So many charter schools are springing up in Pinellas these days, it's hard to keep up. The latest development: The school board unanimously approved a new charter high school for Newpoint Schools last night. It'll open up in Clearwater this fall, with a projected enrollment of 225 in year one and 600 by year four. More information in the board agenda packet, beginning on page 585.

In a related development, the board approved an amendment to the charter school contract for Life Skills North that allows it to change its name as it severs its ties to its management company, Ohio-based White Hat.

That school, also in Clearwater, will now be called NewStart High School. It's not clear from the agenda packet (go to page 459) what company is assuming management.

White Hat and the district butted heads last year over the Life Skills South in St. Petersburg, which the board shut down.