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Sarasota board approves lease to bring children’s museum to Wilkinson Elementary
Summary
The Sarasota County School Board unanimously approved a lease allowing the Sarasota Children’s Museum to retrofit and occupy Building 2 at Wilkinson Elementary. Superintendent Connor said the partnership will open museum programming to students and the public while repurposing underused district space.
The Sarasota County School Board on May 19 unanimously approved a lease agreement allowing the Sarasota Children’s Museum to occupy Building 2 at Wilkinson Elementary and retrofit the space over the next three years.
Superintendent Connor presented the proposal as part of the district’s long-range “Future Focused” initiative to better utilize school facilities and expand community partnerships. He told the board the museum would operate under a below-market lease and would retrofit the building so students across the county and the public could participate in museum programs. “And so I present this lease agreement for your approval today,” Superintendent Connor said.
Board member Tom Edwards moved to approve the lease and Mrs. Barker seconded. The board voted unanimously in favor, with Edwards, Marinelli, Rose, Barker and the chair recording affirmative voice votes.
Proponents on the dais described the arrangement as a creative use of underenrolled school space that could introduce families to district campuses and offer new learning opportunities for students. The board emphasized that further discussions between district staff, Wilkinson families and the museum will define program details and access for students.
The item passed as a formal motion (agenda item 9.1). The board did not attach final program details to the lease; district staff and the museum will continue planning how to integrate museum offerings with classroom opportunities and community visitation.
