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Walton Academy says new coaching and attendance campaign will support recovery after F grade; board presses for clearer academic plan
Summary
Walton Academy principal Tanika Walton told the school board on Oct. 7 that the school is implementing tier‑1 instructional coaching, small‑group interventions and an attendance campaign after falling to an F; board members expressed concern about academic measures, staffing, finances and unresolved facility code violations.
Tanika Walton, founder and principal of Walton Academy for the Performing Arts, told the Hillsborough County School Board on Oct. 7 that the school’s recent F grade has prompted a restructuring of instruction, a renewed focus on tier‑1 teaching and a schoolwide attendance campaign.
Walton said the school is using benchmark diagnostic tools (iReady), supplemental resources (IXL) and standards‑aligned curricula (Wonders for ELA, EnVision for math and Florida Science) while implementing biweekly data analysis, weekly lesson plan reviews, classroom walkthroughs and targeted coaching: "Through coaching, modeling and collaborative learning, we are developing our teachers capacity to deliver rigorous, engaging lessons," she said.
Why it matters: Walton Academy’s grade fell from a D last year to an F this year, and board members flagged both the academic declines and outstanding facility issues that have prompted code‑enforcement follow-ups. The school’s contract runs through 2029.
Enrollment, staffing and data: Walton said current enrollment is 118 students (the school estimated 161 during planning but on day one counted 122), and that staffing includes several long‑term substitutes and teachers working toward certification. Walton reported that third‑grade ELA achievement fell from 67 percent in 2022 to 27 percent in 2025, and said learning gains among the lowest 25 percent of students have decreased significantly. The school reported a current daily attendance average of 96.03 percent and has launched an attendance awareness campaign with family outreach and PBIS incentives; board members questioned that figure in light of other data referenced during discussion.
Facilities and code enforcement: Board members raised concerns about code‑enforcement items and the condition of the facility, including flooring and other repairs. Walton said the school has an extension through November to complete work and that roughly 45–50 percent of listed items have been addressed. She described pro bono volunteer labor from local contractors to reduce costs but acknowledged some tasks (for example, full flooring replacement) will take longer.
Financial and oversight questions: Board member Combs asked about the school’s finances and principal compensation; during questions the principal confirmed a salary figure referenced by the board. Member Combs and others pressed Walton for a breakdown of prior-year expenditures after noting a steep decline in reported fund balances over multiple years. Walton said the school purchased new curriculum last year and has engaged consultants to support teacher planning and coaching.
Board feedback and next steps: Board members including Dr. Hahn and Member Rendon said the written improvement plan lacked sufficient "meat"—they asked for specific, grade‑level measurable targets, documented evidence‑based instructional strategies, clearer monitoring protocols and outside coaching targeted at teacher capacity for turnaround work. The charter office and board agreed to continued monitoring; Walton said the school will work to align the improvement plan more closely with beginning‑of‑year progress monitoring data.
Ending: Walton emphasized the school’s commitment to arts integration and community partnerships and asked for the board’s continued support as the school implements the plan. No formal action or vote was taken at the workshop.
