Layton Preparatory School: a Blueprint for the Establishment of an Independent College Preparatory High School
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Layton Preparatory School: A Blueprint for the Establishment of an Independent College Preparatory High School by Barton Reese A dissertation submitted to the faculty of Wilmington University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education In Innovation and Leadership Wilmington University May 2018 Layton Preparatory School: A Blueprint for the Establishment of an Independent College Preparatory High School by Barton Reese I certify that I have read this dissertation and that, in my opinion, it meets the academic and professional standards required by Wilmington University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Education in Innovation and Leadership. Linda H. Frazer, Ph.D, Chairperson of the Dissertation Committee Michael Czarkowski, Ed.D, Member of the Dissertation Committee Lillian Cockrell, Ed.D, Member of the Dissertation Committee John C. Gray, Ed.D., Professor and Dean, College of Education ii Acknowledgement Thank you isn’t enough to express my appreciation to Kathryn, Landon and Elliot, my parents and in-laws, Patricia O. McLaughlin (my partner), and my colleagues and friends who supported me through this endeavor. A special thanks to Audrey Doberstein, Dr. Linda Frazer, Dr. Michael Czarkoswki, ALL Wilmington University faculty and staff and Dr. Lillian Cockrell - Cohort 19 member and special friend. Without their patience and support there would be no Layton Prep, no story…..no Doctorate. iii Abstract This dissertation will chronicle the creation and opening of Layton Preparatory School, Inc. Layton Preparatory School is an independent school established to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of college bound high school students with learning differences. Among other key terms, it will define “independent school” and “learning disabilities” and describe the program and business components involved with starting an independent school through documentation from genesis of the idea to the opening of the school. While this account could include embellishment, this did indeed happen, it’s actual history, and the fact that Layton Preparatory School (now Centreville Layton School) exists today should lend authenticity to the narrative to follow. The dissertation is broken into multiple chapters which include identifying the need for such an institution, the founding of the organization, and the development, implementation and management of the program. iv Table of Contents Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iii Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi Chapter I Layton Prep Story ................................................................................................................1 It Starts at Sanford School .............................................................................................1 Change on the Horizon ..................................................................................................2 An Idea and a Partner .....................................................................................................5 Cat Out of the Bag .........................................................................................................7 Coming Clean to Out Boss ............................................................................................9 Free and Clean to Start Building Our School ..............................................................11 Exit ...............................................................................................................................12 II Critical Terms and Concepts .............................................................................................15 Independent (Private) School .......................................................................................15 Learning Differences/Disabilities ................................................................................16 Academic Accomodations ...........................................................................................18 Assistive Technology ...................................................................................................19 Independent Education Program (IEP) ........................................................................20 Differentiated Instruction .............................................................................................21 Special Education (Services) .......................................................................................22 Specialized Instruction .................................................................................................22 Examples of Specialized Instruction ............................................................................23 v Research Problem ........................................................................................................24 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................24 Who Needs a Blueprint? ..............................................................................................24 III Governance ........................................................................................................................25 Advisory Board and Board of Trustees/Directors .......................................................25 What Is An Advisory Board? What Is Its Function? ..................................................25 Why Have An Advisory Board? ............................................................................25 Advantages of An Advisory Board ........................................................................26 Advisory Boards Provide Structured Counsel .................................................26 Advisory Boards Provide Targeted Input on as Needed Basis ........................26 Meeting Organization and Frequency ....................................................................27 What Is The Board of Trustees? What Is Its Function? ..............................................28 How Is The Board Comprised?..............................................................................30 What or Who Determines The Formal Power Structure? ......................................30 Birth of Layton’s Advisory Council and Board of Trustees ........................................32 IV Fundraising ........................................................................................................................37 How Do You Raise The Money To Start An Independent School and Keep It Coming To Sustain It? ...............................................................................................................37 What Is An Annual Fund? ...........................................................................................38 Planning A Fundraising Strategy .................................................................................39 Telephone Fundraising...........................................................................................39 Direct Mail, Advertisements, Inserts, and Web-Based Appeals ............................40 The Who, When, and What of Asking ...................................................................41 vi How to Know if it is Working ...............................................................................42 Action Items ...........................................................................................................43 Our Story ......................................................................................................................44 V Business/Operations ...........................................................................................................49 How Do You Incorporate? How Do You Establish A Not-For-Profit Organization/Acquire 501(c)(3) Distinction? ..............................................................49 What Is A Corporation? ...............................................................................................49 What Is A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization?.............................................................50 Why Form A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization? ........................................................50 Very Important .............................................................................................................51 Forming A Corporation................................................................................................52 Filing Paperwork with IRS ..........................................................................................53 Complying with State and Local Requirements ..........................................................54 Maintaining Your Status ..............................................................................................54 Our Story ......................................................................................................................56 Public Non-Profits .................................................................................................57 Private Non-Profits ................................................................................................57 VI Human Resources ..............................................................................................................59