Bridges Public Charter School

“Form 990 is prepared by the outside accountant in collaboration with the school's director, and the draft return is provided to the board treasurer and finance committee for review. The approved draft is then reviewed by the full board, and they are given a period of time to comment or raise concerns prior to submitting the return for filing.”

“The board is educated about the expectation of compliance with the conflict of interest policy. In addition, board members are asked to sign an annual agreement that honors the school policy to disclose any conflict of interests. Furthermore, there is a conflict of interest policy in the school's financial management guidelines that school staff who manage funds must review. Monitoring and enforcement is done by annual review of expectations regarding conflict of interest and written signature of conflict of interest documents stating that they are aware the disclosure on any conflict must be immediately stated and that they cannot vote on any matters that are or could possibly be a conflict of interest.”

“The salary for the director of the school is set with board approval, and salary level was made by looking at a salary survey/data for charter schools in dc. The compensation for the school's head of school was reviewed as part of the annual budget and voted on by the board of trustees.”

“Salaries for other top positions in the school is set by looking at a salary survey to ensure that the salary amounts were in-line within the industry. The process of determining the compensation for other top positions was reviewed and discussed by the board of trustees.”

“The school makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request. Its governing documents and financial statements are also filed with the district of columbia public charter school board.”

“To provide an exemplary educational program that includes students with special needs. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family- centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning.”

“Bridges public charter school is unique in the dc education landscape serving a higher percentage of students with special needs in one school building than all but one other charter school in dc (st. Coletta). Bridges provides a continuum of inclusive learning environments and high- level special education classrooms. The school student population has been consistent since opening to students in 2005: 30%-35% students with special needs, 30+% english as second language learners and 60%-65% students who qualify for free or reduced lunch (low-income). The charter school's activities are funded primarily by the district of columbia's per pupil allocation formula, supplemented with federal funds allocated to the state education agency to be distributed to schools for staff development, special education services, and other eligible expenses.”