Leon County School Board Member Alva Smith is advocating for a school consolidation plan to address the district's declining enrollment and financial difficulties. Smith suggests that merging under-enrolled schools could generate approximately $10 million in savings, which could then be used to fund an average salary increase of $5,000 for teachers.
The proposal has met with caution from other board members, who prefer to explore strategies for increasing student numbers before considering the closure of neighborhood schools. The debate highlights the growing financial pressure on the district as it navigates reduced revenue and rising operational costs.
Key Takeaways
- School Board Member Alva Smith has proposed developing a school consolidation plan by the end of 2025.
- The plan aims to save $10 million, potentially funding an average $5,000 raise for each teacher.
- The proposal comes in response to declining student enrollment and a district-wide financial strain.
- Other board members have expressed a preference for focusing on boosting enrollment rather than closing schools.
- Any decision to close schools would require a formal study, public hearings, and a final vote by the board.
Smith Proposes Consolidation to Fund Teacher Raises
During a recent School Board workshop, Alva Smith articulated the need for immediate action to address the district's financial health. She formally requested that district staff develop a comprehensive consolidation plan for board review before the end of 2025. Smith emphasized that the district's current path is unsustainable.
"This is real. Our numbers are dwindling, and our revenue is dwindling, and we can't just keep talking about it, we've actually got to do something," Smith stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The core of Smith's argument is financial. She has identified a potential savings of $10 million through the consolidation of schools with low student populations. These funds, she argues, are critical for improving teacher compensation. By redirecting money from operational costs of underutilized facilities, the district could provide an average salary increase of $5,000 per teacher.
This proposal follows a recent and modest salary agreement between the district and the teachers' union. The agreement allocated a $1 million package, which averages out to a small increase of about $40 per paycheck for educators. Smith believes a more substantial raise is necessary to retain and attract qualified teachers.
By the Numbers: Teacher Pay
- Proposed Savings: $10 million from school consolidation.
- Potential Raise: An average of $5,000 per teacher.
- Recent Agreement: A $1 million salary package, averaging $40 per paycheck.
District Faces Mounting Financial Pressure
The call for consolidation is not happening in a vacuum. Earlier this year, Superintendent Rocky Hanna warned of a looming "financial crisis" for Leon County Schools. The district is dealing with a combination of a reduced operating budget and increased operational expenses, creating a significant financial squeeze.
A major factor contributing to this pressure is the statewide shift in education funding. State policies have increasingly diverted public funds towards private and charter schools, which directly impacts the revenue available for traditional public school districts like Leon County. As enrollment in traditional schools declines, so does the per-pupil funding they receive from the state.
Smith also referenced the state's "Schools of Hope" program as a reason for proactive measures. This program allows charter school operators to be given free use of available space in public schools that are designated as low-performing. By consolidating and better utilizing its facilities, Smith suggests the district can get ahead of this state-level initiative and maintain control over its properties.
Context: The "Schools of Hope" Program
The Florida "Schools of Hope" program was created to provide alternatives for students in persistently low-performing public schools. It allows specialized charter school operators, including those from out-of-state, to establish schools near struggling ones. A key provision gives these operators access to district facilities, which is a significant incentive for their expansion.
Board Members Express Alternative Priorities
While acknowledging the district's financial challenges, other board members expressed reservations about moving directly to a consolidation plan. Their primary concern is the potential loss of neighborhood schools, which are often seen as community cornerstones.
School Board member Marcus Nicolas suggested that the conversation should begin with enrollment. He framed the issue as one of attracting and retaining students rather than downsizing district operations.
"I do think this is a much larger conversation that I appreciate you raising, but this is an enrollment conversation, and I would love to start there," Nicolas said during the workshop.
Board member Rosanne Wood echoed this sentiment, stating her opposition to closing local schools. "I don't think we want to lose neighborhood schools," Wood remarked, emphasizing their importance to communities. This perspective suggests a desire to find solutions that grow the district's student base before resorting to closures.
The idea of school consolidation is not new in Florida. Smith first raised the topic in April 2024, shortly after Duval County Public Schools announced its own plan to close several under-enrolled schools to save millions. At that time, Superintendent Hanna described such discussions as premature for Leon County. During the most recent workshop, Hanna remained silent on the matter.
Next Steps and Formal Process
Despite the differing viewpoints, the board agreed to continue the discussion. Smith plans to present a formal motion for the creation of a consolidation plan at an upcoming meeting, taking her colleagues' feedback into consideration.
It is important to note that any potential school closure is a lengthy and public process. According to district policy, such a decision would require several key steps, including:
- A Formal Study: The district would need to conduct a detailed analysis of enrollment trends, facility conditions, operational costs, and the potential impact on students and communities.
- Public Hearings: Multiple public hearings would be held to gather feedback from parents, teachers, staff, and community members.
- Final Board Vote: After the study and public input, the School Board would need to hold a final vote to approve any specific school closures or consolidations.
The debate in Leon County reflects a challenge facing many school districts across the country: how to balance fiscal responsibility with the preservation of community schools in an era of shifting enrollment patterns and competitive educational landscapes.