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Board reviews multiple proposals to change grade configurations and add scholars magnet; parents raise concerns about splitting MB Cook
Summary
Administrators outlined plans for adding sixth grade at Longleaf Elementary, a Bailey/Helen Carroll collaboration, a Pensacola High School seventh–eighth scholars magnet and potential Sims/Cook configuration changes; several parents urged the board not to split MB Cook’s grades across campuses.
District administrators presented several proposals to change school grade configurations and expand magnet or scholars programs, prompting extended board discussion and public comment.
Longleaf Elementary principal Troy Brown reported that about 75 percent of eligible fifth graders had signaled a preference to remain at Longleaf for sixth grade; current committed sixth‑grade enrollment stood near 45 students, with school capacity adequate. Transportation staff said existing routes can absorb the additional students without schedule changes provided state start‑time mandates remain unchanged.
Helen Carroll and Bailey principals described a planned collaboration that would keep each school’s attendance zones intact while increasing shared programming: Bailey students already visit Carroll for volunteer work and performances, and principals proposed Leader in Me, peer mediation, fine‑arts inclusion and shared accelerated math options. Facilities staff said a covered walkway between the campuses is expected to be added.
Pensacola High School announced plans to add a seventh‑and‑eighth grade scholars magnet on its West Wing when renovations are complete. School leaders said the wing will provide 12 classrooms, a dedicated entrance and restroom facilities; the initial goal is roughly 100 students per grade, with priority admission discussions tied to the high school’s IB program. The district said the earliest implementation would be school year 2026-27 and emphasized a deliberate, phased approach.
The most contested discussion concerned a proposal to realign grades at O.J. Sims and N.B. Cook (variously described as a k‑3 and 4‑6 split or similar small‑zone proposal). Board members and staff said the idea is intended to raise achievement by sharing programs across campuses, but several board members expressed concerns about unintended consequences, enrollment shifts and competition with magnet programs. Dozens of parents and community members spoke during public forum; a group of MB Cook parents said they drive long distances to keep children at Cook and urged the board not to split the school’s grades across different campuses, warning of childcare and transportation burdens.
Board members did not take action; administrators were asked to continue planning, hold town‑hall meetings and return with detailed timelines, transportation impacts and enrollment projections before any decisions.
