Manatee County School Board discusses partnership with Pinnacle Academy

In the last two weeks before the 2015-2016 school year gets underway, the Manatee County School Board is taking steps to financially help students out east.

Board members are discussing whether to renew a contract with the Pinnacle Academy, which would fun 20 full-time students' admission and needs at the East County school.

The agreement would be in effect until July 2016. The board will discuss the agreement at its meeting at 5:45 p.m. Aug. 11 at the School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

The district doesn't just write a blank check, though, for the 20 students. It will reimburse Pinnacle Academy 95% of the weighted Full Time Equivalency (FTE) based on the FTE generated during the 2015-2016 school year. Students receiving services from the agency generate state funds through the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) and Supplemental Academic Instructional (SAI). 

Pinnacle Academy provides services to children, from gifted to those with special needs, who require alternative methods of learning.  The School Board contracts with Pinnacle Academy, Inc. for educational services.

Other items on the board's docket tonight include discussions on whether to reimburse board Chairman Bob Gause for legal fees accrued through allegations of bid tampering, among other topics. 

To view tonight's agenda visit manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/agenda/August%2011,%202015%20-%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Tuesday,%20August%2011,%202015/B6CCA620-D027-4CCB-A269-7A9E30E68526Agenda.htm.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].