Charter School Authorizing Program
Please Note: The VOA-MN Charter School Authorizing Program is not accepting applications for new charter schools or change of authorizer requests during Fiscal Year 2012.
Administrative Office: Volunteers of America of Minnesota, Charter School Authorizing Program, 924 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408
School Locations: Authorized charter schools are located at various sites throughout Minnesota
Organizations Served: Charter schools throughout Minnesota
Contact: Stephanie Olsen, Senior Manager
Email: solsen@voamn.org
Phone: 612-270-1998
The Volunteers of America-Minnesota Charter School Authorizing Program provides Minnesota students with high quality choices in public education through our portfolio of high-performing charter schools and is a model of excellence in authorizing throughout the state and nation.
Volunteers of America of Minnesota was the first non-profit charter school authorizer in the nation. Charter school authorizers are responsible for monitoring the academic financial, and managerial performance of authorized schools and for holding them accountable for the performance outcomes contained in their charter. While we are not directly responsible for the ultimate success or failure of charter schools we authorize, we can have a major impact on outcomes by providing strong oversight, accountability and resources to help them succeed.
Volunteers of America of Minnesota practices a model of charter school authorizership that goes beyond the compliance-based role outlined in state statute. We engage in proactive relationships and add value to the schools with which we work. During the start-up phase, Volunteers of America of Minnesota works closely with school founding groups to ensure that tasks necessary to a successful opening are accomplished in a timely manner. Once operational, Volunteers of America of Minnesota vigilantly monitors the financial, governance and academic performance of its schools through frequent communication and site visits and regular review of financial and program documents. When signs of trouble arise, we work closely with the school’s board to problem solve and identify resources that may be helpful.
Volunteers of America of Minnesota is not currently accepting applications to authorize additional charter schools.