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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Hillsborough County School Board

Ringing in the 2020-2021 school year

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Students streamed back to Pasco County school campuses last week to begin the 2020-2021 school year, while Hillsborough County students headed to that district’s campuses this week.

The beginning of a new school year often is steeped in tradition, but this year is a year of new routines — in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students are arriving on campuses wearing masks, and teachers standing near open classroom doors to greet them are wearing masks, too.

Ten-year-old Veronika Patterson walks with her family to Bexley Elementary School. She’s accompanied by her mother, Melissa, her father, Mike, and her little sister, Izzy. (Randy Underhill)

Lunch tables have been moved outdoors, to reduce crowding in cafeterias and to accommodate outside classes.

Signs remind people to keep their distance, and bottles of hand sanitizer are within easy reach to encourage everyone to keep their hands clean.

And, there are protocols.

Lots of protocols.

They spell out what schools should do when there’s a confirmed case of COVID-19 and what to do when one is suspected.

In Pasco County, a partnership has been forged between the school district and the Florida Department of Health’s Pasco office.

Health department staff members are working in two portables on school district property, so they can respond quickly to COVID-19 cases.

The district also has spent substantial money, time and energy to prepare campuses for the arrival of students and staff; and, it has ramped up cleaning schedules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Hillsborough County school district also has increased cleaning efforts, to reduce potential spread of the virus.

Both districts also are using special care to disinfect school buses.

Pasco County Schools activated its dashboard last week, and as of 11:30 p.m. Aug. 28, the district had reported three student cases, one each at Fivay High School, Gulf High School and Moon Lake Elementary; and one employee case, at Lake Myrtle Elementary. (For more recent information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/news.

Hillsborough superintendent Addison Davis said that the district also will have a dashboard to keep the public informed.

The district just opened campus, on Aug. 31, so it was still too early to tell what kind of impact in-school classes would have, when The Laker/Lutz News went to press

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, an educational professional for decades said: “This is definitely my first year like this.

“I think we’re going to have a great first day,” Gadd said, as he showed off Cypress Creek Middle School, on its inaugural opening day for students.

“I think our schools are well-prepared, and we’re looking forward to getting started and making the best of it,” Gadd said. But, he added, “I’d be lying, if I didn’t say I wasn’t worried about Day 2, Day 3.”

There were complaints about buses and technology on the Pasco school district’s Facebook page, but overall the district seemed to be off to a relatively smooth start.

Face-to-face instruction began this week in the Hillsborough school district, after a week of online only.

Parents line up in both directions, to drop their kids off on the first day of school at Pine View Middle School, 5334 Parkway Blvd.

Based on social media chatter from last week, it looks like there were some complaints about problems with technology.

This week offers the first real test of the district’s preparations, as it welcomes the arrival of students and staff.

Hillsborough plans to work closely with its medical partners at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital, the superintendent said, during a recent school board meeting.

Like Pasco, Hillsborough has adopted numerous protocols intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to respond to known or suspected cases that arise.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco delayed their initial opening from Aug. 10, until Aug. 24.

Pasco chose to offer all three of its educational options on Aug. 24.

Hillsborough’s reopening plan shifted.

Initially, the school board adopted the superintendent’s plan to offer three learning options, starting on Aug. 24.

Then, after listening to a panel of medical experts, the board voted on Aug. 6 to delay implementation of Davis’ already state-approved plan, and instead offer online learning only for the first four weeks of school.

State Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran reacted to that plan by telling the district that it had to justify any closing on a school-by-school, grade-by-grade and classroom-by-classroom basis, or jeopardize state funding.

Davis went to Tallahassee, in an attempt to find a compromise. The state rejected his proposals and, ultimately, the district opted to open online for one week and then to offer all three options, including brick-and-mortar instruction, at all of its schools beginning Aug. 31.

But then, Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson ruled on a lawsuit brought against the state by the Florida Education Association, which was consolidated with other lawsuits brought against the state.

Dodson agreed with FEA’s contention that the state’s action — to require districts to open all brick-and-mortar schools by Aug. 31, was unconstitutional. Dodson said local school boards should have the power to make that decision.

The state appealed Dodson’s ruling, which automatically stayed his injunction, unless he decided to lift it. Dodson did lift it, essentially giving decision-making authority back to local school boards.

That decision prompted an emergency meeting of the Hillsborough County School Board on Aug. 28. Board members voted at that meeting to rescind their previous decision to open online only for four weeks, and instead to proceed with Davis’ most recent plan.

Meanwhile, the case between the FEA and the state continues on, and another lawsuit, filed by the United School Employees of Pasco, is pending.

Published September 02, 2020

COVID-19 complicates school start

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Students in Pasco and Hillsborough counties are set to begin a new school year on Aug. 24, but not all of the students will be headed to campus.

In Pasco County, students have three options for learning — amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Some students are expected to arrive at Pasco campuses on Aug. 24, while others opt for two versions of online learning. In the mySchool Online version, students are connected virtually to their assigned schools. With Pasco eSchool, they have more flexibility in the schedule and pace of learning.

In Hillsborough County, classes begin on Aug. 24, with all students beginning the school year through online learning only, until campuses open for students on Aug. 31. Like Pasco, Hillsborough is offering three learning options — face-to-face instruction and two virtual approaches.

Pasco and Hillsborough county students are set to return to school on Aug. 24, either in-person or virtually. (B.C. Manion)

Of course, there’s nearly a week before school begins, so it’s not inconceivable that these plans could change again.

As of press deadline for The Laker/Lutz News, there were two legal actions pending over whether school districts must comply with Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s Emergency Order that requires a face-to-face learning option on public school campuses.

The school year is already starting later than initially planned, with both Hillsborough and Pasco starting on Aug. 24, rather than Aug. 10.

The Hillsborough County School Board then voted to begin the district’s school year with four weeks of online-only instruction.

That decision came after a panel of medical experts advised against reopening schools until the COVID-19 positivity rate declined to about 5%.

Corcoran, however, rebuffed Hillsborough’s temporary online-only plan.

Corcoran said Hillsborough’s new plan was inconsistent with the reopening plan the district previously had submitted to the state that had been approved.

Hillsborough Superintendent Addison Davis then took a trip to Tallahassee, to seek middle ground.

That didn’t work.

After Davis returned, the district announced that “state leaders rejected two different phased-in models our district proposed that would have delayed our brick-and-mortar opening while ensuring our most vulnerable student populations were served in a face-to-face capacity.”

So, Hillsborough’s school year will begin with one week of online, with brick-and-mortar campuses opening on Aug. 31, for students choosing that option.

Meanwhile, in Pasco County, the school district plans to follow its Aug. 24 opening plan.

However, the United School Employees of Pasco has filed a lawsuit, seeking return to online learning only, until the COVID numbers come down, per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and the Pasco School Board have stood behind the district’s reopening plan. Not following that plan, they have said, would jeopardize state funding.

The Florida Education Association’s motion for injunctive relief from Corcoran’s Emergency Order has been scheduled for mediation Aug. 18, and if necessary, for court hearings on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20.

The decisions being made at the state and school board levels have caused parents and teachers to make a variety of personal decisions.

Ben Langston, of Long Lake Ranch in Lutz, said he and his wife, Rene, decided to enroll their children, Connor and Avery, in a private school.

The Langstons had been planning to send the children to Oakstead Elementary, but switched those plans because of the uncertainty with what will happen with public schools.

They want Connor and Avery to have an in-school experience, rather than online, because they believe it offers a superior form of learning.

Cindy Smith, an art teacher at Land O’ Lakes High School, on the other hand, has made a different decision: She’s retiring after 31 years in Pasco County Schools.

“It was very difficult. It took me months to decide it,” said Smith, who taught Art 1 through Advanced Placement.

“I didn’t feel like it was wise to go to school and expose myself to the possibilities of COVID, at my age,” Smith said.

She doesn’t think that virtual teaching is effective for secondary art classes, although she said it would be a safer option until COVID-19 cases decline.

The teacher said she’ll miss teaching and her students.

“I’m sad about it. I’m sad for my friends. I’m sad for my students. How horrifying to think any one of them could die because of one person, or a few persons’ decisions,” Smith said.

She added: “I’m concerned that parents may not be taking this seriously enough.

“I don’t think they understand the hazards and the dangers and the concerns that we, as teachers, have. We love our students, we love our jobs, but to put us in a danger, death-threatening kind of situation is unreasonable,” Smith said.

Despite the focus on COVID-19, there also are other developments associated with beginning the 2020-2021 school year, and that includes the opening of Cypress Creek Middle School.

The new school, on Old Pasco Road, will serve students in grades six through eight.

Students who have been housed in a portion of Cypress Creek High School now will be moving to Cypress Creek Middle.

Other students previously assigned to John Long Middle, will join them, providing long-needed relief from crowding at John Long Middle.

Students from Wiregrass Ranch High also have been reassigned to Cypress Creek High, but the full effect of that boundary change won’t be immediately felt because the school district grandfathered the junior and senior class at Wiregrass Ranch.

Two new public charter schools also are opening this year, in Wesley Chapel — Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and Innovation Preparatory Academy in the Connected City area of Wesley Chapel.

Published August 19, 2020

Union seeks ‘online-only’ school option

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Pasco County Schools is continuing its plans to offer face-to-face instruction as one of its options when school resumes on Aug. 24 — but, the union representing teachers and other school district employees is continuing its efforts to block that.

In a posting on the United School Employees of Pasco’s website, union officials inform their members that they are continuing efforts to seek an injunction that would prevent a return to brick-and-mortar classrooms when school begins.

The union is waiting until this week for formal actions to avoid interfering with efforts by the Florida Education Association, which is pursuing legal action on behalf of educators across the state, the posting says.

This latest USEP announcement follows a rally by teachers and parents at school district headquarters on Aug. 4, seeking to persuade the Pasco County School Board to adopt an online-only opening of schools, until the number of positive COVID-19 cases declines.

Don Peace, president of USEP, appeared at the school board’s meeting that day, again urging the board to only open schools online.

“We are not saying we don’t want a return to brick-and-mortar. We are saying we don’t want to return to brick-and-mortar now,” Peace said.

“Pediatricians and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are saying that we should not be heading back to schools at this time.

“When the positivity rate shows a downward trend and is below 5%, which is the level that ironically triggered the stay-at-home order back in April, then and only then would it be prudent to have a conversation on returning in a face-to-face format,” Peace said.

Peace said the district should rely on the data, in determining if students, teachers and staff return to schools.

“We have the means to use technology, in order to save lives,” Peace said.

Speakers offering public comment also told board members that they don’t think it’s safe to return.

Patrick Connolly, of Zephyrhills, said that there will be significant problems with staffing, if staff members apply their self-screeners with fidelity. And, he said, “if we don’t apply these screeners with fidelity, we will have the virus running rampant in our community.”

Jeremy Blythe, a Pasco teacher for five years, said he wishes he was excited to begin a new school year. Instead, he said, ““I’m afraid, I am angry and I’m sad.

“Being a teacher has prepared me to do many things, but what I cannot prepare for is the idea that I will have to bury a colleague or a student. I don’t want my family to have to bury me, either, if we head back to campus before it is safe,” Blythe said.

Superintendent Kurt Browning reiterated the district’s stance of reopening, with three options for parents: bricks-and-mortar, mySchool Online and Pasco eSchool.

“We are between that proverbial rock and a hard place, where we find ourselves with that emergency order,” Browning said.

“There’s been a lot of discussion, comments made out there about funding.

“The fact remains that when you read the emergency order, it is very clear that funding is tied to the fact that school districts need to open with bricks-and-mortar.

“You have to truly connect the dots, but if you want funding, and you want to be held harmless from funding reductions, then the expectation is that districts will open bricks-and-mortar.

“If we do not get funding from the state, our teachers do not get paid. Our bus drivers do  not get paid. Staff, in general, does not get paid.

“It’s going to be tough to keep lights on,” Browning said.

Browning said district staff is doing everything it can to ensure safety.

However, he added: “We’re not going to prevent it, but we are in the business of trying to minimize the impacts, or the spread of COVID,” the superintendent said.

He noted: “Even after all of the news reports, the data that’s out there — we still have 66% of our families that are wanting to return to bricks-and-mortar.

“By virtue of that, we need to be able to staff and provide that for them,” Browning said.

School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said one of her chief concerns involves the inability to provide social distancing in secondary classrooms.

“We cannot ensure social distancing in every secondary classroom,” she said, noting district employees are aware of that, but she’s not sure that parents know that.

Beaudoin did call attention to Pine View Middle School’s efforts to maximize  the space between its students, by clearing the room of extra furniture, extra tables, extra filing cabinets — to increase the distance between desks.

Beaudoin also said that if at some point, the district was to go remote, she wants the public to know that the district staff has been exploring multiple options.

“None are guaranteed, but we have been looking into ways to support families with child care and tutoring, to be able to continue to feed our students and families, and keep our employees working,” the school board chairwoman said.

While Pasco plans to return to school campuses, the Hillsborough County School Board has voted to begin the school year with online-only instruction — a position being rejected by Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran.

To be on the safe side, parents are encouraged to check for the most recent updates on the school district websites and social media platforms, to be sure they have the latest information. The Pasco school district’s website is Pasco.k12.fl.us.

The Hillsborough school district’s website SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Published August 12, 2020

Hillsborough reopening embroiled in controversy

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The Hillsborough County School Board last week voted to begin the school year on Aug. 24, operating online only for the first four weeks of classes.

Within a day of that decision, however, Florida Education Commission Richard Corcoran notified the district that “this blanket, district-wide decision directly contradicts the district’s reopening plan, which was approved because it was consistent with the state’s emergency order.”

In a statement shared with The Laker/Lutz News, Corcoran said, ““The Hillsborough County School Board needs to follow the law, it’s that simple.

“The whole reason the Department created the emergency order was to grant districts maximum flexibility to do what is right for parents and schoolchildren.

“We will not stand idly by while they trample over the majority of parents who want to do right by their children.

“What they did yesterday (Aug. 6) completely eliminated the flexible options for their families and students, and ignored how harmful it can be for students who are experiencing violence, abuse, and food insecurity in their homes, many of whom are already struggling to close achievement gaps. These are urgent circumstances and we cannot, and will not, ignore it,” Corcoran concluded.

Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Addison Davis issued a response to Corcoran’s letter, indicating the district had received it and was reviewing it with its legal team.

Addison also issued this statement: “Yesterday (Aug.6), the School Board made an informed decision after receiving data and hearing from the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, along with hearing the advice of other local infectious disease and public health authorities.

“The Board acted after serious deliberations and with all due diligence. Our district understood the possibility that such a response from the state might come and it has been clear that the district could face negative implications. We will use this information to have discussions about where we go from here,” Davis said.

Both Corcoran and Davis’ statements came after a special Aug. 6 Hillsborough County School Board meeting that included hours of public comment, and testimony from a panel of medical experts.

During that meeting, the board voted 5-2 to start the school year with online options only. The board also determined they would look at the issue again at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Board members Karen Perez, Lynn Gray, Stacy Hahn, Steve Cona and Tammy Shamburger voted for those actions. Board Chairman Melissa Snively and board member Cindy Stuart dissented.

The board’s vote came after School Board Attorney James Porter told the board it could not change the reopening plan submitted by Superintendent Addison Davis, but could delay its implementation.

Addison’s plan calls for three learning options: Face-to-face instruction and two online choices. After gaining initial board approval, it was submitted to the state and approved. When making that initial vote, though, board members said they wanted to hear from medical experts.

Passions run hot, on both sides
The issue of whether to reopen school buildings has been a flashpoint of controversy.

A parade of speakers urged the school board to either reopen school campuses for face-to-face instruction, or to keep them closed for now.

Speakers wore masks to the meeting, and a district employee disinfected the podium and microphone after each person spoke.

So many people showed up, their comments were limited to 1-minute each. Many exceeded the limit and there were instances when the microphone was muted when people talked too long.

Speakers were passionate on both sides of the issue.

Some staff members said they have medical conditions and are afraid to return to school. Others said they have family members who are medically vulnerable.

Many said the number of COVID-19 cases is simply too high to return to school.

But, those arguing against online only cited a digital divide based on family incomes. They said families need child care, and that mothers, in particular would be forced to quit their jobs so they can oversee their child’s online instruction.

They also cited other issues, such as impacts on mental health, a need for personal instruction, a need to provide services for special needs students and the need to provide food for students who rely on schools for meals.

Members on the medical panel, however, told school board members that the positivity rate of COVID-19 is too high to safely return to school.

One medical expert said he would not support reopening schools as of that day, but might feel differently on Aug. 24, because he expects the positivity numbers to decline.

Dr. Douglas Holt, who leads the Florida Health Department in Hillsborough County, said he was at the meeting to provide technical assistance. He did not take a position on the issue.

School board member Gray said she’s not comfortable reopening campuses at the current COVID-19 positivity rate.

“I personally think that the spread rate of 10-11% is way too high and 3-5% is where we need to go,”” Gray said.

Chairwoman Snively said she didn’t want the board to only focus on the aspect of epidemiology. Having schools open helps bring to light issues such as children who are suffering from child abuse or have mental health, nutritional and other needs.

Because this situation continues to evolve, those interested in staying abreast of the latest developments should check the Hillsborough County School District’s website and its social media channels. Its website is SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Editor’s Note: The Laker/Lutz News received the following statement, after our newspaper went to press:

“Our district explicitly followed the state’s executive order. The order provides school districts the option of not opening brick and mortar “subject to advise or orders of the Florida Department of Health, (or) local departments of health”. Last Thursday, our School Board made an informed decision after hearing from the local public health authority and local infectious disease experts. The panel was asked if we should open our doors and not one medical professional could recommend opening today. The state’s order goes on to say the day-to-day decision to open or close a school always rests locally.”

Tanya Arja – Chief of Communications

Published August 12, 2020

Hillsborough primary includes key races

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Hillsborough County voters will go to the polls on Aug. 18 to make their voices heard, in the 2020 Primary Election.

Of course, some voters will take advantage of early voting before then, and others will cast their ballots by mail.

It remains unclear how concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic will affect voter turnout, but election supervisors in both Hillsborough and Pasco counties have reported efforts to ensure the safety of both poll workers and voters.

Such measures include social distancing and ongoing cleaning. As a result, lines at the polls could be longer, the supervisors in both counties have said.

In Hillsborough County, the Clerk of the Circuit Court race is a universal primary, meaning all voters can vote in this election, regardless of party affiliation. Candidates Kevin Beckner and Cindy Stuart are vying for that seat.

On the ballot for Democrats, voters will be selecting candidates for the District 1 and District 3 seats on the Hillsborough County Commission.

Harry Cohen and Jen McDonald are vying to be their party’s choice in the race for Hillsborough County Commission, District 1.

In the race for District 3 on the county board, there’s a five-way race among Ricardo “Rick” Fernandez, Gwen Myers, Frank Reddick, Thomas Scott and Sky U. White.

In the race for Tax Collector, it’s a face-off between April Griffin and Nancy C. Millan.

On the Republican ballot, Charles Brian Boswell and Chad Chronister are competing to be their party’s nominee in the race for Hillsborough County Sheriff.

Scott Franklin and Ross Spano are vying for District 15, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In the Hillsborough County Commission, District 1 seat, Scott Levinson is facing off against Tony Morejon.

There are four nonpartisan seats up for grabs on the seven-member Hillsborough County School Board.

Competitors in District 1 are Nadia Combs, Steve Cona, Ben “Floridaman” Greene and Bill Person.

In District 3, the candidates are Alexandra Gilmore, Leo Haggerty, Mitch Thrower, Jessica Vaughn and Rick Warrener.

Those competing in District 5 are Elvis Piggott, Tammy Shamburger, Selena Ward

and Henry “Shake” Washington.

In District 7, the candidates are Lynn Gray, Sally A. Harris, Jeffrey Alex James Johnson and Angela Schroden.

There also are a number of nonpartisan judge races on the ballot.

Voters have the option to vote early at 24 locations through Hillsborough County. The early polling sites are open through Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voters can also drop their Vote By Mail ballots off at Early Voting sites during Early Voting hours.

Go to HillsboroughVotes.org, for more election information and for early polling locations.

Hillsborough County Registered Voters*
Democrats: 356,390
Republicans: 281,115
Others: 264,061
Total: 901,566

*As of 08/09/2020
Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections

Published August 12, 2020

Hillsborough schools delay start

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The Hillsborough County School Board has delayed the reopening of schools, as recommended by Superintendent Addison Davis.

In adopting Davis’ plan, the board also said it would reconvene in two weeks to look at the COVID-19 data, to see if the plan sticks, or if the board will change its plan.

The board took the action in a special meeting on July 23.

Under the approved plan, teachers and district staff will return to schools as planned, on July 31.

The board also approved a new student calendar and a new bell schedule, to ensure that students make up for lost time and have the required amount of time in their courses.

Under the approved calendar, the first day of school is Aug. 24, the first semester ends on Jan. 15 and the last day of school is May 28.

The board’s actions followed considerable public comment and discussion by board members.

Members of the public urged board members to consider the safety of students and staff, in adopting their back-to-school plan.

Board member Tamara Shamburger said, “this is not about parent choice.

“This is about the greater duty of the superintendent and this board, to ensure safety in this school district.

“Until we can guarantee student safety, there is no viable choice for brick-and-mortar,” Shamburger said.

But, board member Cindy Stuart said the district was obligated to get a plan in front of Tallahassee.

“Let’s talk about a two-week period, where we continue to watch what is happening,” she said.

“We may have to pivot one way or another,” she said.

Hillsborough County isn’t the only school district struggling with the challenges of reopening schools in the midst of a pandemic.

Pasco County Schools also has delayed the start of school until Aug. 24.

The Pasco School Board also approved an Aug. 17 start date for employees, also a two-week delay from the originally planned Aug. 3.

Delaying the start date will require the district to make up for lost time, Superintendent Kurt Browning said.

His staff has developed a plan that adds 18 to 20 instructional minutes to each school day to make up for the lost time, and also calls for foregoing early release days during the fall semester.

Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco, called Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s directive “an overreach.

“You, as a board, should be the ones that determine the safest way to return to teaching and learning, but your authority was usurped by one man,” Peace said.

Corcoran’s directive is being challenged, Peace added.

“Yesterday, in a court in Miami, the Florida Education Association filed suit against his (Corcoran’s) order, labeling it ‘arbitrary and capricious.’ They further claimed that returning to brick-and-mortar now, with COVID numbers on the rise, would be unsafe for students and employees,” Peace said.

The union president also noted that a USEP survey of district employees found that “over 75% of those replying felt that the only safe way to return now is distance learning.”

Peace said USEP urging the Pasco County Schools to adopt a distance-learning model, until the rate of positive COVID-19 cases has been on the decline for 14 days.

Published July 29, 2020

Parents asked to help on school reopening plan

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As Hillsborough County Schools gears up for a new school year, district officials need guidance from parents to help them plan.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis has laid out three potential models the school district could follow in the fall, depending on what’s happening with COVID-19.

Here is a synopsis:

Model A:
Model A has three options:

  • Students can return to school for traditional, face-to-face instruction.
  • Students can learn from home, using eLearning, an improved version of the online instruction they received last school year.
  • Students can enroll in Hillsborough Virtual School. These courses are designed to require students to meet certain requirements, but they have flexibility in scheduling their learning.

Model B:

  • Students can spend 40% of their time in face-to-face instruction, and 60% of their time in eLearning.
  • Students can do eLearning only.
  • Students can do Hillsborough Virtual School.

Model C:

  • Students can do eLearning or Hillsborough Virtual School. Campuses are closed.

At a June 23 workshop with the Hillsborough County School Board, Davis emphasized, “the plan has to be, and should be, very fluid along the way.”

The Model A version envisions the state operating at Phase III of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reopening plan, which allows buildings to operate at up to 100% of capacity.

The district understands that some parents and some staff may decide to not return to school, so the eLearning and Hillsborough Virtual School allow other options, Davis said.

If parents pursue one of the online options, fewer students would be on campus, making it easier for the district to achieve social distancing, the superintendent explained.

The district’s hybrid model provides a way to reduce the number of students who are on a campus at the same time. That means fewer students simultaneously riding buses, eating in the lunchroom, heading to the library or using other heavily trafficked areas on campus.

Another advantage of the hybrid model is that it gives students a chance to have face-to-face instruction for four out of 10 days of learning.

“There’s no substitute for a high-quality teacher in front of students,” Davis said.

The district is now reaching out to parents through an online survey, asking parents to identify what option they prefer for their students.

The district needs information about specific students, so it can plan properly, Davis said.

He hopes to have that information by July 10.

Regardless of the district’s final plans, the district intends to provide masks for its employees and to provide three, and possibly as many as eight, reusable masks per student, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Regardless of the approach the district uses, it will greatly limit assemblies, pep rallies and field trips and will have stringent restrictions involving visitors on campuses.

It also will have protocols involving sanitation, personal hygiene and its response when a staff member or student is suspected of being positive for COVID-19.

School board member Steve Cona III said he’s a fan of Model A.

“I appreciate the creativity of Model B,” he said, but he added, “from a parent’s standpoint, I think it’s a logistical nightmare.”

He also thinks the district needs a defined criteria for what eLearning looks like. “We need to ensure that we have proper procedures and standards across the district.”

Davis assured board members that in the coming year, “eLearning will be significantly improved” compared to the online instruction students received at the end of last school year.

Cona also noted that the district needs to ensure that its standards for cleanliness are uniform across the district, which, he said, was not the case even before COVID-19.

School board member Karen Perez noted there are students who reside in multi-generational households, and she voiced concerns that asymptomatic students could infect their grandparents.

School board member Stacy Hahn said she’s happy there are options for parents. But, she voiced concerns about a digital divide. She called for learning opportunities to help families that are struggling with the use of technology.

Published July 1, 2020

Hillsborough to cast votes on road, school taxes

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Hillsborough County voters have the option of raising sales taxes to help pay for transportation, and for school air-conditioning and capital improvements.

The transportation improvements would be made by voting to amend the County Charter to enact a 1-cent sales surtax that would be levied for 30 years and deposited in an audited trust fund with an independent oversight.

That tax would be in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax and is estimated to raise $278 million annual, and $552 million in the first two revenue years. The revenues would be shared by the Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and using a population-based formula by the Hillsborough County Commission, the City of Tampa, and the City of Temple Terrace.

The money would be used for road and bridge improvements; expanded public transit options; to fix potholes; enhance bus services; relieve rush hour bottlenecks; improve intersections; and, make walking and biking safer.

Hillsborough voters also have the option of authorizing a ½-cent sales surtax for 10 years to fund air conditioning replacements and repairs, capital improvements and construction of other schools, building enhancements for school security and other maintenance needs.

The new ½-cent tax is in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax. It is estimated to raise $138 million annually. Expenditures will be governed by the Aug. 24, 2018 Hillsborough County School Board resolution.

Published October 31, 2018

Primary elections over, now onto November

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Fewer than one-fifth of the registered voters in Hillsborough and Pasco counties decided the outcome of the primary elections on Aug. 30.

Some of the more notable races had Pat Frank defeating Kevin Beckner for the Democratic primary for Clerk of the Circuit Court in Hillsborough County, and Gary Joiner defeating Ted Schrader in the race for property appraiser in Pasco County.

Claude D. Brown, a Land O’ Lakes resident and poll deputy, has worked 22 elections at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Claude D. Brown, a Land O’ Lakes resident and poll deputy, has worked 22 elections at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

In other high-interest races, Marco Rubio handily defeated Carlos Beruff and other challengers in the Republican race for U.S. Senate, while Patrick Murphy won by a substantial margin on the Democratic side of the ticket in both counties.

Voters in both counties, and across Florida, overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that extends to commercial and industrial properties a renewable energy tax break already enjoyed by residential property owners. The amendment also exempts all renewable-energy equipment from state tangible personal property taxes.

The amendment needed 60 percent approval from voters and still requires action by the Legislature to enact the changes.

Mary Deeny, of Lutz, was among the early-bird voters who trickled in between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., on Aug. 30, at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, to cast their ballots.
Mary Deeny, of Lutz, was among the early-bird voters who trickled in between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., on Aug. 30, at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, to cast their ballots.

Overall, voters in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties chose to stay home from the polls.

In Hillsborough County, of 812,359 registered voters, just 153,626 cast ballots, representing a turnout of 18.91 percent.

Hillsborough voters who showed up early at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library seemed to share a singular motivation, while not always agreeing on candidates.

Lutz resident Mary Deeny said she hasn’t missed an election since age 18. Not voting is never an option, even if outcomes don’t always go her way.

The 51-year-old is puzzled about why more people don’t vote. Maybe she said, “They are not tapped in. It’s tunnel vision. I think they don’t understand the importance of local government.”

Carrollwood resident Jeff Jenkins, 63, considers voting a responsibility. He cast his first ballot at age 18.

“I think it’s an obligation to vote, plain and simple, whether it’s a primary or a general election,” Jenkins said.

One reason some might stay away from the polls is a belief that their vote won’t count, he said. “I think it’s a lack of engagement and a disconnect.”

Lewis Gray, husband of school board candidate, Lynn Gray, sets up a ‘Lynn Gray for School Board’ sign near the entrance to Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library.
Lewis Gray, husband of school board candidate, Lynn Gray, sets up a ‘Lynn Gray for School Board’ sign near the entrance to Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library.

Donna Trask was motivated to vote in a particular political contest.

“I definitely wanted to vote for Marco Rubio,” said Trask, 68, of Carrollwood.

Rubio also collected a vote from Kristen Mayer, who lives in the Lake Magdalene area.

Mayer thinks voting gives people a chance to choose who serves their communities. “We may not always like the choices, but we are the ones who are going to change the choices (by voting).”

Local races, especially for the Hillsborough County School Board, motivated Sherry Knox to go to the polls.

She arrived before 8 a.m., prepared to wait in line. It turned out she didn’t have to, because only a handful of voters were there. It took Knox just minutes to vote.

“I thought it would be more today,” Knox said. “To me, it’s important because it’s local government. It affects us directly. I don’t know why people don’t vote.”

She supported school board candidate Lynn Gray in the District 7, at-large race.

Meanwhile, in Pasco County, of 326, 937 registered voters, 60,943 cast ballots. That represents an 18.64 percent turnout.

Sherry Knox, who lives in the Lake Magdalene area, was especially interested in voting for her candidates in the school board races.
Sherry Knox, who lives in the Lake Magdalene area, was especially interested in voting for her candidates in the school board races.

Voters trickled in at Alice Hall at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills.

Those arriving felt a civic obligation, or wanted to support a particular candidate.

Sixty-one-year Laura Cotty, a retired insurance processor, wouldn’t miss an election.

“I always vote. Your voice doesn’t matter if you don’t vote. …The main reason I came out is to vote on the property tax (Amendment 4), so that renewable energy is not taxable,” Cotty said.

Fifty-four-year-old Susan Woods, who is self-employed, said she was mostly interested in that issue, too.

Eighty-three-year-old Robert Merchant also felt compelled to vote. “It’s our duty,” he said.

Seventy-seven-year-old Mary Merchant wanted to show her support for a candidate in the race for District 1 of the Pasco County Commission.

“I happen to like Mr. (Ron) Oakley. Out of all of the (stuff) on television, he was about the nicest and the most honest,” she said.

For for full results, visit PascoVotes.com and VoteHillsborough.org.

–Staff writers Kathy Steele and Kevin Weiss contributed to this report.

Published September 7, 2016

A vigil to honor a life gone too soon

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A bouquet of heart-shaped balloons separated and floated skyward into the night air, carrying messages of love for Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz.

Below, candles burned brightly, held aloft by more than 400 people who filled the stands at Ron Allen Field at Gaither High.

Junior Sanfeliz, the older brother of Christopher Sanfeliz, is consoled by friends at a candlelight vigil at Gaither High School. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
Junior Sanfeliz, the older brother of Christopher Sanfeliz, is consoled by friends at a candlelight vigil at Gaither High School.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

They had gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of the 24-year-old Sanfeliz, one of 49 people killed during a mass shooting on June 12 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

“Chris was taken way too soon from the world,” Stephanie Woychowski, president of Gaither’s Parent Teacher Student Association said during the June 15 vigil. “Remember Chris. Remember love.”

Besides killing 49 people, the lone gunman armed with an assault rifle, injured 50 others before he was killed by law enforcement.

The mass shooting, reported as the largest in the nation’s modern history, targeted a club popular among the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

The Gaither community responded immediately, with former classmates, current students and faculty coming together to organize the vigil for Sanfeliz, a member of the class of 2010.

“Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy,” said Teresa Trumbach, a teacher at Gaither, known as the home of the Cowboys.

Trumbach met Sanfeliz when he was a freshman.

Friends and family dropped photographs into a memory box during a candlelight vigil for Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando.
Friends and family dropped photographs into a memory box during a candlelight vigil for Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando.

“He was just one of those great guys,” Trumbach said. “I find it impressive that so many of you came back.”

Before filing into the stands, people stopped to pick up candles, drop donations into a box, or leave photographic mementos of Sanfeliz in a memory box.

Friends and family clung tightly to each other in long hugs. And, they shed tears.

Amid the sorrow, though, they found a way to share the joyous times and recalled Sanfeliz’ love of life.

They talked about a young man who was the friend that everyone wanted. He was loyal, funny and compassionate. He was always ready to do whatever it took to make his friends happy.

He also had his own way of doing things.

“Chris loved cottage cheese. He loved Disney. He would walk around the house and sing Disney songs,” said Ben Mercado. “He loved Selena (the movie).”

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz (GoFundMe.com)
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz
(GoFundMe.com)

Mercado said he and Sanfeliz came out as gay at the same time. Sanfeliz was Mercado’s first date with a boyfriend.

“He was just so comfortable with himself. It was such a privilege to have Chris as a friend,” Mercado said.

Brian Dell, former band director at Gaither, remembered Sanfeliz, who played in the saxophone section.

“He loved every minute of it,” Dell said. “He always had a smile on his face. He said hello every day.”

The Gaither marching band took to the field to play the school’s alma mater.

Cindy Stuart, vice chairwoman of the Hillsborough County School Board, and Anna Brown, assistant superintendent of Student Services, attended the ceremony.

“This weighs heavy on our hearts,” Brown said.

More than 400 people held lighted candles aloft to honor Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12.
More than 400 people held lighted candles aloft to honor Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12.

The Sanfeliz family came from Cuba in the 1960s, with nothing, said Mike Wallace, a family friend.

Sanfeliz grew up in Carrollwood and attended Hillsborough Community College. About three years ago, he began working for JP Morgan Chase as a teller, and recently was promoted to personal banker.

Michele Tweedle also works for JP Morgan Chase, but not at the same branch as Sanfeliz. Her 16-year-old daughter, Rayna Tweedle, plays in Gaither’s marching band.

“It’s a sad situation,” Michele Tweedle said. “The community has got to come together.”

Yunielquis Valdespino didn’t know Sanfeliz well, but saw him occasionally at nightclubs in Tampa.

“He loved to dance,” Valdespino said. “He’d get along with anybody.”

Love is the meaning Mercado hopes people take from Sanfeliz’s life, not the hate behind the action that led to his death.

Mercado honored his friend with words from a sonnet written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, winner of a Tony award for his Broadway musical, “Hamilton.”

“Love is love is love,” said Mercado. “And, we love Chris.”

Want to help?
If you would like to make a donation, visit GoFundMe.com/297mht34.

Published June 22, 2016