HCPS FL Logo Chief of Schools
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, September 6, 2016
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Settlement Agreement and Termination of Contract for Florida Virtual Academy at Hillsborough County
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Florida Virtual Academy at Hillsborough County (FLVA) was approved to operate as a charter school by the Hillsborough County School Board on December 10, 2013. On June 24, 2014, the School Board approved the contract and the school opened on August 19, 2014. During the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years, several deficiencies were noted and district staff worked with the charter school staff to address the deficiencies.  In April of 2016, the school was notified that the Superintendent would be issuing a 90 day letter with his intent to close the school. There was a disagreement between FLVA and the district as to whether or not FLVA voluntarily surrendered their charter after this notification.

Thereafter, at the direction of the Superintendent, charter staff along with the district attorney, created a corrective action plan for FLVA to address all deficiencies. If deficiencies were not corrected, the plan provided for a voluntary surrender on June 30, 2016. On June 15, 2016, the FLVA Board voted against the corrective action plan.

On June 16, 2016, the Superintendent issued a 90 day notice of closure for several issues relating to the breach of contract and violations of state statute.  The school requested a hearing, as provided by statute, and a hearing date was set.

Since that time, FLVA’s attorney and the district’s attorney worked on a settlement agreement in order to allow the school to close within 30 days after approval by the Hillsborough County School Board. The FLVA Board agreed to the settlement agreement at a board meeting on August 22, 2016.

The 90 day letter is provided as Attachment I and the Settlement Agreement is Attachment II.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce • Develop, recognize, and reward employees • Develop a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration • Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders • Continuously improve processes and systems • Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship • Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The cost of the termination of the contract for Florida Virtual Academy at Hillsborough County including this settlement agreement was approximately $7,700.00
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:  Jenna Hodgens, General Director, Charter Office
Harrison Peters   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief of Schools
(813) 272-4071
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 8.07
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20160906_777 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 8.07