Title: CS1-Charter for Biotech Learning Center Charter School, Inc.

Recommendation:

I recommend that the School Board approve the Charter for Biotech Learning Center Charter School, Inc., effective December 15, 2005, through June 30, 2008 with the following provisions:

1.  The school will submit their application for the Implementation Grant in a timely manner to the Florida Department of Education.
2.  The school will defer their opening until the FY 2006-2007 school year. 

Description:

The mission of Biotech Learning Center Charter School, Inc. is to provide an instructional program for middle and high school students that focuses on high academic standards.  The school will use a standards-driven constructivist approach to teaching and learning.  The model is structured around how humans learn and the nature of the information culture in which students live.

Biotech Learning Center Charter School, Inc. will provide a unique academic environment for approximately 250 culturally diverse students in 6th through 12th grades.  

The Palm Beach County School Board approved the original application for Biotech Learning Center Charter School, Inc., on March 16, 2005.  Due to the complexities of the contract negotiations, the finalization of the contract has been delayed. 

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.

The Charter for Biotech Learning Charter School, Inc. has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate District departments and the Governing Board of the Charter School with the following provisions:

1.  The school shall submit their application for the FLDOE Implementation Grant for FY 06-07 in a timely manner to the Florida Department of Education.  If the school fails to timely apply, the school shall not open for FY 06-07.  Such failure may constitute "good cause" for immediate termination of this agreement.
2.  The school will defer their opening until August 1, 2006.

Due to the large number of pages, a copy of the Charter is on file in the Board Minutes Office for review.

Financial Impact:
Each Charter School will receive 95% of the funded FTE generated by up to 500 students.  The District will retain 5% of the FTE, up to 500 students, as per Florida Statute.

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

Attachments (list):
Data Panel.tif
legal review.pdf
Q&ACS1.doc
Q&ACS1.doc