Pinellas County is making big moves to close and merge under-enrolled campuses as charter schools seek space in public schools through the state’s Schools of Hope program.
Families and educators are weighing the benefits of expanded school choice against the disruption caused by closures and consolidations. We start the show by unpacking what’s at stake.
Also in the news: property taxes. Should lawmakers reduce or phase them out? A pair of lawmakers take calls from listeners and explore the trade-offs between tax relief and maintaining quality of life.
And what’s going on with this chilly weather? And what’s with all this talk about snow in the Tampa Bay area this weekend. We turn to someone who knows.
Finally, Tampa will soon shine on the global stage as native sled hockey player Declan Farmer heads to Milan with his sights set on a fourth Winter Paralympics gold medal.
District goal: Abandon all Hope
(0:00) In an object lesson in class warfare, Pinellas County approved a plan to close and merge campuses with under-enrollment to prevent charter schools from moving in. District leaders say the move will protect resources amid the state’s expanded Schools of Hope program. We break down the plan, the pushback and what options districts really have.
GUEST:
- Jeff Solochek, Tampa Bay Times education reporter
Fraught with flurries?
(11:43) It’s the weekend to shiver ye timbers, literally, as the coldest weather of the season moves into the area just in time for Gasparilla and a pirate-themed outdoor Lightning game. But the big question is: Will it snow? An FPREN meteorologist explains how cold it will get.
GUEST:
- Megan Borowski, FPREN senior meteorologist
Slashing property taxes? At what cost?
(20:44) The Legislature is pushing plans to reduce or eliminate local ad valorem taxes, a move that appeals to homeowners and renters alike. Critics warn that long-term cuts could hollow out services people rely on every day. We bring the debate home with a pair of state lawmakers.
GUEST:
- George Kruse, Manatee County Commissioner
- Florida Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay
Going for another gold
(35:45) Tampa native Declan Farmer is heading to Italy for his fourth Winter Paralympics in March. A three-time gold medalist in sled hockey, Farmer credits local clubs for helping him reach the world stage. He visits to talk about training, the challenges of sled hockey, and what the U.S. team has in store this March.
GUEST:
- Declan Farmer, U.S. Paralympic men’s sled hockey team
