04-23-2009
AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL
TH
3333 NE 188 Street
Aventura, Florida 33180
Telephone: 305-466-1499
Fax: 305-466-1339
Website:www.aventuracharter.org
Board of Directors
Mayor Susan Gottlieb
Commissioner Zev Auerbach
Commissioner Bob Diamond
Commissioner Teri Holzberg
Commissioner Billy Joel
Commissioner Michael Stern
Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg
City Manager
Eric M. Soroka, ICMA-CM
Principal
Julie Alm
Vice Principal
Daniel Sandberg
Administrative and Educational Services Provided by
:
Charter Schools USA
CITY OF AVENTURA
CHARTER SCHOOL FUND
FISCAL YEAR 2009/10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC
PAGE NO.
CITY MANAGER’S BUDGET MESSAGE 1
BUDGET PROCESS 9
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES 10
VISION STATEMENT 13
PHILOSOPHY AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 13
CURRICULUM 13
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 15
SUMMARY 18
DESCRIPTION AND ORGANIZATION CHART19
REVENUE PROJECTIONS 20
ACTIVITIES
Expenditures:
K-3 Basic 21
4-8 Basic 22
Exceptional Student Program 23
Substitute Teachers 24
Instructional Media Services 25
School Administration 26
Pupil Transit Services 27
Operation of Plant 28
Child Care Supervision 29
Capital Outlay 30
ADOPTING ORDINANCE 31
Office of the City Manager
The Honorable Mayor and City Commission
Aventura City of Excellence School Board of Directors
City of Aventura
Aventura, Florida 33180
RE: 2009/10 Charter School Fund Budget Message
Members of the City Commission:
In accordance with Article IV, Section 4.05 of the Charter of the City of Aventura, I hereby
submit the proposed Budget for the Charter School Fund for the fiscal year beginning July
2009, for your review and consideration. This budget document represents the seventh year of
operation of the Aventura City of Excellence School. Our goal in the development and
preparation of a realistic balanced budget was to provide the funding levels to maintain the
quality education services for our students in light of these difficult economic times.
Budget Format
The format of the budget is in accordance with guidelines adopted by the State and School
Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida and utilizes the school system’s account codes as well.
The proposed budget was prepared with input from the school administrative staff and
CSUSA.
Significant Factors Affecting Budget Preparation
The 2009/10 school year represents the seventh year of operations of the school. Our past has
shown that we can continue to operate the school at a high level and provide quality education
for our students, within the school based revenues and without outside subsidies. We have
also been fortunate to have a strong business community and involved parents that participate
in fund raising activities for school improvements.
This past year for the first time since the inception of the school, the State of Florida
responding to the economic recession, reduced the amount of funding available for the school.
As was previously reported, based on reductions imposed by the State Legislature to balance
the state budget, the Charter School Fund lost $300,000 during the 2008/09 fiscal year. The
amount lost was offset by reducing the school’s budgeted contingency account and depleting
the unbudgeted reserve amount.The revenuesfor next year have been estimated on the
conservative side and continue to anticipate the funding reduction based on actions taken by
the State Legislature.
In order to respond to the loss of revenue without impacting the “classroom” and current
educational programs the following plan of action was utilized in the preparation of the budget:
The use of the additional classrooms currently under construction will be phased
in over a two year period. Only kindergarten through third grade will be expanded
by eight (8) additional students at each grade and will occupy the additional
classrooms in August.
The transfer to the General fund in the amount of $30,000 to offset services
provided by the Finance Department, to the school will be deferred this year.
New revenue in the amount of $100,000 from the Red Light Violation Program is
included to assist in funding the budget.
Teacher salary increases will reflect a step increase based on years of service
reflective of the Miami-Dade School Board pay plan and provides that returning
teachers will be rewarded with a service award based on years of service. Based
on previous years increases and the service award program, our teachers
salaries will again exceed those of the Miami-Dade School Board.
A two dollar surcharge on all school uniforms will be implemented as a fund
raiser for the school.
The school fund’s contingency account has been reduced.
With the use of the additional classrooms currently under construction, class sizes will reduced
and thirty two additional students will be admitted in the upcoming school year. The budget
contains the following personnel changes to address the class size revisions:
Seven new teacher positions were added.
One position was deleted from the Literacy Team.
Smaller class sizes in the second and third grade provided the ability to delete
two part-time classroom assistant positions.
The budget continues to include revenue in the amount of $125,000 from the Clear Channel
agreement for proceeds from the billboard advertising.
The overall budget decreased by 22 % or $1,989,016. This is largely due to the completion of
the additional classrooms project which was budgeted at $2,099,000. The budget includes
funding for lease payments to the Debt Service Fund to pay annual costs associated with the
long term debt borrowed for the construction of the elementary school wing.
It is important that we continue to maximize the school dollars as much as possible and
maintain efficient use of budgeted funds.
Summary of All Budgetary Funds
The total proposed budget for 2009/10, including all operating and capital outlay, is
$7,050,057. The majority of the budget is Personnel Services at $4,569,902. Operating
expenditures total $1,737,271. Other Uses expenditures, which primarily represent lease
payments to the Debt Service Fund to cover school construction debt payments total
$515,384. Capital Outlay expenditures are $227,500. The following chart shows a comparison
of the department’s budgets for the past two years. Total costs decreased by 22 %.
Budget Category Summary
Increase
2008/092009/10(Decrease)% Change
Revenues
State Shared Revenues $6,108,8626,238,957$ 130,095$ 2.1%
Charges for Services156,100156,100 - 0.0%
Misc. Income530,000535,000 5,000 0.9%
Other Non-Revenues2,244,111120,000 (2,124,111) -94.7%
Total Revenues$9,039,0737,050,057$ (1,989,016)$ -22.0%
Expenditures
K-3 Basic1,485,695$ 1,758,743$ 273,048$ 18.4%
4-8 Basic2,040,462 2,030,753 (9,709) -0.5%
Exceptional Student Program235,727 210,550 (25,177) -10.7%
Substitute Teachers75,120 80,913 5,793 7.7%
Instruct Media Services70,487 70,806 319 0.5%
School Administration876,990 888,107 11,117 1.3%
Pupil Transit Services184,000 184,000 - 0.0%
Operation of Plant1,598,512 1,490,121 (108,391) -6.8%
Child Care Supervision113,856 108,565 (5,291) -4.6%
Capital Outlay2,358,224 227,500 (2,130,724) -90.4%
Total Expenditures9,039,073$ 7,050,057$ (1,989,016)$ -22.0%
Charter School Fund
This fund is used to account for revenues and expenditures specifically earmarked for the
City's Charter School. The fund accounts for operating and capital revenues, expenditures and
capital outlay.
Charter School Fund Budget Revenues
Charter School Fund Budget Expenditures
Goals
The 2009/10 school year represents the seventh year of operations for Aventura City of
Excellence School (ACES). This past year a great deal of time and effort was expended on
increasing parental involvement, intramural and competitive sport programs and identifying
and working with students at risk. This year we will continue to focus on our award winning
character education program.
ACES will enrich a child’s learning and social atmosphere through:
Whole Child Approach - Emphasis will continue to consider the “whole child.” To ensure
that academic rigor coexists with social responsibility.
Character Education – Continue to implement and expand ACES award winning and
nationally recognized program that encourages our students, families and communities
to “live” their values. Programs include parent and community workshops and the
infusion of character education across the curriculum.
Challenging Curriculum – ACES will offer high school level courses in the areas of
Math, Science and Foreign Language.
Curriculum Alignment – Increase academic rigor through the alignment of ACES writing
and math programs kindergarten through eighth grade.
Differentiation of instruction – Provide specialized programs for at risk learning, on level
learners and gifted students.
Technology Rich Environment – Technology includes computer labs, computers in
every classroom, Smart Boards, document readers, projectors, Direct TV, instructional
software and online programs
Extended School Day Programs/Activities – Before Care and After Care, Sports Study,
Dance, IMACS, Mind Lab, Healthy Kids, Etiquette Classes, Science Tutorial, Writing
Tutorial, Reading and Math Computerized Program and Saturday School.
Field Trips – Through a combination of on campus and off campus field trips students
will experience hands-on content, living history, ecological studies, guest authors and a
variety of culturally rich opportunities.
School Wide Events – All students have an opportunity to participate in Career Day,
Red Ribbon Week and Field Day.
Career Awareness and Entrepreneurship – All eighth grade students will participate in a
comprehensive course that will allow them to begin career planning and develop and
implement a small business.
Competitive Athletics – Middle School students compete in the National Charter
Schools Basketball League.
Intramural Athletics – Expanded offerings for middle school students will include
basketball, volleyball and cheerleading. All students have an opportunity to participate in
after school tennis.
Family Events – Family events include Meet and Greet, Open House, Kindergarten
Kickoff, Middle School Guest Speakers Series, Muffins for Moms, Donuts for Dads,
Sweetheart Breakfast, Grandparents Day, Graduation Ceremonies, Middle School
Guest Speakers Leadership Series, Talent Showcase and Quarterly Principal’s Honor
Roll Breakfasts.
Parent Education – FCAT reading, math, writing and science nights present parents
with information related to state standards and accountability testing.
Transportation – Students living further than 2 miles from the school and no further than
3.5 miles are provided bus service. Currently four buses provide transportation for
approximately 400 students.
Safe School Campus – The City provides a fulltime certified police officer to the school
that serves as a School Resource Officer. Traditional security methods including
cameras are in place.
Revenues
The revenues, available for allocation in the 2009/10 Fiscal Year, are anticipated to be
$7,050,057. This is a decrease of $1,989,016 or 22% compared to the prior year. The majority
of the decrease is associated with the reduction of the fund balance that was utilized to fund
the school expansion.
State Shared Revenues – The amount projected for Florida Education Finance Program
revenues is $5,577,400 and is based on $5,980 per student after the deductions for the
transportation reimbursement component and the 2% held back by the School Board for
for next year have been estimated on the conservative side
administrative costs. The revenues
and continue to anticipate funding reductions based on actions taken by the State Legislature.
School lunch reimbursement revenues are estimated to be $32,577. The transportation
reimbursement amount is $169,000 and is based on 400 students requiring bus service.
Capital Outlay revenue amounts are based on $493 per student. The final amount will be
based on the actions of the State Legislature.
Charges for Services – The amount projected for reimbursement from the food service vendor
is projected to be $6,100. After School Program includes revenues derived from fees charged
for Before and After School Programs and is estimated to be $150,000.
Miscellaneous Income – The total amount is $535,000. This includes revenues from the Red
Light Violations, Clear Channel agreement for proceeds from the billboard advertising, field
trips/special programs revenues and fundraising activities. This is offset by specific
expenditures in the budget.
Other Non-Revenues – This represents anticipated fund balance amounts from the prior year’s
budget.
Expenditures
The estimated 2009/10 expenditures contained within this budget total $7,050,057 and are
balanced with the projected revenues.
Personnel Services
Personnel Services are budgeted at $4,571,109 or 65% of the budget. Personnel Services
reflects funding to the implement a pay step increase to coincide with the Miami – Dade
County school system. In addition returning teachers will be rewarded with a service award
based on years of service. The pay plan will continue to exceed Miami-Dade County Schools.
The total number of employees is 82 full-time and 13 part-time compared with 76 full-time and
16 part-time positions included in last year’s budget Included in the full-time positions are 68
teachers, 2 aides, 5 part-time para-professionals assisting kindergarten and 1 Instructional
Counselor. Seven part-time positions are utilized to provide Before and After School Programs.
In addition, a Media Specialist and a computer network/technician position are included in the
budget. All employees except the Principal, Vice Principal and Janitor are under contract with
CSUSA.
The following outlines the staffing level comparisons to the prior fiscal year:
Operating Expenses
The expenditures for operating expenses are $1,737,271, which represents 25% of the budget.
This is $70,775 less than the prior year. The major expenses are as follows:
CSUSA education/administrative fee - $334,644
Textbooks - $106,000
Transportation services contract - $184,000
Other materials and supplies - $188,000
Electricity - $155,000
Building maintenance contract - $203,000
Field Trip and School Events - $210,000
Repairs and Maintenance -$74,500
Office Equipment Leases - $28,000
Other Uses
Other Uses expenditures total $514,177 primarily represent lease payments to the Debt
Service Fund to cover the elementary school wing construction debt payments. Other
expenditures include a contingency account.
Capital Outlay
A total of $227,500 has been budgeted for capital outlay for furniture, fixtures, equipment,
computers and smart boards.
Summary
I am pleased to submit the detailed budget contained herein. The budget document and its
related funding levels represent the City’s continued commitment to providing a school of
excellence for our community.
The budget contains funding levels to address the following key objectives:
Hiring and retaining administrators and teachers who are well prepared for creating life-
long learners in their students as well as acting as role models in their own quest for
knowledge on the latest “best practices” in educational research to enhance their
teaching abilities.
Putting into place a strong accountability system that will hold everyone at the school
responsible for maximizing learning opportunities.
Creating a school climate that enables students and teachers to feel they are cared for,
respected, and contributing members of the school.
A low staff-pupil ratio in order to enhance the development of the individual strengths of
each student.
Continuing to use data to evaluate the efficacy of instructional programs.
Providing additional staff members and costs associated with adding classrooms at
grades kindergarten through third.
Developing a strong parent-teacher relationship.
Maximizing the use of technology embedded in classroom instruction as well as in a lab
setting.
The preparation and formulation of this document could not have been accomplished without
the assistance and dedicated efforts of the School’s Administration. All questions relating to
the budget should be referred to my attention.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric M. Soroka
City Manager
BUDGET PROCESS
Budget Preparation/Development
1. January: Meetings are held with the Principal, school staff and City Manager to develop
Goals and to discuss issues that may impact the budget for the upcoming school year.
2. February: Preliminary Revenue projections and forecasts are developed by the City
Manager. The following steps are followed to project revenues:
Forecast student enrollment
The State’s Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) per student allocation is
projected by the State and provided to the charter school.
Capital Outlay funding is determined by the State based on available funding.
3. March: Personnel needs are developed based on input from the Principal and staff. The
following steps are utilized to forecast personnel:
Review existing staffing requirements to ensure adequate coverage for student
needs and new programs.
Review salary structure to ensure competitiveness with the school district.
Benefits calculations such as Workers’ Compensation, Life Insurance, Health
Insurance, and Pension are provided by CSUSA and developed for each qualifying
employee.
4. April: Individual expenditure line items are developed by the City Manager based on
input from the Principal and historical data. A draft of the budget document is prepared
by the City Manager. The draft is reviewed by the Principal and the Finance
Department.
5. April/May: The budget is reviewed by the School Advisory Committee. The City
Manager submits budget to the City Commission who act as the Board of Directors for
the School.
6. June: The budget is loaded into the accounting system.
7. July: Budget goes into effect.
Budget Adoption
The Charter School budget is approved via Ordinance at two public meetings scheduled for
May and June conducted by the City Commission. The adopted budget is integrated into the
accounting software system effective July 1st.
Budget Control/Monitoring
Funds appropriated in the Budget may be expended by and with the approval of the City
Manager in accordance with the provisions of the City Charter and applicable law. Funds of the
City shall be expended in accordance with the appropriations provided in the Budget and shall
constitute an appropriation of the amounts specified therein. Supplemental appropriations or the
reduction of appropriations, if any, shall be made in accordance with Section 4.07 of the City
Charter.
The Budget establishes a limitation on expenditures by department total. Said limitation requires
that the total sum allocated to the Charter School department for operating and capital expenses
may not be increased or decreased without specific authorization by a duly-enacted Resolution
affecting such amendment or transfer. Therefore, the City Manager may authorize transfers from
one individual line item account to another, so long as the line item accounts are within the same
department and fund.
The “Personnel Allocation Summary” enumerates all authorized budgeted positions. However,
the City Manager may amend said authorized budgeted positions in order to address the
operating needs of the department so long as sufficient budgeted funds are available.
The budget is monitored on a monthly basis to track variances between actual and budgeted
amounts. Significant variances are investigated and monitored for corrective action. Quarterly
review meetings are held with the Principal and City Manager.
Encumbrances do not constitute expenditures or liabilities in the current year, but instead are
defined as commitments related to unperformed contracts for goods or services, which are
only reported in governmental funds.
Budget Amendment
Upon the passage and adoption of the Charter School Fund Budget for the City of Aventura, if the
City Manager determines that the department total will exceed its original appropriation, the City
Manager is authorized to prepare such Resolutions for consideration by the City Commission as
may be necessary and proper to modify any line item from the Budget.
Basis of Accounting
Basis of Accounting refers to the time period when revenues and expenditures are recognized in
the accounts and reported on the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing
of the measurements made, regardless of the measurement focus applied.
The accrual basis of accounting is followed for the proprietary fund types. The modified accrual
basis of accounting is followed in the governmental fund types and the expendable trust funds
type. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recorded when susceptible to
accrual, that is, when they are both measurable and available. Available means collectible within
the current period or soon enough thereafter to pay current liabilities. Expenditures are generally
recognized under the modified accrual accounting when the related fund liability is incurred.
Exceptions to the general rule are principal and interest on general long-term debt which is
recognized when due.
The Charter School Department Budget applies all applicable GASB pronouncements as well
as the following pronouncements issued on or before November 30, 1989, unless those
pronouncements conflict with or contradict GASB pronouncements: Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) statements and interpretations, Accounting Principles Board (APB)
opinions and Accounting Research Bulletins (ARBs).
During June 1999, the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued Statement
No. 34. This statement established new accounting and financial reporting standards for state
and local governments. The Charter School implemented the new financial reporting
requirements of GASB 34.
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Financial Policies
The Charter School’s financial policies, compiled below, set forth the basic framework for the
overall fiscal management of the school. Operating independently of changing circumstances
and conditions, these policies assist the decision-making process of the City Manager and
School’s Administration. These policies provide guidelines for evaluating both current activities
and proposals for future programs.
Most of the policies represent long-standing principles; traditions and practices that have
guided the Charter School in the past and have helped maintain financial stability over the last
2 years. They are reviewed annually as a decision making tool and to ensure their continued
relevance in an ever-changing environment.
Operating Budget Policies
1. The Charter School will maintain at a minimum, an accessible cash reserve equivalent to
four weeks of operating costs.
2. No new or expanded services shall be implemented without a corresponding revenue
source or the implementation of trade-offs of expenses or revenues at the same time. This
applies to personnel, equipment and any other peripheral expenses associated with the
service.
4. The Charter School shall continue to support a scheduled level of maintenance and
replacement of its infrastructure.
5. The Charter School shall support capital expenditures that reduce future operating costs.
Capital Budget Policies
1. The Charter School will develop a multi-year plan for capital improvement that is updated
annually with documentation of deviations from the plan.
2. The Charter School will maintain its physical assets at a level adequate to protect the
Schools' capital investment and minimize future maintenance and replacement costs. The
budget will provide for the adequate maintenance and the orderly replacement of the capital
equipment from current revenues wherever possible.
3. The Charter School will provide sufficient funds to replace and upgrade equipment as well
as to take advantage of new technology thereby ensuring that employees have safe and
efficient tools to provide their service. It reflects a commitment to further automation and use of
available technology to improve productivity in the Charter School’s work force. The objective
for upgrading and replacing equipment includes: (1) normal replacement as equipment
completes its useful life, (2) upgrades to new technology, and (3) additional equipment
necessary to service the needs of the Charter School.
4. The Charter School will use the following criterion to evaluate the relative merit of each
capital project. Capital expenditures will foster goals of:
a. Projects specifically included in an approved replacement schedule.
b. Projects that reduce the cost of operations.
c. Projects that significantly improve safety and reduce risk exposure.
Revenue Policies
1. The School will attempt to maintain a diversified and stable revenue system as a shelter
from short-run fluctuations in any single revenue source.
2. The School will attempt to obtain new revenue sources as a way of ensuring a balanced
budget.
3. The School will review fees/charges annually and will design or modify revenue systems to
include provisions that automatically allow charges to grow at a rate that keeps pace with the
cost of providing the service.
Cash Management/Investment Policies
1. The School will deposit all funds received by 2:00 PM the next day.
2. Investment of School funds will emphasize preservation of principle; the objective will be to
match or exceed the yield of the State Board of Administration.
3. The School will collect revenues aggressively, including any past due amounts owed.
Reserve Policies
1. The School will maintain a fund balance of at least $75,000.
Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting Policies
1. An independent audit will be performed annually.
2. The Charter School will produce annual financial reports in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as outlined by the Governmental Accounting
Standards Board (GASB).
AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL
VISION STATEMENT
To join with our community to become the premier charter school in the nation where
academic excellence coexists with the promotion of social responsibility grounded in an
atmosphere of human dignity.
AVENTURA CITY OF EXCELLENCE SCHOOL
PHILOSOPHY AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
The Aventura City of Excellence School staff believes that we have a responsibility to create a
school climate that enables every individual to feel cared for, respected and to act as
contributing members of the school culture. All students can learn and will be encouraged to
strive for academic excellence and personal growth that will enable them to be productive and
active members of society. In the practical application of this philosophy, opportunities shall be
provided to:
1. Develop in each student and professional staff member a sense of self-worth and a
positive self-concept
2. Imbue such character traits as honesty, integrity, compassion, respect, cooperation,
humility, happiness and responsibility toward each other, our community and our world
3. Develop in each student an understanding of and responsibility for making positive
personal and social choices
4. Improve upon the quality of instruction and curriculum by increasing the effectiveness of
teachers and their teaching through ongoing professional development
5. Provide each student with experiences to develop an awareness of good health habits
and attitudes for living by encouraging each student to perceive learning as a life-long
continuing process from pre-school through adulthood
6. Encourage, through educational reporting, city and district officials, the citizens of
Aventura, and the professional staff to support quality education in the school
7. Use assessment data to identify and track student achievement and learning goals
8. Develop school programs based on “best practices” to promote learning gains
9. Develop strong parent-teacher-student relationships
10. Provide a strong accountability system that will hold everyone at the schoolhouse
responsible for maximizing learning opportunities
11. Provide a low student-teacher ratio in order to enhance the development of the
individual strengths of each student
12. Provide additional staff members for enrichment and remediation services
13. Develop in each student the ability to think critically, make inferences, apply knowledge
to new settings and use these skills to make wise choices
CURRICULUM
The ACES curriculum is connected to state and national content standards and the school's
goals for student learning are coordinated or integrated across different disciplines. The
curriculum's sequence is rational, with more complex ideas building on simpler ones,
respecting each student's developmental levels and prior learning. Teachers and students are
accountable for all state and local assessments in addition to internal formal and informal
assessments and observations.
Classroom teachers utilize technology daily to reinforce instruction and offer opportunities for
independent practice. ACES students have access to Internet-based instructional programs at
home and at school. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade utilize the ACES computer
lab weekly. Sixth grade students enroll in a nine-week technology course, exposing them to all
Microsoft Office Applications. Seventh grade students are required to enroll in a year long
Computer Concepts courses designed to expose them to all facets of the technology available
to them. Eighth grade students take a year-long technology aided career awareness and
entrepreneurship course.
ACES offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of all learners. The English Speakers of
Other Languages program is offered to students who are working toward English language
proficiency. Classroom teachers servicing ESOL students have undergone special training
related to strategies that enhance language acquisition. The ACES ESOL Coordinator
collaborates with classroom teachers related to instructional modifications that aide in content
comprehension.
Exceptional Education students are serviced within the general classroom, reducing social
stigmas and enhancing the continuity of instruction. The ESE teacher collaborates with
classroom teachers to ensure that "strategies for success" are implemented in all subject
areas.
Students with speech and language needs are serviced by a Speech and Language
Pathologist. This program is offered to students who qualify for services based on school
district requirements.
At risk readers are targeted through a variety of intervention courses and strategies. ACES
Literacy Team teaches at-risk-readers grades Kindergarten through eighth grade in small
group settings. This supplemental reading program provides intensive instruction using
research based programs such as guided reading, Kaleidoscope and Read 180.
ACES is focused on meeting the needs of all students. To this end, ACES offers a variety of
extended school day programs. These programs target specific student needs and are offered
both before and after school. These programs include small group writing instruction, focused
math tutorials, science study group and a Saturday reading program.
Gifted students in grades 1 and 2 receive “Gifted Instruction” in Language Arts and Reading
daily. Project-based applications encompassing the sciences; arts, math, and language allow
students an opportunity to combine their creativity and practical knowledge. Eligible students
in grades 3, 4, and 5 have an opportunity to enroll in a gifted language Arts/Reading course
and a gifted Math course. Eligible students in middle school have an opportunity to enroll in
gifted Language Arts and Science courses.
ACES science laboratory program provides students with hands-on application of core
curriculum. Students in second through fifth grade visit the science lab weekly and students in
kindergarten and first grade conduct experiments within their classrooms. All middle school
students enroll in a comprehensive science course that emphasizes hands-on investigation.
ACES Modern Language Program places emphasis on four basic components of language
acquisition (e.g., listening, speaking, reading and writing). Students build an understanding of
the relationship between perspectives and products of various cultures. Students in grades 3,
4 and 5 receive Spanish instruction twice each week. Middle School students are required to
enroll in Spanish courses throughout their Middle School career at ACES.
ACES Middle School Program offers academic rigor in conjunction with an extraordinary
selection of extracurricular activities and elective programs. ACES students have the
opportunity to enroll in high school level Spanish, Earth Space Science, Biology, Algebra and
Geometry courses and to select one of six elective courses. These elective courses include
Television Production, Modern Dance, Art, Guitar, Journalism, Team Sports and Drama.
All middle school students are invited to participate in after school teams including volleyball,
basketball and tennis. ACES also participates in the National Charter Schools Athletic League
and offers both a boys and girls basketball team. These programs are funded through the
school budget and offered at no cost to students.
Elementary school students also enjoy a variety of special subject classes daily. These
programs include art, physical education, technology, media and music. Each Friday
Elementary students participate in a club. Clubs vary from year to year based on student
interest. Currently ACES is offering the following clubs; Chess, Fabulous Foods, Baton, Sports
Aerobics, Movies and Munches, Scrapbooking, Table Tennis, Jump Rope, Jazz Dance, Middle
Eastern Dance, Latin Dance, Israeli Dance, Technology, TV Production, Soccer, Basketball,
Yoga, Awesome Readers, Cultural Song Club, Science and French.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Indicator:
1) All students will maintain a portfolio demonstrating and charting improvement and
mastery of skills required at that grade level. This portfolio will be part of the Personal Learning
Plan (PLP) that is the compendium of parent, student and teacher conferences. Each PLP will
establish academic goals for each individual student in relation to his/her performance and
progress.
2003/04 Actual: Complete
2004/05 Actual: Complete
2005/06 Actual: Complete
2006/07 Actual: Complete
2007/08 Actual: Complete
Indicator:
2)The State of Florida A+ Plan Grade shall be no lower than a “B”.
2003/04 Actual: B
2004/05 Actual: A
2005/06 Actual: A
2006/07 Actual: A
2007/08 Actual: A
Indicator:
3)Meet the requirements delineated in Florida State Board of Education
Administrative Rule 6A-1.09981, Implementation of Florida’s System of School Improvement
and Accountability, as may be amended from time to time.
2003/04 Actual: Complete
2004/05 Actual: Complete
2005/06 Actual: Complete
2006/07 Actual: Complete
2007/08 Actual: Complete
Indicator:
4)Percent of parents that completed all 20 required volunteer hours by the end of
the year.
2003/04 Actual: 98%
2004/05 Actual: 100%
2005/06 Actual: 100%
2006/07 Actual: 100%
2007/08 Actual: 100%
Indicator:
5)Number of students enrolled shall be 95% of the number allowed by the School
Charter.
2003/04 Actual: 100%
2004/05 Actual: 100%
2005/06 Actual: 100%
2006/07 Actual: 100%
2007/08 Actual: 100%
Indicator:
6)The year-to-year retention rate shall be 90%.
2003/04 Actual: 98%
2004/05 Actual: 99%
2005/06 Actual: 99%
2006/07 Actual: 99%
2007/08 Actual: 98%
Indicator:
7) The percentage of parents who on the Parent Survey agree or strongly agree to
the statement that “I would recommend the Charter School to a friend” is 90%.
2003/04 Actual: 99%
2004/05 Actual: 100%
2005/06 Actual: 99%
2006/07 Actual: 99%
2007/08 Actual: 99%
Indicator:
8) The audits required by State Law and the Charter shall indicate that the financial
statements are presented fairly and that tests of compliance with laws and regulations and
consideration of the internal control over financial reporting disclose no instances of non-
compliance, nor any material weaknesses.
2003/04 Actual:
All in compliance
2004/05 Actual:
All in compliance
2005/06 Actual:
All in compliance
2006/07 Actual:
All in compliance
2007/08 Actual:
All in compliance
Indicator:
9)Class size and student/classroom teacher ratios shall be maintained throughout
the school year at 20:1 for kindergarten and 25:1 for grades 1 trough 5.
2003/04 Actual:
All in compliance
2004/05 Actual:
All in compliance
2005/06 Actual:
All in compliance
2006/07 Actual:
All in compliance
2007/08 Actual:
All in compliance
Indicator:
10)Reading - Percent of Students in the school on grade level and above in
Reading. This is based on the Sunshine State Standards and exhibited in proficiency on the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
2003/04 Actual:
70%
2004/05 Actual:
81%
2005/06 Actual:
99%
2006/07 Actual:
89%
2007/08 Actual:
88%
Indicator:
11) Math - Percent of Students in the school on grade level and above in Math. This
is based on the Sunshine State Standards and exhibited in proficiency on the Florida
Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
2003/04 Actual:
69%
2004/05 Actual:
79%
2005/06 Actual:
89%
2006/07 Actual:
88%
2007/08 Actual:
88%
Indicator:
12) Writing - Percent of students in the school on grade level and above in Writing.
This is based on the Sunshine State Standards and exhibited in proficiency on the Florida
Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
2003/04 Actual:
85%
2004/05 Actual:
82%
2005/06 Actual:
81%
2006/07 Actual:
85%
2007/08 Actual:
89%
Indicator:
13) All Students will achieve high science standards as measured by Sunshine
State Standards Performance Standards.
2003/04 Actual:
A mean score of 266 was recorded, which is 20 points below the states
average.
2004/05 Actual:
A mean score of 301 was achieved which is above the state and district
average.
2005/06 Actual:
A mean score of 316 was achieved which is above the state and district
average.
2006/07 Actual:
43%
2007/08 Actual:
69%
ORDINANCE NO. 2009-__
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING THE ATTACHED CHARTER SCHOOL OPERATING
AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE AVENTURA CITY OF
EXCELLENCE SCHOOL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009/10 (JULY 1 –
JUNE 30), PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.05 OF THE CITY
CHARTER; AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR
BUDGETARY CONTROL; PROVIDING FOR PERSONNEL
AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR GIFTS AND GRANTS;
PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR
ENCUMBRANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1
. The 2009/2010 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget for
the Aventura City of Excellence School, a copy of said budget being attached hereto and made
a part hereof as specifically as if set forth at length herein, be and the same is hereby
established and adopted.
Section 2
. Expenditure of Funds Appropriated in the Budget Authorized. Funds
appropriated in the Budget may be expended by and with the approval of the City Manager in
accordance with the provisions of the City Charter and applicable law. Funds of the City shall be
expended in accordance with the appropriations provided in the Budget adopted by this
Ordinance and shall constitute an appropriation of the amounts specified therein. Supplemental
appropriations or the reduction of appropriations, if any, shall be made in accordance with Section
4.07 of the City Charter.
Section 3
. Budgetary Control. The Budget establishes a limitation on expenditures by
department total. Said limitation requires that the total sum allocated to the Charter School
department for operating and capital expenses may not be increased or decreased without
specific authorization by a duly-enacted Resolution affecting such amendment or transfer.
Therefore, the City Manager may authorize transfers from one individual line item account to
another, so long as the line item accounts are within the same department and fund.
Section 4
. Personnel Authorization. The “Personnel Allocation Summary” enumerates all
authorized budgeted positions. However, the City Manager may amend said authorized budgeted
positions in order to address the operating needs of the department so long as sufficient
budgeted funds are available.
Section 5
. Grants and Gifts. When the City of Aventura receives monies from any
source, be it private or governmental, by Grant, Gift, or otherwise, to which there is attached as a
condition of acceptance any limitation regarding the use or expenditures of the monies received,
the funds so received need not be shown in the Operating Budget nor shall said budget be
subject to amendment of expenditures as a result of the receipt of said monies, but said monies
shall only be disbursed and applied toward the purposes for which the said funds were received.
To ensure the integrity of the Operating Budget, and the integrity of the monies received by the
City under Grants or Gifts, all monies received as contemplated above must, upon receipt, be
segregated and accounted for based upon generally accepted accounting principles and where
appropriate, placed into separate and individual trust and/or escrow accounts from which any
money drawn may only be disbursed and applied within the limitations placed upon the Gift or
Grant as aforesaid.
Section 6
. Amendments. Upon the passage and adoption of the Charter School Fund
Budget for the City of Aventura, if the City Manager determines that the Department Total will
exceed its original appropriation, the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to prepare
such Resolutions as may be necessary and proper to modify any line item from the Budget
hereby.
Section 7
. Encumbrances. All outstanding encumbrances at June 30, 2009 shall lapse at
that time; and all capital outlay encumbrances and capital outlay expenditures not spent during
the fiscal year may be re-appropriated in the 2009/2010 fiscal year.
Section 8
. Severability. The provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable
and if any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance shall for any reason be held to
be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Ordinance but they shall remain in effect, it being the
legislative intent that this Ordinance shall stand notwithstanding the invalidity of any part.
Section 9
. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon
adoption on second reading.