Florida Education Officials Clear Broward County School Board of Wrongdoing
Investigation into Charter School Funding Found to be Compliant
Florida education officials have announced that the Broward County school board is in compliance with state law regarding charter school funding, ending an investigation into whether the board had failed to share $80 million in tax revenue money with the schools.
Investigation Launched in March
State Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. launched an investigation in March into whether the school board was not "properly" sharing revenue collected from a discretionary tax with charter schools in the district. The investigation was set to determine whether the school district was unwilling or unable to comply with the law and what actions should be taken to bring them into compliance.
Payment Plan Agreed to with Charter Schools
However, Andrew King, general counsel for the state Department of Education, announced on Wednesday that the school district had agreed to a three-year payment plan to pay charter schools in the district. This development has brought an end to the investigation, and the state board is expected to discuss the issue again during their July meeting.
New Superintendent Appointed
The payment deal was agreed to on the same day that former Broward County schools superintendent Peter Licata announced his retirement. The school board quickly replaced him with Howard Hepburn, who most recently served as deputy superintendent of teaching and learning.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Broward County school board’s handling of charter school funding has come to a close, with the board found to be in compliance with state law. The agreement to a three-year payment plan with charter schools has brought an end to the matter, and the state board will not need to take further action.
FAQs
Q: What is the controversy surrounding the Broward County school board?
A: The controversy surrounds the board’s handling of charter school funding, with allegations that they failed to share $80 million in tax revenue money with the schools.
Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
A: The investigation found that the school board is in compliance with state law regarding charter school funding, and an agreement was reached for a three-year payment plan with charter schools.
Q: Who will be the new superintendent of Broward County schools?
A: Howard Hepburn, the former deputy superintendent of teaching and learning, has been appointed as the new superintendent.
