Deny Application for Tampa Alternative Charter High School.

On September 1, 2006, the District received nine applications for prospective charter schools. Three of the applications were subsequently withdrawn from consideration. A Charter Application Review Team, made up of staff from a variety of District departments, reviewed the remaining six applications, and applicant interviews were conducted. In addition, an attorney reviewed each application to determine whether or not it met statutory requirements. According to the requirements of F.S. 1002.33(6), charter applications must:

1. Demonstrate how the school will use the guiding principles and meet the statutorily defined purpose of a charter school.

2. Provide a detailed curriculum plan that illustrates how students will be provided services to attain the Sunshine State Standards.

3. Contain goals and objectives for improving student learning and measuring that improvement.

4. Describe the reading curriculum and differentiated strategies that will be used for students reading at grade level or higher and a separate curriculum and strategies for students who are reading below grade level.

5. Contain an annual financial plan for each year requested by the charter for operation of the school for up to five years.

A summary of the application for Tampa Alternative Charter High School is attached.

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

The estimated cost of the review of the charter applications is $11,232. Additional costs will be incurred in the event that a charter school appeals the School Board’s decision to deny an application. The review of charter applications is not covered by the five percent administrative fee collected to support the District’s charter schools.

February 27, 2007