The Brief
- Charter school operator Mater Academy has notified districts throughout Florida of its intent to occupy space in more than 100 public schools under a new state rule, including dozens in Tampa Bay.
- The move is part of the “Schools of Hope” program, which allows charter schools to take over classrooms in under-capacity public schools.
- Critics say the rule undermines public schools and lacks financial fairness or oversight.
- Districts say they have limited options to reject the takeover.
TAMPA, Fla. – Schools of Hope charter school operators are preparing to potentially move onto public school campuses under recently adopted state guidelines, with one charter operator stating his intent by sending out dozens of letters to districts.
What we know:
Mater Academy, a Miami-based charter school network and one of six state-approved “Schools of Hope” operators, sent nearly 30 letters to the Hillsborough County School district last week.…