Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Steps Taken to Improve Charter School Financial Management and Performance Accountability; Additional Action Needed

Report 08-04, January 2008

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Report Summary

  • Since our 2005 reports, the Legislature has taken action to improve the financial condition of the state's charter schools. The 2006 Legislature amended Florida law to clarify the Department of Education's role in providing technical support to school districts and charter school operators. This legislation also included charter schools as entities subject to provisions governing financial emergencies, and required charter school auditors to notify each member of the school's governing body when certain deteriorating financial conditions exist.
  • In addition, the Department of Education has implemented several of our recommendations to improve charter schools operations. For instance, the department has provided training and technical assistance to new charter school operators to help them in areas such as planning, budgeting, managing, and financial reporting.
  • However, additional steps would further improve charter school financial management and performance. These include strengthening reporting and technical assistance requirements for charter schools experiencing financial emergencies, developing financial monitoring system to identify and assist financially struggling charter schools earlier, and requiring that charter school applicants receive training and technical assistance during the application process.
  • The Legislature may also wish to consider clarifying conflict of interest prohibitions for charter schools.

Related Reports
  1. Many Florida Programs Enhance Students' Career and College Readiness
    Report 10-56 November 2010
  2. Charter School Performance Comparable to Other Public Schools; Stronger Accountability Needed
    Report 05-21 April 2005
  3. Charter School Application Requirements Are Reasonable; Financial Management Problematic
    Report 05-11 March 2005
  4. Progress Report: K-12 Accountability System and Student Achievement Improved, But Challenges Remain
    Report 04-41 June 2004
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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