It cost how much to run the Florida Schools of Excellence?

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DECEMBER 10, 2008

Nearly half a million dollars. That's how much.

Since 2006, the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission has had offices and staff, preparing itself for the eventuality that it would authorize and oversee charter schools that didn't want to ask local districts for sponsorship.

It has approved some charters along the way, but not one has opened. And with last week's ruling that the FSE is unconstitutional, it appears likely that none ever will. Commission executive director Frank Atkisson and his board are to meet this morning to discuss what to do next.

Some of you readers have asked how much this endeavor has cost Florida. Here's the breakdown for fiscal years 2006-07 and 2007-08, as provided by the Department of Education:

Salaries - $290,447
Benefits - $35,604
Expenses - $97,888
Travel - $34,759
Indirect Cost - $27,755
Capital Outlay - $1,912
TOTAL - $488,396

Want to hear what the commission might have in store? Today's meeting is a conference call. Call 1-888-808-6959. Access Code: 2450861.

Posted by Times Editor at 9:25:00 am on December 10, 2008 in

Charter Schools

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

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