JEFFERSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Today, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a charter organization takeover of the Jefferson County school district.
This decision comes after the county's school board voted last week to turn the district over to a charter school operator. For almost an hour, officials spoke about the district's future.
With the approval, Jefferson County Schools will have its day-to-day operations run by an out-of-town organization.
For years, the district has struggled with low academic performance and for elementary school students, the latest scores from the Florida Standards Assessment are proof.
Less than one-third of students are proficient in English, less than one-half are proficient in math, and less than one-fifth are proficient in science.
District officials made their case that this is the best option to bring up the grades of the failing district as well as fix their continued financial problems.
The charter selection process will still be closely watched by the state, to try and make sure the best possible company is picked.
Jefferson County Schools is already in contact with four charter school companies, two of which they say have expressed interest in taking on the school.
