Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, July 28, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Non-Renewal of Contract With Re-Birth Academy (Non-Traditional Programs - Division of Administration)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Florida Statute 1002.33(9)(p) requires any school receiving a grade of "D" for two (2) consecutive years or a grade of "F" under s. 1008.34(2) to submit to the sponsor for approval a plan to raise student achievement. If the charter school fails to improve its student performance, the sponsor may terminate the charter pursuant to the provisions of F.S. 1002.33(8).

Re-Birth Academy received a district-calculated grade of "D" for two consecutive years in 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. In accordance with F.S. 1002.33(9)(p), on October 23, 2008, the school Director and Board Chair presented their School Improvement Plan to the district addressing areas of weakness and strategies for improvement. On April 17, 2009, Re-Birth Academy received a 90-day letter from the Superintendent recommending non-renewal of their charter based on sustained low student performance. An informal hearing was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the school's request. After receiving the 2009 FCAT scores, student improvement was not evident. As a result, the school received a district-calculated grade of "F" for the 2008/2009 school year.

Attached is a school profile that includes the past three year's testing and school grade information. Due to the provisions in F.S. 1002.33(9)(p), it is recommended that the charter for Re-Birth Academy not be renewed based on sustained low student performance.

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

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The school's 2008/2009 enrollment generated $432,743 in Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) funds. The school also received $40,710 in capital outlay funds from the Florida Department of Education.

EVALUATION

N/A

SUBMITTED BY:
Jenna Hodgens, Supervisor, Charter Schools
 Walt Shaffner, Director, Non-Traditional Programs

William H. Person
General Director
Student Planning, Placement, & Support Programs
(813) 272-4876
Lewis A. Brinson
Assistant Superintendent for Administration
(813) 272-4071
A 7.05
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090728_357 * Section A Item# 7.05