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Charter School Celebrating New 15 Year Contract

    Leaders at the Altoona School charter elementary are celebrating this week, after receiving approval of a 15 year contract extension with Lake County Schools.  The unanimous approval of the extended contract serves as a culminating vote of confidence of the school system in the school, which in recent years has been among the county’s highest performing elementary schools.
    “This is the longest renewal period the school has ever received since opening its doors in 2004,” said school principal Dawn Cerney.  “Historically, renewals were granted for periods ranging from one to five years.”     
    Charter schools operate as independent public schools in Florida, but do so with certain levels of oversight both from the State of Florida and the the county school system in which they are located.  
    Cerney, who has led the school out of a past financial strain into its current state of stability and performance, said the long contract confirms the school is on the right track.
    “The approval of this extended contract reflects significant recent improvements in academic performance and financial stability, and stands as a strong vote of confidence from district leadership in Altoona School’s continued growth and success,” she said.
    The new contract takes effect on July 1, and will allow the school to focus on student growth in the years ahead, rather than preparing for yet another renewal request.
    “Knowing the district leaders see what we are doing and believe in our mission makes it all worthwhile,” Cerney said.  “The school is not just about what one or two people do, but about all 32 members of our staff who work day in and day out to provide students with the best academic experience possible.
    Altoona school serves an estimated 250 students, making it among the smaller public schools in the county.  It was created to serve children of the greater Altoona area after the previous elementary school at the site was relocated to Paisley and became Spring Creek Elementary. Spring Creek has since converted to charter status and is now a K-8 facility.
    Cerney this week voiced her appreciation to Lake County Schools for its faith in Altoona.
    “We would like to thank the Lake County School Board and Altoona School’s governing board for their continued trust and support.  We have an amazing group of people who care deeply about every child on this campus.  This renewal fuels our passion and our commitment to excellence.”