CAN $800M HELP RECONNECT HOMELESS STUDENTS WITH SCHOOLS?

From K12 DIVE

By Shawna De La Rosa   May 3, 2021

Federal data shows about 1.5 million school-age children are homeless, and researchers estimated in fall that they also contribute to the 1 to 3 million students missing from remote learning, The Guardian reports. Advocates suggests the $800 million dedicated to helping homeless students in the American Rescue Plan will boost efforts to locate and assist them. READ MORE

DESANTIS’ ORDER ENDING LOCAL MASK RULES DOES NOT APPLY TO SCHOOLS

From Tampa Bay Times
By Jeffrey S. Solochek   May 3, 2021

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order on Monday immediately ending “local COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on individuals and businesses.”
It doesn’t apply to school districts.
Facing confusion from school district officials across Florida, the Department of Education issued a statement late in the evening to clarify the governor’s remarks and actions. READ MORE

U.S. News & World Report Magazine Ranks Nine FCPCS Member Schools Among State’s Top 50 Public High Schools for 2021

Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Congratulates its Nine Top Performing Member Schools

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., (April 30, 2021) – Nine member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) have been ranked in the top 50 of all public high schools in the state for 2021, according to rankings prepared and recently released by U.S. News & World Report magazine.

The nine Florida member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools and their 2021 rankings among Florida’s public high schools are:

• International Studies Charter High School, Miami, ranked number eight among Florida public high schools number 85 among all U.S. public high schools. 
• Somerset Arts Conservatory, Pembroke Pines, Fla., ranked number 23 among Florida public high schools and number 278 among all U.S. public high schools.
• Mater Performing Arts and Entertainment Academy, Hialeah Gardens, Fla., ranked number 31 among Florida public high schools and number 428 among all U.S. public high schools.
• Mater Academy East Charter High School, Miami, Fla., ranked number 32 among Florida public high schools and number 462 among all U.S. public high schools.
• Orlando Science Middle High Charter, Orlando, Fla., ranked number 36 among Florida public high schools and number 597 among all U.S. public high schools.
• Pinecrest Preparatory Academy Charter High School, Miami, Fla., ranked number 37 among Florida public high schools and number 598 among all U.S. public high schools.
• Mater Academy Charter High, Hialeah Gardens, Fla., ranked number 41 among Florida public high schools and number 686 among all U.S. public high schools.
• iMater Preparatory Academy High School, Hialeah, Fla., ranked number 43 among Florida public high schools and number 747 among all U.S. public high schools.
• Somerset Academy Charter High, Pembroke Pines, Fla., ranked number 50 among Florida public high schools and number 891 among all U.S. public high schools.

“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools congratulates the nine top 50 public charter high schools in Florida and salutes their students, teachers and administrators for their truly remarkable accomplishments,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.

The complete list of 2021 rankings of the nation’s public charter high schools by U.S. News & World Report is available at this link: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings/charter-school-rankings

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state, with a membership of nearly 75 percent of all operating charter schools.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven.  FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.

FLORIDA CHARTER SCHOOLS SCORE COURT WIN AS DISTRICT BOARDS’ APPEAL REJECTED 

From The Center Square
By John Haughey | Apr 9, 2020

The Florida Supreme Court unanimously has denied a request by nine county school boards to hear their constitutional arguments against a 2017 law that requires public school districts share revenues, including property taxes, with charter schools. READ MORE