Approve Contract Renewal for Re-Birth Academy for Three Years

Charter legislation includes a provision for the renewal of a charter contract for those schools that have successfully completed their contract term. The school district’s process for contract renewal consideration includes the submission of a letter of intent to renew the contract, a comprehensive program review, and the development of a new contract.

Consistent with established procedures, a district review team assessed the school’s performance relevant to student achievement, finance, governance, administration, curriculum and instruction, and assessment.

Attached is a report of the review team’s findings and recommendations. (Attachment 1) Staff recommends approval of a three year contract for Re-Birth Academy. (Attachment 2) Please note that the attached contract contains revised language in two areas. Page seven, paragraph seven describes the limited extension for low performing schools and page fourteen, paragraph one contains a clarification in reference the placement of kindergarten and first grade classrooms.

Goal 6 – All schools in the district will be assigned a state grade of A, B, or C.

The charter school’s projected enrollment will generate approximately $603,120 in FEFP funds. The school district retains five percent ($30,156) of FEFP funds to offset services provided by the district. The school also receives approximately $74,400 in capital outlay funds from the Florida Department of Education. Costs associated with the development of the contract include district staff time and attorney fees.

By June 30, 2009, Re-Birth Academy will participate in another contract renewal process which will include, but not be limited to, site visits, quarterly monitoring of student achievement, quarterly monitoring of financial records, and a comprehensive district review.