PINELLAS CO., Fla. — Pinellas County Schools (PCS) said it presented a set of recommendations to the school board on Tuesday, including proposals to close two schools and expand an elementary school into a K-8 school.
The statement from PCS said the recommendations are designed to "address long-term enrollment trends, ensure responsible use of district resources and maintain strong, sustainable learning environments for students across the county."
WATCH: Pinellas County Schools presents plan to close, combine and expand schools
List of recommendations:
- Create a K-8 school combining Bay Point Elementary and Bay Point Middle to be located on the middle school campus in 2027-28.
- Expand Oldsmar Elementary into a K-8 school beginning 2026-27.
- Expand employee child care program to McMullen-Booth Elementary in the 2026-27 school year.
- Close Cross Bayou Elementary at the end of the 2025-26 school year, rezone the current students to Bardmoor and Pinellas Central elementary schools. Transition the Deaf/Hard of Hearing program to Walsingham Oaks K-8.
- Close Disston Academy at the end of the 2025-26 school year and relocate programs and students to established educational alternative sites.
Oldsmar Mayor Katie Gannon said expanding Oldsmar Elementary would make it easier for parents who have several children to attend the same school.
"Statistically true, if you keep students in a more familiar environment for a longer time, same teachers, administrators, there's better outcomes, emotionally, socially and logistically for parents. We're really hoping that this will provide a great option for our residents," said Mayor Gannon.
The district said no school-based staff members will lose their jobs as a result of the recommendations.
"All employees will be offered placements within the district, with staffing decisions prioritizing continuity and stability for students and families," said the PCS statement.
PCS said the school board will discuss these recommendations again at a Feb. 17 workshop and a final board vote is scheduled for Feb. 24.
The statement said PCS will host community meetings at all impacted schools between Jan. 21 and Feb. 6 for families to ask questions and share feedback.
For more information on the plans, click here.
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