Heading 2

Governance

Meet Our Governing Board

Henry Manson, Board Chair

Burke Thompson, Vice Chair

My three daughters have benefitted tremendously by attending PPCA. They appreciated the focused and challenging curriculum which has helped them as they transitioned into college and beyond. It was the perfect fit for them with fields of study in engineering and science, and they were able to take advanced classes related to their majors. The staff and teachers at PPCA are dedicated and encouraging, and close ties are made with the students. Although my children have graduated from PPCA, I continue to serve on the board to help ensure other kids might have the same opportunity to attend this awesome school.

Taylor Shook, Secretary

I originally wanted to join the board because I saw a need for more support services for students, especially those in STEM courses. I have remained on the board because I have realized there is much more to PPCA than meets the eye and I want to continue making a positive impact here. This school offers an amazing opportunity for students seeking a challenging curriculum and wanting to be more prepared for collegiate excellence. Since being on the board, I have worked on marketing, participated in the annual 5K, and continue to support administration with updating policies and support ideas for students. I truly believe in PPCA--the teachers, the students, the leadership! Stepping into the classrooms, seeing the extracurricular opportunities, and understanding the various efforts put in by the administration are all just the first amazing factors placing PPCA ahead of so many other choice schools. For PPCA, I envision growth and success, a safe place for students to work toward academic achievement while still understanding the importance of civic engagement and extracurricular involvement.

I write this letter in recognition of Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy's high performing culture, leadership developing curriculum, and its student passion. A high school that encompasses a challenging curriculum with an Innovative approach to learning, Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy serves 9th and 10th grade students with a desire to learn and develop at an accelerated rate. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy continues to evaluate their curriculum and develop new and enhanced courses that enable them to remain one of the top-ranking High Schools in Polk County. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy students enjoy the benefits of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), as well as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education partnered with the option of participating in traditional High School Athletic programs at the student’s home school.

I have been a part of the Board of Directors of Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy from its inception.

Witnessing talented educators and support staff who keep their students’ progress and development at the forefront of every decision is truly exciting. I continue to enjoy working with the staff to chart the future for Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy. As a parent of a Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy graduate and a current 10th grader, I have firsthand knowledge of the benefits of a program that delivers exceptional instruction and readiness for all students. Graduating students could earn enough college credits to earn their Associates Degree, all while getting a head start on their next educational desires at almost no cost to the parent. As we see Auburndale and Polk County become leaders in Technology and Logistics, it is exciting to see a school like Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy continuing to grow and become an essential piece of the North Auburndale community. The educating of our very own students within our community is essential to the evolution of future leaders and business developers.

Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy provides the necessary vision, mission, and values to deliver well rounded students who are prepared to succeed at the next level of their educational journey. As Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy continues to grow and develop, it is critical that we continue to support its mission. We must strive to meet the needs of even more families in our community by offering this exceptional educational opportunity to as many students as possible. It is more important today than ever before that we excel at educating our students here in Auburndale and Polk County.

Cotina Owens, Treasurer

PPCA holds a dear and special place in my heart because I have witnessed the hard work and dedication that has gone into making this school what it is today.

I am so fortunate to be a member of a board with a principal and staff that loves the students, parents and community enough to explore all options for growth. Our vision is to share this amazing opportunity with as many families as we can reach.

We believe that every child deserves the best education possible. PPCA is a stepping stone for our young leaders to advance in different areas of their lives. I’m blessed that my daughters got their start in such a loving and wonderful environment.

Samantha Meadows

I love this school and what it means for this community. My daughter attended the school 2 years ago and is now about to graduate with her high school diploma as well as her Associates Degree.

She was well prepared for college by the time she completed 10th grade. I am excited to be a part of the plans for a new building and cannot wait to see where it takes the school and what it means for the students.

My youngest daughter is about to go into the 9th grade and I cannot wait for her to be a part of this great school as well.

Matthew Mock

I wanted to join the board to help further the fantastic work that was being done at PPCA. I am thrilled to be a part of something so meaningful for our community. It is exiting to not only see the growth opportunities for the school, but to actually be a part of them during this time of growth.

This school is preparing the students to realize their full potential. The students are challenged by an excellent teaching staff. They are supported by the teachers and the administration. I feel it is important that we all should do our part to make a positive impact. PPCA is certainly making a positive impact for the community and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Board Member Interest

Persons interested in serving on the PPCA board, should submit a resume to the school's principal, Dr. Scott by May 1st. Resumes will be reviewed by the board and applicants may be considered for possible board openings.
Applicants are encouraged to attend the May meeting to introduce themselves to the board. Members are voted in during the annual meeting in June.

The PPCA Governing Board is the governing body of the school and ultimately responsible for monitoring and reporting the financial and educational success of the school. The Governing Board is responsible for ensuring the Charter is implemented as submitted to and approved by the Polk County Public Schools. The Governing Board delegates all day-to-day operational responsibilities to the school's principal.

The Governing Board consists of an elected group of parents and community members who are responsible for the school's operations. Board members are required to successfully complete a 4-hour new member board training and a 2-hour refresher training upon additional board terms of service. Board members serve three-year terms and may be re-elected by the board to serve additional terms.

Parents who have educational, operational or managerial concerns should contact the appropriate personnel in the school. However, in the event there are unresolved issues with the administration, parents may contact the Board Chair, Henry Manson. If a parent requests an item to be placed on the board meeting agenda, a written request with a detailed explanation must be submitted to the principal of the school at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.

Governing board meetings are tentatively scheduled for the second Monday of specified months at 6:00 P.M. The annual meeting in June will begin at 5:30 P.M. The annual Audit Committee meeting is held at 5:00 P.M. prior to the annual meeting.

Governing Board Responsibilities:

Management and the business affairs of the Governing Board
Approval of the annual budget of anticipated income and expenditures
Maintenance of written records of attendance and motions and actions of its meetings
Electing community replacements when members’ terms expire

Goverming Board Job Descriptions

Meetings of the Governing Board are open to the public and comply with the Sunshine Laws

of the State of Florida

2021-2022 Board Meetings

PPCA Board Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in Room # 203 (upstairs)

Meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of the following months.

Meeting dates and times are subject to change; appropriate notice will be given.

August 23, 2021

October 11, 2021

Audit Committee Meeting

(5:30 PM)

December 13, 2021

Special Meeting (Posted 1/14) January 18, 2022 (Zoom invite available upon request)

Special Meeting (Posted 1/28) February 2, 2022 (Zoom invite available upon request)

March 3, 2022

March 17, 2022

March 31, 2022

April 11, 2022

June 20, 2022

Annual Board Meeting

(5:30 PM)

Training is provided by Florida Charter School Governance Training found at http://www.charterschooltraining.com/.

This training is delivered through an online webinar with audio and video. You can complete the training on your time, on your schedule and from the comfort of anywhere you have a computer with internet access.

The presenter, Kathleen W. Schoenberg, is an attorney in private practice in Florida. This program includes everything necessary for successful completion of Florida’s statutory governance training requirement for charter school board members.

Topics required by state law and important to a charter school board member, include open government laws, conflicts of interest, ethics, financial responsibilities, policies and procedures, running effective meetings and organizational documents.

The program includes discussions on statutory responsibilities, charter school best practices, and real-world examples. The training is updated to keep pace with changes in laws and regulations.

The training program is available in both four hour initial training and two hour refresher course formats.