“We’ve got a great opportunity to solve a problem here,” said Webb, who declined to identify his client for competitive reasons. A sale could help alleviate a financial crisis that’s causing Brevard Public Schools to eliminate teaching jobs and institute various student fees.
Another possible solution to keeping the schools open also is gaining steam. Clearlake Middle in Cocoa, Gardendale Elementary on Merritt Island and South Lake Elementary in Titusville are slotted to close at the end of this school year.
Late last week, Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Bruce Deardoff said he plans on asking the port board to give enough money to Brevard Public Schools to keep the three schools open for two more academic years. Port commissioners could vote Wednesday morning on the $5 million proposal.
Webb is representing a company that has charter schools in Florida and other states, and is seeking to enter the Brevard market. Charter schools are publically funded but are privately-run schools.
When asked about a potential sale, Brevard School Board Chair Barbara Murray said the board is “open-minded,” but is interested in the district staff’s proposal to re-purpose the schools for internal use. Doing so is expected to save the district money because leased space will no longer be needed.
“We’re going to entertain and look at all of our options,” Murray said.
Consolidating adult education and alternative learning centers, for example, is expected to save up to $550,000 a year. It’s part of the prioritized list of $30 million in savings that was approved earlier this month.
School district leaders are planning to convert Clearlake to one such center. Other district offices, such as technology repair and virtual schools, also will move to the school.
Source: floridatoday.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment