Community Outrage Erupts Over Proposed Closure of Pinellas Elementary School

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PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (WFLA) — On Thursday evening, Pinellas County Schools convened a public forum at Cross Bayou Elementary School to engage the community in their “Planning for Progress” initiative. This long-term strategy aims to consolidate and close certain schools throughout the county as a cost-saving measure.

The district has assured the community that there will be no job losses, and all existing programs will be relocated to other sites.

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Over 50 families showed up at the meeting, expressing strong emotions and challenging district officials about the proposal. The plan includes closing a school that serves many students with disabilities by the end of the 2025 academic year.

“This school is our home. Our children need this place. It’s small for a reason, and it would break us to lose it,” expressed one concerned parent.

“School enrollment rates at Cross Bayou have been declining year after year after year,” said Jennifer Dull, the COO of Pinellas County Schools.

The district also has plans to make the following changes, via a recommendation to the school board:

Close Disston Academy (end of 2025–26)
Create K-8 School: Combine Bay Point Elementary (BPES) and Bay Point Middle (BPMS)
Expand Oldsmar Elementary to K-8
Expand Employee Child Care to McMullen-Booth Elementary

“We don’t care about the money or the size. We will do whatever we can to keep this school,” said another parent.

Parents have multiple community meetings in the coming weeks to have further conversations. District staff said that a final vote is scheduled for February 24, and future school changes could happen following these proposals.