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School board approves three charter renewals and a K‑8 expansion for Dreamers Academy
Summary
The Sarasota County School Board approved a contract amendment allowing Dreamers Academy to expand from K‑5 to K‑8 and granted 15‑year renewals to Island Village Montessori School and Sarasota Military Academy, all by 5‑0 votes.
The Sarasota County School Board voted unanimously Feb. 18 to approve three charter actions: a charter amendment for Dreamers Academy to expand from kindergarten through grade 5 to a K‑8 school, and 15‑year renewal contracts for Island Village Montessori School and Sarasota Military Academy.
Superintendent Connor presented the Dreamers Academy amendment, which the superintendent said would add one grade per year beginning with sixth grade in the 2025–26 school year. The superintendent recommended approval, and the board approved the amendment 5‑0. The item allows the superintendent and the board chair to execute the amended charter contingent on approval by general counsel.
Island Village Montessori School, operating since 2002, applied for renewal and the district's charter review committee recommended a 15‑year renewal based on the school's state accountability rating. The board approved the renewal 5‑0.
Sarasota Military Academy also received a 15‑year renewal after a committee review and a current state accountability grade of B; the board approved the renewal 5‑0.
Why it matters: The renewals and the Dreamers expansion expand school-choice options in the county. Board members said the schools reflect the district's school‑choice goals and noted outreach and partnerships described during recent workshops.
Votes at a glance: - Dreamers Academy charter amendment (agenda item 11.1): Motion approved 5‑0; motion to approve moved by Miss Ziegler and seconded by Mr. Edwards. - Island Village Montessori School renewal (agenda item 11.2): Motion approved 5‑0; mover recorded as Miss Marinelli and seconded by Mr. Edwards. - Sarasota Military Academy renewal (agenda item 11.3): Motion approved 5‑0; motion moved by Mr. Edwards and seconded by Miss Barker.
What the board said: Board members urged colleagues and the community to review workshop materials tied to the charters. Mr. Edwards said the three schools capture the intent of school-choice by offering specialized programs; Ms. Barker said visits to the schools underscored their value to vulnerable students.
Ending: The approvals were recorded as contingent on any final legal review where noted; there were no reported dissenting votes.
