Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is an advocacy organization dedicated to improving public education in Illinois by supporting the charter school model. INCS functions as the voice of Illinois charter schools, advocating for legislation, providing support to strengthen charter schools, and influencing education policy. Their mission is to transform lives and communities by establishing high-quality charter public schools. The vision of INCS is for all students in Illinois to have access to a high-quality public school that prepares them for a successful future.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Championing legislation on behalf of the charter sector and influencing education policy.

Providing resources and guidance to strengthen charter schools.

Informing public policy and guiding state and district policies to promote charter school growth.

Facilitating community involvement in charter schools.

Supporting the development of new charter schools across the state.

Working to provide adequate and equitable resources for charter public schools.

Advocating for the autonomy of charter schools to implement innovative approaches.

Seeking a fair and transparent policy landscape for charter schools.

Specialization Areas

Advocacy for charter schools

Providing resources and support to strengthen charter schools

Influencing public education policy

Target Markets

Policymakers

School leaders

Parents

Community members

Underserved communities

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

INCS is a tax-exempt organization since March 2004.

Financial Overview (2023):

Revenue: \$4.52 million
Expenses: \$4.24 million
Total Assets: \$9.93 million
Total Liabilities: \$1.9 million

Key Financial Data (2023):

Contributions: \$2,690,978 (96.9% of total revenue)
Program Services: \$53,584 (1.9% of total revenue)
Investment Income: \$32,045 (1.2% of total revenue)
Executive Compensation: \$373,984 (12.9% of total expenses)
Other Salaries and Wages: \$1,428,170 (49.1% of total expenses)

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Andrew Broy: President; \$334,866 compensation.
Jodie Cantrell: Chief of Public Affairs; \$182,730 compensation.
Joyanna Smith: Chief Program Operations Officer; \$171,387 compensation.
Allison Jack: Director of Charter Growth and Support; \$166,033 compensation.
Ja'Neane Minor: Director of Government Affairs.
Christian Feaman: Director of District Advocacy; \$111,924 compensation.

Board of Directors

David Weinberg (Board Chair)
Bart Kocha (Treasurer)
Will Burns (Director)
David Chizewer (Director)
Darryl Cobb (Director)
Blondean Davis (Director)
Geoff Deigan (Director)
Jim Frank (Director)
Steve Hajdukovic (Director)
Tim Hughes (Director)

6. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Urban Center Action: Run by Juan Rangel, the former head of the UNO charter network (now named Acero).

7. Market Analysis

Market Overview

Illinois has a limited number of charter schools compared to other states. As of 2012, there were only 35 charter schools in Illinois, enrolling less than one percent of all Illinois schoolchildren.
Downstate Illinois and suburban Chicago are each limited to 15 charter schools, while Chicago is limited to 30.
Illinois charter schools outperform comparable public schools in the state. In Chicago, students who attend charter public schools are more likely to graduate from high school and college.
Charter schools in Chicago serve a high proportion of students in poverty.
A December 2007 poll showed that 23 percent of Illinoisans would prefer to send their children to charter schools if they had the choice.
Illinois’ per-pupil funding for charter schools is potentially more generous than states like Indiana and Michigan.

9. Operational Insights

INCS provides training and resources to charter schools, ensuring they are effective and have the support needed to navigate education policy, funding, and compliance.
INCS helps keep charter leaders informed about important legislative changes, funding opportunities, and developments that could impact their operations.
* INCS acts as a central hub for charter schools across Illinois, offering vital networking opportunities that allow schools to collaborate and share best practices.
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