Hillsborough board approves two GMPs for new or rebuilt schools amid debate on timing and colocation
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Summary
The school board approved guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) for a rebuild of Just Elementary and Stuart Middle and for a new 1,631‑student middle school (Middle School VV). Members Rendon and Han recorded dissent, and much of the debate focused on enrollment assumptions and the risk of co‑location under the Schools of Hope rule.
The Hillsborough County School Board voted Nov. 18 to approve guaranteed maximum prices for two construction items after more than two hours of debate over enrollment, timing and potential effects from changes to Florida’s Schools of Hope law.
Item C‑7‑12 seeks approval of a GMP for the facility rebuild project at Just Elementary School and Stuart Middle School. The superintendent’s office described funding from the district’s half‑penny sales tax and Community Investment Tax (CIT). District planning staff estimated repairs to the existing Stewart building could cost "$30 to $40 million" if the board pursues renovation rather than a knock‑down rebuild.
Item C‑7‑13 authorizes a GMP for a proposed new Middle School VV — a 1,631‑student‑station middle school intended to address growth in South County, the superintendent said. Planning staff and several members noted substantial population growth in new developments and a large number of middle‑school students currently assigned to overcrowded schools such as Shields.
The votes were not unanimous. The record shows member Rendon and member Han declined to support the motions for both projects; other members said the proposals respond to long‑range planning and would remove portables and address deferred maintenance. Member Rendon said she could not ‘‘in good conscience agree to build or rebuild a school that I cannot guarantee our students are going to remain in,'' citing concern that new or under‑filled facilities could be vulnerable to co‑location under the state rule. Member Combs and Member Washington argued the district must move forward to secure land and to provide needed seats.
Superintendent and planning staff explained the tradeoffs between building a stand‑alone middle school and a K‑8 configuration. Staff said the district’s growth‑management projections show a near‑term shortage of middle‑school seats; that calculation drove the recommendation for a middle‑school configuration, though officials said they could redesign to a K‑8 if the board so directed.
Financial and logistical details discussed on the record included an approximate $30–$40 million estimate for major repairs at the older Stewart facility if the board avoids a rebuild, and an outline of funding sources including sales‑tax and CIT proceeds. Several members asked for community outreach, including surveys and a door‑knocking enrollment campaign, and asked staff to give the board enrollment data and assumptions prior to construction ground‑breaking.
Next steps: With the GMP approvals, staff will proceed with procurement and contract documents for the projects; board members asked for continued updates on enrollment outreach and the district’s response to Schools of Hope co‑location notices.
