Idaho’s Rural Charter School Development Opportunities

Visit one of Idaho’s newest rural charter schools and meet experts who will present the latest research on USDA Rural Development and charter public schools, development opportunities for all rural public schools, and some examples of finished facilities projects from the field.

 AGENDA (download)

10:00 – 10:05 am – Welcome to Treasure Valley Classical Academy
Steven Lambert, School Director

10:05 – 10:15 am – Overview
Judy Boyle, Idaho House of Representatives District 9

• Getting Things Done in Rural Idaho

10:15 – 10:45 am – USDA Rural Development and Charter Public Schools
Jim Griffin, Momentum Strategy & Research

• Charter Financings, 2008 – 2018
• Key Findings
• Lessons Learned & Next Steps
  

10:45 – 11:15 am – Idaho’s Rural Charter School Development Opportunities
Noel J. LaRoque, Acting Program Director USDA Idaho)

• Overview of USDA Charter Financing Projects in Idaho
• Criteria and Expectations for Projects
• Process and Timelines for Interested Partner Schools and Supporters

11:15 – 11:30 – Expanding Opportunities for Rural Schools
Michael Chamberlain, Special Assistant for Rural Outreach US Ed

11:30 – 12:00 pm – Idaho’s Charter Public Schools and Opportunities for Rural Districts

• Legal and Regulatory Structure (Chris Yorgason, Yorgason Law Offices)
• Challenges and Opportunities – (Terry Ryan, Bluum)

12:00-12:15 pm – Break and Lunch is Served

12:15 – 12:30 pm – Idaho Charter School Facilities Finance Landscape
Group Discussion

12:30– 1:00 pm – Getting Facilities Projects Done: Examples & Insights from the Field
Treasure Valley Classical Academy (Steven Lambert) and Building Hope (Tom Porter)

1:00– 1:15 pm – Summary & Next Steps
Blake Youde, Idaho Charter School Network

• Key Questions & Challenges
• Information & Support Needs
• Resources & Expertise to Assist

1:15 pm – Adjourn