By B.C. Manion
Boundary changes are in store for some Pasco County public schools, while transportation adjustments could affect some northern Hillsborough County public schools.
Those are just two of the issues that school boards in those districts will face during 2011.
The Pasco County school district is shifting school boundaries to relieve overcrowding at Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High. Some of the proposed changes have drawn opposition by parents. The Pasco School Board is scheduled to take a final vote on the issue Jan. 18.
The Hillsborough County school district is preparing to reorganize its transportation plan for Area 3, which includes Gaither and Freedom high schools, Buchanan Middle School, Learning Gate Community Middle and Elementary schools and Lutz and Maniscalco elementary schools.
George Gaffney, general director of the county’s Area 3 schools, said that generally students who are entitled to public transportation to school will not be affected, except that some bus stops may be moved for efficient operations.
If history is any indication, however, the relocation of any bus stop could become a source of objections by parents who typically do not wish to lose a bus stop their child has been using unless it is a change that will make the bus stop more convenient for the child, which usually upsets someone else.
In Pasco County, district employees will have a new option for some healthcare services.
The district is opening three Health Wellness Clinics, including one at the district office in Land O’ Lakes.
The clinics will offer a number of healthcare services at no cost to employees. Use of the clinic is voluntary and employees will be able to continue to see their own physicians.
However, any employee enrolled in a district health plan can use the clinics to get free blood work, free women wellness exams and free medications as long as they are seen by a Health Wellness Clinic physician.
Pasco Superintendent Heather Fiorentino said the district expects the clinics to lead to $3 million in district savings.
Pasco also has a $6 million construction project underway to build the Culinary Arts Academy at Land O’ Lakes High.
The 18,000-square-foot center includes three kitchens, commercial equipment, a theater-style classroom, a demonstration station and other high technology features. It is expected to open in fall 2011.
Meanwhile, the Hillsborough school district will launch a massive renovation at Gaither High in January. The $17.3 million makeover, which will take about 18 months to complete, will be done in five phases.
The school’s mechanical systems will be replaced, which means removing the big chillers and air handlers. The work also will require removing the ceiling and lighting. The school will get a new roof.
The project calls for adding a stairwell at the front of the building to meet current safety codes. The restrooms will be updated to adhere to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
