McKeel Academy seeks to open Mulberry campus; plans small elementary with innovation studio

McKeel Academy officials told the Polk County School Board at a work session Oct. 28 that they intend to open McKeel Academy Mulberry in August 2026, repurposing the Kingsford site and serving roughly 430 students in prekindergarten through sixth grade.

The application presentation, given by Alan Black, chief strategic officer for the Schools of McKeel, said the Mulberry campus would replicate the curriculum model of McKeel Academy Central and include a central "innovation studio" offering robotics, 3‑D printing and other hands‑on experiences. "Every student will be known, valued, and supported," Black said, adding that the campus will serve students with exceptionalities and English‑language learners.

McKeel introduced Michelle Papel as the planned principal; presenters described Papel as a 20‑year McKeel employee who has served as an assistant principal or principal for seven years at South McKeel. The group told the board they have begun clearing the Kingsford grounds and anticipate remodeling rather than new construction. "We intend to open in August 2026," Black said, and described a phased remodeling approach funded initially from McKeel's reserves with an internal payback structure described as a loan from system reserves.

On operations, presenters said the new campus would be brought to district safety standards, follow the district's safe‑schools protocols, provide technology comparable to McKeel's other campuses, and rely on McKeel transportation: "We have 26 buses. We intend to transport students to Mulberry McKeel," Black said. The organization also described ongoing community outreach: staff said they distributed "400 plus applications" at a recent Harvest Festival and are engaging local businesses and families.

Board members did not take action at the work session. The presentation concluded with board members thanking the McKeel representatives; no vote or formal district recommendation was recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: the district will receive the application materials and follow standard review processes for charter applications. The presenters urged continued collaboration with district staff on facilities and community engagement.