The APCSC Charter Check- In August 5, 2026

Message from Executive Director

Dear APCSC Community,

There is something special about August. It is the month of fresh beginnings and helping students discover who they are and who they can become.

To the many educators joining Alabama’s public charter schools for the very first time, welcome. We are honored that you have chosen to be part of this growing movement. To our returning teachers, school leaders, and staff, thank you for continuing to answer one of the most meaningful calls to service. Every lesson you teach, every conversation you have, every student you encourage, and every challenge you help overcome becomes part of a story that extends far beyond a single school year.

As a former principal, I know there is no feeling quite like the first day of school. The excitement. The anticipation. The hope that fills every hallway. This year is especially exciting as we welcome several new leaders into our charter school community. Leadership is never about having all the answers. It is about serving others with integrity, building trust, and creating opportunities for students and educators to thrive. I look forward to seeing the unique impact of our charter school leaders will make in the months ahead.

Last month, the APCSC team had the privilege of connecting with many of you during the MEGA Conference. Thank you to everyone who attended our presentation, shared ideas, and spent time with our staff. Those conversations reminded us that our greatest strength has never been found in policies or programs. It has always been found in people. Every relationship we build, every partnership we strengthen, and every success we celebrate moves Alabama’s charter school community forward.

As we begin another school year, I want every school to know this: the APCSC team is here for you. Whether your school needs support in communications, academics, finance, governance, or school development, our commitment remains the same. Your successes are our successes, and we are honored to work alongside you in serving students and families across Alabama.

To our parents and families, thank you for the trust you place in our schools each day: your partnership matters, and your presence matters. One of the greatest investments you can make in your child’s future is ensuring they arrive ready to learn each day. Attendance builds confidence. Attendance builds consistency. Most importantly, attendance builds opportunity.

As we begin this new chapter together, I invite each of us to embrace a simple challenge. Show up with purpose. Lead with kindness. Encourage generously. Celebrate often. When every member of our charter school community commits to lifting someone else, we create schools where students feel valued, educators feel supported, families feel welcomed, and excellence becomes part of our culture rather than simply our goal.

Here’s to a year filled with growth, discovery, and opportunity. I cannot wait to see all that we will accomplish together.

Logan Searcy
Executive Director
Alabama Public Charter School Commission

Setting the Course for Stronger Schools

Some of the most meaningful work in education happens when educators have the opportunity to learn from one another. Last month, the APCSC team joined education leaders from across Alabama during the ALSDE MEGA Conference in Mobile, where meaningful conversations, new ideas, and shared experiences came together in support of student success.

During the conference, APCSC presented Chartered Course: Staying in Bounds & Above Board, engaging participants in thoughtful discussions centered on strengthening governance, leadership, and best practices within Alabama’s public charter schools. More than a presentation, the session created opportunities to exchange ideas, answer questions, and continue conversations that will extend well beyond the conference.

Thank you to everyone who attended our session and took the time to connect with the APCSC team. We remain grateful for every opportunity to learn alongside Alabama’s educators as we continue building strong schools, meaningful partnerships, and brighter futures for students across our state.

A Voice for Alabama’s Charter Schools: Strengthening Storytelling

Every student achievement, school milestone, and community partnership begins with a story worth sharing. Last month, APCSC Communications Specialist Adoria Hughes attended the National School Public Relations Association National Seminar in New Orleans, where school communications professionals from across the nation gathered to explore innovative strategies in storytelling, marketing, enrollment, family engagement, crisis communications, and public relations.

The conference reinforced an important truth: effective communication does more than share information. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, celebrates student success, and helps communities better understand the impact of public education. APCSC looks forward to applying these insights as we continue elevating the voices and stories of Alabama’s public charter schools.

APCSC extends our sincere appreciation to the Mobile Area Education Foundation for its continued partnership and commitment to expanding high quality educational opportunities for students and families across Alabama. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate in support of Alabama's growing public charter school community.

Explore Career Opportunities in Alabama’s Public Charter Schools

Alabama’s public charter schools are more than places of learning. They are communities of passionate educators, leaders, and professionals working together to make a difference in the lives of students. From classroom teachers and school leaders to operations, student support, and administrative roles, charter schools across the state offer a variety of opportunities for individuals committed to educational excellence.

Whether you are an experienced educator or looking to begin a career in education, we encourage you to explore current openings and learn how you can become part of Alabama’s growing charter school community. Visit our website to view the full list of APCSC schools, explore school websites, and discover current career opportunities across our charter school portfolio.

New Leaders, New Beginnings

A new school year brings new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and leadership across Alabama’s public charter schools. As students and educators prepare for the year ahead, several schools have welcomed new leaders into key roles, each bringing unique experience, vision, and a shared commitment to student success.

APCSC congratulates these outstanding leaders on their new appointments and looks forward to the positive impact they will make within their school communities. We wish each of them a successful year as they begin this exciting new chapter in service to Alabama’s students and families.

Grant Opportunity Available Through Alabama Power Foundation

Alabama Power Foundation is now accepting applications for Power to Play grants Investing in athletics, arts, and music programs that expand opportunities and help students thrive on the field, on the stage, and in the classroom. Apply now: https://www.powerofgood.com/grants/power-to-play

 PLANET FITNESS' ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PASS™ PROGRAM RETURNS THIS JUNE

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