 |
This section features extensive links and resources on the Florida charter school statutes and information on how the statutes apply to everyday charter school operations.
Read the Florida Charter School Statutes. The first Florida charter school statutes were approved in 1996, opening the door for the creation of charter schools as part of the state’s public education system. Since that year, the statutes have been amended several times.
Learn about the special programs and entities established through Florida charter school law, such as the Charter School Review Panel, the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission, the charter school capital outlay program, and the application appeals process.
Learn more about how the law applies to your school. Read the Technical Assistance Papers (TAPs) and guidelines on various issues and programs affecting charter schools and Advisory Legal Opinions interpreting charter school law.
- Section 1002.33 establishes charter schools. Under this law, private entities may enter into charters with school boards to provide educational services to district students. This law provides information on the application process and review, charter school requirements, charter, funding, exemptions from statute, etc.
- Section 1002.335 F.S. established the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission in 2006 as an independent, state-level charter school authorizer that will work in collaboration with the Department of Education and under the supervision of the State Board of Education.
- Section 1013.62 F.S. establishes the eligibility requirements and acceptable use of Capital Outlay Funding by charter schools..
 back to the top
back to the top
The Charter School Review Panel is a body created by the Florida Legislature under the Florida Charter School Statute 1002.33 (22) to “make recommendations to the Legislature, to the Department of Education, to charter schools, and to school districts for improving charter school operations and oversight and for ensuring best business practices at and fair business relationships with charter schools.” Review Panel members are appointed by the Governor, Commissioner of Education, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Meetings of the Review Panel are open to the public.
- Fernando Zulueta, Chair – Academica – Appointed by the Governor
- Cynthia Aversa, Indian River Charter High School – Appointed by the Senate President
- Devarn Flowers, Pembroke Pines Charter School – Appointed by the Senate President
- Mark Griffin, Wayman Academy of the Arts – Appointed by the Governor
- Sherry Hage, Charter Schools USA – Appointed by the Governor
- Kathy Helean, Imagine Schools – Appointed by the Speaker of the House
- Jenna Hodgens, Hillsborough County Public Schools – Appointed by the Education Commissioner
- Bernie Montero, Somerset Academy – Appointed by the Speaker of the House
- Sonia Vasquez, Seminole County – Appointed by the Education Commissioner
back to the top
In Florida, a program called the Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Funds assists charter schools with facilities costs. These funds are available only to the following types of charter schools:
- Charter schools that have been in operation for three or more years
- New charter schools that were created as a “feeder” school serving students from an existing charter school
- Charter schools that are accredited by SACS CASI (Southern Association of College and Schools
In addition, charter schools must meet other eligibility requirements such as financial stability and satisfactory student achievement. An eligible charter school receives funds based on the number of students enrolled. The rate is highest for high schools, and lowest for elementary schools. Legislation passed in 2006 increased capital outlay rates.
Charter schools may use their capital outlay funds for the following purposes:
- Purchase of real property
- Construction of school facilities
- Purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of permanent or relocatable school facilities
- Purchase of vehicles to transport students to and from the charter school
- Renovation, repair, and maintenance of school facilities that the charter school owns or is purchasing through a lease-purchase or long-term lease of 5 years or longer.
back to the top
back to the top
|
|
