We’re picking up steam at Sumter STEAM Charter. Since officially forming in September 2019, our committee has been hard at work sharing our story, mission, and model for what will be, if approved, Sumter’s first tuition-free, public charter school. As we move forward in quest to change the narrative about what is possible for the children of Sumter County, here are a few important updates to share with you.
Our planning committee has been regularly meeting since September, with the official incorporation of Sumter STEAM Charter taking place in October.
We have conducted dozens of deep-dive research visits into other public charter schools across several states.
Our three-month long “Hopes and Dreams Listening Tour” concluded in December 2019 with extensive outreach that included: a detailed community needs assessment, 100+ presentations of our charter school proposal, participation in various community activities, focus groups, and community awareness sessions.
We currently have six sub-committees that are working on tasks including community outreach/support, curriculum & instruction, operations, policy, finance, and facilities.
We officially submitted our comprehensive charter application to the SC Department of Education and SC Public Charter School District that includes a 155 page narrative and 32 appendices totaling over 1,000 pages outlining our “roadmap to excellence.”
Our website went live on February 10. Make sure to sign up for updates at the bottom of the homepage.
Here are some of our next steps:
We are excited to move forward in the authorization process, which will take place through a tiered-process over the course of the next several months and culminate by May 1st with either the approval or denial of our charter request. Our planning committee is eagerly preparing for the next steps in sharing our story, mission, and model with our chosen charter authorizers.
We are also working to complete our 501(c)3 application for federal tax exemption status.
Stay connected with us on social media.
Instagram - @steamcharter4sumter
Facebook - @sumtersteamcharterschool
Twitter – @Charter4Sumter
Additional awareness sessions can be scheduled with our planning committee by emailing your requested information to info@sumtersteamcharter.org.
Upcoming Community Events for SSC
February 18 – Presentation to Palmetto Optimist Club of Sumter
February 20 – Presentation to ADBC Mothers of Pre-Schoolers
March 7 – Info Booth at Reading in the Park Event (Memorial Park, 1-4 p.m.)