Update: January 27, 2025 — Under the leadership of Dr. Tony Arza, the FCSA team orchestrated a significant breakthrough, securing the release of millions in ESSER III reimbursement funds for our member schools in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. These critical reimbursements had been stalled, with many left unreviewed or unjustly denied by the districts. Through his strategic collaboration with the Florida Department of Education and key district stakeholders, Dr. Arza navigated complex challenges, resolving outstanding conflicts and ensuring the reimbursement process was swiftly reactivated. This decisive action provided much-needed financial relief to our schools, underscoring the FCSA’s commitment to advocating for the resources our students and educators deserve.
Here are a few notes from grateful member school leaders:
“…our ESSER III ARP LS reimbursement packet #5 for $53,686 has been processed…”
“…the district went back through several of our packets and re-reviewed them, thus approving
additional reimbursement dollars on packets that they previously denied.”
“…we finally heard good news about our reimbursement request packet #7 in the amount of $247,945 …”
12/18/2024 —The FCSA contacted Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. on December 17, 2024, regarding the handling of the ESSER III reimbursement by the Miami Dade County School District. The District delayed processing critical ESSER reimbursements to charter schools and also refused FLDOE’s deadline extension to complete the necessary reimbursements.
Letter to the Florida Department of Education:
Dear Commissioner Diaz,
I am writing to express our concerns regarding Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) handling of the ESSER III reimbursements for our member schools operating in Miami-Dade County.
As you know, charter schools collectively pay substantial funds in exchange for administrative support; a key part of this support includes the processing of ESSER III reimbursements. MDCPS has not only delayed processing the necessary reimbursements but has also demonstrated resistance and resentment toward fulfilling the work required of them. Rather than embracing their responsibility to ensure fair and timely distribution of these critical funds, MDCPS has obstructed our schools and risks hurting our students and their families. Their lack of sufficient staff and support in fulfilling ESSER III reimbursements has created unnecessary delays, confusion, and financial strain on our schools. This mismanagement is a direct affront to charter schools and the school choice movement.
Furthermore, it has come to our attention that the district was offered an extension of Jan. 10, 2025, by FLDOE, and that this extension was refused. This is deeply concerning, and it is unclear if the individual who refused had the authority to do so. Such actions raise significant questions about MDCPS’s commitment to effectively supporting all public-school students, including those in charter schools.
We respectfully appeal to you to mediate this issue. Specifically, we request your assistance to:
1. Ensure that MDCPS processes all ESSER III reimbursements for charter schools in a timely and transparent manner.
2. Hold MDCPS accountable for fulfilling their obligations to serve all students fairly, including those attending public charter schools.
3. Grant MDCPS an extension until Jan. 10th, 2025, to process all outstanding reimbursements.
For close to three decades, charter schools have played a vital role in Florida’s K-12 education system, offering families access to innovative and high-quality learning environments. Ensuring that all ESSER III funds are reimbursed appropriately and without delay is essential to supporting this mission.
We are confident in your commitment to parental rights and accountability across all districts in Florida, and we greatly appreciate your attention to this urgent matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details or to discuss potential solutions.
Thank you for your leadership and unwavering support for Florida’s students. Sincerely,
Ralph Arza
Director of Governmental Affairs
cc: Dwight Bernard, District Director, Accountability & Technical Support, Miami Dade County Public Schools
Superintendent Jose Dortes, Miami Dade County Public Schools
Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of Independent Education and Parental ChoiceThe Florida Department of Education
Tiffany Pauline, Assistant Superintendent, Miami Dade County Public Schools
Vicki Pineda, Charter School Director The Florida Department of Education
Mari Tere Rojas, Miami Dade School Board Chair