HCPS FL Logo Administration
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Application for Pivot Charter School
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 2, 2010, the district received twenty-five (25) 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, twelve (12) schools withdrew their applications and plan to receive technical assistance from the district.  Two (2) applications were not accepted due to lack of Department of Education 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 Pivot Charter School is attached. 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• 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 $28,000.  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   Lewis A. Brinson
General Director, Student Planning, Placement & Support Programs
(813) 272-4876
  Assistant Superintendent, Administration
(813) 272-4071
    A 7.07
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20101207_432 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 7.07