HCPS FL Logo Administration
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 9, 2014
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Application for Tampa Academy of Math and Science
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 4, 2014, the district received twelve applications for prospective charter schools.  Two of the applications were for replications of high performing schools.  Applicants were given the opportunity to present their application to the Charter School Application Review Team.  The 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, nine schools withdrew their applications and plan to receive technical assistance from the district.  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.

This application was submitted as a replication under F.S. 1002.331(3)(a) which allows a high-performing charter school to submit an application pursuant to s.1002.33(6) in any school district in the state to establish and operate a new charter school that will substantially replicate its educational program.  Florida Statute 1002.33(6)(b)3b provides the reasons for denial of an application that is submitted under F.S. 1002.331.

The summary of the application for Tampa Academy of Math and Science is attached.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
The estimated cost of the review of the charter school applications is $51,000.   Additional costs will be incurred in the event a charter school appeals the School Board's decision to deny an application.  The review of charter applications is not covered by the two to five percent administrative fee collected to support the district charter schools.
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY: 
Jenna Hodgens   Lewis A. Brinson, Ed.D.
Director, Charter Schools Office
(813)272-4049
  Assistant Superintendent, Administration
(813) 272-4071
    A 8.09
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20141209_646 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 8.09