Jefferson County selects charter school company

In a decision Education Commissioner Pam Stewart called "historic," the Jefferson County school board voted unanimously Tuesday to accept the application of Somerset Academy, Inc. to operate local schools and become the first charter school district in Florida.

According to Somerset's website, the Miramar-based company operates 50 schools with 17,597 students in Florida, Nevada and Texas.

Chancellor Hershel Lyons, at today's State Board of Education meeting, announced the decision and said it's an opportunity to put increased focus on student achievement.

"There will be an elementary, middle and high school sharing one campus," Lyons said. "This will not only increase funding opportunities but more importantly increase laser-like focus on students."

Of the three charter companies presented to Jefferson, Lyons said only two fit "the provision that any operator must have a proven history of success with similar student demographics."

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Somerset was the only one of those two that submitted a proposal.

Lourdes Isla, the company's board chair, said Somerset is equipped to take on the challenge of turning the district around.

"Somerset’s mission is to provide an equitable, high-quality education to all students. We have a successful history of working with a cross section of communities, raising student achievement, and high school graduation rates – which consistently exceed state and national averages. We are confident that we that we can help the students of Jefferson rise to their highest potential."

A special guest at the state board meeting, Florida Atlantic University football player and management major Denzel Whitfield, spoke about his experience coming up through Jefferson schools. Whitfield said the transition to a charter might create a way for more students to have a path to success. Whitfield will work out at NFL Pro Day in the next few days for a chance to get on a professional roster.

"In Jefferson County, I think some of the parents, students and faculty have to face reality — this is a reality we created," he said.

Whitfield said Somerset has the chance to "create a district that moves forward," and build momentum which will make students want to stay and not seek education in neighboring counties.

"I want to keep most of the students in Jefferson County," he said. "By developing that loyalty, there's going to be children that one day will sit on our school board and represent us."

Commissioner Stewart spoke about the frustration and "countless hours" the state board, the Department of Education and everyone involved in Jefferson County education has endured to come to a decision on the district's future. The efforts will pay off, she said, if they can benefit Jefferson students.

"The time we've spent is a drop in the bucket compared to the years the county's families have waited to have quality schools they can rely on," she said. "It is those children and their right to learn that’s motivated us to trudge through this frustration."