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Brevard County Charter School Operations and Oversight
This article is the last installment of a four-part series of charter schools by Palm Bay Live.
Charter Schools in Brevard County: Funding and Oversight
According to Russell Bruhn, Chief Strategic Communications Officer for Brevard Public Schools, charter schools in Brevard County are financed through a combination of state, local, and federal funds, similar to other public schools. The primary source of funding is the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which allocates funds based on the number of full-time enrolled students. Additionally, charter schools have the opportunity to enhance their funding through federal grants. One notable example is the Charter School Program Grant, which supports the planning and initial implementation of charter schools.
“Each charter school has a unique blend of federal, state, and local funding, depending on the specific grants they are able to secure and the number of students they serve,” explained Bruhn.
In terms of oversight, Brevard County maintains rigorous accountability measures to ensure that charter schools meet both financial and academic standards. “All charter schools in the district are required to submit monthly or quarterly financial reports, depending on whether they have achieved high-performing status,” Bruhn stated. Moreover, the district actively monitors these schools to ensure they comply with state statutes covering all aspects of their operations.
Financial transparency is critical in the oversight process. Charter schools must submit an annual audit to the district, which is then made available to the public on each school’s website. This process ensures that stakeholders, including parents and community members, have access to detailed financial information about the schools.
Billy Prasad, Deputy Director of Brevard County Planning and Development, elaborates on the zoning and land development aspects of charter schools. “From a zoning standpoint, charter schools are treated similarly to other public schools, with certain exceptions. For example, specific provisions in our Code of Ordinances allow the Board of County Commissioners to direct educational facility impact fees toward the construction of charter school facilities,” Prasad notes. Additionally, the Public School Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan includes policies that facilitate the use of charter schools as mitigation options to address school capacity issues.
Over the past decade, two charter schools in Brevard County have closed due to financial instability and insufficient academic performance. “When a charter school closes, any remaining public funds, as well as property and equipment purchased with those funds, are returned to the district school board,” Bruhn clarified. This policy helps safeguard public investments and ensures that resources are redistributed to other public schools within the district.
The location of charter schools is also regulated to ensure they meet community needs and educational standards. Prospective charter schools must apply through a state-mandated process, which includes a thorough review of their proposed location as part of a comprehensive assessment by the district. “The review process is designed to evaluate how well the proposed site will serve the community and support the school’s educational goals,” said Bruhn.
Management and Locations of Charter Schools in Brevard County
In the world of charter schools, management fees are a common expense. These fees are often paid to organizations that handle administrative, curriculum development, and operational tasks for the schools. They can vary widely depending on the size of the school, the scope of services provided, and the specific contractual agreements in place.
For instance, in Brevard County, the disparity in management fees among different charter schools is quite noticeable. According to 2021 IRS Form 990 submissions, Palm Bay Academy reported management fees of $29,567. In contrast, Odyssey Charter School paid significantly higher fees amounting to nearly $1.7 million. Meanwhile, Emma Jewel Charter School incurred $93,000 in management fees. These figures highlight the varying scale and administrative needs of each school.
The implications of such management fees are multifaceted. While these fees support the operational efficiency of charter schools, they also raise questions about financial priorities and the allocation of public education funds. High management fees, as seen with Odyssey, suggest a substantial investment in specialized services, which could indicate a focus on enhancing educational quality or administrative depth. However, it also prompts scrutiny regarding the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing school management functions and the impact on budget allocations for direct educational activities.
In Brevard County, the guidelines regarding the placement of charter schools are notably flexible, emphasizing the adaptability of educational services to community needs. Dr. Melinda Maier, Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Brevard Public Schools, shared insights into the process. “As far as the charter office is concerned, there are no regulations that impact the location of charter schools within the county,” Dr. Maier explained. She noted that applicants for new charter schools may not specify a location initially. “When a potential charter school applies, they may not even know the location at which they would be housed,” she added.
If an applying charter has a proposed location, the county considers the strategic need for a school in that area. Dr. Maier emphasized the focus on community requirements: “If they do have a location, we do take into account if the area is in need of a charter school.”
Brevard County Charter Schools Controversies
Charter schools are mandated to employ certified teachers, in accordance with statutory requirements. Teachers working in or contracted by charter schools must hold the appropriate certifications as stipulated by current legislation. Recently, however, controversies have come to light regarding charter school personnel. Not only was a new principal, previously arrested in 2010 for stealing prescription drugs from teachers, selected for leadership, but also a teacher arrested in January 2023 for domestic violence was named “Teacher of the Year.” Furthermore, the only assistant principal who was set to return for this school year at Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High was placed on probation last year for his previous actions of violently restraining students by using his forearm across their throats during his tenure at Palm Bay High.
These incidents not only raise questions about the vetting and selection process for staff within charter schools but also about the standards for advancing individuals to leadership positions. Odyssey Charter seems to be a haven for individuals with criminal histories, academic shortcomings, and various professional reprimands, often advancing them to higher roles. This pattern of behavior raises concerns not just about the qualifications of the staff but also about the financial priorities of the school. Notably, in 2021, Odyssey Charter reported spending over $1.6 million in management and $91,000 in legal fees, as detailed in their IRS Form 990.
According to the Brevard Public Schools senior communications coordinator, there are 15 charter schools in Brevard County, 6 of which are located in Palm Bay. Despite Brevard Public Schools maintaining a “B” rating in the latest report card issued by the Florida Department of Education, an analysis of school performance reveals a noteworthy disparity in excellence. While only Education Horizons Charter School achieved an “A” rating, 21 public elementary schools, including Pinewood, Atlantis, and South Lake, secured top marks.
Brevard County Charter Schools and Public Opinion
To gauge public opinion more directly, Palm Bay Live conducted a Facebook poll that garnered responses from 592 participants. Thirty-four percent expressed a preference for charter schools, below the 51% who favored public schools. Additionally, alternative options also had their share of support: 4% chose ‘none of the above,’ 2% leaned towards parochial schools, and 9% preferred homeschooling.
Commenters voiced their reasons for their choices, touching on a variety of critical issues. One prevalent theme was concern over the long-term impacts of shifting public funds to charter, private, and religious schools. This reallocation, some argued, has contributed to the dwindling quality of public education, a trend exacerbated by political decisions favoring charter schools over traditional public ones. One community member noted, “That is what is wrong with charter schools—they take from the public schools’ funds.”
Other community members voiced frustration over what they perceive as more lenient regulations governing charter schools, particularly regarding student discipline. For example, a local remarked on charter schools’ ability to expel students for misconduct, adding, “Public schools aren’t given that luxury.”
Yet, others argued for the benefits of parental choice and the tailored educational approaches that charter schools can offer, suggesting that for some students, these institutions provide a better fit than their public counterparts. One community member stated, “Personally, it’s about parental choice [and] the best school that meets the needs of the student.”
Moreover, commenters debated the accountability and oversight of charter schools, with some pointing out the lack of stringent standards that public schools are subject to. This raised alarms about the potential for fiscal mismanagement and educational inconsistency within the charter system. Yet, others argued for the benefits of parental choice and the tailored educational approaches that charter schools can offer, suggesting that for some students, these institutions provide a better fit than their public counterparts.
Echoing through the comments was a call for a balanced perspective on school choice, recognizing the value in both charter and public schools while advocating for reforms that ensure quality education across the board. The conversation also touched on the comparative performance of charter versus public schools in Brevard County, citing statistics to support various viewpoints on which system offers superior education.
Brevard Public Schools Board Votes to Approve Expansion of Guardian Program
Brevard County, FL- This morning, the Brevard Public School Board voted in favor of the expansion of our Sheriff Training On Site Marshall Program (S.T.O.M.P.) to include district personnel who meet specific qualifications to serve as Guardians. Safety is Brevard Public Schools (BPS) number one priority for all students and staff, and the inclusion of Guardians to supplement our School Resource Officers and School Security Specialists, will further support our mission to serve every student with excellence as the standard.
The expansion allows employees the opportunity to apply to be a school-based guardian. The program is voluntary and only employees who are not assigned to a classroom, and as outlined in the terms of their Brevard Federation of Teacher bargaining contract, may volunteer and/or qualify.
All employee volunteers who qualify for, and are accepted into, the S.T.O.M.P. program will undergo employment vetting, and must successfully complete the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office S.T.O.M.P training requirements before completion. Employee volunteers who advance, will have no law enforcement authority in any capacity, except in the extent necessary to prevent or stop an active assailant incident at any Brevard Public School’s site.
BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell noted: “This is an additional layer of security for our schools. While this program is new to Brevard, it is not new to Florida as numerous other districts have had Guardians in schools for several years. The individuals who will be in the program are not classroom teachers or other positions that are part of the instructional staff covered by the teacher contract. All Guardians will have to go through the same screening process and intensive training that is required by our School Safety Specialists. I am thankful that we have employees who are willing to volunteer to serve in these positions. I am also grateful for the strong partnership we have the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office which provides such rigorous training.”
S.T.O.M.P. was formed by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), in partnership with Brevard Schools, following the tragic events which occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. In accordance with the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (Florida Senate Bill 7026), S.T.O.M.P. was developed and has served as our program which oversees all School Resource Officers and Security Specialists within Brevard Public Schools sites.
Training is currently slated to begin July 2024, through collaboration with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
For requests regarding further information on S.T.O.M.P. training, please contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. For media inquiries or further information regarding BPS’ role in S.T.O.M.P., please contact: [Ryan Dufrain] [Assistant Superintendent to Human Resources] [321-633-1000 ext. 11200] [dufrain.ryan@brevardschools.org]
Profit Over Pupils? For-Profit Dynamics in Florida’s Charter Schools
The Rise of For-Profit Management in Florida’s Charter Schools
In Florida, the line between non-profit charter schools and for-profit management is increasingly blurred. Although charter schools are required to operate as non-profits, many engage for-profit firms to manage their operations. These companies profit by collecting management fees and through leasing arrangements for school facilities. Often, the management firm itself or a related real estate entity owns the property, effectively making the school’s management company its landlord as well. These financial arrangements are funded by the per-student allocations provided by state legislation, with some schools paying over $1 million annually in lease payments alone, as highlighted by the nonprofit research institute Integrity Florida.
Carol Burris, Executive Director of the Network for Public Education, notes that about half of all Florida charter schools are operated by for-profit organizations. Notable entities like Academica and Charter Schools USA, which originate from Florida, dominate the charter landscape, raising concerns about the influence of profit motives on educational quality. Moreover, smaller for-profit chains, managing fewer than 10 schools, are also prevalent in the state.
Reports and investigations have revealed instances where for-profit management companies exert substantial control over charter schools’ day-to-day operations, sometimes funneling a significant portion of the schools’ revenue into fees or lease payments to related entities.
A February 2020 report by the LeRoy Collins Institute further reveals that over 40% of Florida’s charter schools are run by for-profit Education Management Organizations (EMOs), a rate much higher than the national average.
The prevalence of for-profit Education Management Organizations (EMOs) in Florida, particularly notable in Miami-Dade County, where such entities manage 77% of charter schools as of 2020, adds a complex layer to the ongoing debate about the allocation of public education funds. Critics are concerned about the transparency and accountability of public funds, especially given instances where state education dollars might benefit the for-profit entities more directly than the students.
Burris also notes the involvement of real estate developers in the charter school sector is particularly noteworthy. For instance, Academica, founded and still owned by real estate developers, exemplifies this trend. Burris highlights an intriguing case involving The Villages, where a charter school exclusive to its employees ensures their continued employment. Additionally, the establishment of the Ina A. Cohen Charter School, financed by a family foundation linked to the community’s builders, raises questions about financial entanglements and interests.
Finally, Burris underscores the concerning trend of Florida’s inadequate funding for public schools, as highlighted by the Education Law Center. “Florida does a terrible job funding its public schools by all their research standards,” Barris states. “By starving its public schools, the Florida legislature is driving families into charter schools, leaving the neediest students as well as those with serious learning disabilities behind in the underfunded public schools.”
Charter School Closures and Financial Instability
As of May 10, at least 491 charter schools have closed in Florida since 1998, including 15 in Brevard County. These closures hint at underlying challenges within the charter school system, sparking concerns about their long-term viability and the oversight mechanisms in place to safeguard educational standards and public investment. They also mean that taxpayer funds, once allocated to these privately owned entities for educational purposes, cannot be recouped.
The Florida Auditor General’s latest report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, uncovers several pressing issues within the charter school sector, casting a spotlight on the financial instability that plagues some of these institutions. An analysis of 688 schools revealed that 47 were grappling with significant financial issues, and 15 were dire enough to raise serious alarms. Perhaps more concerning is the pattern of repeated mistakes, indicating a systemic failure to address and rectify ongoing financial mismanagement.
Additionally, the report highlighted that 51 charter schools operated at a loss during that fiscal year. Four schools’ viability was under question due to financial troubles. A critical issue identified in the report was a lack of transparency. Some schools failed to adequately disclose important financial information, such as budgets and spending reports.
The State of Florida has recently announced plans to strengthen charter school oversight. The Department of Education announced plans to develop a rule to implement charter school oversight measures approved over the last two years. This initiative aims to address the financial instability and lack of transparency identified in the Auditor General’s report. The proposed rule will focus on charter school sponsors, ensuring they oversee the schools’ finances effectively and uphold participation in a state accountability system. A “standard monitoring tool” is in the works to facilitate annual site reviews of charter schools.
Influence of Lobbying and Contributions on Education Policy
According to a 2018 report by Integrity Florida, the charter school industry has played a significant role in shaping education policy through lobbying efforts and political contributions. From 1998 to 2016, the industry spent over $13 million on influencing state education policy, with the aim of legislating changes to expand and financially support charter schools.
One of the most telling instances of this influence was the passage of House Bill 7069 in 2017, which helped expand charter schools by easing the process of opening new schools and mandating revenue sharing from traditional public schools to charter schools for capital projects.
Governor DeSantis’s recent signing of HB 1285 also simplifies the process of converting underperforming public schools into charter schools. This law mandates that any public school receiving consecutive low-performance evaluations be designated as a “turnaround school.” If school districts fail to improve these schools, they are required to contract with a charter school operator by October 1 of the final year of control.
HB 1285 also streamlines the negotiation process between school districts and charter school operators. Key provisions ensure that new charter schools give enrollment preference to students from the previous school’s zone and operate at the same grade levels as the public school they replace. These charter schools are also exempt from paying rent for the facility, and school districts are prohibited from imposing administrative fees.
Financial records from Transparency USA highlight the scale of contributions by prominent industry players. Charter Schools USA, for instance, contributed over $1.4 million across the past three election cycles in the Sunshine State. The Florida Department of State Division of Elections records also reveal specific contributions to key members of the Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12. In 2022, Charter Schools USA made strategic donations of $1,000 each to three committee members: Senator Corey Simon, Representative Alexis Maria Calatayud, and Representative Jay Collins, all part of the Republican Party and influential in educational legislative matters.
The Florida Federation for Children also plays a critical dual role through its PAC and ECO. The PAC focuses on direct political contributions and campaigning, with over $1.3 million in contributions and $1.4 million in expenditures in 2020, and more than $1.9 million contributed with around $1.7 million spent in 2022. In contrast, the ECO, which focuses on broader election communication efforts, spent about $715,000 in 2018 and $28,000 in 2020. Charter Schools USA has been a notable donor to the PAC, contributing more than $350,000 in 2020 and about $375,000 in 2022.
Emergency Alert Test @ 2:20pm Today !
WASHINGTON — FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The WEA portion of the test will be directed to consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all WEA-compatible cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.
The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.
FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and maximize the public safety value of the test.
The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed, due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.
The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.
This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).
All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:
- Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and in a geographic area where the wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.
- For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
- Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
- Similar to when your phone receives an Amber Alert, the WEA alert tone is generally only played when the alert is initially received by the phone and on some devices stops as soon as the user clicks a button.
- If a phone is off before the test alert is sent and not turned back on until after the WEA Test expires (approximately 30 minutes), the phone should not get the test message.
WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.
Important information about the EAS test:
- The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
- The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
Navy Veteran to be awarded in Palm Bay
This Thursday at the Palm Bay City Council meeting Deputy Mayor, Donny Felix, will present a flag to honor the service of Mr. Thomas Rebman.
Mr. Rebman served in the US Navy as an Engineering Officer from 1978 to 2001. After his military retirement he returned home to earn his Elementary Education bachelor’s degree and Reading master’s degree from Stetson University. In 2010, he began his teaching career.
He began in Brevard County as the MyOn Reading Director. He then began teaching in Palm Bay. During his 6-year tenure at Odyssey Charter School his students outperformed every other Palm Bay school in Civics.
Last year his students scored in the top 9% of the State of Florida. Not only does Mr. Rebman academically challenge students, he makes them better citizens.
He started his school’s Interact Club which is the high school equivalent of the local Rotary Club. Each year he recruits students for the American Legion Oratory Contest, Boys and Girls State, the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, and many other student enrichment programs.
He also takes his students a couple of times a year to attend the Palm Bay City Council Meeting to teach them local civic engagement. He has organized and completed numerous community service projects with his students. These included Road Clean-ups, Nursing Home Visits, and other projects serving the community.
This Thursday at the Palm Bay City Council meeting Councilman Donny Felix will present a flag to honor the service of Mr. Thomas Rebman.
Mr. Rebman served in the US Navy as an Engineering Officer from 1978 to 2001. After his military retirement he returned home to earn his Elementary Education bachelor’s degree and Reading master’s degree from Stetson University. In 2010, he began his teaching career.
He began in Brevard County as the MyOn Reading Director. He then began teaching in Palm Bay. During his 6-year tenure at Odyssey Charter School his students outperformed every other Palm Bay school in Civics.
Last year his students scored in the top 9% of the State of Florida. Not only does Mr. Rebman academically challenge students, he makes them better citizens.
He started his school’s Interact Club which is the high school equivalent of the local Rotary Club. Each year he recruits students for the American Legion Oratory Contest, Boys and Girls State, the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, and many other student enrichment programs.
He also takes his students a couple of times a year to attend the Palm Bay City Council Meeting to teach them local civic engagement. He has organized and completed numerous community service projects with his students. These included Road Clean-ups, Nursing Home Visits, and other projects serving the community.
CDC & FDA recommend a pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Breaking News
Federal health agencies are calling for an immediate pause in the use of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose coronavirus vaccine after six recipients in the United States developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within two weeks of vaccinations.
All six recipients were women between the ages of 18 and 48. One woman died and second woman has been hospitalized in critical condition.
Around seven million people in the United States have received Johnson & Johnson shots so far. Nine million shots have been shipped out to the states according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Norwegian Cruise Line will require passengers and crew to be vaccinated
World News-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will require all passengers and crew to be vaccinated against COVID-19 when U.S. cruises restart, becoming the first of the three largest cruise companies to mandate inoculations for all on board.
The new mandate will apply to the company three cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. The company made the announcement today with hopes of convincing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to allow its ships to start sailing in July.
The CDC is preventing companies from cruising from U.S. ports until they meet the requirements of its ” conditional sail order”.
WORLD NEWS-Boeing 737 crashes into the sea according to multiple reports
Developing story: A passenger jet carrying over 60 individuals crashed after taking off from Indonesia capital, Jakarata.
Four minutes after taking off amid heavy rain, the 26 year old plane lost more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than 60 seconds according to Flightradar24.
Federal prosecutor doesn’t rule out charging President Donald Trump for inciting Capitol riot
CNBC is reporting that a top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. on Thursday did not rule out charging President Donald Trump in connection with inciting a riot where his supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol complex.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said the Department of Justice will consider lodging criminal charges against anyone who played a role in the riot.
When a reporter asked in a press conference if he was eyeing Trump’s role in sparking the chaos, Sherwin stated “I don’t want to sound like a broken record. we’re looking all actors here.
“Anyone who had a role and where the evidence fits a crime,” he said.
The White House counsel had warned the President that he could be charged because of his remarks at the rally, where he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. This was reported by the New York Times.