The big news: Pasco County school officials are taking a new look at rules governing what to do when new housing construction appears to have too many negative effects on school services.
It’s the first time in nearly 20 years they’ve considered revising the “concurrency” rules that came after Gov. Jeb Bush signed the Growth Management Reform Act, which added consideration of school space to local government decisions about whether to permit new housing developments.
The goal was to ensure school districts, many of which confronted classroom crowding with little ability to keep up, would be able to adequately serve their fast growing communities.
Some officials suggested it might give them the ability to say no to developments the schools couldn’t handle.
Pasco, long one of Florida’s fastest growing counties, adopted its first “concurrency” rules in 2008. With nearly all of its schools over capacity at the time, commissioners approved loose rules that had limited effect on new housing.
Not one project got rejected for failing to meet the established levels of service. At most, a builder had to prepay impact fees or build their own schools to provide seats for incoming children.
On Tuesday, prompted by the County Commission’s pending revision to its comprehensive plan, the Pasco school board adopted a proposal to tighten up the rules.
Instead of leaving acceptable levels of service as 115% capacity for elementary and middle schools, and 105% for high schools, the school board has proposed a more “ideal” level of 100% for all schools.
It also has called for creating five service areas, rather than the existing two which really have worked out to be just one.
The changes, if ultimately approved, aren’t likely to stop new building despite many complaints that Pasco continues to grow too fast. But they would allow the district and county to modify plans within regions that have experienced expansion differently.
The district’s enrollment has dropped by more than 2,000 students this fall, but not evenly.
Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, for instance, continue to grow rapidly, with district and charter schools full and expanding. In areas like Holiday and Hudson, by contrast, schools are under capacity and contracting.
Chris Williams, the district’s planning director, said Pasco always has viewed concurrency as a “backstop” more than a barrier when it comes to development. The county has supported school impact fees at a reasonable level, he said, making it possible to add schools as needed to accommodate the new housing.
Nothing in the new approach would change that view, Williams said.
The school board is sending its recommendations to the county and cities for their consideration.
Hot topics
Arts education: A Miami-Dade County K-8 school has found that providing a multicultural arts education program has improved student engagement and school climate, Miami Times reports.
College presidents: Broward College trustees dismissed president Torey Alston, an ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, after 18 months on the job, WLRN reports.
Contract talks: The Marion County school board was set to ratify a contract that teachers approved a week ago, WCJB reports.
Enrollment: Orange County schools opened the new academic year with an enrollment decline of about 8,000 students, much larger than anticipated, Central Florida Public Media reports.
Employee investigations: Two top Leon County school district officials are on leave as the district investigates concerns with the education foundation’s financial records, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
School closures: The Miami-Dade County school district released a list of 27 schools that are under review for consolidation or closure, the Miami Herald reports. • Florida’s Schools of Hope legislation could complicate the Broward County school district’s plans for closing underused buildings, the Miami Herald reports.
Superintendents: The Orange County school board kicked off its preparations to find a replacement for superintendent Maria Vazquez, who is retiring in June, Central Florida Public Media reports.
Taxes: Leon County school board members raised concerns about how quickly construction projects could be completed if voters approve a sales tax referendum in November, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
University leadership: The University of North Florida announced a sole finalist in its search for a new president, Access North Georgia reports. • Florida State University named three finalists for its law school dean position, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Quick quiz
A Lee County teacher who was recommended for firing over social media comments about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has lost her Florida teaching certificate. Why?
a) Punishment for her social media comments
b) She voluntarily gave up her license and quit the profession
c) Other accusations by students
Find the answer in this story from the Fort Myers News-Press.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
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