Parents and students urge board to expand Dobie Elementary to K–8, cite stability concerns

Several Dobie Elementary parents, students and local organizers used the Feb. 10 public‑comment period to press the Hillsborough County School Board to expand Dobie into a K–8 school.

A parent identified as Sue told the board Dobie has enrolled 90 new students this school year and that a K–8 conversion would provide “stability in an academic intervention” by removing an additional school transition for children. "Families are voting with their feet and they’re choosing this school," she said, urging the board to consider a permanent middle‑school wing rather than relying on modular classrooms.

Children from the school also spoke. A 6‑year‑old named Danny and other young students said they want to stay with the same teachers and avoid potentially unsafe crossings near the school. Laura Garcia, speaking for Dobie families, thanked board members for meetings and visits, praised staff and asked the board to continue exploring Dobie as a pilot for K–8 expansion.

Juan Hernandez, representing the Dobie K–8 group, reiterated support for the expansion and said school leadership changes — specifically the reassignment of Principal Christian Finch from a nearby middle school — have shaken community confidence. "Continuity is key," Hernandez said, asking that replacements preserve the path of improvement.

Board members acknowledged the comments, noted planned site visits and follow‑up, and said staff and principals will continue discussions with families.

Next steps: board members committed to continued engagement, with at least one board member scheduled to visit Dobie; staff will continue planning and report back as part of the district’s long‑range facilities and program discussions.