Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Closures And Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pizzo K‑8 family and community urge board to preserve school amid contract concerns
Summary
Pizzo K‑8 parents, alumni and the Pizzo family asked the board to revisit decisions about the school's future and any financial dispute with USF, urging continued community engagement and exploration of a K‑8 pathway for South County families.
Multiple speakers at the June 2 meeting urged the Hillsborough County School Board to preserve Pizzo K‑8 and to reconsider contract or campus decisions that community members say threaten the school’s future. Family members and alumni described the school as a unique community resource tied to historian Anthony Pizzo and asked the board to reopen discussions with the University of South Florida and other partners.
Anthony J. Pizzo, son of the school’s namesake, spoke in support of the school and noted historic ties between Tony Pizzo and USF that helped establish the campus. Several parents and students described the emotional impact of a potential move or contract changes and asked the board to consider alternatives including revisiting lease terms, exploring a K‑8 option for South County at Doby Elementary, and increased district engagement with families during decisions that affect neighborhood schools.
Board members and staff heard specific requests to improve community communication and to consider relocation or programmatic solutions that minimize disruption to students. Superintendent Van Ayres and staff said they would continue conversations with stakeholders and incorporate community input into planning.
Next steps: Staff follow‑up with the Pizzo family, USF (where relevant) and community leaders; the board indicated community engagement and potential contract review would continue.
