FL school asks parents aid in paying teachers. Then decides to open another school.

Last edited Wed Jun 18, 2014, 11:41 AM - Edit history (1)

This is why I object to charter and/or private voucher schools because of their unregulated character. A deacon at their new church host even said they were not worried about the debt because God would provide.

Well, guess what, the state has provided money to them already close to 2 million dollars. They receive voucher money from the state as they teach autistic students.

Here are 3 articles about the Monarch School in Polk County. In spite of their financial problems, it does not seem anyone locally or state wide is stepping to stop them from opening yet another school. And getting more voucher money.

Lakeland's Monarch School for Autistic Children Beset by Financial Struggles

A South Lakeland school for autistic children is struggling with financial problems and had to pay its 18 teachers late, according to its CEO.

In a letter to parents Thursday, Amy Arnold, CEO of the Monarch School, asked them to help by making sure tuition and child care fees are up to date at the 5-year-old school.

"So I appeal to you all now, as part of our family, please help me to ensure that I never have to ask a teacher to wait on their paycheck," Arnold wrote. "We will all be tightening our belts.

"But please, if you are able, email me and let me know what you can do to help us so that our teachers can pay their rent and feed their babies this summer."

More:

South Lakeland's Monarch School Still Struggling To Pay Staff

Earlier this month, the school's 18 teachers were paid five days late, according to the school.

Guard said Monarch's treasurer, Steve Arnold, who is married to Amy Arnold, told him all the teachers were expected to be paid today.

To exacerbate the financial issues, Guard said, "a couple" of the checks paid to teachers on June 3 bounced.

Besides the payroll issue, the school's accountant said Thursday he hasn't been paid.

And now they are planning to open another school in spite of the fact that teachers' paychecks are bouncing.

Financially Struggling Lakeland Monarch School Plans to Open New School in Zephyrhills

Administrators at a financially struggling South Lakeland school for children with autism plan to open a new school at a Zephyrhills church.

Steve Warrell, a deacon at Zephyrhills First Assembly Church, said he plans to sign a lease today with Amy Arnold, Monarch school CEO, and her husband, Steve, the school's treasurer.

It's unclear what the new school means for the Lakeland school.

Neither of the Arnolds returned a phone message Monday.

A deacon at the Zephyhills church where the new school will open said:

He isn't worried about the financial problems at the Lakeland school.

"We trust people," Warrell said. "We'll put it in God's hands."

Monarch received $758,370 in McKay Scholarship money in 2013. From 2011 to 2013, the Lakeland school received a total of $1.9 million in McKay Scholarship money.

McKay scholarships are in effect vouchers for students with learning problems or disabilities.

I edited the post a little per discussion in comments whether it is private or charter. I did find another article from Zephyrhills about the new school.

Families scramble to find new school location for students with autism

The article points out that their old school for autistic children was abandoned by a charter management company called Quest.

However, after fielding offers from various local organizations seeking to replace Quest Inc and unsuccessful negotiations between parents, HOPE Youth Ranch and other candidates, the “right fit” was found.

Monarch School of Lakeland was awarded the contract, but more problems arose once parents expressed concern regarding potential tuition increases under the school’s new management. The transition was also threatened by parents’ doubts regarding the certification of the new teachers that would be employed through the company.

However the issues have since been resolved and a lease between parents and administrators at the new site is expected to be signed within days.

Doesn't say more about what kind of management company, still doesn't clarify private or charter.

Also I learned to my surprise that there are public and private schools that receive McKay Scholarship vouchers. So that doesn't help in determining.

Office of Magnet, Choice & Federal Programs