September FCI Connect

The Charter Support Unit is Now Part of the Florida Charter Institute

The demand for charter schools continues to grow in Florida, with more and more families choosing this option for their children. To meet this increasing need and further advance educational outcomes, the Charter Support Unit (CSU), established in 2012, has merged with the Florida Charter Institute (FCI). This integration expands available resources and strengthens support for the charter school community statewide. Under the FCI umbrella, CSU will be known as FCI Support.

Established by Florida Statute in 2022 and housed at Miami Dade College, FCI serves as Florida’s leading hub for innovation in education focused on building on the success of charter schools and helping families access exceptional learning opportunities. By collaborating closely with the Florida Department of Education and local and national charter organizations, FCI sets best practices and provides essential services to schools, authorizers and those looking to become authorizers.

What This Means For You

The merger of CSU and FCI combines our experience and expertise, enabling us to serve charter schools more effectively. You can expect continued support through the services you’ve relied on, now with broader offerings and additional resources from our specialized divisions.

Key Services Provided By FCI:

  • Support: We provide comprehensive support through FCI Support, including technical assistance, professional learning, and a menu of services for school operations. From policy development and financial guidance to board training and launching new charter schools, we’re here to help every step of the way.
  • Educate: Our “Teaching, Learning, and Leadership” division provides resources, professional learning and on-the-ground support for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders.
  • Authorize: FCI plays a crucial role in facilitating high-quality educational options through its authorizing practices, ensuring charter schools meet rigorous standards and offer an outstanding education.
  • Research: Our research division explores and promotes best practices in all aspects of charter life: authorizing and renewal, teaching and leading, and operational support.

This exciting merger strengthens our ability to elevate educational standards in charter schools and drive student academic achievement. For more information about Florida Charter Institute, please visit flcharterinstitute.org.

Featured Articles

FCI Team Member Highlight: Susie Miller Carello

Introducing the FCI Team: Embracing Change and Leading with Purpose Change is a constant in education, and it is how we navigate it that defines our impact. At the Florida Charter Institute (FCI), merging with the Charter Support Unit (CSU) isn’t just about combining organizations—it’s about uniting our strengths, experiences, and visions to build something even greater. Meet Susie Miller...

Read More »

In Case You Missed It: Highlights from Saturday’s Florida Charter School Governance Conference

On Saturday September 7th, charter school leaders and governing board members from across Florida came together at the Florida Charter School Governance Conference, hosted by the Florida Charter Institute (FCI), for an inspiring and educational event. The conference offered valuable insights into effective school governance, legal compliance, financial stewardship, and the importance of community engagement. The day was filled with...

Read More »

Governance Resource Highlight: 10 HR Mistakes School Leaders Should Avoid

10 HR Mistakes School Leaders Should Avoid. By Linda Chambers In today's litigious environment, charter schools face numerous HR challenges that can lead to costly legal issues if not managed properly. To help school leaders navigate these complexities, we recently hosted a webinar titled “Innovative and Proactive HR Legal Strategies for Turbulent Times” with Peter Siegel, Partner and Chief Employment...

Read More »

FL Salary Increase Allocation Calculator 2024-25

Since 2020, Florida has included the “Teacher Salary Increase Allocation” in the Florida Educational Finance Program. Originally, the state allocated $500-million to raise teacher salaries to a target of $47,500. In 2024-25, the state allocated a little over $1.2-billion for this purpose, but instead of including it as a separate categorical within the FEFP, it is now part of the...

Read More »

2024 Florida Charter School Conference

Navigating the 2024 Florida Charter School Conference: Key Dates and Opportunities for School Leaders The 2024 Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit, taking place from November 19-21 in Orlando, Florida, is set to be an essential gathering for charter school leaders, educators, and stakeholders. This conference promises a comprehensive program filled with educational insights, networking opportunities, and strategic...

Read More »

School Leaders Fellowship Cohort 4 Application Period Is Open!

The FCSA's School Leaders Fellowship (SLF) is successfully preparing the next generation of exceptional charter school leaders. In just three years, forty participants have graduated from the program and many are already leading a Florida charter school.Are there educators on your campus with leadership potential? Share this information with them:Fellowship candidates must be educators working at a Florida charter school...

Read More »

Essential Documents for School Leaders: Your Seasonal Guide from the FCI Library

As school leaders, staying organized and prepared is key to a successful school year. To help you navigate the demands of the season, we’ve curated a list of must-have documents from the Florida Charter Institute (FCI) Library. Whether you’re tackling governance, compliance, or everyday school operations, these resources are designed to support your leadership and keep your school on track....

Read More »

Laying the Groundwork for Instructional Coaching

At FCI Educate, we are passionate about educator development. We believe that all members of a school community – students, teachers, and leaders – should feel they are on an intentional growth trajectory and have smart coaches and loud cheerleaders behind them every step of the way. Often, school leaders are the ones whose development is deprioritized under the assumption...

Read More »

FLDOE Legislative & FCI Sample Policy Manual Updates

We are pleased to provide the Legal Handbook as a valuable resource, and the webinar recording is also available on this page for easy access. In this webinar, Jeffrey Wood and Thomas Sternberg, two experienced charter school attorneys, discuss the latest statutory and legislative updates, along with guidance from the Department of Education that impacts charter schools, including topics related...

Read More »

Additional Resources

Webinars

  • Sep 10
    September 10, 2024 1:00 pm
    2024-25 Salary Increase Allocation Calculator

    The Department of Education recently released the 2024-25 Salary Increase Allocation paperwork due to the state by October 1, 2024. Charter Schools must report their information to their school districts to be included in those reports. The FCI-Support (Formerly known as the Charter Support Unit) has once again developed a calculator to assist charter schools in completing their paperwork. This webinar will show how to use the new calculator and answer questions about what the Salary Increase Allocation requirements mean for your school.

    All of the materials associated with this webinar can be found at: https://flcharterinstitute.org/document/2425sia/.

    View Webinar Info

  • Sep 12
    September 12, 2024 10:00 am
    Charter School Governance: Starting the School Year with a Strong Foundation

    Join us for an insightful webinar on “Charter School Governance: Starting the School Year with a Strong Foundation” of the School Year Best Practices.” This session will delve into crucial governance strategies for ensuring a smooth and successful start to the academic year. We will explore effective governance meetings, key responsibilities of boards and administrators, and practical tips for fostering collaboration and communication within your school community. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a new charter school administrator, this webinar promises valuable insights to enhance your leadership and impact.

    View Webinar Info

  • Sep 17
    September 17, 2024 1:00 pm
    Title IX Injunction Guidance for Charter School Leaders

    Join us for an essential webinar presented by John Leombruno, Shareholder and Attorney at The Arnold Law Firm, LLC. This session will provide critical guidance on navigating Title IX injunctions, specifically tailored for charter school leaders. Attendees will gain valuable insights into legal compliance, the latest regulatory updates, and practical strategies for managing Title IX issues within their schools.

    View Webinar Info

  • Sep 26
    September 26, 2024 10:00 am
    Navigating School Technology: The Do’s and Don’ts of Opening Your School Successfully

    Join us for an insightful webinar on “Navigating School Technology: The Do’s and Don’ts of Opening Your School Successfully,” where we will delve into the essential strategies for developing a robust IT infrastructure in educational institutions. This presentation covers critical aspects such as establishing a scalable network foundation, choosing between Google Workspace and M365 for different administrative needs, selecting appropriate student and faculty devices, and ensuring top-notch security measures. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of organized IT resources, testing and maintaining devices, and effective financial planning to leverage funding opportunities. Don’t miss this webinar to learn how to create a seamless and secure technology environment for your school.

    View Webinar Info

  • Oct 15
    October 15, 2024 1:00 pm
    Navigating New Pathways: Essential Updates on Florida Teacher Certification

    Join us for an informative webinar presented by the Florida Department of Education, focusing on the latest changes in teacher certification. This session will cover significant updates, including the introduction of various new pathways to certification. Whether you’re an aspiring teacher or a school administrator, this webinar will provide essential insights to help you navigate the certification process and understand the new options available.

    View Webinar Info

  • Oct 17
    October 17, 2024 1:00 pm
    Maximize Your Chances: A Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting for the 2025 Building Hope Impact Awards

    IMPACT Awards Applications Open! We invite you to participate in an upcoming webinar dedicated to guiding you through the process of submitting a successful application for the 2025 Building Hope Impact Awards. Applications will open on October 14th, and 12 outstanding winners will be awarded grants of $10,000 or $20,000. These winners will be honored at a prestigious three-day Summit in Miami, FL, in April 2025. This award is specifically designed for charter school leaders and educators committed to highlighting the remarkable achievements within their schools. Gain insights into the benefits of participation, acquire essential knowledge of the application process, and learn strategies to ensure your charter school’s application stands out.

    View Webinar Info

Upcoming Events

Join Our Mailing List!

Sign up to receive email notifications from the FCI regarding upcoming trainings, webinars and receive notification when a new issue of FCI Connect is available!​


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Florida Charter Institute. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

FCI Connect is the monthly newsletter from the Florida Charter Institute.  FCI’s mission is to serve as Florida’s premier hub for charter excellence and insight by providing research-based best practices, resources, and support. FCI is powered by Miami Dade College and authorized in Florida statute.  

Do you have issues or topics you would like to see addressed in future issues of FCI Connect? Send your comments, suggestions or questions to us at info@flcharterinstitute.org.