Approval of the Termination of the Charter Contract Between the School Board and the Wilbesan Charter School

Wilbesan Charter School has been operating in the School District of Hillsborough County since August 2003. Although the school’s charter was approved to serve exceptional education students, the school changed its target population to “at-risk” general education students after its first year of operation. A summary of the school is included in attachments to this agenda item.

In the spring 2004, the School Board voted to place the school on Probationary Status because of concerns regarding student health and safety and compliance with state and federal laws. Probationary status was lifted in July 2004, after corrective action steps were implemented at the school.

During the summer 2005, the school moved to a different facility. On August 3, 2005, the Fire Inspector conducted an inspection of the facility and noted significant deficiencies. As a result, the inspector ordered the principal to not open the school until the deficiencies are ameliorated . The following day (August 4, 2005), the school opened with 23 students. As a result, a Cease and Desist order was issued to the school by the Hillsborough County Fire Marshal. The order indicated that: 1) the school’s failure to apply for and obtain proper permitting and plans due to a change in occupancy and to comply with all plans review comments and 2) the school did not successfully complete an on site fire inspection by the Fire Marshal’s Office after all the permitting and plans review had been applied for and approved.

Pursuant to the Cease and Desist Order issued by the Fire Marshal, and served to the Wilbesan Charter School on August 4, 2005, the Superintendent of schools took emergency action to close the Wilbesan Charter School effective immediately, pending School Board action on her recommendation to terminate the school’s contract. As a result, School Board approval is requested for the immediate termination of the charter contract between the Board and Wilbesan Charter School pursuant to Florida State Statutes Section 1002.33(8)(d)

The charter school’s enrollment for 2004/2005 generated approximately $276,612 in FEFP funds. The school district retains five percent of FEFP ($13,831) funds to offset services provided by the district. Costs associated with the development of the contract include district staff time and attorney fees.