Approve Continuing Contract Agreement for Carl Sagan Academy

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.

Carl Sagan Academy received a letter grade of "D" by the state for performance on the FCAT during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years. On March 28, 2008, the Superintendent sent a 90 day letter to Carl Sagan Academy recommending non-renewal of their contract due to sustained low student performance. On May 15, 2008, an informal hearing was held by the District School Board upon request from the charter school.

Carl Sagan Academy Charter School has requested a contract renewal. Since state grades will not be received until July, and to avoid any lapse in the current contract, staff is requesting the Board approve a continuance of the contract term for 30 calendar days. This would allow the District time to receive pertinent information regarding student achievement prior to a decision of renewal/non-renewal. The approval of this extension will not impact the School Board's decision regarding a renewal contract.

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 $465,579 in FEFP funds. The school district retains five percent ($23,279) of FEFP funds to offset services provided by the district. The school also will receive approximately $43,039 in capital outlay funds during the 2008-2009 school year. Costs associated with the development of the contract include district staff time and attorney fees.

N/A