One of the core principles of the CSMI approach is to free educators from the business functions of operating a school so that they can focus their time and energy on teaching.
Coupled with creative and resourceful education reforms, the separation of business support from teaching has had a profound effect on student outcomes at CSMI’s client schools. It has changed lives in underserved communities and has provided unprecedented opportunities for the children of these communities.
Below is a summary of the main critical consulting supports that CSMI provides, by working with School Administrators and their School Boards.
Accounting & Finance
CSMI provides back-office consulting services that support the accounting and finance responsibilities of its client schools. These services include: assistance with accounts receivable and accounts payable; purchasing; payroll; general ledger maintenance; financial reporting; treasury management; risk management; and aid in other areas as may be required. CSMI also supports client schools’ in-house accounting and finance staff with highly trained, experienced experts.
Facilities
CSMI has extensive background in the development, construction, maintenance, and management of client school facilities. As of now, CSMI has assisted in coordinating the construction, capital improvements, and annual maintenance of 14 buildings across five campuses. CSMI works closely with client schools’ building principals and administrators to ensure that building repairs are completed timely. CSMI believes that the comfort of safe, well-maintained surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities are key to enabling students to succeed.
Grants
CSMI’s staff of seasoned Grants Consultants support client schools’ efforts in receiving entitlement funding and competitive grants. Many small and independent schools do not have the resources to pursue the multitude of private and public grant opportunities that are available to them. Furthermore, the compliance requirements of grants and entitlement funding demand expertise gained only from years of experience in the field, which the members of our Grants Consultants possess.
School Safety
In order to be effective, a learning environment must be safe and secure. Protecting students in the modern world goes beyond simply locking doors. CSMI’s client schools provide comprehensive electronic surveillance of school premises, efficient evacuation and lockdown procedures, and fully maintained facilities in order to prevent accidents and injuries. CSMI has skilled professionals collaborating with client schools’ administrative leaders, constantly monitoring and working with the client schools’ safety committees to maintain the highest levels of school security. Because of this, our client schools’ teachers can focus on teaching with full confidence that they and their students are in a safe and secure environment.
Compliance
CSMI assists its client organizations’ leadership teams with the fulfillment of state and federal reporting requirements, to support the schools’ administrations in making their accurate and timely submissions. CSMI assists client school personnel in maintaining accurate student accounting for reporting to the district and state. CSMI works with client schools’ administrators to assist in establishing a calendar that adheres to applicable laws and regulations. CSMI assists client schools’ leaders in developing programs to comply with special education laws and related services.
Food Service
CSMI develops systems to support and assist in the management and oversight of client schools’ food services departments, which are presently serving nearly 1 million meals per school year. These systems are implemented by client schools with additional and continuous support from CSMI. This includes: food ordering; inventory management; meal service; tracking of free and reduced meals; determining eligibility for the National School Lunch Program; and monitoring all regulatory requirements for nutritional service to meet the needs of students.
Human Resources
CSMI Human Resources Consultants provide support for human resource functions of client schools. CSMI supports client schools’ leadership in their processes for hiring, termination, discipline, compensation (including health benefit plans, 401K, and other compensation programs), and assists them with creating policies, procedures, and handbooks. All human resources practices are subject to approval by client schools’ leadership and Boards of Trustees.
Vendors
CSMI uses its experience in vendor management to ensure that client schools receive the best quality products, services, and resources in an economically efficient manner. Through the implementation of business procurement practices, CSMI helps client schools save money, thereby increasing the resources available to client school educators and their students.
Event Coordination
CSMI assists client schools’ leadership teams in the design, planning, and logistics for school-related events, collaborating with respective school staff and Parent Associations as appropriate. Events include: the parent report card dinner; award ceremonies; the Santa Brigade; the staff recruitment fair; and many others throughout the year. CSMI also assists client school administrators in coordinating procedures for extended school services, such as the Eagles Book Mobile and dental and physical exams, when necessary. Additionally, client schools’ student recruitment events and marketing materials are assisted by CSMI.
Front Office
CSMI provides guidance and assistance to client school administrators in developing procedures for front office operations, including clerical and administrative functions: from child accounting; file maintenance; visitor reception; and clerical support; to scheduling and submitting maintenance requests. CSMI provides thorough support for schools’ mailroom and copying functions, thus freeing up additional time for school personnel to provide essential instructional and administrative services.
Logistics
Running a school involves managing an immense amount of planning and organization on multiple levels. CSMI, in coordination with client schools’ administrators, provides guidance and recommends procedures for space requirements, transportation, student-to-teacher ratios, allocation of support personnel, and procurement of equipment, supplies, and furniture. CSMI also assists in establishing programs for capital improvements and maintenance as needed from year to year.
Technology
CSMI provides assistance and support for: computers; copiers; fax machines; video-monitoring systems; SMART Boards; Internet; email; and phones. This includes the purchasing and upgrading of technology for client schools, in consultation with school administrators.