School Board's Decision to Deny Cortez High School Charter Application Upheld

BRADENTON – The Manatee School Board's decision to deny a Charter School appeal made by Cortez High School has been upheld by the Florida Charter Review Appeal Commission.

The board's denial of Cortez's Charter School Application was approved at a September 23 meeting after being recommended by Superintendent Rick Mills. Following the commission's decision, Cortez could still pursue its interest in becoming a Charter School by requesting a hearing from the Florida Department of Education.

In a district press release, MCSD Attorney Mitchell Teitelbaum stated: "The District and its counsel argued that the grounds for denial were legally sufficient and were based upon competent evidence as required under Florida Statute Section 1002.33(6)(a) and the Florida Charter Review Application Commission agreed with the District and recommended denial of the appeal.”