Local

3 F-rated schools cause big concern for Leesburg leaders

LEESBURG, Fla. — The mayor of Leesburg has called a public meeting for next week to talk about poor performance in the city’s public schools.

Lake County had five F-rated schools and three of them are in Leesburg.

Mayor John Christian worries poor performing schools will keep new businesses from coming to town, and said corporate executives and company managers want to send their children to the best schools.

“This is not a reflection of what Leesburg truly is,” Christian said.

Leesburg Elementary School, Oak Park Middle, and Humanities and Fine Arts Charter School all received the negative distinction.

Because of the bad grades, the city is having a tough time luring new industries to set up shop.

That’s why the school board, city officials and the Chamber of Commerce have agreed to attend what’s being called an “Education Summit," which officials said will be free of finger-pointing.

“For the first time, there’s no pointing fingers. It’s how we can collaborate and solve the problem,” said school board member Bill Mathias.

City officials said corporate executives looking to relocate a company want superior schools, and the city can’t get one without the other.

“We want to make sure companies realize that Leesburg is a super city. We are concerned about our students, and our overall perception of our city,” Christian said.

The summit is set for Tuesday at the Leesburg Community Building.