Brevard County Charter School Operations 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.
Brevard Public Schools Board Votes to Approve Expansion of Guardian Program
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.”
Profit Over Pupils? For-Profit Dynamics in Florida’s Charter Schools
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.
Shifting Educational Funds from Public to Charter Schools in Florida
Proponents argue that the law is a step toward ensuring that charter school students are not disadvantaged in terms of capital outlay funding, which has historically been lower per student compared to traditional public schools. They claim that this approach recognizes the evolving role of charter schools and ensures that funding is student-centered, following students to their chosen public educational institutions. Critics, however, say this shift may impose financial burdens on public school districts. They highlight the risk of diverting essential funds from schools that have longstanding public accountability and infrastructure requirements.
