Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, July 28, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Termination of Contract With Taylor Peace Academy (Non-Traditional Programs, Division of Administration)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Florida Statute 1002.33(8)(a)(2) requires all charter schools to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management. If the charter school fails to meet this standard and the sponsor determines good cause exists, the sponsor may choose to immediately terminate the charter under F.S. 1002.33(8)(d).

Taylor Peace Academy was scheduled to open in the 2008/2009 school year. On August 15, 2008, Taylor Peace Academy's Board Chair requested to postpone the opening of the school until August 2009, due to low enrollment. This request was approved by the Superintendent. Over the past 12 months, evidence of numerous financial concerns has been documented. Included in these concerns are: failure to pay rent on a facility the school continued to occupy although they were not in operation, failure to pay vendors for furniture acquired, failure to submit a realistic three-year fiscal plan, and failure to comply with contractual obligation to submit quarterly financials to the district. Attached is a detailed account of these financial concerns.

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

* Demonstrate best financial practices

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Taylor Peace Academy received $122,138 in Full Time Equivalency (FTE) funds for the 2008/2009 school year. The school received a $25,000 Planning Grant from the Department of Education. In addition, they were awarded a $175,000 Implementation Grant that is being disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Currently, Taylor Peace Academy has not received FTE funds for the 2009/2010 school year due to lack of enrollment. Costs may also include attorney's fees in the event the school appeals the School Board's decision to terminate.

EVALUATION

N/A

SUBMITTED BY:
Jenna Hodgens, Supervisor of Charter Schools

Walt Shaffner
Director, Non-Traditional Programs
(813) 272-4438
Lewis A. Brinson
Assistant Superintendent for Administration
(813) 272-4071
A 7.01a
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090728_357 * Section A Item# 7.01a