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Hardee school board votes 4-1 to combine Bowling Green Elementary with Hilltop Elementary
Summary
The Hardee County School Board voted 4–1 on March 21 to approve option A, combining Bowling Green Elementary into Hilltop Elementary. The superintendent said planning has already begun to ease the transition; board members cited budget pressures and staff input.
The Hardee County School Board voted 4–1 on March 21 to approve option A, combining Bowling Green Elementary with Hilltop Elementary beginning next school year.
The vote came after board members discussed two proposals: option A, which would merge Bowling Green students and staff into Hilltop; and option B, which would keep both schools open while sharing key positions. The board approved option A by a four-to-one margin.
Board members said the decision reflected budgetary pressures and staff feedback. During discussion, members acknowledged the emotional impact on students, staff and the community while emphasizing a fiduciary responsibility to district finances. One board member noted the district’s general fund reserve was at 7.83% against a board-recommended target of 9%, and…
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