Application submission and review procedures

1. The department shall publish annual application deadlines, required templates, and submission procedures on its website. Application materials must be made available no less than thirty days prior to the beginning of the submission window. The submission window for charter school applications must be no less than ninety days. 2. Applications must be submitted in the department-approved format and include all required attachments. 3. The department shall conduct completeness and quality reviews using a standardized rubric approved by the superintendent. 4. The department shall hold at least one public interview with the applicant team before making a recommendation. 5. Application materials and interview results must be documented and maintained in the public record. 6. The department shall issue a written notice of approval, conditional approval, or denial stating the reasons and any required conditions that must be met prior to execution of a charter performance agreement.