St. Pete Times reports Pinellas school administrators have identified five elementary schools that could be closed next year as the district deals with budget problems and long-running enrollment declines.
This year’s spending will be cut by at least $21-million — not $13.8-million as was planned. An additional $40-million will have to be cut next year. Enrollment, meanwhile, has dropped to 104,717, down nearly 7,000 students since 2005.
The School Board will discuss the list at a workshop today, and administrators are hoping for a decision by January on whether all or some of the schools will close.
Escambia County is facing similar issues. How will Superintendent Thomas and the new board deal with it?