The APCSC Charter Check- In June 2025

Dear Alabama Charter School Leaders, Educators, and Staff,

Summer brings a unique opportunity to continue the work that defines our mission: helping students learn, grow, and thrive.

Across Alabama’s public charter schools, summer learning is a reflection of innovation and dedication. These programs help close learning gaps, accelerate academic growth, and prepare students to return in the fall confident and ready for success.

It’s also a time when students can explore new ideas, stay engaged, and receive the support they need to thrive—not just in the classroom, but in life.

None of this would be possible without you—the dedicated educators and staff who continue to invest your time and energy throughout the summer. Your commitment speaks volumes, and your impact reaches far beyond the school year.

On behalf of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission, thank you. You are helping to shape a brighter future for students and families across our state.

With appreciation,
Logan Searcy
Executive Director
Alabama Public Charter School Commission

Stay Informed: Access the Latest APCSC Commission Meetings

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC) is committed to transparency and community engagement. To stay informed about the Commission's activities, including discussions on charter school policies, funding, and strategic initiatives, please visit the APCSC Youtube Page. Here, you can find the most recent meetings:

  June 12^th Meeting: https://youtu.be/RLBN8qpmMNs 

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is excited to connect with charter school leaders from across the state next month at the MEGA Conference in Mobile!

This annual event is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and continue building momentum for public charter schools in Alabama. We’re looking forward to meaningful conversations and a strong sense of community throughout the week.

Charter leaders be on the lookout for a follow-up email with more details about how we can connect during the conference. For more information about MEGA, visit https://mega.secure-platform.com/2025.

APCSC Staff Visited with LEAD Academy to check out Summer Learning Program

This past week, Alabama Public Charter School Commission staff had the opportunity to visit L.E.A.D Academy in Montgomery, where summer learning is in full swing. The visit offered a firsthand look at how L.E.A.D is using the summer months to deepen student learning, reinforce foundational skills, and spark curiosity through innovative, standards-aligned instruction. We’re incredibly grateful to the L.E.A.D Academy faculty and staff for their commitment to high-quality instruction and for welcoming our team so warmly.

Sizzling Summer Learning at Legacy Prep!

This summer, Legacy Prep is turning up the heat with its Culinary Exploration Summer Camp, and APCSC couldn’t be more excited about what’s happening in the kitchen—and beyond! Students aren’t just learning how to cook delicious meals—they’re also discovering how culinary arts connect to science, math, and cultural traditions.

"Our Culinary Exploration Camp is more than just cooking — it’s about teaching students where their food comes from, how to care for the environment, and how to be creative and confident in the kitchen. This holistic approach helps them develop important life skills while having fun," said Ebone Brown, Culinary Teacher/Instructor. 

Check out photos below of the summer fun happening at Legacy Prep.

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is proud to spotlight i3 Academy, which has been officially recognized as an America250 Semicentennial School—a prestigious designation celebrating schools committed to honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

This recognition reflects i3 Academy’s strong dedication to integrating American history, civic learning, and student-driven inquiry into its educational programs. Through innovative lessons and engaging community projects, i3 Academy is empowering students to explore the past, understand the present, and imagine a better future.

At the heart of their approach is a mission to nurture informed, active citizens and agents of change. By connecting classroom learning to real-world civic engagement, i3 Academy is helping students gain a deeper appreciation for our nation’s journey and their role in shaping what comes next.

Congratulations to i3 Academy for leading the way in this historic initiative. To learn more about the America250 program and participating schools, visit America250AL.org.

Congratulations to I3 Academy, Legacy Prep and University Charter School for earning Alabama Reading Initiative Gold Certified District

Dr. Nalls, Head of Schools at i3 Academy in Birmingham, was recently featured as a panelist at Ed Farm’s 2025 Future of Learning Summit. He shared insights on the innovative partnership between i3 Academy and Ed Farm, highlighting their collaboration on STEM initiatives powered by Apple technology. As Ed Farm continues to transform education across the Southeast with cutting-edge tools and opportunities, i3 Academy is proud to be aligned with their mission and part of the conversation shaping the future of STEM education.

ALSDE A+ College Ready Program Grant Opportunity

The ALSDE/A+ College Ready Program Grant Opportunity for the 2026–2027 school year. This competitive grant, offered through a partnership between the Alabama State Department of Education and A+ College Ready, aims to strengthen instruction and increase student achievement in core academic areas and AP courses across K–12. Selected schools will receive support for course implementation, teacher training, and student incentives. Applications are due by October 1, 2025. For full details, visit the ALSDE/A+ College Readiness Program Grant Opportunity, or contact Teri Thompson at [email protected] or Dr. Michal Robinson at [email protected].

New Funding Opportunity: The RAISE Act (Act 2025-257)

The Renewing Alabama’s Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act, established under Act 2025-257, introduces a new funding model aimed at improving outcomes for specific student populations in Alabama’s public K-12 schools. Codified in §§16-13-360 to 16-13-368 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, the RAISE Act provides additional funding beyond the Foundation Program to better address targeted educational needs.

Beginning in FY 2026, funding will be distributed based on weighted allocations for qualifying students, using official October 2024 student data. The categories and corresponding weight multipliers are outlined in Act 2025-270 and will be included in the monthly Foundation Program disbursements. The designated Revenue Code/Fund Source is 1140.

Mental Health Service Coordinator (MHSC) Funding Opportunity for FY 2026

As part of Alabama Act 2025-270, the Alabama Legislature has appropriated $6.36 million in the FY 2026 Education Trust Fund (ETF) Budget to support the employment of Mental Health Service Coordinators (MHSCs) in local education agencies (LEAs), charter schools, and public independent schools. This investment is aimed at expanding access to mental health and wellness supports across Alabama’s school systems.

Each eligible school or LEA may receive an award of approximately $40,000, distributed on a quarterly basis, to hire an MHSC. Salaries must be comparable to similar mental wellness support roles in other public sectors. To be eligible for funding, all assurances and application guidelines must be met.

Funding Opportunity: Leadership Supplements for Alabama Administrators

In alignment with the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act (2023-340), the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) will provide annual base supplements of up to $10,000 for eligible principals and up to $5,000 for eligible assistant principals who successfully complete the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) Program. These supplements, including the employer portion of benefits, are fully funded for Fiscal Year 2025 (School Year 2024–2025) through Fund Source 1274. See attached for more information.

Gifted training for Gift Coordinators and Specialists

The Alabama State Department of Education, Special Education Services, Gifted Section, will provide eight face-to-face training sessions for gifted coordinators and specialists during August 2025. Please contact Mrs. Ashley Strickland at (334) 694-4782 if you need additional information. See attached PDF for more info.