Hillsborough School Board Rejects State Policy Allowing Charter Schools in District Buildings

Opposition to "Schools of Hope" Policy

• 🏫 Hillsborough County school board members are pushing back against a state policy that allows charter schools to colllocate inside traditional district schools.
• 💡 The "Schools of Hope" initiative was originally intended for failing public schools, but a recent rule change permits charter operators to request space in underutilized, even higher-performing schools.

Concerns Raised by Board Members

• 🏠 Board members expressed strong disapproval, with one comparing the situation to having "strangers in your house" sharing resources.
• 📊 A proclamation was debated, calling for the state to define "underutilized school" and require shared-space charter schools to serve the same grade levels as the district school.
• 💰 The proclamation also demanded that charter operators reimburse the district for services like custodial work, food service, safety, and transportation.

Proclamation Passes Despite Dissent

• 🗣️ While some community members felt the policy took power away from the school board and parents, one board member argued against singling out charter school students.
• 💰 However, another board member emphasized their duty to Hillsborough County taxpayers, leading to the proclamation passing with a 5-to-1 vote.
• 📝 The district is currently reviewing approximately 22 applications from charter school operators seeking space in district facilities.