - Meeting Standards
|
|
Level 2 - Alert
|
|
Level 1 - In Need of Immediate Improvement
|
Level 5 - A cooperative must receive a majority
score of 5 on categories (at least 6 out 8 categories); and no scores below
3.
Level 4 - A cooperative must receive at least six
(6) scores of 4 or some combination of 4 or 5; and no scores below 3.
Level 3 - A cooperative must receive at least six
(6) scores of 3 or some combination of 3, 4, or 5; may include only one score
of a 2 (if some combination of 4 or 5 was assigned) with no additional scores
below a 3.
Level 2 - A cooperative scores 2 in 2 or more
categories.
Level 1 - A cooperative scores 1 in 1 or more
categories.
