Local school seek public input on possible school closures

Pinellas superintendent Kevin Hendrick, shown taking a selfie with Dunedin High students in 2024

With enrollment declining, the Pinellas County school district needs to determine the best way to utilize its buildings for students and the community.

Similar to other Florida districts facing comparable challenges, Pinellas is seeking input from its residents. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick announced on Tuesday that five town hall meetings will be held over the next two months for this purpose.

The first meeting is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 at Boca Ciega High, with additional meetings to follow at Largo, Dunedin, Hollins, and Lakewood high schools.

“The input from the public, our staff, and anyone interested in our schools is crucial in this discussion,” Hendrick stated.

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He mentioned that all options are being considered. The issue has gained importance as districts are also dealing with a new law that allows certain charter schools to access space in under-utilized campuses.

Statewide, officials are investigating how to use their facilities more effectively to avoid what they perceive as a potential disruption caused by the “co-location” of Schools of Hope.

“We’re interested in hearing key ideas on topics like population trends, school building capacities, new school programs, and potential new grade configurations such as K-8 or 6-12, as well as school closures and consolidations,” Hendrick said. “We look forward to these discussions over the next couple of months and, as promised, will present some initial recommendations to the board in January.”