Council asks staff to draft resolution exploring Oldsmar Elementary as K–8 after school‑board member’s appeal

The Oldsmar City Council asked staff on Nov. 18 to draft a resolution expressing support for exploring conversion of Oldsmar Elementary School to a K–8 campus and to return to the council for further consideration.

Eileen Long, Pinellas County School Board member for District 4, told the council she has long championed the idea and cited family logistics and student continuity as primary benefits. "I want to see a K through 8," Long said, describing long bus rides for some Oldsmar children and urging town‑hall engagement so parents can weigh in.

Resident Jared Buckman, speaking as a parent, supported the conversion and described the strain of having children attending multiple campuses. Other members of the public asked practical questions about impacts on Forest Lakes Elementary, electives and high‑school zoning; the mayor and council members said those are logistical issues staff and the school district would need to study.

The mayor asked Tom (city staff) to draft a resolution and return it to council, with additional public comment to follow at a later meeting or in a town‑hall format. The action tonight authorized staff to prepare language and outreach; it did not change school zoning or district policy.

Next steps: staff will draft the resolution language and coordinate with the school district and the public for a town‑hall meeting where residents can ask operational questions and review potential impacts.

Outcome: Council authorized staff to draft the resolution and pursue additional public engagement (voice vote).