Resources for Applicants

The SUNY Request for Proposals process pertains only to those applicants interested in applying to the State University of New York Board of Trustees for the authorization of their charter.

• Introduction Call: Applicant groups must schedule a phone or video call with Institute staff before submitting the Intent to Apply. This call introduces the school’s mission/vision and allows staff to explain the RFP process and provide technical assistance. • Intent to Apply Package: Eligible groups submit an Intent to Apply package containing required RFP and, if applicable, Business Plan components. • Invitation to Submit Full Proposal: Groups whose Intent to Apply packages meet all requirements as described in the RFP are invited via email to submit a full proposal. Groups that do not meet requirements are notified they are not eligible to move forward in the current cycle. • Full Proposal Intake and Completion Check: The Institute reviews each full proposal for completeness and to ensure all minimum eligibility criteria are met. • Proposal Review: The Institute conducts academic, operational, legal, and fiscal reviews. External education experts may also review proposals and related business or growth plans. o Prior Performance Analysis: When applicable, the Institute evaluates academic, fiscal, and operational data from the applicant’s existing schools to assess readiness and likelihood of success. o Capacity Interview: Proposals may be invited to participate in a capacity interview with Institute staff (and possibly external reviewers). Lead applicants, proposed trustees, and relevant CMO/partner representatives must attend. o Requests for Amendment: Proposals may receive Requests for Amendment (RFAs) to clarify information, address concerns, or ensure regulatory compliance. o Trustee Interview: A representative of the SUNY Trustees Charter Schools Committee may interview applicants and proposed or current education corporation trustees. • Institute Recommendation: After completing its review, the Institute recommends to the SUNY Trustees only those proposals deemed capable of delivering high-quality educational opportunities. If applications exceed available charters, preference scoring is applied. • Committee Vote: The Charter Schools Committee issues the final decision during a public meeting. There is no appeal of negative determinations. • Submission to Board of Regents: Approved applications are forwarded to the New York State Board of Regents. • Granting of New Charter: Charters become valid upon Board approval or by Operation of Law within 90 days or on the first business day of the following calendar year.

How the Process Works for New Applications

  • Introduction Call: Applicant groups must schedule a phone or video call with Institute staff before submitting the Intent to Apply. This call introduces the school’s mission/vision and allows staff to explain the RFP process and provide technical assistance.
  • Intent to Apply Package: Eligible groups submit an Intent to Apply package containing required RFP and, if applicable, Business Plan components.
  • Invitation to Submit Full Proposal: Groups whose Intent to Apply packages meet all requirements as described in the RFP are invited via email to submit a full proposal. Groups that do not meet requirements are notified they are not eligible to move forward in the current cycle.
  • Full Proposal Intake and Completion Check: The Institute reviews each full proposal for completeness and to ensure all minimum eligibility criteria are met.
  • Proposal Review: The Institute conducts academic, operational, legal, and fiscal reviews. External education experts may also review proposals and related business or growth plans.
    • Prior Performance Analysis: When applicable, the Institute evaluates academic, fiscal, and operational data from the applicant’s existing schools to assess readiness and likelihood of success.
    • Capacity Interview: Proposals may be invited to participate in a capacity interview with Institute staff (and possibly external reviewers). Lead applicants, proposed trustees, and relevant CMO/partner representatives must attend.
    • Requests for Amendment: Proposals may receive Requests for Amendment (RFAs) to clarify information, address concerns, or ensure regulatory compliance.
    • Trustee Interview: A representative of the SUNY Trustees Charter Schools Committee may interview applicants and proposed or current education corporation trustees.
  • Institute Recommendation: After completing its review, the Institute recommends to the SUNY Trustees only those proposals deemed capable of delivering high-quality educational opportunities. If applications exceed available charters, preference scoring is applied.
  • Committee Vote: The Charter Schools Committee issues the final decision during a public meeting. There is no appeal of negative determinations.
  • Submission to Board of Regents: Approved applications are forwarded to the New York State Board of Regents.
  • Granting of New Charter: Charters become valid upon Board approval or by Operation of Law within 90 days or on the first business day of the following calendar year.