About the Webinar:
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.
Becoming Your Own LEA
Presenter:
- Carlos Capellan, District Director of Leadership Operations, Florida Charter Institute
- Curtis Fuller, Chief Operations Officer, Florida Charter Institute
- Christy Noe, EDD Authorization, Florida Charter Institute
Date/Time: November 20, 2024
Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
View The Recording:
Handouts / Slides:
Download File
Session Summary
This session, presented by Carlos Capellan, District Director of Leadership Operations, and Curtis Fuller, Chief Operations Officer, from the Florida Charter Institute (FCI), explores the possibility of charter schools becoming their own Local Education Agencies (LEAs), offering insights into the benefits, challenges, and requirements of this transition.
The session begins by defining what an LEA is and outlining the responsibilities involved. It emphasizes that becoming an LEA grants schools access to more funding opportunities and autonomy but also brings significant responsibilities, essentially making them function as their own school district.
The presenters highlight the advantages of becoming an LEA, including increased access to federal funding and the ability to tailor programs and services to the specific needs of their students.
They also delve into the challenges and considerations, such as the need for sufficient staffing capacity, particularly in areas like legal consultation, compliance, and finance.
The session includes a discussion of the legal requirements and statutes related to becoming an LEA, emphasizing the importance of understanding and meeting all the necessary criteria.
Additionally, the presenters introduce the FCI's LEA Manual, a comprehensive guide designed to help schools navigate the process of becoming an LEA.