Board says McIntosh Area School faces turnaround after projected 'F'; district notes limited sponsor authority

The board approved the McIntosh Area School charter renewal contract (a standard Department of Education form) after a staff presentation that included projected student-performance data and a discussion of state accountability rules.

Mister Ayers (district sponsor staff) told trustees the school is projected to receive an F and will therefore be placed in turnaround status under Florida Administrative Code 6A‑1.0927; that status requires the school to present an academic improvement plan once the state finalizes grades and notifications, likely late summer after appeals. Ayers said the district will receive and review the school’s improvement plan but noted the sponsor’s authority over charter operations is limited by statute.

Board members asked whether the district has contingency plans should the charter close; Ayers said the district maintains placement planning and inventory procedures and described steps the sponsor would take in the event of closure. Board members emphasized student-focused planning rather than punitive measures for the school’s governance.

Trustee remarks noted the McIntosh school had been a C last year and that this is the first F in the current cycle; if the school receives additional consecutive years below a C, state rules would trigger escalated sanctions, including possible closure or replacement by an outside operator.

Next steps: staff will monitor state grade finalizations, receive any required improvement plans, and coordinate contingency placement planning for students if closure becomes necessary.