Hillsborough County School Board delays boundaries decision

TAMPA, Fla. - On Tuesday, the Hillsborough County School Board decided to delay the first vote on a proposal to change the boundaries for students attending some schools in an attempt to save money, make bus routes shorter and serve students more efficiently.

The public was invited to speak at Tuesday’s meeting and more than three dozen speakers voiced their opinion with most urging the school board to reject the superintendent’s proposed plan, which is called scenario 4.

The scenario 4 plan would close six schools in the county and sell two of the school buildings.

Hillsborough School Superintendent Addison Davis. 

Superintendent Addison Davis says by closing the under-utilized schools, it’ll save money and make bus routes shorter. 

Several speakers said that African-American students would bear the brunt of the proposed boundary changes. 

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While Davis says something needs to be done, he does agree that today is not the day to vote. 

Parents listen to proposed changes to Hillsborough County school boundaries. 

"It appears that in the culture we are now in that we are going back 50 years fighting for justice and equality and against racism and discrimination in the community. We are fighting now to keep Black history going in the schools. We are fighting now to make sure our kids are not bussed all over the county," one speaker stated. 

Another speaker said, "I would like to ask this board to please vote to approve scenario 4. This board must make the tough decision to close schools under 60 percent occupancy. The students and taxpayers of Hillsborough County deserve no less. The school board is responsible for finding a solution that appeases all board members and our students, teachers, and community deserve a definitive conclusion to this process."

Several speakers brought up that Plant High School in South Tampa and Pullman Middle School will not see any proposed changes. Some people were complaining they moved to a certain neighborhood so their kids could go to a specific school and now the proposed boundary changes would make their students switch schools. 

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The school board is expected to have another workshop on March 9 and then make the first of two votes on March 23.  

Maps show potential changes to Hillsborough school boundaries. 

Some board members say Davis’ plan is racially discriminatory because schools slated for closure serve large percentages of Black and Hispanic students. 

Those board members are also concerned about the financial impact the boundary changes will have as well as the impact of certain bills being discussed in Tallahassee.