Polk School leaders are hoping for more help from residents and businesses for five middle schools threatened with being shut down by the state.
- State has threatened to shut down five middle schools
- Schools received D or F grades from the state for two years in a row
- Polk Superintendent says schools receiving extra support from public
The schools, Kathleen Middle, Denison Middle, Westwood Middle, Shelley S. Boone Middle and Lake Alfred-Addair Middle are under scrutiny because they received D or F grades from the state for two years in a row.
School Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd, school board members and community leaders held a press conference at Westwood Middle School in Winter Haven Monday morning to talk about plans for the schools.
Byrd said the district was sending addendums to turnaround plans to state education leaders. She said the schools have been receiving a lot of extra support from the public.
"These schools will not close over my dead body,” said Winter Haven education activist Doug Lockwood at the press conference. He pledged support from the business community.
Parent Jay Neavis encouraged more parents to volunteer at schools.
"These kids matter," he said. "These kids matter too much for us to sit back and idly watch this happen."
Legoland general manager Adrian Jones pledged additional support from the theme park. That might include passes to the park as incentives for hard working students and teachers.
Community Assessment Team meetings
(Five middle schools that are currently on improvement plans in bold)
September 27, 2016 – Boone Middle School beginning at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria
The following schools will be in attendance:
Boone Middle
Westwood Middle
Denison Middle
Lake Alfred-Addair Middle
Eagle Lake Elementary
Garner Elementary
Palmetto Elementary
Lake Marin Creek Middle
October 4, 2016 – Kathleen Senior High School beginning at 6 p.m. in the auditorium
Kathleen Middle
Combee Elementary
Bartow Middle
Griffin Elementary
Crystal Lake Middle