The Pasco County School Board is evaluating a significant restructuring plan for three elementary schools to address declining enrollment, low state grades, and aging facilities. Superintendent John Legg proposed the “ELEVATE 34668” initiative, which targets campuses that have not earned an A or B grade in fourteen years. Under the proposal, Fox Hollow Elementary would close completely with students rezoned to nearby schools, while Schrader Elementary would become a STEAM magnet academy and Gulf Highlands Elementary would rebrand as Highlands Exploratory Academy for career exploration. District officials noted that these campuses operated slightly over half capacity while receiving multiple D and F grades over the past decade. The plan aims to redirect taxpayer dollars from underutilized buildings toward classroom instruction and operational efficiency. No employees will lose their jobs, with affected staff receiving priority for nearby open positions. A formal vote on the reorganization is scheduled for November 3, with new boundaries potentially taking effect in January if approved.
Key Points:
- Fox Hollow Elementary would close completely under the proposed ELEVATE 34668 plan.
- Schrader Elementary would pivot to a STEAM magnet academy while Gulf Highlands Elementary would rebrand as Highlands Exploratory Academy.
- The three targeted campuses have not earned an A or B state grade in fourteen years and operated slightly over half capacity.
- No employees will lose their jobs under the reorganization, with affected staff receiving priority for nearby open positions.
- The Pasco County School Board is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget reorganization and boundary changes on November 3.
