Residents press board on 'Schools of Hope' co‑location and recent donations of district property to nonprofits
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Summary
Public commenters warned about state 'Schools of Hope' charter co‑location rules and asked the board to push back; residents also questioned recent donations of surplus district property to nonprofits and requested clearer policies and public hearings on asset dispositions.
During the Jan. 13 public‑comment period, community members raised concerns about two issues: the State Board of Education’s Schools of Hope program and district donations or transfers of land to nonprofit partners.
Pam Crowell urged residents to contact the Florida Board of Education and state legislators about Schools of Hope rules that allow charter operators to co‑locate in public school buildings. Crowell said letters of intent had been sent regarding multiple Volusia schools and warned the community that such actions can transfer public assets to private operators without local‑board approval or oversight.
Multiple speakers also flagged safety and facility issues at recently rebuilt schools. Charity Small Elementary music teacher Brenelle Spar asked the board to inspect playground surfacing, exposed piping and other defects where students play.
A separate public commenter raised questions about a reported donation of property to the DeLand Police Athletic League and earlier donations to a nonprofit called Homes Bring Hope. He asked whether the nonprofits have governance documents, restrictions preventing private sale, or requirements that donated properties serve only district employees.
Board members responded with both defense and acknowledgement. Several trustees—citing past workshops and presentations—described long‑standing partnerships with nonprofit groups (including the Powell organization and the DeLand PAL) and benefits to students and employees (after‑school programming and employee housing). Others said a written policy is needed to govern future surplus‑land disposition and donations and that staff and legal counsel will draft guidance.
Board member Christa Goodrich and others pointed to prior presentations in BoardDocs and said past votes and workshops publicly aired the proposals. Trustees committed to produce clearer policy language about asset disposition and to continue community engagement on the issues raised.
The comments prompted board direction to staff to examine the district’s surplus/disposition practice and return recommended policy language for future consideration.