Polk staff says statute requires 15‑year renewal for Bridge Prep; board questions long‑term oversight

Polk County staff on Tuesday briefed trustees that state law requires districts to grant a 15‑year charter renewal when an applicant earned a B (or A) in the most recent graded school year, a rule that affects Bridge Prep Academy27s renewal request.

Candy Amato explained that Bridge Prep initially sought a five‑year renewal but that the school27s board and counsel asked for a 15‑year term after the prior year grade qualified them. "Statute does allow them to ask and we must grant them 15 years," Amato told the board.

Board members asked how the district would support long‑term charter schools if performance declines mid‑term. Staff said charter schools are required to complete school improvement plans and typically have an educational service provider responsible for oversight; district support differs because charter curriculum and operations do not follow district curriculum maps.

Trustees also asked about the policy differences for "high performing" status. Staff said the earlier high‑performing designation required sustained A/B performance and a commissioner27s letter; a single A or B in the prior year now triggers 15‑year eligibility under updated statute.

Next steps: the matter was informational in the work session; staff said the Bridge Prep request and supporting documentation will be processed consistent with statute and return to the board for the formal renewal steps.

Context: Trustees expressed support for Victory Ridge Academy27s renewal in a separate presentation, noting the school provides specialized medical‑model therapy services not available in district classrooms.