TAMPA, Fla. — Community members had the chance to weigh in on proposals that would impact Sulphur Springs K-8 and Young Middle Magnet Schools.
The Hillsborough County School District is considering turning Sulphur Springs back into an elementary campus and creating a boundary for Young.
What You Need To Know
Hillsborough County Public Schools held a community meeting Wednesday about possible upcoming changes to Sulphur Springs K-8 and Young Middle Magnet Schools
Under the proposals, Sulphur Springs would become an elementary school that ended at fifth grade
At Young, a boundary would be created that a district spokesperson said is meant to allow neighborhood kids to attend a school near them rather than take the bus to other communities
The school board is expected to vote on whether to approve the changes this spring
“You know, it’s just going to be different,” said Joanna Cade, the parent of a Sulphur Springs student. “So, hopefully, we can come up with some good answers.”
Cade said she came to the meeting at Young to learn more about the plan but still had questions.
“One thing that I’m definitely concerned about is transportation,” she said.
Cade said her daughter is one of the students who would be rezoned to Woodson K-8 starting in sixth grade. She said it’s within two miles from her home, meaning she lives too close to be eligible for the bus.
“I would never let my child walk to Woodson. I would not let my child ride a bike to Woodson. It’s too far, and it’s too dangerous,” said Cade.
According to district policy, students living within two miles of their school may be provided transportation by the district for a few different reasons, including if they’re in kindergarten through sixth grade and have to walk through an area that meets state criteria for hazardous walking conditions.
District spokesperson Tanya Arja said Sulphur Springs made the switch from elementary to K-8 several years ago, but today, there are only 156 students there in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.
She said moving students to schools including Sligh Middle Magnet and Memorial Middle School would give them access to more academic programs, activities, and sports.
When it comes to creating a boundary for Young, Principal Tonya Colston said she’s on board.
“Ever since I heard this proposal, my heart has been beating so fast because I’m excited,” said Colston, who was appointed to the school in July. “It’s what the community needs, in my opinion, and it’s what the students deserve.”
Colston said Young has 273 students right now but can hold 900. According to the district, that puts it at just above 29% capacity. Under the proposal, students from Greco Middle Magnet, Jennings Middle, Sligh, and Stewart Middle Magnet schools would be rezoned to Young.
Arja said the goal is to turn it into a community school for students who live nearby, rather than have them take the bus to other neighborhoods.
Students’ family members said they liked the idea of a neighborhood school, but like Cade, are looking for a few more answers.
“I’m all for it, as long as there are boundaries, there’s rules set, and it’s running smoothly, and the kids don’t feel like they’re being left out,” said Latecie Gilghrist, grandmother of a Young student.
“I hope everyone gets a magnet education,” said Angela Dotman, whose son is in eighth grade at Young. “I don’t like the idea of separate programs for the students. So, whatever happens, I want it to be fair and equitable.”
Arja said the district plans to take the public’s suggestions into account.
She said plans and boundary maps could change based on feedback. If the school board approves the plans this spring, changes would go into effect in August 2027.