Florida school districts look to close under-enrolled campuses
Across the nation, school districts have experienced declining enrollment as families consider other education options for their children, among other factors.
It’s led to a debate over the need to shutter under-capacity, often low-performing schools. The conservative Thomas B. Fordham Institute recently released a report contending that America has too many schools and some must close. The document identified more than two dozen schools in Florida it suggested fit the criteria of underachieving and under-enrolled, including some in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Some Florida districts have already begun the discussion, which proves difficult as communities work to protect the campuses that serve their communities. Hillsborough, for instance, closed several schools this year and Broward’s school board is slated to consider a proposal next week.
On Tuesday, the Duval County school board took the first step toward closing at least six elementary schools as it strives to slash a $1.4 billion shortfall.
“I know that everyone wants to see their school in years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. I know that’s where everyone wants to see their school, and I could have produced a Capital Plan like that. It wouldn’t have been truthful, it wouldn’t have been honest, and it wouldn’t have been affordable,” superintendent Chris Bernier said. Read more from WJXT.