FPSCC Central Region Update

By Carolyn Finch

The Central Region held a phone conference on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 with 12 districts participating.  The discussion focused on hot topics facing districts as they expand or maintain choice in their areas.  A few districts saw parental interest in choice slowing, especially as enrollment leveled off or declined within the district.  This seemed to be especially significant in the area of AYP choice.  I think it is important to acknowledge that when parents are offered an alternative placement and they choose to remain at their zoned school, those parents have made a meaningful choice.  Many parents indicate that they are extremely happy with their zoned school and do not wish to place their children on a long bus ride.

There was also some exciting news as districts shared new programs and plans over the next few months. Several districts were adding to or refining their choice options in the area of Career Academies and new magnet programs.  Interest remains high in magnet and choice programs that offer a specific attractor and district transportation to the school.  Orange and Pinellas are just two of the districts expanding their magnet school offerings.

Career Academies seem to be in explosive growth mode throughout the central region.  Not all districts call them Career Academies; some are identified as school within a school magnet or choice programs.  In a difficult budget year and with fuel prices skyrocketing, offering transportation is a challenge.  Districts seem to be evenly split as to whether or not they are able to provide transportation for high school career academies. Almost all give an attendance preference for students in the zoned school hosting the career academy.

Challenges exist as districts struggle with the Supreme Court ruling which precludes using race as a factor in enrollment.  St. Lucie County is using SES as a factor in enrollment with eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch, Food Stamps, Medicare or WIC participation as documentation.

Charter schools are another form of choice and many districts reported positive relationships with their charter schools.  Districts also shared marketing techniques for the new ABC program, such as distributing information via local Chambers of Commerce and city newsletters.