Pasco County Schools wants to close one elementary school and rebrand two others in the Port Richey area, citing falling enrollment and a long run of poor academic results. The Pasco school board is set to vote Nov. 3.

The proposal, called “elevate 34668” after the ZIP code it targets, would shut down Fox Hollow Elementary after this school year. The board learned Tuesday that its students would be rezoned to Schrader Elementary, Chasco K-8, and Gulf Highlands Elementary. Schrader would stay open but become a school focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Gulf Highlands would be renamed Highlands Exploratory Academy and focus on introducing students to career paths.

The district’s case rests on two things: fewer students and weak performance. District officials told the board that enrollment across the four affected schools is projected to fall by more than 1,000 students between 2023 and the 2027-28 school year.

Superintendent John Legg said the academic record is just as important. No traditional school in the 34668 ZIP code has earned an A or B state grade in 14 years, he said. In that time, he said, the ZIP code’s traditional schools have collected six F’s and nine D’s. He also said he believes they have collected 24 C’s.

Some parents say the closure plan has landed hard. Rachel Stollman, whose two sons attended Fox Hollow, said she was “devastated” and praised the teachers and support staff. Morgan Heath said her children enrolled at Fox Hollow earlier this year after struggling at other schools. She said her daughter’s reading, spelling, and math have improved, and that her son, who had a speech impediment, is now understood.

School Board Chair Colleen Beaudoin acknowledged the weight of the decision. She said closing a neighborhood school is difficult for any school community, and she encouraged families to share feedback with the board.

The plan is not final. If the board approves it Nov. 3, rezoning would start in January, and the changes would take effect next school year. Board members were told that teachers and staff who want to stay with the district will be able to. Where openings are available will depend on how many students enroll at each of the other schools.

Pasco is the latest Tampa Bay district to consider closing school buildings because of declining enrollment.

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