From John Bos: How Florida handles charter schools

School Board approves resolution to regain authority over charter schools

Charlotte Sun (Florida), February 28, 2007
By Ella Nayor

The Charlotte County School Board unanimously approved a resolution which, if passed by the state Legislature, would allow the board to regain control over authorizing the use of charter schools.

The five-member board voted on the decision during a meeting at the Murdock Education Center on Tuesday evening.

The resolution, which would go into effect for the 2007-08 school year, would override a current law that took away school districts' rights to have sole authority over choosing charter schools, according to Assistant Superintendent Doug Whittaker.

District officials are not comfortable with the way the law stands now.

"We don't even have a say," said Superintendent Dave Gayler.

According to Whittaker, a loophole in the law allows school boards to appeal or submit a resolution to have authority over allowing charter schools to be created in their district. The resolution must be in state officials hands by Thursday.

If passed, the resolution gives district officials exclusive control to authorize charter schools within district boundaries.

The Alpha Center was the last charter school to exist within the district, Gayler said. Due to economic problems, the school folded about five years ago.

In other School Board business:

* The board unanimously approved the 2006-07 Student Learning Plan mid-year reports.

* The board unanimously approved raises for substitute teachers and other personnel.

* The board unanimously approved an Exceptional Learning Certificate program. According to officials, a sizeable jump in the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) population is expected.

The program would allow for more teachers to get ESOL-certified as well as track which schools have the qualified personnel.

"It's a big step in getting prepared," Whittaker said.

* Lemon Bay High School is officially ready to begin its construction upgrades after the board unanimously approved the Castaldi Report.

The report, which spells out the cost effectiveness of demolishing standing buildings, is required by the state before work can begin.

"It closes the loop on Lemon Bay," Whittaker said.

You can e-mail Ella Nayor at enayor@sun-herald.com.