Austin Independent School District public relations confirmed that within 24 hours after the Austin ISD board of trustees approved to establish an in-district charter school in collaboration with IDEA Public Schools, IDEA CEO Tom Torkelson inked his name on the contract.

Following the Dec. 19, 2011, board meeting, the AISD counsel made changes to the contract in anticipation of Torkelson's signature. Notable changes to the contract since Dec. 12 include the following:

The legal counsel added two items to the "Program Services" sections:

  • "32. Admit the siblings of students then currently enrolled in the IDEA School; and
  • "33. Hold all parent/student complaint hearings in accordance with District Policy FNG (Local) within the jurisdiction of the Austin Independent School District, such hearings at the Board level to be heard by a body comprised of both IDEA and AISD Board members, including the AISD Board Representative from Single Member District 2 whenever possible."

The contract was updated with an addendum about further discounts for the supplying of other goods and services:

  • "For the 2012-13 school year, ("Initial Year"), IDEA shall be paid by AISD according to the base student allotment designed by the State for AISD of $5,001.00 per student ADA plus weights for compensatory education, special education, bilingual (English Language Learners), gifted and talented and career and technology.

Added:

  • "This allotment will be further discounted for the provision of other goods and services such as, but not limited to, transportation routes beyond standard services, utilities, maintenance, security or other like mutually agreed upon "buy-back" goods or services."

Another revision was a statement subtracted from a component about the cost of food services:

  • "Provide food services and food services personnel to the School to the same extent as provided to other AISD schools including record-keeping services."

Subtracted:

  • "The cost of these services shall be set off and adjusted in accordance with Section VI hereafter."

Other changes:

  • The initial contract had Austin ISD partnering with IDEA Public Schools, Inc. In the latest version of the contract, "Inc." has been dropped from the heading and first paragraph.
  • The contract had IDEA listed as a Delaware stock profit corporation. The contract now has the charter school listed as a "Texas nonprofit corporation."

Noncompete clause

The final contract did include a noncompete clause that will keep IDEA from "skimming off the top," a concern voiced by several parents at AISD board meetings.

"At anytime during the term of this agreement, IDEA shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in any practices, projects, or other activities including but not limited to the operation of any schools under its State Charter or other charter, which have the effect of competing against AISD in the provision of educational services within the jurisdiction of the District."