HCPS FL Logo Administration
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 1, 2011
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Contract Renewal for Terrace Community Middle School
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.

Terrace Community Middle School is requesting a 15-year contract.  According to Florida Statute 1002.33(7)18(b)1..."charter schools operating for a minimum of three (3) years and demonstrating exemplary academic programming and fiscal management are eligible for a 15-year charter renewal".  F.S. 1002.33(7)18(b)2 further states, "The 15-year charter renewal...shall be granted to a charter school that has received a school grade of "A" or "B" pursuant to s.1008.34 in three (3) of the past four (4) years and is not in a state of financial emergency or deficit position...".  Based on the requirements of the referenced statute, Terrace Community's performance over the past ten (10) years, and the work of the review team, it is recommended that Terrace Community Middle School receive a 15-year contract commencing on July 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2026.

Attachment 1 is a report of the review team's findings and recommendations.  The recommended 15-year contract for Terrace Community Middle School is Attachment 2.  An application update, including a 15-year budget, is Appendix I of the contract.  The annual academic goals submitted by the school are Appendix II of the contract.

The attached application update and academic goals are original documents submitted by Terrace Community Middle School.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum • Demonstrate best financial practices • Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety including students, employees, visitors, facilities, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The charter school's enrollment includes 648 students which will generate $3,801,446 in Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) funds.  The school district retains a five (5) percent administrative fee for up to and including 250 students ($73,329) of FEFP funds to offset services provided by the district.  The school also receives approximately $352,452 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
Terrace Community Middle School will receive monitoring on an annual basis.  Student achievement, as well as, fiscal management, will be assessed through test data and financial reports.  If at any time during the contract period, the school does not meet its academic or fiscal obligations, the contract can be terminated.

On June 30, 2026, Terrace Community Middle School will participate in another contract renewal process which will include, but not be limited to: site visits, quarterly monitoring of student achievement, monthly monitoring of financial records, and a comprehensive district review.

SUBMITTED BY:  Jenna Hodgens, Supervisor, Charter Schools
William H. Person   Lewis A. Brinson
General Director Student Planning, Placement and Support Programs
(813) 272-4876
  Assistant Superintendent, Administration
(813) 272-4071
    A 7.07
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110201_452 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 7.07