Board approves KIPP Central Florida performance‑based agreement after staff says district faces penalties if it delays

The Orange County School Board approved a performance‑based agreement Tuesday that allows KIPP Central Florida to proceed with plans to open an elementary and middle campus in the district as a designated School of Hope.

District staff told the board the performance‑based agreement (PBA) and the Schools of Hope program are authorized under Florida Statutes 1002.33 (charter schools) and the Schools of Hope provisions. The district’s presentation said a School of Hope may locate within a five‑mile radius of persistently low‑performing schools or designated economic opportunity zones; KIPP’s notice of intent identified multiple target areas, including Holden Heights, Mercy Drive and Washington Shores. KIPP’s plan as presented would open a campus in August 2028 serving kindergarten through second grade and sixth grade, with grade levels added over time toward a full K–12 footprint.

Staff warned the board that if the district does not enter into a PBA within 60 days after receiving KIPP’s notice of intent, state statute would require the district to reduce the administrative fees it withholds from charter schools — a penalty the district said it wished to avoid. The district also noted that other Florida school districts host Schools of Hope run by hope operators including KIPP and IDEA Public Schools.

Board members asked staff for clarifications about standards and operations. A board member asked whether Schools of Hope are held to the same standards as other charter schools; staff replied that they are accountable for school grades but may receive some statutory flexibility tied to the program’s intent to serve persistently low‑performing schools. Staff also described state loan and grant programs available to Schools of Hope and noted concerns about a “co‑location” clause in state law — an outcome in which a designated operator shares a district school facility — that may create operational and budgetary complications for the district (for example, the district may still be responsible for certain custodial, food service and transportation costs if a School of Hope occupies district space).

The board approved the KIPP performance based agreement; members noted the approval is of a PBA rather than a charter contract and that KIPP will still be subject to future site, facility and program approvals. Member Herant made the motion and Member Douglas seconded; the motion carried with all members present voting in the affirmative.

Ending: The PBA clears the way for KIPP Central Florida to proceed with planning and to satisfy state deadlines; district staff said they will monitor statutory requirements and seek clarifications about co‑location and operational responsibilities as the project advances.