SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla.,None — Seminole County commissioners really hit the school district hard Tuesday as they try to prevent more school closures.
Some commissioners accused the district of overbuilding and carrying too much debt.
And now, as WFTV's Bianca Castro reports, they're considering a plan to spend taxpayer dollars, to rent places that tax dollars already built, including district fields, school building, and even the school copy center.
Dressed in bright blue, parents from Geneva Elementary came to a special meeting between commissioners and school board members with a clear purpose.
"We're just looking to help find a way to keep all the schools open," parent Sandy Buckner said.
The district is $20 million in the hole and may have to close two schools. That doesn't sit well with commissioners.
"Then we become an unattractive place for people that want to come and develop, then we become an unattractive place for people to want to bring their businesses because they now can't afford housing, and so it's a vicious cycle," Commissioner Brenda Carey said.
So to help alleviate the district's costs, the county is looking at renting out the district's athletic fields for its recreational programs.
They may also repair the old Midway Elementary and historic Rosenwald School to use as community center or administrative offices.
Total savings haven't been calculated. That frustrated some commissioners.
"I don't see a true plan on any of this," Commissioner Bob Dallari said.
Other commissioners were more concerned about how the district has spent its money. It's in deep debt for building enough space for 73,000 students.
Enrollment has steadily declined. Right now the district has 62,000 students. That number is expected fall to 49,000.
"The question I have is whether the school system has been good stewards on the money that is provided," Commissioner John Horan said.
The county and school district will firm up cost savings by April. The school board had planned to announce which schools will close by early March, but may push that deadline back.