The APCSC Charter Check- In July 2,2026

Message from Executive Director

Dear APCSC Community,

As we welcome the month of July, the work of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission continues at full pace as we support our schools and prepare for the school year ahead. July provides our team with valuable opportunities to strengthen partnerships, support our schools.

This month, the APCSC team will be taking our work on the road. We look forward to connecting with educators and education leaders from across Alabama at the MEGA 2026 Conference in Mobile. Our team will also present a professional learning session on all things charter school. In addition, our Communications team will be in attendance at the National School Public Relations Association Conference in New Orleans. Opportunities like these allow us to learn from industry leaders, share best practices, and continue strengthening the work we do in service of Alabama's public charter schools.

Across our charter school community, summer learning remains in full swing, and it has been a pleasure for our team to visit our schools and see students actively engaged in enrichment, literacy, and hands-on learning. We are proud to see these programs continue to grow, evolve, and create meaningful experiences for students. We look forward to working closely with our schools as they prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, providing ongoing academic support and helping ensure a strong start for students.

I want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend. Whether you are spending time with family, traveling, or simply enjoying the summer season, I hope you find moments to relax and recharge. Thank you for your continued partnership and for the important role each of you plays in advancing public charter education across Alabama. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Logan Searcy
Executive Director
Alabama Public Charter School Commission

Upcoming APCSC Commission Meeting

The next Alabama Public Charter School Commission meeting will be held on Monday, July 13, and will take place virtually via Zoom. Members of the public are invited to attend and stay informed on charter school updates, and agenda items.

For meeting details, the agenda, and Zoom information, please visit:
http://www.alchartercommission.com/announcements/apcsc-commission-meeting-july-13-2026/

Connecting with Schools, Leaders, and Communities

July will be an exciting month for the APCSC team as we continue our work to grow, develop, and build relationships in the Alabama charter school community. Team members will be attending the National School Public Relations Association Conference in New Orleans and the MEGA Conference in Mobile. The APCSC team is excited to learn, collaborate, and gather new ideas that will enrich the work of the Commission. The APCSC team will also be leading a professional learning session at MEGA where we will be sharing best practices and engaging with education leaders from around the state. In addition, throughout the month, the team will continue visiting schools and working alongside our chartler schools as they prepare for the 2026-2027 school year.

Second Round of CSP Subgrant Applications Now Open

The second round of the APCSC Charter School Program (CSP) Subgrant Program is now open. Following the successful award of grants to five Alabama public charter schools earlier this year, we are excited to continue our commitment to supporting charter schools and expanding educational opportunities for students and families across the state.

Through the CSP Subgrant Program, eligible schools may apply for funding to support:

• Start-Up: Launching newly approved public charter schools

• Expansion: Growing enrollment, grade levels, or educational programming

• Replication: Opening a new school modeled after a high-performing charter school

• Conversion: Transitioning an existing public school into a public charter school

Applications are currently open, and APCSC encourages eligible schools and school developers to explore this opportunity to strengthen academic programming, build organizational capacity, and increase access to innovative educational options throughout Alabama.

Need assistance? APCSC offers technical assistance, resources, and office hours to support applicants throughout the process. Schools are encouraged to reach out with questions and take advantage of available support opportunities. For questions regarding the CSP Grant Program, please contact:

Jane Whitaker Ivey, CSP Grant Project Director, [email protected]

Sierra Hall, CSP Grant Community Communications Specialist, [email protected]

L.E.A.D Academy Showcases Summer Learning Success

L.E.A.D. Academy recently welcomed families and community members to their Summer Learning Showcase, celebrating student creativity, achievment amd progress made throught the summer program. Students took the lead at the event, showcasing their projects and demonstrations from various learning experiences, including S.T.E.M activities, entrepreneurship, and other hands-on projects. The APCSC staff was pleased to attend and see the impressive work being done throughout the program. Congratulations to the L.E.A.D. Academy team for creating a meaningful experience that celebrated student learning and emphasized the impact of their summer enrichment program.

APCSC Visits i3 Academy Summer Learning Program

The APCSC team recently visited i3 Academy to see summer learning in action. During the visit, the team had the opportunity to observe classrooms, connect with educators, and see students actively participating in various academic activities. Thank you to the i3 Academy team for welcoming APCSC staff and sharing the outstanding work taking place throughout the summer. Check out highlights from the visit below. 

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.

i3 Academy Educators Recognized Through Ed Farm Teacher Fellows Program

Three i3 Academy educators recently were honored at the EdFarm Future of Learning Summit for completing the EdFarm Teacher Fellows Program. The program is designed to offer educators innovative instructional strategies, professional learning and coaching to develop future-focused learning experiences for students. Congrats to Dr. Louanne Jacobs, Dr. Andrew Jackson and Angela McMillian Lopez on this tremendous achievement. APCSC also extends special congratulations to Dr. Jacobs who received the EdFarm Innovator Award for her project, “From Read Aloud to Witness: The Evolution of a Shoah Multimedia Project.” Thjhe APCSC is thankful for their dedication to professional development and their ongoing commitment to promoting excellence in the classroom.

Dr. Angela Lang Represents I Dream Big Academy at National Charter Schools Conference

Dr. Angela Lang of I Dream Big Academy recently attended the National Alliance For Public Charter Schools Conference and participated in the session, “HBCU and Charter School Partnerships: Legacy and Innovation.” The session highlighted how historically Black colleges and universities and public charter schools are working together to strengthen college and career pathways, increase student opportunities and develop creative strategies to improve student outcomes. We congratulate Dr. Lang on her national representation for I Dream Big Academy and the Alabama public charter school community.

LEAD Academy Announces New Leadership Appointments

L.E.A.D Academy continues to grow and expand, now serving more than 1,000 students across three schools, and recently celebrated a new exciting chapter with key leadership appointments. We congratulate Dr. Webster on her promotion to Assistant Superintendent and Dr. Maria McClung on her appointment as high school principal. Congratulations to both leaders on these well deserved appointments and we look forward to the continued impact they will have in supporting students and the L.E.A.D Academy community.

For more infromationa and to apply visit, https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2026/05/governor-ivey-launches-annual-summer-reading-challenge-for-alabama-students-ahead-of-americas-250th-birthday/ 

USDA Summer Meal Site Finder Available

The USDA Summer Nutrition Programs offer free SUN Meals for eligible children ages 18 and under throughout the summer. Families and communities can use the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder to locate participating meal sites in their area.

Find a meal location here:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder

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

Teens can pre-register starting today and work out for free from June 1 – August 31 at 2,700+ clubs nationwide and get stronger together

Grant Opportunity Available Through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Alabama schools are encouraged to explore funding opportunities available through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Be Healthy Initiative. The Be Healthy School Grant and Be Healthy Health Science Program were both established to support important health and wellness needs in schools, though each program offers different funding levels, focuses, and areas of support.

Schools interested in expanding wellness initiatives, student health programs, or health science related opportunities are encouraged to review both grant options to determine which best fits their school community’s needs.

The application period is currently open and will close on July 24. Schools can learn more and apply using the link below:

🔗 https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=bcbsal

Upcoming ACT 2026 Test Dates

For more information visit, https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/test-dates.html

Memorandum-Supplemental Appropriations (Act 2026-599)

Memorandum: Seclusion and Restraint For ALL Students for 2025-2026

Memorandum: A+ College Ready Program 2027-2028 Cohort XX Applications

Memorandum-REVISED Updated RAISE Act Guide and FY 2027 Allocations

Memorandum: Gifted Regional Training 2026

Memorandum: District Test Coordinators Fall Training - 2026

Memorandum: Educator Certification 101 Follow-Up Background Checks

Memorandum: Asbestos Regulations

Memorandum-FY 2027 Annual Budget