Hillsborough County Public Schools Chief Academic Officer
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, July 12, 2005
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approval of One Year Probation for Wilbesan Charter School

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Charter legislation requires school boards to provide charter schools a ninety-day notice of a recommendation to terminate a contract with a charter school. On March 29, 2005, the Wilbesan Charter School received a letter from the Superintendent notifying the school of the district’s intent to terminate their contract due to issues related to student health and safety, access to the school, student performance, and actions taken by the school principal with law enforcement.

Wilbesan Charter School was provided an opportunity to address these issues at an informal hearing before the School Board on May 2, 2005. Immediate issues related to student immunization were addressed by the school and recent FCAT scores demonstrate improved student achievement. The Assessment and Accountability Office indicate a grade of C using grading criteria established by the Florida Department of Education.

However, there continues to be concerns about access to the school by district staff, student health and safety, as well as concerns about treatment of law enforcement officials during investigations. For this reason, we are recommending that the School Board place Wilbesan Academy on probationary status for 2005-2006 school year. The district will review the progress of the school each nine weeks. Should health and safety concerns for students and staff resurface, staff may recommend immediate termination of Wilbesan's contract.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

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

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The charter school’s enrollment for 2004/2005 generated approximately $276,612 in FEFP funds. The school district retains five percent of FEFP ($13,831) funds to offset services provided by the district. Costs associated with the development of the contract include district staff time and attorney fees.

EVALUATION

05/30/06

SUBMITTED BY: Charlene Staley, Ed.D.

Charlene Staley, Ed.D.
Charter School Liaison
272-4438
Donnie W. Evans, Ed.D.
Chief District Academic Officer
272-4876
8.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20050712_146 * Section E Item# 8.03