Pinellas County Schools is moving toward a major restructuring that could see seven schools closed at the end of the 2025‑26 academic year. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick says the plan is designed to eliminate roughly $25 million in recurring annual expenses, a necessary step after a 25% decline in local birth rates over the past 35 years left more than 45,000 seats empty.

Why the closures are being considered

Hendrick explained that the district’s enrollment drop has created a surplus of vacant classrooms, driving up per‑pupil costs. By consolidating resources, the district can redirect funds toward programs that directly benefit students, such as expanded engineering courses at East Lake Middle School Academy of Engineering and new fundamental K‑5 instruction at Pinellas Park Elementary.

Proposed changes and community response

The most closely watched proposal involves three schools in Tarpon Springs. Under the amended plan, Sunset Hills Elementary would merge with Tarpon Springs Middle School, while Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary would expand to a K‑8 model on the Sunset Hills campus. Hendrick emphasized that these changes are being shaped by “thousands of survey inputs and thousands of sticky notes at public meetings,” underscoring the district’s commitment to listening to families.

Other schools listed for possible closure include Lealman Innovation Academy, Kings Highway Elementary, Blanton Elementary, Bear Creek Elementary and Sexton Elementary. The board has postponed a vote on Sexton to allow more time for alternative options to be explored.

What the district is adding, not just cutting

• Expanding seat capacity at East Lake Middle School Academy of Engineering.
• Relocating and renaming Azalea Middle School.
• Transforming Azalea Elementary into a K‑8 school with a larger attendance zone.
• Opening a fundamental K‑5 program on the Pinellas Park Elementary campus.

These initiatives aim to preserve high‑quality instruction while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently.

Next steps for parents and board members

Community meetings are scheduled at several of the affected schools this week, giving parents a chance to voice concerns and suggestions before the School Board votes next Tuesday. Hendrick noted that while not every family will receive their preferred outcome, the district believes it has reached “good conclusions” based on the extensive feedback received.

The Board’s final decision will shape the district’s fiscal health for years to come, ensuring that limited resources are focused on classrooms that are full and programs that matter to Pinellas families.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.