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

Charter School Application Requirements Are Reasonable; Financial Management Problematic

Report 05-11, March 2005

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Report Summary

  • The number of charter schools in Florida has risen steadily over the past nine years. In 2004-05, 300 charter schools served over 83,000 students. Florida ranks behind only California and Arizona in the number of charter schools currently in operation.
  • Florida's charter school application requirements are extensive but reasonable. Local school boards approved more than half of the charter school applications considered. The state's appeals process helps to ensure that school board reasons for denial are fair.
  • Charter schools often face challenges that put them at risk for chronic financial deficits, including high facility costs, limited expertise in financial management, and small enrollment. Lack of accurate and timely financial data makes it difficult to identify and provide assistance to schools with deteriorating financial situations.

Related Reports
  1. Steps Taken to Improve Charter School Financial Management and Performance Accountability; Additional Action Needed
    Report 08-04 January 2008
  2. Charter School Review Technical Report
    Report 05-22 April 2005
  3. Charter School Performance Comparable to Other Public Schools; Stronger Accountability Needed
    Report 05-21 April 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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