Summary of the Founding Group

· The founding board possesses a wide range of important expertise, including members with experience managing public dollars, overseeing public schools and governing nonprofits.

· The school has identified an experienced nonprofit leader to manage its business affairs and a well-qualified principal to run its day-to-day operations. The proposed principal, John Hayden, successfully started and ran a similar small school. Mr. Hayden has many educational distinctions to his credit, including being named D.A.R.E. Educator of the Year for the State of Indiana and the Boone-Clinton North West Hendricks Special Services "Administrator of the Year."

· The founding board includes Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Board Commissioner Dolores Brents, who committed to bring to the school lessons she has learned at IPS and also to bring back to IPS innovative practices she learns through this school.

Mission, Need, and Demand for the School

· The school will implement the highly successful "No Excuses" approach and will dedicate itself to ensuring that all students grow in character, academics, life skills, the arts, and wellness using teaching skills tailored to meet the needs of each student.

· The "No Excuses" approach creates a culture of high academic achievement regardless of students' socioeconomic backgrounds especially among students who have been too often hurt by low expectations.

· The innovative technology-based educational program, and multi-aged, student-centered environment provide a unique option for families.

· The school has gathered 40+ signatures from parents who are interested in this school, more than 55% of planned first-year enrollment.

· The proposed school reflects a wide array of community members whose input was gathered through surveys and community meetings designed to identify interests and concerns in the formation of a new, downtown school.

· The school proposes to have a very small enrollment. Students will be afforded the opportunity to learn in a personalized setting with a significant amount of individualized attention.

· This school will eventually serve grades K-12, offering public school students the option to attend the same school throughout elementary and secondary school. There are many advantages to this approach. For example, there will be greater continuity in the academic program, and there will be more familiarity between the school's staff and the students.

· This school will offer an option for students in the immediate downtown area.

Educational Services Provided

· The educational program combines innovative technology-based learning, small group instruction, and project-based learning. The use of technology and focus on individualized attention allow each student to learn based on his or her unique stage of development and at his or her own speed.

· The school will form an assessment committee to ensure students are evaluated on an on-going basis. To assess the school's performance levels, the committee will examine: information about how the school's curriculum and instructional strategies support achievement of the Indiana standards; student achievement based on ISTEP+ and other assessments; parental participation levels; technology use as an effective curriculum learning system; effectiveness of professional development; and attendance rates. The committee will make recommendations for improvements and will present its findings to the school's board in the form of a report card. Based on the findings, the committee will work with all stakeholders to propose strategies for further improving student and school performance.

· Teachers will draw on a rich set of instructional materials, including the highly successful Core Knowledge Sequence, developed by E.D. Hirsch.

· The self-paced skills-development software the school proposes to use will provide mini-lessons, opportunities for practice, and tests for mastery. It continually records student progress to give teachers an accurate understanding of what they need to focus on with the student when working in a small group setting.

· Founders believe that students will be highly engaged and productive in this type of learning environment. Rather than moving at the speed of the whole class and competing for the teacher's attention, each student will proceed at his or her own pace and receive continuous one-on-one feedback from the technology and the teacher.

· Teachers are freed to spend more quality time with each student because the technology takes over many of the administrative tasks teachers are traditionally required to complete, and they are not struggling to address the needs of all of their students at once.

· Students of different ages will be part of the same small instruction groups. Older students will be able to help and mentor younger students (and vice versa) while also creating an environment that more closely mirrors the world of team actions and mentor/peer interactions the students will encounter in later life.

· Students' use of laptops while at school will increase communication between them. They will be able to move around the classroom easily to work together on various projects and activities using their computers.

· The school proposes to partner with the National Institute of Fitness and Sports to develop individual health and nutrition plans for its students.

· The school plans to develop quality mentorship opportunities and other partnerships with various community organizations and businesses to supplement the educational program.

Financial Viability

· The school's detailed budget is based on reasonable estimates of revenue and expenditures.

· The school has the financial resources necessary to meet its budget. For example, the school has already secured a $575,000 interest-free loan with an open repayment date. The school's staff and board also have considerable fundraising expertise.

Governance and Management

· The school's experienced CEO, principal, and highly qualified board are well positioned to meet the challenge of operating this small, innovative school.

· The board has clearly set out the roles and responsibilities of the school's CEO and principal and a system by which the board will hold them accountable.

· Strong financial controls are already in place. For example, the school plans to have an independent accountant review the school's financial data on a monthly basis.

· The founders have clearly set out the governing board's structures (e.g., president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer) and responsibilities.

· The board has been fully engaged in the development of this proposal and has demonstrated throughout the application review process its commitment to the success of the school.

Transportation and Access

· The school is committed to ensuring that all students who submit a timely application will have an equal opportunity for admission.

· To ensure all families have access to the school, the school plans to assist families with paperwork and procedures necessary to participate in the school's admissions lottery.

· Nearly 200 local community centers and neighborhood organizations have already received information concerning the school.

· The school is committed to providing transportation to all students who need it.

· The school's transportation plans include car-pooling, pick-up points at designated community centers, and public transportation.

· Approximately $20,000 has been budgeted to develop and operate the school's transportation plan during its first year.

Leadership Information

Name and Proposed Position of Applicants

Kevin Teasley-Authorized Representative, Board Member, CEO

Donald Laskowski-Board Member

Rollin Dick-Board Member

Joyce Johnson-Board Member

Levester Johnson-Board Member

James Ellsberry-Board Member

Patrick Brunner-Board Member

James McClelland-Board Member

Richard Harcourt-Board Member

Scott Thiems-Board Member

John Mutz-Board Member

Delores Brents-Board Member, Adviser

John Hayden-Administrator and Principal Teacher

Capacities Represented by Applicants (by topic area)

Education

Experience

· John Hayden and Jim Ellsberry have worked as K-12 teachers and principals.

· Jim Ellsberry and John Mutz have taught at the post-secondary level.

· John Hayden, as a founder of a private school, has already created an instructional model for a school.

· Jim Ellsberry served as the Executive Director of the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy and currently acts as a DeWitt Institute consultant to several school districts on issues such as teacher evaluation, team building, brain compatible teaching, school climate, and long range planning.

· Levester Johnson has acted in high-level administrative roles (e.g., Vice President, Associate Dean) at post-secondary institutions.

· Kevin Teasley is the Founder and President of the Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization providing information to the public on K-12 education reform issues and policies. He is also the past President of the American Education Reform Foundation and Council, an advocacy organization for parental empowerment policies in K-12 education.

· Donald Laskowski helped form the New Covenant Foundation to fund Covenant Schools of Indianapolis and was instrumental in starting several "Safe Haven" schools in Indianapolis.

· Joyce Johnson works with the Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation and has served as the Founder, Board Member, Executive Director and Editor for the Indiana Association of Home Educators. She acts as a consultant to and workshop speaker for the Home School Legal Defense Association Board of Directors.

· Delores Brents currently represents the 5^th District on the Indianapolis Public Schools Board.

· Patrick Brunner markets and designs K-12 facilities.

· In his work as Senior Vice President for National City Bank of Indiana, Richard Harcourt is responsible for a corporate portfolio that includes financing for private K-12 schools as well as both public and private post-secondary institutions.

· Joyce Johnson worked as a social worker in foster and adoptive placements for Family and Children's Services and designed and supervised the long-term residential care program at the Marion County Children's Guardian Home.

Training

· John Hayden holds a bachelors degree in education.

· John Hayden, Levester Johnson, and Jim Ellsberry hold masters degrees in education.

· Levester Johnson is working towards a doctoral degree in education.

· Jim Ellsberry has an education degree.

Management

Experience

· Kevin Teasley has served as the Founder and President of the Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation, the President of the American Education Reform Foundation and Council, and the Vice President of the Center for the Study of Popular Culture.

· Donald Laskowski is the Founder and Chairman of the Board for Wood-Mizer Products, Inc. (a company with 650 employees). He is also owner and President of External Power, LLC. He was named the International Businessperson of the Year for Indiana in 1993 by the World Trade Clubs.

· Rollin Dick was a partner at Coopers & Lybrand, an Executive Vice President and CFO of Conseco, Inc., and is currently Vice Chairman and CFO at Haverstick Consulting. He has served as an adviser to a number of businesses in central Indiana.

· Joyce Johnson acted as the Executive Director for the Indiana Association of Home Educators.

· James McClelland has worked as the President of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana since 1974.

· Richard Harcourt and Scott Thiems serve as Senior Vice Presidents in banking/loan institutions.

· John Mutz is a former Lieutenant Governor of Indiana and one of our community's most distinguished business leaders.

Training

· Rollin Dick attended the AIB College of Business.

· Delores Brents holds an associates degree in business administration. Delores Brents, Richard Harcourt, Scott Thiems, and John Mutz hold bachelors degrees in business administration; Delores Brents is currently pursuing a masters degree in business management, and James McClelland and John Mutz hold masters degrees in business administration.

Entrepreneurialism

Experience

· Kevin Teasley founded the Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation.

· Donald Laskowski formed the New Covenant Foundation to fund Covenant Schools of Indianapolis and was instrumental in starting several "Safe Haven" schools in Indianapolis. Mr. Laskowski also founded and/or owns two companies and holds several patents for woodworking equipment. He was named the Ernst and Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" for the State of Indiana in 1993.

· Joyce Johnson founded the Indiana Association for Home Educators.

· John Hayden helped found a one-room private school.

Fundraising

Experience

· John Mutz was given the Volunteer Fundraiser Award in 1997 by the National Society of Fundraising Executives.

· Kevin Teasely, Joyce Johnson, John Hayden, in their respective roles as organizational founders/leaders, have been responsible for fund development.

· Levester Johnson served on a grant writing committee while serving as an Assistant Dean at Butler University.

· Richard Harcourt was involved in a $3.4 million fundraiser for DAMAR.

· Joyce Johnson has participated in Fund Raising for Small Nonprofit Organizations at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy.

Finance / Accounting

Experience

· Kevin Teasley, Joyce Johnson, John Hayden, in their respective roles as organizational founders/leaders, have been responsible for managing finances.

· Rollin Dick was a partner at Coopers & Lybrand for 20 years and served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Conseco, Inc. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Haverstick Consulting, Inc.

· Rollin Dick is a certified public accountant.

Marketing / Public Relations

Experience

· Joyce Johnson spearheaded a public relations campaign for home schooling in Indiana through numerous press releases, a 700-person legislative "Day at the Capitol," and media appearances.

· John Hayden marketed the private school he helped found.

Legal Expertise

Experience

· Nothing specific listed.

Management of Public Funds

Experience

· John Mutz is a former Lieutenant Governor of Indiana.

Nonprofit Governance

Experience

· Kevin Teasley, Donald Laskowski, Rollin Dick, Joyce Johnson, Levester Johnson, Delores Brents, Patrick Brunner, James McClelland, Richard Harcourt, and Scott Thiems have served on at least one and, in many cases, numerous boards. Boards include: the Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation, the American Education Reform Foundation and Council, the New Covenant Foundation, AIB College of Business, Junior Achievement, College Mentors for Kids, the Board Member Alliance for Quality Schools, the Indianapolis Public Schools Education Foundation Board of Directors, Goodwill Global, DAMAR Services, Area Youth Ministry, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership Homeowner Development Board, and Community Hospital.

· James McClelland was named the Nonprofit Executive of the Year (2000) by The Nonprofit Times.

· Joyce Johnson is working towards her MPA in nonprofit management at IUPUI.

School Leader Biography

John K. Hayden currently works as the Director of Education for the Greater Educational Opportunity Foundation and will be Principal for the 21^st Century Community School Initiative. Previously, he co-founded and served as the principal teacher for a private school and served as a principal and classroom teacher in Indiana public schools. He has been nominated for multiple teaching awards and has worked with youth in non-academic capacities (e.g., Big Brothers program, basketball coach).

Mr. Hayden holds a bachelors degree in elementary education from IU, a masters degree in Elementary Supervision and Administration from Butler University, and Administrative Certification from Butler University.