Raj Thakkar will lead two sessions focused on the financial realities charter schools and networks are facing today, offering guidance for leaders making complex decisions.
Full session information:
Session 1: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Financial Considerations When Merging Schools and Networks
If you recognize the writing on the wall early enough and see that closure is inevitable, a merger may be a last-ditch option to do the right thing by students and families. There have been independently operated charter schools absorbed into networks around the country, but now networks are starting to merge with each other as well. “Anything goes” in this post-pandemic age where rapidly scaling is matched by rapidly retracting or anything in between. Attendees will learn the many financial questions to be answered when merging schools and networks, which may be better received by all stakeholders affected, if executed responsibly.
Session 2: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
The Fiscal Responsibility Method: A High-Level Overview & the Benefits of Speaking the Same Language
Finance is often viewed as broken when it is actually “work perpetually in progress” due to the growth rate of your school/network and capacity of your finance team. A consistent way of communicating the state of your finances may lead to more favorable views, where stakeholders know what’s working, what’s being worked on, and what’s on the back burner temporarily until it can be prioritized higher. Attendees will learn a high-level overview of the Method, delve into 10 of the 50 proven practices and discuss the benefits (and potential drawbacks) of using a common language statewide and nationwide.
Starts on 12/11/2025
Location: New Orleans, LA
For more information, please visit: https://www.lacharterschools.org/annualconference
