NC GROW Partnership Announcement

We are excited to share several key partnerships that will support the implementation and long-term success of the NC GROW Charter Schools Program (CSP). As part of our commitment to strengthening charter school quality across North Carolina, NC GROW CSP has selected exceptional partners whose expertise in governance, finance, research, and leadership will help strengthen charter schools across the state.

Our NC GROW CSP Partners

Finance Fellowship – Charter Success Partners

Charter Success Partners is a North Carolina-based charter school service company with deep expertise in finance, compliance, governance, operations, and data systems for charter schools. Their team supports schools across the state through Fractional CFO services, compliance management, board governance support, and strategic financial planning. Their charter-focused analytics platform, Insights by CSP, helps schools move beyond spreadsheets by providing dashboards, forecasting tools, cash-flow monitoring, and more robust reporting systems. Their hands-on experience supporting boards and school leaders makes them a strong partner for strengthening financial sustainability and board-level fiscal oversight.

Governance Modules – National Charter School Institute

National Charter School Institute is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to improving education through stronger governance, leadership, and accountability systems. Since 1995, they have worked with charter school boards, authorizers, and school leaders across the country to improve board effectiveness, financial stewardship, and school sustainability. Their nationally recognized Governing for Greatness framework and Charter School Board University have helped thousands of board members translate governance expectations into practical action, making them one of the most respected governance training organizations in the charter sector.

Remote Academy Research – Safal Partners

Safal Partners is a national education consulting and research firm with more than 15 years of experience supporting federal, state, and local agencies in charter school policy, accountability systems, program evaluation, and virtual learning. Their work includes managing the National Charter School Resource Center for the U.S. Department of Education, supporting the Job Corps Distance Learning Program for the U.S. Department of Labor, and leading major charter school evaluations and framework development projects across the country. Their national perspective and deep research expertise make them a strong partner for helping North Carolina define high-quality remote academies.

Governance & Fiscal Controls Handbook – Leaders Building Leaders

Leaders Building Leaders brings extensive experience in charter school governance, board development, leadership systems, and fiscal oversight across North Carolina. Led by Dr. Tom Miller, a former charter authorizer, board trainer, and education leader who has supported more than 100 charter schools, the organization has worked directly with boards on governance intervention, financial oversight, executive leadership transitions, and school sustainability. Their work is grounded in practical systems that help boards prevent financial mismanagement, strengthen accountability, and reduce the risks that often lead to school instability or closure.

Governance Audit – Stella Law Group and Bloomwell Group

Stella Law Group and Bloomwell Group bring a unique combination of legal governance expertise, compliance systems, and board evaluation tools. Led by Lisa Gordon Stella, Managing Member of Stella Law, the team brings decades of experience advising charter schools on board policy, fiduciary oversight, public records, open meetings, and governance compliance. Combined with Bloomwell Group’s evaluation platform and operational systems, this partnership provides both strong legal guidance and practical tools for improving board effectiveness and accountability.

Moving Forward

These partnerships represent an important investment in the long-term success of North Carolina charter schools. By bringing together trusted experts with deep experience in charter school leadership, governance, finance, and accountability, NC GROW continues to strengthen opportunities for planning, implementation, and sustainable growth for high-quality charter schools statewide.

We are grateful for the expertise each partner brings and look forward to the impact this work will have for charter school students, families, and communities across North Carolina.