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Charter school seeks aid

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By ADAM EMERSON

aemerson@tampatrib.com

Published: June 9, 2009

TAMPA - A troubled Tampa charter school that serves homeless and at-risk children has asked the Hillsborough County School District to take over its operations.

In a letter to the district's superintendent, the Metropolitan Ministries Academy president said the best outcome for the children in his care would be for the charter to forge a partnership with the school system.

Persistent low test scores among its students placed the academy's charter in jeopardy, but its leaders had said they could overcome the struggle. At a hearing about two weeks ago, Hillsborough County School Board members said they supported the academy's mission and several expressed hope the school would thrive.

The academy serves 78 students, many of whom have attended several schools before arriving at Metropolitan Ministries. Twenty-one come from a homeless shelter; all qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch.

The board will consider the charter school's request at its meeting today.
Academy President Preston Farrior said Metropolitan Ministries will continue to invest in the academy, adding that "major improvements" are planned during the next five years.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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