Title: CS1-Public Charter Schools Federal Grant Program 2006-2009 Planning, Program and Initial Implementat

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the Public Charter Schools Federal Grant Program 2006-2009 Planning, Program Design, and Initial Implementation Project applications for four (4) charter schools opening 2006-2007 in the amount of $25,000 each, for the planning and program design, effective upon award, and authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to the grant which are required for implementation of the grant activities.

Description:

The Public Charter Schools Federal Grant Program 2006-2009 Planning, Program Design, and Initial Implementation project is a competitive grant authorized by Title V, Part B, Subpart 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

This Implementation Grant provides funds to approved charter applicants in the first two years of operation.
The purpose of the funding is to increase the number of high quality charter schools and improve student achievement by providing financial assistance for the planning, program design, and initial implementation costs for charter schools.

The grant provides support for the reading initiative as charter schools will be strongly encouraged to institute a reading component that aligns with Just Read, Florida! as part of the Florida Sunshine State Standards Curriculum.

The Implementation Grant applications submitted for the following four (4) charter schools have been reviewed by the appropriate District staff:
1.  Believers Academy
2.  Life Skills - Glades Area
3.  Riviera Beach Maritime Academy
4. Palm Beach Academy for Learning

Copies of the Grants are on file in the Board Office.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the Special Revenue - Other Funds budget is up to a total of $100,000 in the 2006-2007 Public Charter Schools Federal Grant Program Implementation Grant. Since the grant is competitive, some of the four schools may not be eligible to receive the funds. With a mutual agreement between the Charter School and the District, a 3.16% indirect cost may be payable to the district.  All grant related expenditures and contracts are authorized up the amount of the revenue.

For Additional Information, contact:
Ann Killets/(akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)
Janice S. Cover
Juanita W. Edwards

Attachments (list):
Data Panel.pdf