Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, August 5, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Contract Renewal for Carl Sagan Academy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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, an update of the charter application, 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.

On March 28, 2008, the Superintendent sent Carl Sagan Academy a 90 day letter due to sustained low student performance. An Informal Hearing in front of the Hillsborough County School Board was held on May 15, 2008.

Attached is a report of the review team's findings and recommendations (Attachment 1). Staff recommends approval of a one year contract for Carl Sagan Academy. (Attachment 2). An application update and revised academic goals and objectives submitted by the school are Appendix I and II of the contract.

The attached application update and academic goals are original documents submitted by Carl Sagan Academy.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

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

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The charter school's enrollment will generate $819,729 in FEFP funds. The school district retains five percent ($40,986) of FEFP funds to offset servies provided by the district. The school also receives approximately $45,000 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.

EVALUATION

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

SUBMITTED BY: Jenna Hodgens, Supervisor, Charter Schools

William H. Person, General Director
Student Planning, Placement and Support Programs
(813) 272-4876
Lewis Brinson
Assistant Superintendent for Administration
(813) 272-4071
A 7.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080805_297 * Section A Item# 7.03