STATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION January 17, 2017 Mr. Robert Porterfield, President Montgomery County Board of Education P.O. Box 1991 oe Montgomery, AL 36102-1991 Mrs. Margaret T. Allen, Superintendent ‘sie Montgomery County School System P.O. Box 1991 ety ars Montgomery, AL 36102-1991 Dear President Porterfield and Superintendent Allen: “Secs Re: Request to Show Cause vata | greatly appreciate the opportunity to work closely with you and members of the Montgomery san E40, County Public Schools (“MPS”) Board of Education over the last several weeks. Its clear that worsen we share a vision of establishing MPS as a school system that is second to none and that our top priority is the students of MPS. I am also mindful of the significant work that many one dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, parents, and volunteers have provided over the years wi to help MPS. I understand and value their commitment, cynnianccary on. My sincere belief continues to be that we can continue to work together in a collaborative effort ‘Stet to achieve all that is possible for all MPS students. set uman Concerns with Montgomery Public Schools With those considerations in mind, I am compelled by the Educational Accountability and uy scourimezso. | Ztervention Act of 2013 (the “Act”) to specify certain concems regarding MPS, to identify oe steps to be taken by MPS, and to provide a reasonable timetable for the completion of those steps, all of which I have outlined below. Thave determined that MPS is not in compliance with the School Fiscal Accountability Act, as codified in Chapter 13A of Title 16 of the Code of Alabama. One example of this non- compliance is that MPS does not have a permanent Chief Schoo! Financial Officer, which is a requirement under Ala. Code § 16-13A-4(a) (1975). Additionally, there are a number of required financial statements and federal budget applications, as well as an annual budget, required under Ala. Code § 16-13-5 and 16-13A-6, which have not been submitted or not timely submitted Shorty ane ‘Gonon Pemons Betowse + RO, Rox M2101 + Movrcowens, ALABAMA S6IQD-2I01 + TELERONE (334) 40-9700 + Wen sits wewandeedeMPS - Notice to Show Cause Page 2 January 17,2017 But financial reasons are only one component of my concems about MPS. Other areas include academic, Child Nutrition Program, and student transportation/bus concems. These additional concems may, but do not necessarily, overlap with MPS’s financial deficiencies. As another basis for intervention, I have determined that a majority of MPS schools are priority schools pursuant to Section 16-6E-3(3) of the Act, including that they are substantially and sometimes chronically underperforming their potential considering the totality of circumstances (including, but not limited to, indicators such as low proficiency scores, low graduation rates, high chronic absentee rates, fiscal deficiencies, and persistent or substantial school safety or ‘transportation concerns). You are likely already familiar with additional details regarding these concems, However, if you or your staff want to discuss these issues as you prepare a response, my staff and I will be available, Steps required to be taken to correct the deficiencies MPS must remedy these deficiencies by (a) providing an adequate plan to correct and then (b) actually substantially improving the following deficiencies: (1) fiscal procedures, budgeting, accountability (including submitting an adequate budget with required reserves), and accurae Q) CNP procedures; (3) student transportation systems management and operations; (4) student academic achievement; (5) College and/or Career Ready rates, (6) the gap between ‘graduation rates and College and/or Career Ready rates, and (7) the MPS graduation rate, ‘Timetable for completing the corrective measures Based on the information outlined herein, MPS must make it a priority to take material steps toward remedying these deficiencies. Specifically, your plan must provide for the correction of all deficiencies as soon as practicable but, as to those deficiencies for which gradual progress would be expected, your plan must provide for the completion of all corrective measures in no Jonger than three years. Procedural information Again, I want to emphasize my commitment to a collaborative process on behalf of the students of MPS. In that collaborative spirit, you may respond in writing that MPS will agree with and/or not challenge this proposed intervention as soon as you and the MPS Board members have had an opportunity to make a decision about this matter. ‘Altematively, MPS must provide a written response to this notice no later than the close of business on February 7, 2017. In your response, you may offer reasons why intervention is not warranted or, in the alternative, present a specific plan and timetable for correcting the deficiencies identified in this notice,MPS- Notice to Show Cause Page 3 January 17,2017 L will evaluate your written response and, if tis determined to be inadequate, in my judgment, I shall request authorization from the Alabama State Board of Education to intervene in the operations of MPS. If make that request, MPS will be given an opportunity to demonstrate in iting why such action is not warranted, or should not be approved, and to appear before the Alabama State Board of Education for such purpose before a vote is taken. 1 want to personally thank you, the entire Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education, and the Montgomery County community for your spirit of collaboration, Throughout this process it has been made abundantly clear that the force driving you is a pursuit of excellence, service and commitment to all the students in your district. Please know that your cooperation is so appreciated. If'you have any questions about this notice or the procedure involved, please contact my office at 334-242-9704, Sincerely, a Michael Sentance State Superintendent of Education MSW