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Sarasota district outlines Schools of Hope concerns; Wilkinson named as low‑utilization school under review
Summary
Sarasota County Schools officials described the new 'Schools of Hope' state law, warned it could allow charter operators to co‑locate in underused public schools, and told parents discussions about facility repurposing — including Wilkinson Elementary — will be taken up at a public workshop.
Superintendent Connor and multiple school board members addressed the district’s preliminary response to state “Schools of Hope” legislation and said the board will discuss school building utilization at a public workshop on Tuesday.
Superintendent Connor described the law’s effect as allowing charter operators designated by the state Department of Education to “co‑locate in your school alongside of your traditional school, and can also, at the expense of the district, use all of your facilities, your transportation, your food nutrition services, your security protocols,” and said the two schools “have to coexist.”
Why it matters: board members said the law increases the risk that underused Sarasota facilities could be repurposed for charter operators, potentially reducing control by the district over space and resources. Superintendent Connor and board members emphasized the need to analyze enrollment, seat utilization and logistics before making any public decisions.
District analysis and local numbers: Connor said Sarasota is down about 300 students year‑over‑year and that some schools report utilization as low as about 48 percent and about 56 percent at others. He said the district has begun a quick review of building utilization to determine exposure under the new law.
Board process and next steps: board members repeatedly told parents that formal discussion among all five board members had not occurred and that the board will take up options at a scheduled Tuesday workshop. A parent from Wilkinson Elementary asked directly whether her school was closing; board members and the superintendent replied that no final decision had been made and that the workshop would be the appropriate venue for public, sunshine‑law‑compliant discussion.
Board comments: board members stressed advocacy with the legislature and urged parents to participate. One board member said the district will be “proactive as best as we can” and another encouraged parents to bring concerns to local legislators and to the district so community voices can factor into any response.
What was not decided: no board vote or formal action on closures or repurposing occurred at this meeting. Superintendent Connor said the district will develop a timeline if actions move forward, and that public engagement would be part of that process.
Ending: officials said parents and community members should expect more public information after the board’s workshop. The district promised to publish answers to submitted questions on the superintendent’s Inform page and to hold additional engagement opportunities.
