Fern Leaf Community Charter School

“The organization has adopted a document retention and destruction policy as of the filing of this return.”

“An executive committee was formed that includes three members of the board of directors that do not have children attending the school. The committee reports all actions taken at the next board meeting.”

“The return was prepared by an independent accountant with assistance and oversight by the chair of the board. Upon completion and review, the return was provided to each voting board member prior to its submission to the irs.”

“The organization's conflict of interest policy is written into the organization's bylaws, provides definitions of interested persons and financial interests, and includes procedures to avoid conflicts by introducing a duty to disclose and instructions on determining when a conflict may exist. Parties with potential conflicts may present information to the governing body in regards to an issue, but are required by the bylaws to leave meetings during discussions and voting on such transactions relating to the conflict.”

“Per the organization's bylaws, a voting member or officer of the governing body who receives compensation directly or indirectly from the organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation. The board or a duly constituted compensation committee of the board complies with requirements and procedures set out in the organization's bylaws in determining compensation for the school director and other employees, contractors, etc. The board (or committee) is required to obtain comparability data prior to approving compensation. Appropriate data include compensation levels paid by similarly situated organizations, surveys compiled by independent firms, and actual written offers from similar institutions competing for the services of the person who is the subject of the compensation arrangement.”

“See response to line 15a above.”

“The organization's financial statements, conflict of interest policy, and governing documents are available upon request at the organization's administrative office.”

“To foster a rich learning environment that embodies the essence of community, understanding, and the human spirit. Grounded in humble respect for our surroundings, the individual, and the world as a whole, we seek to engage the unique passions and aptitudes of our school community so that in addition to achieving academic fluency, students become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged.”

“Fernleaf has been very successful establishing its niche amongst a relatively strong competitive set of district and charter schools in the area. The personal connections with students, parents, teachers and the greater community has been instrumental in building a sense of fernleaf community and is most noticeably demonstrated by strong attendance at school functions and substantial waitlists for year two without any marketing. Students have had highly impactful and memorable experiences such as linville caverns, fish hatchery at pisgah, asheville glass and hickory nut gap farm to name a few, with minimal financial burden to parents or the school. The staff at linville caverns commented, "fernleaf has some of the best behaved kids we have seen," which is testament to the power of experiential learning.”