Two years of negotiations, with a lot of hope and persistence from the community, appears to be paying off for the Moore-Mickens Education Center.
The center —historically tied to the first school for black students in Pasco County — was closed in 2015.
But, Pasco County School District officials and the nonprofit Moore-Mickens Education Center & Vocational Center Inc., are almost ready to sign a lease agreement to reopen the school’s campus, according to Keith Babb, the nonprofit’s chairman.
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The lease would be for $10 a year for 30 years, Babb said.
“We are extremely excited,” he said.
He anticipates the matter will be on the June 6 school board agenda.
Babb said a private donor made a significant contribution to the nonprofit. But, additional funds are needed.
A breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for May 20. The goal is to raise at least $5,000, Babb said.
Prior to its closing, the campus on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard offered classes for adults, teen parents and special-needs children.
School officials initially announced the school’s closing in 2014, but backed off when the community pleaded to keep it open.
That decision was reversed the next year, based on costly repair expenses.
The goal is to partner with other nonprofits and agencies to bring multiple programs to the community, possibly including a food bank, afterschool programs, and voluntary prekindergarten classes.
“That doesn’t mean we’re going to start programs right away,” Babb said.
The first step is to get buildings open and ready for use, he said.
Plans are to use the administrative building, the building that formerly housed the Cyesis teen parent program, and a building where the Dade City City Commission once held its meetings.
A walk-through and inventory check was planned this week with Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, Babb said.
Gadd was not available for comment prior to The Laker/Lutz News’ deadline for publication.
Published May 17, 2017
