Judge orders Walton Academy in Tampa to shut down immediately

During Friday’s three-hour hearing, the district’s head of security testified that the school had repeatedly failed inspections over the years.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Late Friday, a Hillsborough County judge ordered Walton Academy for the Performing Arts to close its doors, siding with the school district after the charter school defied orders and continued operating.

Earlier this week, the Hillsborough County School Board voted to revoke the school’s charter, citing safety concerns. But even after that decision, the school stayed open, prompting the district to seek an injunction in court.

During Friday’s three-hour hearing, the district’s head of security testified that the school had repeatedly failed inspections over the years, not just because of a broken emergency alert system, but also because of unlocked doors and open gates that put students at risk.

Walton Academy’s founder and acting principal, Tanika Walton, also testified, claiming all the security issues have been fixed and that doors and gates are now secured. However, over the past two days, 10 Tampa Bay News observed the front gate left wide open for hours. Walton was also questioned in court about changing statements regarding when those improvements were made.

In her ruling, Judge Helene Daniel said one of her biggest concerns was the school’s emergency alert system, which failed all eight tests this year.

“I regret that I have to be the one to close down your school, but I’m extremely concerned for the safety of your students and your staff, and the court is unwilling to take a chance that something may happen for which you are completely unprepared,” Judge Daniel said.

Walton Academy is appealing the district’s decision to revoke its charter, with that hearing scheduled for next month. Under the judge’s order, the school must remain closed during the appeal process.

The district says it has contacted every Walton Academy family, giving them options for where to send their children — including neighborhood and magnet schools, and another performing arts program.