News Summary
Leon County Schools are contemplating legal action against Renaissance Charter following the closure of Renaissance Academy, a charter school facing under-enrollment. The school district may reclaim taxpayer-funded assets amid ownership disputes over the property. Simultaneously, the board celebrated student achievements, indicating a focus on academic success despite the challenges faced due to the closure.
Legal Action Considered by Leon County Schools Over Renaissance Academy Closure and Taxpayer Assets
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna has informed school board members of the potential for legal action against Renaissance Charter following the closure of Renaissance Academy, one of the district’s five charter schools. This consideration arises amid disputes over taxpayer-funded assets that may be claimed by the district.
The announcement of Renaissance Academy’s closure came in March, marking an end to its operation due to a trend of under-enrollment that made the school financially unsustainable. This decision coincided with plans to lease the property to the upcoming Tallahassee Preparatory Academy, set to open in fall 2025. Though Renaissance Charter technically owns the building, the financing has been funded by Leon County taxpayers since 2012, which complicates ownership claims and the forthcoming property sale.
In an effort to catalog assets that could be claimed for use in other public schools, Superintendent Hanna and his team visited Renaissance Academy after the closure was announced. However, subsequent attempts for access to the premises were thwarted by legal barriers from Renaissance’s attorneys who state that the property and its furnishings are under a lien, asserting they do not belong to Leon County Schools.
Standard procedures typically dictate that furniture and technological assets revert back to the district once a school closes. Given these circumstances, the district has retained legal counsel to negotiate with Renaissance Charter’s lawyers regarding the disputed claims.
Part of the school board’s dialogue includes concerns over taxpayer interests as expressed by board member Rosanne Wood, who voiced that taxpayers could face losses as a result of this situation.
Celebration of Graduations Amid Legal Concerns
Despite the discussions surrounding the closure of Renaissance Academy, the school board also took time to celebrate recent academic achievements. Five scholarships of $250 each were awarded to student leaders from the advisory council, presented by Deputy Superintendent Michelle Gayle and executive director Margaret Farris. The graduates included Tolulope Binitie, a student board member who completed his associate’s degree at just 16 years old, alongside a high school diploma from Godby High School while maintaining a GPA of 4.65.
This achievement reflects a broader trend within the district, where students are recognized for accomplishments that include earning both associate degrees and high school diplomas concurrently. For instance, several other Godby Cougars were also acknowledged during the ceremony.
The Impact of Renaissance Academy’s Closure
Renaissance Academy had served approximately 242 students and was classified as a Title I school, indicative of a high percentage of low-income families. For the 2023-24 school year, the institution received $1.8 million in tax dollars for operational costs and received a “C” grade in the latest state assessments. The school’s eventual closure was attributed to ongoing under-enrollment according to statements made by Charter Schools USA.
The upcoming Tallahassee Preparatory Academy is anticipated to open with a target enrollment of 600 students and will be managed by Discovery Science Schools (DSS). It will have specific academic performance requirements for admissions, including scores on state math and English language assessments, and it will have limited services for students with disabilities.
Broader Educational Implications
Superintendent Hanna has raised concerns regarding the implications of the state voucher program on public education, suggesting that it may pose risks to traditional public schools. This conversation comes alongside news from the region about other institutions, such as the new Tallahassee Collegiate Academy, which held its inaugural graduation, celebrating academic achievements and dual enrollment opportunities. The academy earned an “A” from the Florida Department of Education in its first year, underscoring its emphasis on rigorous academics.
As the situation progresses, Leon County Schools will focus on both the recovery of assets linked to Renaissance Academy and the continued support for its students in the face of changing educational landscapes.
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Additional Resources
- WTXL: New Private School to Replace Charter School Renaissance Academy
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Tallahassee.com: Leon School Board Weighs Lawsuit Against Renaissance Academy Charter
- Google Search: Renaissance Academy Tallahassee
- Tallahassee.com: Tallahassee Charter School Closing Replaced by Private School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Tallahassee Reports: Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs April 22, 2025
- Google News: Leon County Schools
