HCPS FL Logo Chief of Staff
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 15, 2015
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Application for Avant Garde Academy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 3, 2015, the district received 13 applications for prospective charter 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. 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 Florida 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 Avant Garde Academy is attached. (Attachment I and Attachment II)

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The estimated cost of the review of the charter school applications is $55,250. 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
Staff will annually review the application process to ensure that all statutory requirements are met.
SUBMITTED BY: 
Jenna Hodgens   Alberto Vázquez, Ed.D.
General Director, Charter Schools
(813) 272-4733
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4895
    C 9.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20151215_706 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 9.03