{"id":125538,"date":"2026-01-20T22:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T22:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/125538\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T22:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T22:59:09","slug":"pinellas-reveals-recommended-school-closures-consolidations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/125538\/","title":{"rendered":"Pinellas reveals recommended school closures, consolidations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Schools in Pinellas Park and Gulfport are officially on the chopping block as district officials have unveiled the first round of recommended closures amid a steep decline in enrollment.<\/p>\n

According to Pinellas County Schools data, the number of students in classrooms plummeted by approximately 30,000 between 2006 and 2024. Leadership warned of imminent changes as the 2025-26 school year began in the fall.<\/p>\n

School board members heard the much-anticipated recommendations at a workshop Tuesday. The district plans to close Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy after the academic year ends in late May.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese recommendations were not made lightly,\u201d Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said in a prepared statement. \u201cThe academic excellence across Pinellas County Schools (PCS<\/a>) continues as an \u2018A\u2019 district, but we also face a declining school-age population and changing conditions that require us to thoughtfully plan for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A graphic showing the steady decline in school enrollment. Image: Pinellas County Schools.<\/p>\n

The changes are part of the district\u2019s ongoing Planning for Progress<\/a> initiative. Officials designed the recommendations to address long-term enrollment trends, ensure the responsible use of district resources and maintain \u201cstrong, sustainable learning environments\u201d for students countywide.<\/p>\n

The proposals, which still require the school board\u2019s approval, reflect a multi-year planning effort that included enrollment and utilization data analysis, community feedback and a review of legislative changes affecting district facilities, PCS said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur responsibility is to ensure every student has access to high-quality instruction and schools that are positioned for long-term success,\u201d Hendrick said.<\/p>\n

The announcement states that no school-based staff members will lose their jobs as a result of the changes. PCS will offer all employees placements within the district, with \u201cstaffing decisions prioritizing continuity and stability for students and families.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cross Bayou Elementary, at 6886 102nd Ave. in Pinellas Park, has received a \u201cC\u201d grade from the state since 2014. The district will reassign students to nearby schools, including Bardmoor and Pinellas Central Elementary, which earned \u201cA\u201d grades during the 2024-25 academic year.<\/p>\n

The presentation<\/a> states that Cross Bayou needs over $5.1 million in capital improvements. Bardmoor and Pinellas Central \u201chave undergone recent, comprehensive renovations.\u201d<\/p>\n

PCS notified families, staff members and school-based community partners of Cross Bayou\u2019s closing Tuesday. Stakeholder meetings will occur Thursday at 6 p.m., and Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n

Disston Academy, at 5125 11th Ave. S. in Gulfport, offers an Educational Alternative Services (EAS) program that currently serves 52 on-campus students in grades 6-12. The site also houses the district\u2019s virtual Teleschool program for approximately 200 students with \u201csignificant\u201d conduct infractions at previously assigned schools.<\/p>\n

PCS will relocate students and programs to \u201cestablished educational alternative sites\u201d in St. Petersburg, Largo and Clearwater. Bayside High will begin hosting Teleschool in the 2026-27 academic year.<\/p>\n

Disston Academy, which opened in 1926 as Gulfport Junior High, requires $2 million in repairs or $500,000 to demolish existing structures. The district will annually save $3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, by closing the two schools.<\/p>\n

PCS will also notify Disston Academy stakeholders of its closure Tuesday. Community meetings will take place Monday, Jan. 25, at 1:45 p.m., and Feb. 3 at 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

District enrollment hovered around 110,000 students from 2000 through 2006. The number of students in public school classrooms dropped below 80,000 in 2024.<\/p>\n

The presentation states that the number of school-age children in Pinellas will continue decreasing or plateau through 2050. Meanwhile, experts expect the population of residents aged 80 or older to double within the same period.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you do when you have declining enrollment? You find different ways to save money and trim around the edges,\u201d Hendrick told the Catalyst in August.<\/a><\/p>\n

PCS plans to sell or lease the two school sites and four other district-owned properties throughout Pinellas. Additional recommended changes include:<\/p>\n

Combining Bay Point Elementary and Bay Point Middle into a K-8 school on the latter facility\u2019s campus at 2151 62nd Ave. S. in St. Petersburg. The change will occur in the fall of 2027.
\nExpanding Olsmar Elementary into a K-8 school beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.
\nExpanding the district\u2019s Employee Child Care program into two buildings at McMullen-Booth Elementary in the fall.<\/p>\n

The school board will discuss the recommendations at another workshop scheduled for Feb. 17. Members will hold a final vote Feb. 24.<\/p>\n

District officials will provide additional recommendations in the fall. \u201cThis work and conversation are both essential to ensure Pinellas County Schools remains strong, stable and student-centered for years to come,\u201d Hendrick said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The district plans to sell or lease these properties, in addition to the Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy sites. Image: Pinellas County Schools.<\/p>\n

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