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Board approves Somerset Academy application for two new charter schools
Summary
The board voted 4-0 to approve Somerset Academy's application to open two schools in August 2027; a board member raised concerns about a recruitment plan that referenced a YMCA partnership not available locally and about space for students with IEPs, asking staff to ensure these issues are addressed in contract terms.
The School Board of Indian River County voted unanimously on March 16 to approve Somerset Academy's application to open two new charter schools — Somerset Academy West Bureau and Somerset Academy West Bureau Middle — targeted to open in August 2027.
Board materials note the application was reviewed by the district's Charter School Application Review Committee (ARC) under Florida statute 1002.33 and the district’s policy for replication evaluations; ARC recommended approval and supporting documentation was placed in the backup materials.
During discussion, Doctor Jones thanked district staff for the application preparation but raised concerns recorded by the reviewing committee: the applicant's recruitment plan referenced working with a local YMCA that the board said does not exist in Indian River County, and the planned facility reportedly lacked a self-contained room for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) requiring accommodations. Doctor Jones urged that the district ensure, during contract negotiations, that transportation and accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans are addressed.
The board then moved to approve the application; the motion carried 4-0. Committee findings and written backup will be part of the contract and implementation review.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract details and oversee compliance with facility and student-accommodation requirements before school opening.
