TRENDS AND CHALLENGES Charter Schools in Florida

Agenda Scope of Florida’s charter sector History Challenges, transportation and otherwise Looking ahead

Florida Charter Schools at a Glance 203,000 students* 578 schools 46 districts Enrollment has doubled in five years About 7 percent of public school population

Enrollment Trends

Diversity

CharterTraditional English language program10.68%11.64% Free and reduced lunch46.87%56.89% Exceptional student education9.22%13.06%

Policy and Funding Charter schools are public schools Only nonprofits can hold a charter with district Florida Education Finance Program Capital outlay dollars Federal funds

Transportation Charter schools are entitled to their proportionate share of transportation funds for eligible students. The charter school and the school district are required to cooperate in making arrangements so that transportation is not a barrier to equal access for all students residing within a reasonable distance of the charter school. Transportation of charter students must be consistent with the district school board requirements of all public K-12 students.

Standard Contract “Should the School choose to provide its own transportation plan rather than contract with the District for transportation services, it shall submit a transportation plan to the District for review and approval.”

Transported Charter Students 43,878 in school buses 95 in school cars or small vehicles 7,507 in public transit 346 in private cars 51,826 total transported (25% of enrollment)

Challenges What’s in the law Communication Poor relations between charters and districts

Who I am Adam Emerson Charter Schools Director Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice Office: (850)