Hardee board votes 4‑1 to pursue standalone high‑school option; land purchase approved

The Hardee County School Board voted Feb. 10 to pursue a standalone high‑school option as part of the district’s special facilities construction account, and separately approved purchase of land near Hardy Junior High/Hilltop Elementary to preserve potential future school access.

Board members debated alternatives presented by the district’s master‑planning vendor, including the original five‑year plan and two variations labeled “1a” and “1b” (both discussed as building a new high school on its own site). After discussion the board took a three‑step roll call by show of hands: one member signaled support for the original plan; four members voted in favor of proceeding with the high‑school‑only option (the board recorded the result as 4–1 in favor of option 1a/1b).

During discussion board members emphasized the need to balance state funding opportunities, community input gathered during workshops, and the impact of a large consolidated elementary school on neighborhoods. One member said she would prefer sticking to the original master plan; others argued separating the high‑school project could allow the district to pursue state special‑facilities funding and return later to elementary needs.

Separately, the board approved a recommended land purchase intended to protect an existing roadway and avoid a more costly new road construction later. During discussion a district speaker said the purchase price would be $32.05 (as stated in the meeting transcript); board members described that purchase as a substantial savings if it prevents an estimated multimillion‑dollar road project. The board approved the land purchase by voice vote; meeting discussion noted an earlier budget set‑aside for engineering and an anticipated construction cost that would make the land buy cost‑effective.

The superintendent and staff said they will return with more detailed plans and further public input on elementary needs once the high‑school project moves forward.

Votes at a glance - Special facilities: motion to pursue the new high school as a standalone project (options 1a/1b). Outcome: approved by show of hands, 4–1. The meeting record notes that Member Cornell voted for the original plan. - Land purchase near Hardy Junior High/Hilltop Elementary: motion approved (mover: Miss Dasher; second: Mr. Smith). Outcome: approved by voice vote. Price discussed in the meeting transcript as "$32.05" (amount as stated in the transcript).