School Closures

Hours of public comment preceded the Pinellas County School Board's decision to ultimately close or relocate schools due to declining enrollment.

After hearing parents' concerns on Sexton Elementary School's potential closure, the Pinellas County School Board will hold off on their vote on the school.

School board members said they will discuss closure plans again during an Oct. 6 workshop before the final vote on Oct. 13.

Parents believe the closures and mergers will create cramped classrooms and displace teachers, students, and staff.

Pinellas' superintendent said the proposal could save $25 million a year and reduce unused student seats by nearly 5,000.

A group of teachers and community members, as well as the sons of Anthony Pizzo, the school's namesake, are rallying to keep the K-8 school open.

Four schools will see partial or full closures, while boundaries shift for others. District leaders point to falling enrollment, a tightening budget and threats of charter takeover.

Community members are still hoping for an alternative to school closures planned for next year.

While, in most cases, the closures and reassignments are part of the school district's effort to address low enrollment, Pizzo K-8's closure stems from an untenable lease hike.

Seven schools could be shut down next school year in Orange County. Since last week, Orange County Public School employees have been holding community meetings concerning each possible closing.

Tampa Bay area schools lost necessary classroom time after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Now, the school districts have to find a way to make up instructional hours.

The closures are part of a broader restructuring plan that will save the district annual costs. But parents and some officials say the disruption to families is not worth it.