SUPERINTENDENT SEARCHES
Finding qualified, suitable candidates for a superintendent vacancy is a tedious, time-consuming, and important task. A school board seeking to fill a vacancy must base its decision on appropriate information acquired through careful planning and adherence to the school districts' goals. FSBA offers expert assistance and qualified, professional support for one of the most crucial decisions that a school board will make. FSBA will perform all or any portion of the process of locating candidates for a school district on a cost basis. Through FSBA's facilitation, a school board is advised and guided on each step of the process which includes continuous interaction with the school board. The school board makes the ultimate decision and controls the process with expert management and logistical assistance from FSBA.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
The FSBA Lease Purchase Program is designed to provide school districts with another option for building schools with tax exempt bonds. The Program allows local school boards to lease-purchase facilities and for buyers of the bonds to have their income tax exempt. This attractive financing program enables school districts to finance and build large numbers of schools at today's market prices. This opportunity can be provided by a vote of the school board.
LEGAL SERVICES
The Association retains legal counsel to represent FSBA with respect to its corporate and other business matters. In this capacity, FSBA's legal counsel assists in the defense of lawsuits, institutes legal proceedings, and issues opinions. FSBA's legal counsel may also serve as a representative for FSBA's membership in lawsuits that have the potential to impact all school boards. This may include preparation and filing of amicus curiae (i.e., friends of the court) briefs.
TELEPHONE CONSULTATION
FSBA strives to be on the leading edge in gathering the latest information on educational issues. The FSBA staff is always available to consult by telephone with school districts or individuals on a broad range of educational topics.
RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION
The FSBA staff is available to perform extended research for school districts on a contractual basis. The activities performed are determined by the contracting agency and may include writing comprehensive reports, making presentations at conferences, or producing informational brochures and pamphlets.
MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
FSBA sponsors a Medicaid Reimbursement Program for local school districts. This program allows local school districts to obtain additional federal revenues for services rendered to disabled students. The program returns an average of $50 million per year to Florida school districts, and is a simple and efficient way to recapture a significant amount of federal dollars for school districts. An FSBA representative will assist school districts in starting this program to benefit disabled students.
THE FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
The Florida Educational Leadership Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation established to provide enhanced training opportunities for school board members, district staff, and teachers. The Foundation provides training scholarships for educational leaders to enhance their professional development and become more active advocates for public education. Corporations, foundations, and individuals are encouraged to donate to the Foundation to provide Florida with the best education leadership in the country. Participation is encouraged as FSBA continues to seek the "best and brightest" leaders for students in public education.