Approve Contract Renewal for University of South Florida (USF)/Patel Charter School, Inc. for Two Years

USF/Patel Charter School, Inc. has a contract with the School District that commenced on July 1, 2001 and ends on June 30, 2006. Charter legislation includes a provision for the renewal of a charter contract for those schools that have successfully completed their contract term. Florida Statute 1002.33(8)(a) also addresses non-renewal due to the failure to meet the requirements for student performance stated in the charter.

Due to declining student academic performance over the past two years as measured by FCAT, the Superintendent notified the principal and Board Chair of USF/Patel of her intent to recommend non-renewal of the school’s contract in a letter dated March 27, 2006. The charter school requested an informal hearing with the Hillsborough County School Board and the informal hearing was held on May 11, 2006. A 30 day contract extension was requested by district staff so that all information would be available to ensure an informed decision regarding contract renewal. The Board approved the contract extension on April 4, 2006, for a period commencing on July 1, 2006 and ending on July 30, 2006.

Consistent with established procedures, a district review team assessed the school’s performance relevant to student achievement, finance, governance, administration, curriculum and instruction, and assessment.

Student academic performance, as measured by FCAT, improved during the 2005-2006 school year. The percentage of students in grade 3 scoring at Level 3 or higher increased by 17 points in reading and 18 points in math. As a result of these improvements, the Superintendent recommends approval of a two year contract for USF/Patel Charter School.

Attached is a report of the review team’s findings and recommendations (Attachment 1) and the contract (Attachment 2).

Goal 6 – All schools in the district will be assigned a state grade of A, B, or C.

The charter school’s projected enrollment will generate approximately $790,761 in FEFP funds. The school district retains five percent ($39,538) of FEFP funds to offset services provided by the district. The school also receives approximately $54,617 in capital outlay funds from the Florida Department of Education. Costs associated with the development of the contract include district staff time and attorney fees.

By June 30, 2008, USF/Patel Charter School will participate in another contract renewal process which will include, but not be limited to, site visits, quarterly monitoring of student achievement, quarterly monitoring of financial records, and a comprehensive district review.