[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6321265,"mediaKeyId","2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342","parentId",2351042,"title","Board approves K–12 science textbook adoptions across grades and disciplines","audioSeconds",1013,"startMs",6213000,"endMs",7226000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342&start=6213&end=7226","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342/thumbnail_6213000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6321265/Sarasota/School-Districts/Florida/Board-approves-K12-science-textbook-adoptions-across-grades-and-disciplines","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321265-46e7e2a1e246a5bf23b3821988a7db2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213617&Signature=kb5GmV1KCRBFMSHVtFVRVoldmEWNFylpYTHPuhtz1lpoQyvCc5DkFzRkD2DQESpR0RWQTtfQdEY2ieNYX2qaR7MK3BBldsFWE29O30uE~jYwAiPM7cz74tyJbgqMeGN2RRZkpkGG~UrQ~GfTVk~w4frdsFv~~i7rmqvzSInRqbkn1Wu5tI6J-dgWjOtKlmmU5pMTJ4ktAzylu3o2WkAMnM5KkyUcZXEZ-DYeWXX0oFCXBAe0SlBhFvLRnqZ~WIzLHkV8IDumwu4Pw0e0AXnnQ10Hi19CuS4iHoualttkDfBtGLfd2mzbiJvPA72U4MPgUQI1zLvtcjzd9rMeqgvfQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sarasota County School Board, FL","date","2025-02-19T14:47:47Z","article","The Sarasota County School Board approved a slate of science instructional materials for the 2026–2031 adoption cycle by individual roll-call votes on Feb. 18, approving materials for kindergarten through eighth‑grade science and a series of high‑school science subjects.

Superintendent Connor said the adoptions were the result of committee review and alignment checks against state standards. Florida statute requires singular, line‑item votes for instructional-material adoptions, so the board moved through each grade and subject separately.

What passed: The board approved the recommended materials, 5‑0, for the following agenda items (summary):
- 11.4: Kindergarten science instructional materials.
- 11.5: Grade 1 science.
- 11.6: Grade 2 science.
- 11.7: Grade 3 science.
- 11.8: Grade 4 science.
- 11.9: Grade 5 science.
- 11.10: Grade 6 science.
- 11.11: Grade 7 science.
- 11.12: Grade 8 science.
- 11.13: Middle school advanced physical science.
- 11.14: High school biology.
- 11.15: High school Earth/space science.
- 11.16: High school chemistry.
- 11.17: High school anatomy.
- 11.18: High school physics.
- 11.19: High school astronomy.
- 11.20: High school environmental science.
- 11.21: High school forensic science.
- 11.22: High school marine science.

Why it matters: The adoptions set the materials teachers will use for the next adoption cycle, shaping curriculum, classroom resources and digital access for the district’s science programs.

Board process: The superintendent and staff presented the materials and the textbook-selection committees’ recommendations. Board members moved and seconded each item as required; all votes recorded as 5‑0. Several board members publicly thanked textbook-selection committees for the review work.

Ending: All adoption motions carried unanimously. The district will proceed with purchasing, distribution and professional‑learning support tied to the approved materials in the coming months.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SCS | Board Meeting - February 18, 2025 6:00 pm","oneSentenceSummary","Sarasota County School Board approved recommended science instructional materials for kindergarten through high‑school disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics and specialized high‑school subjects, in separate line‑item votes required by state statute.","taxTitle","Sarasota, School Districts, Florida","taxId",14672,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6321270,"School board approves three charter renewals and a K‑8 expansion for Dreamers Academy",139,5959000,6098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342&start=5959&end=6098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342/thumbnail_5959000.jpg","/articles/6321270/Sarasota/School-Districts/Florida/School-board-approves-three-charter-renewals-and-a-K8-expansion-for-Dreamers-Academy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321270-735ffab38ba85f51972473894fac7924/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213617&Signature=fTO4faTcbnGgU0ZFI1hAAVYXErx~7YuVgUbLyeRYygzUFdlG45Ai9YFouApJLHaZujuHq~GXUXiDaYiOYkgCORIvbggRKwQ4qSETc1VuciEauWw28725oDJDd7kdIoffpxGJUtjGDl6hc3vMdBXi53PF0pfiica2QMOuO1ldPN4UIUYZRY6UeAuIbEQkQ7tYst9715de-SDzYpxPSFD9myP5QUcz8bWbNVa3b8BTgpB~CqJiIWpTWGc2WBImuUJ33~AHcoLeuegdulvj9M57KHKf2N1B0NckEIsuT1qQGb~9uu5dlUue6se~qgDzVw8iWqcMx4Y6TwLo2ROjdZUTNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota County School Board voted unanimously Feb. 18 to approve three charter actions: a charter amendment for Dreamers Academy to expand from kindergarten through grade 5 to a K‑8 school, and 15‑year renewal contracts for Island Village Montessori School and Sarasota Military Academy.

Superintendent Connor presented the Dreamers Academy amendment, which the superintendent said would add one grade per year beginning with sixth grade in the 2025–26 school year. The superintendent recommended approval, and the board approved the amendment 5‑0. The item allows the superintendent and the board chair to execute the amended charter contingent on approval by general counsel.

Island Village Montessori School, operating since 2002, applied for renewal and the district's charter review committee recommended a 15‑year renewal based on the school's state accountability rating. The board approved the renewal 5‑0.

Sarasota Military Academy also received a 15‑year renewal after a committee review and a current state accountability grade of B; the board approved the renewal 5‑0.

Why it matters: The renewals and the Dreamers expansion expand school-choice options in the county. Board members said the schools reflect the district's school‑choice goals and noted outreach and partnerships described during recent workshops.

Votes at a glance:
- Dreamers Academy charter amendment (agenda item 11.1): Motion approved 5‑0; motion to approve moved by Miss Ziegler and seconded by Mr. Edwards.
- Island Village Montessori School renewal (agenda item 11.2): Motion approved 5‑0; mover recorded as Miss Marinelli and seconded by Mr. Edwards.
- Sarasota Military Academy renewal (agenda item 11.3): Motion approved 5‑0; motion moved by Mr. Edwards and seconded by Miss Barker.

What the board said: Board members urged colleagues and the community to review workshop materials tied to the charters. Mr. Edwards said the three schools capture the intent of school-choice by offering specialized programs; Ms. Barker said visits to the schools underscored their value to vulnerable students.

Ending: The approvals were recorded as contingent on any final legal review where noted; there were no reported dissenting votes.","The Sarasota County School Board approved a contract amendment allowing Dreamers Academy to expand from K‑5 to K‑8 and granted 15‑year renewals to Island Village Montessori School and Sarasota Military Academy, all by 5‑0 votes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6321274,"Suncoast Technical College presentation highlights enrollment pressure, Northport expansion and grants",719,2517000,3236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342&start=2517&end=3236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342/thumbnail_2517000.jpg","/articles/6321274/Sarasota/School-Districts/Florida/Suncoast-Technical-College-presentation-highlights-enrollment-pressure-Northport-expansion-and-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321274-2d878602e663af2731a45f9927a13e6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213617&Signature=V3imt3tTYTRW-PfJJ-QAdHwygR5J-3mVVO7yKKso-1ruLfgu1kdUcYBpi7aGT7hB4MoD3zvpv5ZD-pSSOUJmUL8SxUhZ0itxWv9WY5bEWiCG2aQ3xpnJyKDG-GrKKACt43sqvKHCgk7kI0NfQWa4Y-ZcGsCwwNNIBlWCJlC6b5Md3PUBIggk2WoD4-h8ELcw1RDff5ESSqpPyg5aEWbx5XypZPIEBO3cZSp5ED6oUDnDOGz0LlYxX4jppyTFqM5JlIIpx2V5hvegyI1flyiROf7QkxyEzuCP1xfsk8niJSblm7j1XU5ixBnWWxWii-K5nBmXccaVi4cklmfQeYlNtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Suncoast Technical College leaders told the Sarasota County School Board on Feb. 18 that demand for career and technical education exceeds current capacity and that several grants and local allocations will support expansion.

Ron DePillo, executive director of career technical education and Suncoast Technical College, said the college offers almost 40 programs across seven locations and that dual-enrollment demand already exceeds available seats. \"We have currently more applications than we have seats. The expansion of Northport is gonna help alleviate that,\" DePillo said. He said the college expects about 700 dual-enrollment seats at Northport after expansion.

Why it matters: The college supplies trained workers in high-demand fields — nursing, construction trades, emergency medical services and others — and works closely with the district on dual-enrollment pathways that let high school students earn college credits and industry credentials.

Grants and funding details: DePillo told the board the county has allocated $7,500,000 to facilitate Northport expansion. He said the college secured a $1,000,000 state grant for a regional fire-training facility that is ready to break ground, and a $700,000 capitalization grant to build a dual-enrollment HVAC program at Northport. He also said K-12 partners were awarded $1,000,000 to rebuild space at Northport for a construction academy. DePillo said the college expected to add approximately 50–100 seats initially and that capital projects and program starts were under way.

Program highlights: DePillo described workforce-driven program selection and noted a range of completions in recent months: nursing graduates, automotive service, marine service and paramedic/EMT training. He described a new patient-care-technology program that stacks CNA, phlebotomy and EKG certifications and an LPN-to-RN bridge that the college is piloting with state approval.

Board reaction and details: Board members praised the college’s work. \"This is my fifth year as a school board member. From the time I started to where we are today, it's leaps and bounds,\" board member Mike Edwards said. Members noted the value of CTE programming for workforce pipelines, hospital growth near Northport and local partnerships.

Next steps: DePillo asked the board to continue support for expansion and to help secure approvals and funding. He said marketing and a lottery process will manage student placement while the district and college add capacity.

Ending: The board did not vote on capital allocations at the Feb. 18 meeting; DePillo indicated project funding and grant approvals were in process, and he asked the board for continued support as those plans advance.","District and college leaders told the Sarasota County School Board that Suncoast Technical College is expanding programs and facilities to meet workforce demand and accommodate more dual-enrollment students, supported by county and state grants.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6321276,"Sarasota parents and advocates press school board for plan if federal education funding is cut",6443,2701000,9144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342&start=2701&end=9144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2351042-66130bab8979085aa1a335a55157a342/thumbnail_2701000.jpg","/articles/6321276/Sarasota/School-Districts/Florida/Sarasota-parents-and-advocates-press-school-board-for-plan-if-federal-education-funding-is-cut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321276-097626638b053858a185e48c3aebf527/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213617&Signature=jsiQ9LizL6jj2H1t~mJ1otEvsQhPsDiC6qmvUvXuCScETS0kfQGtiTAk7axSxUTYEHcETWCVJ8eR9xVEL8ld0u2ldnvcAnV5I9cqRybrqQQw0ojPMRDcCWneS9Kmazkhqy8b4EaxaMABdodQSYgKJJPMmSkn5yIRKlsJaVF6Kg7jkJi1QIwv3VuMKrboFWySvLTYMDp6wn53N8MR80bDIfrjcppoae3ePJVcbvMlgklg1i8JI5GPgqqoUs28om6-Lf9tTFreVwolmzIHTrfkPpkBmSNW4X5u2dGJhAtQ8CjNNnolE7y8LLAPGF5yvHrAwa-JE-MGFEJZDyzvK-VrRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents urged the Sarasota County School Board on Feb. 18 to prepare for a potential loss of federal education funding and to explain how the district would maintain services for Title I and students with disabilities.

\"What is the district's plan if this vital funding disappears?\" asked Julie Forrester during public comment, citing a line item in the district's special-revenue table. Forrester and other speakers warned that tens of millions of federal dollars support programs for low-income students, special education and related services.

Why it matters: Several commenters said federal programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education — including Title I and IDEA/504-related supports — underwrite services that would be difficult to replace locally. Speakers said those programs pay for classroom aides, specialized staff, early-intervention screenings and nutrition services and argued the district should be transparent about contingency plans and political advocacy to protect the funding.

Many public speakers gave specific figures from the district documents as evidence of risk. Julie Forrester told the board the district anticipated \"$99,600,000 in federal funds this year,\" while other speakers referenced a special-revenue table showing \"almost $50,000,000.\" Lisa Sher, speaking for Support Our Schools, asked, \"Are we going to wait until it happens to form a contingency plan or revise the budget for these cuts?\" Both numbers and table entries were cited from the superintendent's finance report during the meeting.

Parents, students and disability-rights advocates described how those dollars are used. Several speakers urged the board to consider a formal resolution or statement committing to preserve services for affected students if federal funding were shifted to states or converted to block grants.

Board response and next steps: Board members acknowledged concerns and said they would review the situation. Board member Bridget Ziegler and others noted the complexity of federal and state funding streams and urged constituents to rely on official district communications. Several board members suggested reviewing legislative priorities and increasing communication with state and federal representatives; no formal motion or vote on contingency plans was taken during the Feb. 18 meeting.

What was said: Student and community speakers pressed for transparency and proactive planning. Booker High School student Avery Cole said students needed advance notice: \"If you don't have a plan, take all of our presence as a sign to make a plan.\" Pastor J.T. Prior told the board, \"If we stay ready, we don't have to get ready.\" Several parents said they feared cuts to services that help students with learning differences and special needs.

Context/background: Multiple speakers referenced national policy moves and court cases they said could alter enforcement of federal civil-rights protections and special-education support; commenters also cited local ballot results that increased local funding for schools. The board did not adopt a formal resolution at the meeting but members said they would continue to monitor developments and discuss advocacy options.

Ending: Members of the public urged the board to act quickly and to update the community. The district's next regular meeting is scheduled for March 11, when board members suggested they could provide further information and discuss any proposed follow-up.","At a Feb. 18 Sarasota County School Board meeting, many public commenters urged the board to prepare contingency plans and advocate to protect federal funds that support Title I and special education services, citing figures in the district budget and warning of possible cuts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves K–12 science textbook adoptions across grades and disciplines

School board approves three charter renewals and a K‑8 expansion for Dreamers Academy

Suncoast Technical College presentation highlights enrollment pressure, Northport expansion and grants

Sarasota parents and advocates press school board for plan if federal education funding is cut