Staff recommend 15-year renewal for McKeel charter system; board to vote Oct. 28

Senior director Candy Amato presented the charter renewal overview for the McKeel charter system at the Polk County School Board's Aug. 23 work session and said the charter renewal team recommended a 15-year renewal based on the system's performance record.

Amato told the board the renewal covers three campuses: McKeel Academy South (K-6), McKeel Academy Central (K-6) and McKeel Academy Technology (7-12). She said all three are designated as high-performing and therefore eligible for a 15-year renewal under state law. "Because they are recognized as a high performing charter system, they are eligible for 15 year renewal," Amato said.

Amato reviewed the system's performance history and finances: the presenter said the schools consistently earned high grades, reported full participation in state testing, maintain a strong graduation rate and show healthy fund balances with clean audits. The timeline noted McKeel's conversion from a district school in 1998, expansion of Central in 2003 and South in 2006, and state designation as a high-performing charter system in 2013.

Board members asked questions about capacity and growth projections. Mr. Sharpless asked why McKeel Academy Central's enrollment projection in the school's 15-year plan was flat; Amato and board members said the campus is landlocked and cannot expand enrollment. Ms. Fields praised campus leadership and data.

Amato said the charter renewal team's recommendation will appear on the Oct. 28 board meeting agenda for a final vote.

No formal action was taken at the work session; staff submitted the renewal recommendation to be considered at the board's Oct. 28 meeting.