Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommend Denial of Charter Application for Padah's Academy (Division of Administration)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On August 3, 2009, the District received twenty applications for prospective charter schools. Each applicant was requested to sign a memorandum of agreement to extend the 60-day timeline in law. Although Padah Academy did not sign the agreement, the same process afforded to all applicants was followed. Padah was given the opportunity to present their application to the Charter School Application Review Team. The Charter School Application Review Team, made up of staff from a variety of district departments, reviewed the application, and an interview was conducted. According to the requirements of Florida Statute 1002.33(6), charter applications must:

1. Demonstrate how the school will use the guiding principles and meet the statutorily defined purpose of a charter school.

2. Provide a detailed curriculum plan that illustrates how students will be provided services to attain the Sunshine State Standards.

3. Contain goals and objectives for improving student learning and measuring that improvement.

4. Describe the reading curriculum and differentiated strategies that will be used for students reading at grade level or higher and a separate curriculum and strategies for students who are reading below grade level.

5. Contain an annual financial plan for each year requested by the charter for operation of the school for up to five years.

A summary of the application for Padah's Academy is attached.

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

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Demonstrate best financial practices

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The estimated cost of the review of this charter application is $1500. Additional costs will be incurred in the event that the applicant appeals the School Board's decision to deny the application. The review of the charter application is not covered by the five percent (5%) administrative fee collected to support the District's charter schools.

EVALUATION

Staff will annually review the application process to ensure that all statutory requirements are met.

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 7.04
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090915_361 * Section A Item# 7.04