Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Application for Hillsborough Charter (Division of Administration)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On August 3, 2009, the district received twenty (20) applications for prospective charter schools. Applicants were given the opportunity to present their application to the Charter School Application Review Team. The Charter School Application Review Team, made up of staff from a variety of district departments, reviewed the applications, and applicant interviews were conducted. At the conclusion of this process, ten (10) schools withdrew their applications and plan to receive technical assistance from the district. One (1) application was not accepted due to lack of DOE required training. 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 strategy 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 Hillsborough Charter is attached.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression, * Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety including students, employees, visitors, facilities, transportation, and health

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The estimated cost of the review of the charter school applications is $20,700. 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.

EVALUATION

Staff will annually review the application process to ensure that all statutory requirements are met.

SUBMITTED BY:
Jenna Hodgens, Supervisor, Charter Schools

William H. Person
General Director
Student Planning, Placement & Support Programs
(813) 272-4876
Lewis A. Brinson
Assistant Superintendent for Administration
(813) 272-4071
A 7.11
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20091208_367 * Section A Item# 7.11