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Starkey Suggests Charter School

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By RONNIE BLAIR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - In the past, charter schools in Pasco County were created when outside groups interested in starting the schools came before the Pasco County School Board to negotiate a contract.

Board Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, though, wants the board to take a more direct role.

She said Tuesday that the board should consider starting its own charter school, possibly one that focuses on students who are dropout risks.
Starkey said Superintendent Heather Fiorentino is looking into the possibility.
Starkey said a charter school would give the district flexibility it doesn't have with traditional public schools.
Charter schools are public schools that usually are operated by private groups or individuals, but state law also allows school boards to sponsor a school.
Charter schools are supposed to provide innovative programs that other schools don't offer, and in exchange they aren't tied down to all the rules and regulations traditional public schools face. "It has some advantages," Starkey said.

Pasco County has five privately operated charter schools. They are: Dayspring Academy, Academy at the Farm, Countryside Montessori Charter School, Athenian Academy of Pasco and Imagine Charter School at Land O' Lakes.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

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