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Parents appeal denied transfers: one cites bullying and safety, another seeks gifted-program placement
Summary
A mother appealed to the Highlands County School Board on Nov. 11 to permit an out-of-zone transfer for her daughter after alleging repeated bullying at Sebring High; a second parent requested a transfer to access the HEART accelerated-learning program.
A pair of parents asked the Highlands County School Board on Nov. 11 to reconsider previously denied out-of-zone transfer requests.
One mother described repeated bullying and threats against her daughter at Sebring High School and said school responses had not ensured her child's safety. She told the board her daughter had been out of school several days because the family would not send her back. Board staff noted Sebring High was 9 students over enrollment and Avon Park High was 16 over; Lake Placid High had capacity (about 45 openings), and virtual school was discussed as an option. Board members suggested options but did not record a final waiver approval in the transcript.
Michael Mazaki asked the board to allow his kindergarten‑age daughter to transfer from Fred Wilde to Cracker Trail for access to the HEART accelerated-learning program. Mazaki said his daughter scored in the 96th percentile on STAR screening and had been recommended for advanced opportunities. Curriculum staff responded that Cracker Trail and Sun and Lake offer HEART in kindergarten, but many HEART seats are placed via a rubric and may already be full for the year.
Board members and staff discussed transportation and program capacity; staff warned that small school-level sample sizes and program rubrics constrain immediate placement. No final placement decisions appear in the recorded transcript; staff indicated they would work with families and administrators where possible.
"If she's not gonna be able to get into the accelerated programs at either school, it's kind of a moot point," one board member said, summarizing the capacity issue.
The appeals portion of the meeting closed after board members outlined options (Lake Placid or virtual school) and emphasized transportation and program-capacity limitations.
