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Board approves Paul R. Smith conversion to K–8; members cite community-school continuity
Summary
The Pasco County School Board unanimously approved converting Paul R. Smith Middle School to a K–8 model and retaining the community-school services; board members said the change will provide modern facilities and mentoring opportunities for younger students.
The Pasco County School Board voted unanimously to approve the conversion of Paul R. Smith Middle School to a K–8 configuration, a change board members said will preserve the community school model while creating new opportunities for students.
Board members moved and seconded the item and then discussed the transition plans. One board member said she was "truly excited about the opportunities" the change would bring to the Golfside Elementary and Paul R. Smith communities and stressed that the community-school model would remain in place to support families during the transition. Another board member said the decision was "tough" but noted capital needs at Golfside Elementary and the availability of space at Paul R. Smith, and urged staff to delineate spaces for K–5 and 6–8, raise behavioral expectations and create mentoring opportunities for older students.
Human resources and senior staff were cited as responsible for supporting the transition; board members noted HR typically provides a toolkit to manage staffing transitions and said leaders would partner with teachers and community partners to minimize disruption. Board members commented that the K–8 model has been popular with parents and that the updated school facilities should provide improved amenities. "I think it's gonna be a win win," one board member said.
The motion carried unanimously after the vote was called.
