With the assistance of former School Board member Susan Latvala, they have brought in a new director, Melanie Fernandez. Fernandez, who opened Pinellas' first charter school, knows what it's like to use a personal bank account for office supplies and payroll, just to keep a charter afloat. In her first two months running Athenian Academy, Fernandez sees promise. Charter schools are operated by private groups but receive public money, so they are considered public schools. Charter schools receive the same amount per student as other public schools, minus 5 percent for administrative costs.
Charters are eligible for some funding for building costs, as well as materials and technology.
Doug Forth, a district budget official, said it became clear in early fall that Athenian Academy would struggle this year. For one thing, enrolling 40 pupils did not generate enough money. Fundraising was less than expected. For that high rent, which will rise the next two years, Athenian Academy is using about one-third of the building. As it adds a grade level each year, the Academy hopes to begin using more of the building.