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Board hears annual projected enrollment changes for charter schools, including new openings and capacity increases
Summary
The district presented statute‑guided projected enrollments for charter schools for 2025–26 under Florida statutes 1002.33 and 1002.331; most schools maintained prior caps while several high‑performing or newly approved campuses requested growth. Board members sought clarification on monitoring and enrollment reconciliation.
Polk County School District staff presented the annual projected enrollment report for charter schools on April 22, a statutorily required exercise that sets projected FTE and capacity under Florida law for the 2025–26 school year.
Senior director for charter schools Candia (last name transcribed as Amato/Amato in packet) told the board the projections largely align with existing contracts but include a number of capacity increases for high‑performing schools and schools approved for expansion. Staff called out that School of Hope schools operate under a performance‑based agreement with unique statutory language; the district also has a newly approved school slated to open in August (Language and Literacy Academy) and another new beginning school seeking a Davenport area site.
Board members asked about monitoring projected vs. actual enrollments and the budgetary impact. Staff said they monitor enrollment monthly, collect revenue‑projection requests in the summer and then reconcile with the state’s final adjustments (survey 2) and adjust payments accordingly. Staff noted only a few charters tended to be off by hundreds of students year‑to‑year; the district follows up when enrollment is significantly under‑projected to address payment and capacity implications. Board members also asked about building readiness and occupancy documentation for new schools; staff noted statutory timelines require final documentation such as certificates of occupancy no later than 15 days before school starts for certain approvals.
Ending: Staff will provide contact information for each charter to board members and continue monthly enrollment monitoring, with adjustments made after state finalization of counts.
