This session was designed for charter school leaders seeking to maximize funding and autonomy. Participants learned about Florida’s statute that allows eligible charter schools to become their own Local Education Agency (LEA), opening the door to significantly increased federal funding. Currently, seven organizations in Florida have embraced this opportunity, benefiting from the independence it offers. The presentation addressed the challenges of transitioning to an LEA, emphasizing the need for careful planning, understanding regulations, and meeting deadlines and paperwork requirements. Hosted by the Florida Charter Institute, the session unveiled the newly released LEA Manual—a comprehensive reference guide outlining essential requirements and providing valuable tips for schools considering this change. The presentation covered the fundamentals of serving as an independent LEA and highlighted key considerations to help schools determine if this step was the right move. It empowered participants with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive as independent LEAs, unlocking new funding potential and greater autonomy.
