Further, the academy's plan is based on the five "Utah Professional Teacher Standards" produced by USOE itself. The school has added a sixth standard, which includes good communication with students, parents and stakeholders, he said.

"I don't know what they (USOE officials) need," Kempton said. "We'll find out when we get the letter."

Some districts and charter schools didn't apply to get the funding.

Three districts, Daggett, Tintic and Uintah, are not participating.

A total of 16 charter schools are not participating: AMES, Beehive Science and Technology Academy, Da Vinci Academy, Guadalupe School, Itineris Early College High School, John Hancock Academy, Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, Moab School, Navigator Pointe Academy, NUAMES, Ranches Academy, Rockwell High School, Soldier Hollow School, Spectrum Academy, Timpanogos Academy and Uintah River High School.

Monticello Academy was originally announced as not having applied. Monticello officials told the Deseret News on Wednesday they did submit a plan and there was an oversight by USOE. Their plan has now been put on the August state board agenda for potential approval.

State board members said many districts and charter schools found the main challenge to be the limited amount of time to do the plan.

After going through the Legislature, the merit-based plan program was presented to the state board and passed a first and second reading in April. The rule was then adopted on the third reading in May. The districts were required to have their plans to USOE by June 30.

"It was too much too quick for us," said Julie Adamic, director of John Hancock Charter School in Pleasant Grove. She said charter schools are at a disadvantage since they don't have the district staff to delegate to.

Adamic added, "We were very interested and will pursue this in the future if it is offered."

Reports of each school district and charter school are available at www.schools.utah.gov/board/otpbcp/.

---

E-mail: astewart@desnews.com