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Board hears fast‑track charter application and classical‑school materials recommendation
Summary
Staff recommended approval of Somerset Academy’s replication application for Westbure Elementary and Westbure Middle under Florida Statute 1002.33 and reported committee recommendations for Pelican Island Classical Magnet instructional materials (K–8), with a 30‑day public review window and follow‑up public hearing before final board action.
Board staff briefed members on two education items: (1) a replication charter application from Somerset Academy for Westbure Elementary and Westbure Middle, which the application review committee recommended moving forward on a fast timeline under Florida Statute 1002.33 and board policy 9,800; and (2) the second phase of instructional‑materials adoption for Pelican Island Classical Magnet covering grades 2–8.
On the Somerset application, staff said the district has 90 days to provide a recommendation after receipt of the application (Somerset submitted Jan. 9). The review committee asked Somerset to clarify transportation commitments and IEP service provisions; staff reported the applicant revised portions of the application and the committee recommended approval pending any petitions. “We are recommending approval for this project,” the staff presenter said.
For Pelican Island Classical, a 20‑member review committee (teachers, parents, residents and administrators) ranked materials and recommended Great Books paired with Shirley Grammar for ELA and Singapore Math for primary and middle grades as first choices. The 20‑day calendar review has expired; staff said a public hearing and final approval are scheduled subject to any challenges.
Why it matters: Charter approvals and instructional‑materials adoptions determine school openings, service commitments for students with disabilities and the curricular resources classroom teachers will use.
What’s next: Staff will place the Somerset participation/recommendation and the Pelican Island adoption on the board’s action agenda; the board must provide written reasons within 10 calendar days if it denies a high‑performing charter under the cited statute.
