| New Business - Charter Schools |
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Title: Recommendation: Description: The School District of Palm Beach County currently has thirty-five (35) operating Charter Schools and two (2) approved Charter Schools scheduled to open in August 2005. Ten (10) additional applications were approved at the December 8, 2004, January 19, 2005, and March 16, 2005 School Board meetings to negotiate a Charter. Upon successful completion of charter contract negotiations and Board Approval of the ten (10) applicants, the District will have a total of forty-seven (47) Charter Schools. Section 1002.33, Florida Statutes (2003), authorizes Charter Schools as part of the state's program of public education. Following the initial review, the application for Leadership Academy West was rated as acceptable and is recommended for approval. Pursuant to Florida Statute 1002.33, the terms and conditions for the operation of the Charter School shall be set forth by the District and the applicant in a written contractual agreement, called a Charter. Due to time constraints and in order to open in August 2005, the Charter for Leadership Academy West has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate District departments and the Governing Board of the Charter School. The Charter shall be the binding agreement that shall detail all rights and responsibilities of the School Board and the Charter School. The mission of Leadership Academy West will be to provide opportunities for enrolled students to acquire an education focused on rigorous academics, technology, and technical skills to produce graduates who are prepared for success in a global community. Through a science-based, experimental learning curriculum, students will gain knowledge and skills to prepare them for college and the work force upon graduation. Along with a high level of achievement in core academic areas, students will create ownership of challenging goals in their individual areas of interest. Immersion in the community and local business, along with quarterly learning expeditions (community-based study periods), will encourage students to take advantage of local resources. The maximum student population to be served is: Ninth grade - 125 Due to the large number of pages, copies of the charter application and the Charter is on file in the Board Minutes Office for your review. Financial Impact: For Additional Information, contact: Ann Killets(akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us) Janice S. Cover Chuck Shaw Attachments (list):
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