The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Event honors flags, vets

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A fire burned at Oakside Cemetery — its flames stoked with respect and honor.

Its tinder: an American Flag.

The Zephyrhills High JROTC retired dozens of flags by burning them, in a ceremony that included an Honor Guard and Saber Arch, and an atmosphere filled with reverence.

The Zephyrhills High JROTC color guard presents the flags during the squad’s Project Patriotism at Oakside Cemetery, 5301 First St., in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

The flag ceremony was part of Project Patriotism. The 35 cadets taking part also cleaned hundreds of headstones marking the final resting spots of veterans buried in the cemetery.

The service and learning project is held each year to teach the cadets organizational skills, to foster community outreach, and to help them understand the benefits of volunteerism.

After the ceremony, Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. James Laferriere said:

“For us all being in high school, I thought everything went really well. With JROTC, we have a whole lesson on how to properly fold and handle flags, as well as properly retire flags.

“This (project) allows us to practice those methods and allows us to actively participate in our community,” said Laferriere, who is one of the few seniors in the squad.

The JROTC started Project Patriotism six years ago and it has evolved every year.

Zephyrhills High JROTC senior, Cadet Command Sgt. Major James Laferriere, stands at attention, with fellow cadets at Project Patriotism, in Oakside Cemetery.

Last year, the squad cleaned the grave markers for the first time.

Over the years, the ceremony has grown and more flags have been retired.

There are five units in this JROTC squad — Alpha, Beta, Charlie, Delta and Echo — and each is assigned a different duty.

Some go out into the community to seek donations of flags to be retired.

Others meet with officials from the City of Zephyrhills seeking money to support the event.

This year, the city donated about $600 that was spent on cleaning supplies, meals and transportation.

“The city really came through for us,” said retired First Sgt. Jimmy McAuley, who leads the JROTC.

His daughter, Sgt. First Class Jasmine McAuley, is a sophomore at Zephyrhills High.

“The community knows about it, but the cadets go out and go to homes to ask for flags, and then come up with the ceremony and go to the city, so everyone has a job to do and they did a great job,” the JROTC leader said.

“It’s a humbling experience,” Laferriere added, “but we’re honored to do it.”

Zephyrhills High JROTC sophomore, Sgt. Andrew Fraley, scrubs the gravestone of a veteran who was laid to rest at Oakside Cemetery. Fraley’s efforts were part of his squad’s Project Patriotism.

The ceremony commenced with the Honor Guard walking through a Saber Arch and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

After that, several cadets, some in dress uniforms and others in fatigues, lined up and placed a retired flag into the fire.

Following that, several young cadets removed the top of their fatigues and fanned out into the cemetery, searching for the grave markers of veterans.

When they found one, they’d salute the veteran and then get down on their hands and needs with buckets of soapy water and brushes to clean away grime from the headstones.

“The ceremony, to me,” said Capt. Aiden Macumber, who led the ceremony, “is a way to honor those who have served.

“It means a lot, to me, because I had a lot of family members who were in the military. This is an annual tradition for our battalion, and I’m very honored to be in charge of this event.”

The act of cleaning the gravestones, he said, demonstrates that the cadets still care about the veterans, no matter how long they have been buried in the cemetery.

“We’re coming in here to make sure the (headstones) still look good, and it’s a great honor, in my opinion, because it’s how we say, ‘Hey, we still remember you, we’ll still take care of you and, of course, thank you’,” he said.

Published March 02, 2022

This German POW’s art made an indelible impression

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The April 14, 1944 headline on the front page of The Dade City Banner read, “Nazi War Prisoners Arrive in Dade City.”

The story described a camp designed and built by U.S. Army engineers for 250 German prisoners of war and 60 military police.

These POWS were veteran members of Erwin Rommel’s famed “Afrika Korps”— a name Adolf Hitler personally chose for his expeditionary force heading into North Africa in February of 1941.

The hand-painted mural by German prisoner of war Heinz Friedmann remains visible 77 years after it was created. The mural is in the Florida offices of the Indianapolis-based Superior ROW Services, which is located at the Dade City Business Center. (Courtesy of J.W. Hunnicutt/Paul Prine)

As Germany’s most effective tank commander, Rommel was called “The Desert Fox.” He was the field marshal for Hitler’s Operation Sonnenblume (Sunflower).

Until the defeat of the Afrika Korps in May of 1943, Rommel had fought military campaigns for Nazi Germany in Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

But the loss of an estimated 378,000 German and Italian soldiers, who became POWs, ended Hitler’s quest to conquer the deserts of Africa.

The POWs were shipped to 500 camps in the United States and were spread throughout 45 states.

Florida received 10,000 POWs that were scattered among 22 camps, including Branch Camp No. 7, in Dade City.

The grounds of the former POW camp now are occupied by Naomi Jones Pyracantha Park, along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

During the two years the German POWs lived in Dade City, they picked fruit and built a warehouse at Pasco Packing Association.

It was not uncommon during this time for the German POWS in Dade City to receive food or clothing as equal as the U.S. servicemen who guarded them.

At the same time, German POWs in Russia were routinely slaughtered, according to historical accounts.

“Most of the prisoners are young and groups of them last evening were singing. They would no doubt be singing ‘God Bless America,’ as they seemed rather content to be here,” a Banner report said.

The good treatment inspired POW Heinz Friedmann, who was a professional artist, to create a large, aerial-view mural of the citrus plant buildings, water tower and surrounding orange groves on the walls of the executive office of the president of the Pasco Packing Association, L.C. “Mark” Edwards Jr.

Charles Arnade, a former professor of Government and International Affairs at the University of South Florida, wrote an account in 2003, which helps create a fuller picture of Friedmann.

Arnade, who is now deceased, wrote that Friedmann “also drew a huge orange on the company’s water tower. Mr. Friedmann also sketched local citizens’ portraits, of which two have survived in personal possessions.”

Not forgotten by the plant’s director, Friedmann later received shoes from Pasco Packing for his bride-to-be, as shortages lingered with many things in postwar Germany.

The artist also was brought back to Dade City in 1986 to take part in the citrus plant’s 50th anniversary.

Martha Knapp, a retired schoolteacher and past president of the Pasco County Historical Society, also did research involving the German POWs in Dade City.

Files at USF, from Knapp’s donated collections, include information gleaned from interviews of seven surviving Germany POWS gathered in Stuttgart in late 1997.

Plans for them to reunite in 1998 did not come to fruition.

Published March 02, 2022

Fair hopes to help you make ‘blue ribbon’ memories

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The Pasco County Fair, now celebrating its 75th year, has always prided itself on creating an event that offer families a wholesome place to have fun.

And, whether you enjoy traditional livestock shows, can’t get enough of thrill rides, love to indulge on fried foods, or simply like to be entertained — chances are this year’s options won’t disappoint at the fair, held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City.

With a theme of “Memories made new,” fair organizers have put together a calendar that is chock full of things to see and do.

A look down the midway, near the ‘Sizzler’ ride and the Ferris wheel, during a previous Pasco County Fair. (File)

There’s a beef show, a dairy show, a goat show, a poultry show, a swine show and a rabbit show.

For gardening enthusiasts, there’s a plant show.

And, there are FFA/4-H exhibits, too.

For those who enjoy the home arts, there’s a Collura Cottage where entries compete in categories such as the best jam or jelly, the prettiest quilt or wall hanging, the most delicious cakes and cookies; artistic cake decorating; table settings, woodwork and more.

Of course, there are contests.

Five-year-old Clint Chessher, of Zephyrhills, reacts with excitement as he sits on the spinning wheel of the ‘Hillbilly Village’ fun house during a previous Pasco County Fair. He was there with his dad, Dwayne, and their friends, the Stoner family.

Some pageants have already been held, with Anastasia Valimaki named Miss Pasco County for 2022 and Larkin Mainwaring named Miss Pasco County’s Outstanding Teen 2022.

The Miss Heart of Florida competition is set for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., and the Miss Pasco Princess & Mister Pasco Prince Baby Pageant will be on Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m.

There’s also a Spaghetti Eating Contest and a Karaoke Competition.

The annual Spaghetti Eating Contest is set for Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. Sponsored by Spaghetti Eddie’s, the competition will be held in The Back Porch Theater and is limited to the first 10 people, ages 18 and older, who sign up.

Contestants must eat 1 pound of spaghetti including a meatball, with a big wooden spoon. The competitor who finishes first is the winner.

The karaoke contest is limited to the first 20, ages 18 and older, who sign up. Top finishers will receive cash prizes. Registration begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26, with the contest starting at 7:30 p.m.

Daily entertainment includes a stand-up comedy ventriloquist, an illusionist, a comedy hypnotist, a thrill show, glass-blowing demonstration, a magic show and racing pigs.

There also are strolling performers, including a Banjo Man, MythiCreatures, and Rock-it The Robot.

Plus, there’s plenty of music to enjoy, including evenings set aside for bluegrass and gospel performers.

For more information and a complete listing of what’s available at the fair, visit PascoCountyFair.com.

75th annual Pasco County Fair
WHEN:
Feb. 22 to Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 25: 4 p.m. to midnight
Feb. 26: 10 a.m. to midnight
Feb. 27: Noon to 8 p.m. (gate closes at 6 p.m.)
WHERE: The Pasco County Fair is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
COST: $10 for adults; $5 for children, ages 6 to 10; under age 5, free (Specials available for Midway rides); Parking is free
DETAILS: From beef, chicken and pork shish kebobs to spaghetti, and a smorgasbord of fair foods in between, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink at the Pasco County Fair. Plus, there are traditional fair exhibits, fun rides, entertainment and more.

Published February 23, 2022

Festival features blues music, sizzling grills — and fun

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While most of the people turning out to the 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival will be focused on having fun — some will be in a more competitive mode.

That’s because this year’s festival — to be held March 4 and March 5 at 5200 Airport Road — also is the venue for Florida’s barbecue championship.

“We were named the Florida Barbecue State Championship, so we’re going to have competitors from all over the state coming, trying to win the state championship, so that’s exciting,” said Melonie Monson, executive director of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re expecting about 60 teams to compete this year,” Monson said.

The 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival in Zephyrhills will give teams from the state a chance to show off their grilling skills during Florida’s championship barbecue contest. (File)

Kids also will be testing their skills in the Kidz Grillin’ contest on March 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We have kids from 4 to 17 competing and we got donations for 25 kids to be able to compete for free,” she said.

There will five teams and they’ll be mentored by five local pit masters.

“They’ll be cooking pork and competing for trophies and they’re going to have goody bags. It’s just going to be a fun night for kids to come,” Monson said.

Cornhole enthusiasts will have a chance to prove their prowess on the evening of March 4 and the afternoon of March 5.

The cornhole tournament on March 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., is open to all. Teams of two will compete for bragging rights and $500 in prizes. The cost is $20 per team.

On March 5, there are cornhole competitions in two divisions.

The Well-Seasoned division will begin at noon, with an entry fee of $40 for two-person teams. Contestants will vie for $1,000 in payouts.

The Still-Marinating competition begins at 2 p.m., with two-person teams paying an entry fee of $20. Trophies will be awarded for the top three teams.

Monson encourages festival-goers to try their hand at the game.

“It’s inexpensive to compete and it’s fun,” she said.

Others may prefer to sit back, relax and listen to the tunes — and the festival features bands on both days.

Two bands are set to take the stage on March 4, with Sandspurs, beginning at 6 p.m.; and, Chuck Riley’s All Stars, at 7:15 p.m.

On March 5, Ed Wright will perform at 11 a.m.; Jimmy Griswold, at 12:45 p.m.; The Kid Royal Band, at 2:30 p.m.; and Memphis Lightning, at 4:15 p.m.

Other options for festival-goers are a bike and car show, a military museum, a kids zone and a business expo.

Vendors will be offering beer, barbecue, and an array of food and drink choices.

The festival, which relies heavily on sponsors and volunteers, is still seeking additional helpers, Monson said. Those wishing to pitch in can email the chamber office to volunteer.

The chamber will reach back with assignments, Monson said.

Admission to the festival is $5 per person, except for those 42 inches or shorter, and parking is free.

Fly-ins are welcome, but coolers and pets are not, and be sure to bring a lawn chair or a blanket.

Proceeds support local youth and education programs.

For more information, visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org, or call 813-782-1913.

12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
When: March 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; March 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
Cost: $5 admission (kids under 42 inches are free), free parking

Volunteers still needed
Organizers for the 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hlls BBQ and Blues Festival are still looking for volunteers to help out at the festival. If you’d like to volunteer, you can get additional information by emailing .

Published February 23, 2022

Roundabout recommended at Adair and State Road 52

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Growth in Dade City has prompted a recommendation for a roundabout at Adair Road and State Road 52, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) board has added the project to its priority list for consideration of future funding.

The MPO board’s action came during its Feb. 10 meeting, after a presentation by Wally Blain, who is with Benesch, a company that merged with Tindale Oliver in 2021.

Blain explained the current situation and expected traffic volumes on the road, to the MPO board.

“Adair Road is at the end of the east side of Morningside Drive, where it currently ends at State Road 52, over near the fairgrounds and Pasco High School,” Blain said.

The purpose of the study was “to look at the traffic impacts there and the needs of future development,” he said.

“There’s a lot of new development that’s been permitted by the city, a lot of new construction, a lot of active permitting, which is increasing the traffic through the area and through the intersection,” he said.

His company’s task was to consider what could done at the intersection, which has a two-way stop control on Adair Road and Morningside Drive, with State Road 52 running uninterrupted through the intersection.

The study involved observing traditional morning and afternoon peak hours, as well as school drop-off and pickup times.

“We took the Morningside Drive extension study that was completed last year and made sure that we were consistent with the data that was collected through that, as well,” he said.

The study also included an analysis of traffic that would be added from two active developments, as well as a projection of increased background traffic from future growth along the State Road 52 corridor.

Blain said the study took into account not just current traffic, but what is expected in five to 10 years.

The study also included a safety analysis.

A safety review found that there were 16 crashes, between 2016 and 2020. Those resulted in one injury and no fatalities.

While the intersection is not necessarily considered to be unsafe today, as traffic increases, it could become a safety concern, Blain said.

“There’s a lot of activity from the students that interacts with the roadway, as it is today,” Blain said.

The study looked at what would happen if the intersection was signalized, including a left-turning lane on Adair Road onto State Road 52; and, what would happen with a single-lane roundabout at the intersection, Blain said.

The signalized intersection and turn lane performed slightly better from an operational viewpoint, Blain said. But the roundabout was deemed to be superior from a safety standpoint, he added.

Another consideration was the fact that a roundabout is planned at Meridian Avenue and State Road 52, in Dade City, so this roundabout would be in keeping with the character of the roadway corridor, Blain said.

The proposed roundabout would cost about $1.4 million, which includes some right of way impacts and the relocation of some storm culverts.

The consultant’s recommendation was to approve the roundabout and add it to the MPO’s priority list.

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey’s voiced support for the recommendation, saying: “I like the roundabout.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez gave the proposal her enthusiastic support.

She described the proposed improvement as “very timely.”

Hernandez added: “There’s so much going on in the area, and yes, I know the residents will be happy. The growth is already happening there.

“I’d love to see this be put on the list and get that done. It’s going to check off all of the boxes of safety, and improve traffic and all of the things that we need in that area.”

The mayor then made a motion to place the project on the MPO’s priority list, for consideration of future funding. The motion was approved.

Published February 23, 2022

Dade City native helps showcase Navy’s 4th Fleet Reserve

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Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter S. Harwell has advanced to first class petty officer. (Courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink)

Dade City resident and 2008 Pasco High School graduate Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter S. Harwell advanced to first class petty officer, during a drill weekend with the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Reserve Component in Mayport, according to a news release from the Naval Office of Community Outreach.

“Currently, I serve as the leading petty officer for the public affairs office,” Harwell said, in the release. “Our team supports the Navy by creating photo, video and multimedia products to showcase our command’s many contributions to the fleet’s mission in the 4th fleet area of responsibility.”

Besides serving as a reserve mass communication specialist, Harwell also is a firefighter with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

“Growing up in the area that I did (Dade City), I learned the importance of supporting your community, seeking out opportunities and humbling yourself to other people,” Harwell said, in the release.

Though there are numerous opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Harwell is most proud of the humanitarian missions that he was able to participate in, the release says.

“The Navy helped me decide who I wanted to be in my life,” said Harwell. “I’m grateful for the places I’ve seen and things that I’ve done in the service.”

Published February 16, 2022

New subdivision approved on Happy Hill

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A new subdivision has been approved at the northwest corner of Happy Hill Road and Sarah Lynn Drive, in Dade City.

The 18.78-acre site, now occupied by hay fields, had been zoned for agricultural and rural density uses. The Pasco County Commission changed the zoning on Feb. 8, allowing up to 75 houses.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, said the actual development is expected to have 51 or 52 homes.

County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning.

Alisa Weaver, who lives across from the rezoned site, was the only person voicing opposition.

She urged the county board to reject the request.

“We live a rural lifestyle and not looking for close neighbors,” Weaver said, noting the development pattern in the area consists mostly of homes on 1-acre lots or larger.

“The traffic is a major concern,” Weaver added, noting she’s been run off the road and vehicles have run through her fences.

But Hobby said that a study that was reviewed by the county demonstrates that Happy Hill Road has sufficient capacity.

He also noted that his client’s site is next to an existing apartment complex, plus the City of Dade City has annexed several parcels that will bringing 1,000 to 2,000 residential units to the area.

“I feel what we’re doing is wholly consistent with the area. I’m proud of it. We didn’t ask for super-small lots, and I think it will be a credit to the community,” Hobby told the county board.

Commissioner Ron Oakley called for approval of the request.

“It fits in the property fairly well. They’re not asking for 40-foot lots and things of that nature, which would be very dense and very crowded,” Oakley said.

Oakley also noted that Happy Hill Road has the capacity to handle the traffic the new subdivision will create.

Published February 16, 2022

A lesson in how city sanitation works

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A demonstration is given on a Curotto-Can automated front-load garbage truck. Zephyrhills Sanitation driver Donterrell Parker is behind the wheel. (
Courtesy of Kevin Weiss, City of Zephyrhills)

The City of Zephyrhills Public Works Sanitation Division provided an educational demonstration for special needs students at The Broach School in Zephyrhills, as part of National School Choice Week.

Multiple sanitation trucks were on site, with tutorials on garbage packing, truck components, and operations.

Longtime sanitation supervisor Bobby Black, sanitation driver Donterrell Parker and senior maintenance mechanic Jacob Hood were on hand for morning and afternoon sessions.

Approximately 180 students learned the ins and outs of residential solid waste collection and automated pickup.

The City of Zephyrhills’ Sanitation Division takes part in public outreach for a number of other schools in the area, as well.

Published February 16, 2022

Zephyrhills Sanitation Division supervisor Bobby Black, center, explains the use and purpose of an automated garbage truck, for students at The Broach School in Zephyrhills.

Pasco County transfers house to Habitat for Humanity

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Pasco County purchased a property at 14629 20th St., in Dade City, through a foreclosure sale for $60,621.40, according to materials in the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 25 agenda packet.

At the time of the sale, Pasco County had costs in the property in the amount of $74,877.03 through its Community Development Department.

Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County Inc., has agreed to oversee the rehabilitation of the property, to comply with the county’s building code.

The purchase agreement and developer’s agreement transfers the property to Habitat for Humanity to renovate and sell to a qualified purchaser, as defined by the State Housing Initiative Partnership Program (SHIP). The purchase is subject to a mortgage to Pasco County in the amount of $74,877.03, according to the agenda materials.

The Pasco County Commission authorized the county to convey the property to a not-for-profit organization at a private sale for a nominal price, pursuant to Section 125.38, Florida Statutes.

The county’s Community Development Department recommended approval of the item, which the county board approved as part of its consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are approved without discussion, as part of a single action.

Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco, describes Habitat for Humanity on its website as a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat works toward that vision in partnership with families who need decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

Habitat for Humanity East Pasco was founded in Trilby, in 1994, and merged in 2009 with Central Pasco. Now Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco serves the entire county, east of the Suncoast Parkway.

In 2019, the organization celebrated its 25th year and 150th home dedication.

Published February 09, 2022

Zephyrhills and Fivay high schools to offer ‘Early College’

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Pasco County Schools is launching a new program aimed at helping more students achieve an associate degree and high school diploma at the same time.

Samantha Del Valle, assistant director for the Pasco school district’s Office for Leading and Learning explained the new approach during the Pasco County School Board’s Feb. 1 meeting.

The district has had a Collegiate High School program for several years, but because of the passage of Senate Bill 52, it is revamping that program to create an Early College Program (ECP).

The new program will operate at Zephyrhills and Fivay high schools, with admission to the program determined through the district’s School Choice program, Del Valle said.

Before making changes to its program, district staff met with representatives from Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) and with Dayspring Academy, to learn from them, Del Valle said.

It also did research involving programs in the state of Texas, because “they are very well-versed and have a robust Early College Program,” Del Valle said.

Ultimately, those conversations and that research led to the district’s ECP, which will begin in the fall.

The idea is to get as much participation as possible, Del Valle said, so the district is making it part of its School Choice application process, to give access to as many families across the district as possible.

Del Valle explained the differences between the former Collegiate High School program and the new ECP.

The Collegiate High School program required students to take courses at PHSC. The new program allows ECP students to take courses at Zephyrhills or Fivay high schools — the designated program high schools — or through Pasco e-School or PHSC, Del Valle said.

“So, from all of those locations, they’re (students) going to have voice and choice, in what they’re interested in and what is best for them,” Del Valle said.

Increasing the options is expected to lessen potential transportation barriers, she said.

Another difference: The district’s Collegiate High School program was limited to high school juniors and seniors.

Under ECP, the district will welcome a group of freshmen, who will complete the program together.

The district intends to reach out to middle schools to raise awareness about the program and to encourage eighth-graders to apply for ECP through school choice.

“Students enter as a cohort. They have a counselor who supports them through the program, with a plan of what each year looks like.

“So, if your end goal is a high school diploma and an associate degree, we’re starting that process in eighth grade and ninth grade, to get you there,” Del Valle said.

The aim is to encourage as many students as possible to take advantage of the program, Del Valle said.

Although the program will be based at Zephyrhills and Fivay high schools, all students can apply.

Those selected will be placed at the high school closest to them, Del Valle said.

The new program aims to increase participation.

“If you look at our Collegiate High School numbers in prior years, we had 60 seats and we were averaging 15 to 20 students, districtwide, who were engaging in the program,” she said.

Under its agreement with PHSC, the district’s new ECP will allow 125 high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit.

Another change, she said, allows students to repeat a course, if they earn a D, or F, or withdraw.

“That is not something that was in there previously,” she said.

So students will not automatically be withdrawn from the program for being unsuccessful in a class.

“And, we’re continuing conversation, as well, with PHSC, around co-accreditation,” she said.

If that occurs, school district sites would be somewhat like satellite locations for PHSC, which would allow even more opportunity for dual-enrollment classes at the district sites.

Those conversations are continuing, Del Valle said.

School board members said they would like to hear more about ECP, so a board workshop on the topic will be scheduled.

Published February 09, 2022