The Philadelphia Schools Project

“Elevate 215 has engaged the firm WithumSmith+Brown PC, independent auditors, to prepare Form 990 based on the audited financial statements. The completed form is reviewed by Elevate 215's Executive Director and YTPC (Professional Services Accounting Firm). Once the Executive Director approves it, Form 990 is shared with the Board of Directors Finance Committee for review and comment. The board reviews and approves the final version of Form 990 before filing with the IRS.”

“Elevate 215 ADOPTED A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IN SEPTEMBER, 2010. BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE CONFLICTS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS USING A DISCLOSURE FORM THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE BOARD'S NOMINATING COMMITTEE REVIEWS THE DISCLOSURES TO ENSURE THAT (A) THERE ARE NO CONFLICTS, OR (B) ANY BOARD-MEMBER OR OFFICER INTERESTS WHICH CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICTS HAVE BEEN PROPERLY NOTED, AND THAT CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE BOARD TO FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES OUTLINED IN THE BOARD'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY TO ENSURE THAT THE INTEREST(S) IN QUESTION DO NOT INFLUENCE BOARD OR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS. IF THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE A DIRECTOR OR COMMITTEE MEMBER HAS FAILED TO DISCLOSE ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, IT SHALL INFORM SUCH MEMBER OF THE BASIS FOR SUCH BELIEF AND AFFORD SUCH MEMBER AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN THE ALLEGED FAILURE TO DISCLOSE. IF AFTER HEARING THE MEMBER'S RESPONSE AND AFTER MAKING FURTHER INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BOARD CHAIR OR THE GOVERNANCE/ NOMINATING COMMITTEE DETERMINES THE MEMBER HAS FAILED TO DISCLOSE AN ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST, IT SHALL TAKE APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION.”

“The board of directors oversees executive compensation package on an annual basis. The board annually reviews executive base compensation, as well as raises and bonuses which are determined by three primary factors: the budget of the organization; a review of compensation paid in similar non-profit institutions, both local and national, for comparable positions; and the performance of the officer or key employee. All governing documents, financial statements, and policies will be available upon request for the same period of disclosure as set forth in section 6104(d). Requests will be honored within ten business days at no cost to the requester.”

“All governing documents, financial statements, and policies will be available upon request for the same period of disclosure as set forth in section 6104(d). Requests will be honored within ten business days at no cost to the requester.”

“Elevate 215 maintains two web-based platforms to educate families about school options that are available throughout Philadelphia. Greatphillyschools.org is a web-based information system that provides detailed descriptions of 400+ K-12 public (district and charter), parochial, and private schools throughout Philadelphia. The site also provides resource articles that address various topics related to navigating the education system. Topics include but are not limited to frequently asked questions on school applications processed specifically by sector, scholarships, how to interact with a student's teacher, and other relevant information. In 2023, over 200,000 families accessed the website. In addition, Great Philly Schools hosted an annual K-12 Fair in October, where over 7,500 students and families participated and gathered information about school options in Philadelphia. The second technology platform is Applyphillycharter.org. Elevate 215 operates the Apply Philly Charter (www.applyphillycharter.org) platform, an online student enrollment system that manages the application and acceptance process for 71% of the public charter school campuses citywide. In 2023, over 29,000 families submitted 130,000 applications to select a K-12 public charter school.”