Pinellas County School Board is considering closing and consolidating several schools to address declining enrollment and rising maintenance costs. The recommendations affect at least three schools and could save the district approximately $8 million annually in operating expenses, with an additional $7 million deferred in maintenance and capital costs.

Under the current proposal, Disston Academy would close at the end of the school year. Bay Point Elementary and Bay Vista Middle School would merge into a single K-8 campus. Cross Bayou Elementary would also close.

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick explained that Cross Bayou Elementary, one of the district’s oldest schools, is operating at 40% capacity. He stated that students would be relocated to schools that may be closer to home and safer to reach. Hendrick emphasized that no jobs would be eliminated due to the changes.

The proposals have generated concern among parents. Erica Fernandez, whose children attend Cross Bayou Elementary, expressed worry about finding comparable support for her children with special needs, noting the school’s strong speech and language programs. She is now exploring private school options for her three children.

The district plans to hold community meetings at affected schools between Jan. 21 and Feb. 6. The school board is scheduled to make a final decision on Feb. 24.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com