Pasco County families could see more school closures ahead after Superintendent John Legg proposed shuttering one elementary school and converting two others into specialized programs in west Pasco County.

The plan, called "Elevate 34668," targets three struggling campuses in the Port Richey area. The board is expected to vote Nov. 3, according to Tampa Bay 28.

The board discussed the proposal at a workshop Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Land O’ Lakes, after it had been presented to staff and parents. Legg pointed to 14 years of poor state grades across the three campuses.

The three schools have combined for six F's, nine D's and 24 C's in state grading over that span, with zero A's or B's, according to the Tampa Bay Beacons.

What the plan would do

Under Elevate 34668, Fox Hollow Elementary would close and its students would be rezoned to Gulf Highlands, Schrader or Chasco K-8, where some already attend for middle grades.

Schrader Elementary would become a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) magnet school for the 2027-2028 school year. Its curriculum would align with nearby Bayonet Point Middle, the Beacons reported.

Gulf Highlands Elementary would be renamed Highlands Exploratory Academy and shift to a career exploration program.

Half-empty buildings

All three schools are well below capacity. Fox Hollow sits at about 56%, Gulf Highlands at 67% and Schrader at 66%, according to the Beacons. Each has lost roughly 30 to 50 students a year.

On its enrollment trends page, Pasco County Schools identifies lower birth rates, more educational options and uneven population growth as factors changing enrollment. Some communities are growing while others have fewer school-age children.

Legg cited a declining birthrate as one factor. He said consolidating students would let the district redirect resources toward improving academics at the remaining schools, Tampa Bay 28 reported.

Parents push back

Rachel Stollman, a Fox Hollow parent whose older son attended the school and whose younger son is enrolled there, said she chose the school over other options.

"It's not just a shell. It's not just a building. It's what's inside of the building," Stollman said, as reported by Tampa Bay 28.

Parents received a letter from Fox Hollow's principal explaining the district recommends closing the school because of declining enrollment and available capacity at other campuses, Tampa Bay 28 reported.

Board members want answers

School board member Jessica Wright said the board has a financial responsibility to use every campus to its greatest potential but added she has several questions before she can support the proposal, according to the Beacons.

Board member Megan Harding, who taught at Fox Hollow before joining the board, also said she needs more information. Harding told the Beacons the community means a great deal to her and she wants to make sure the board makes the right decisions.

The district said no employees would lose their jobs if the plan is approved. Staff members would receive priority consideration for positions in the same area.

According to Bay News 9’s workshop report, rezoning would begin in January if the proposal passes, with the changes taking effect in the 2027-2028 school year. Families should not interpret January as an immediate school closure date.

The proposal still requires board approval. The district lists its next board meeting for Nov. 3 at 9:30 a.m. in the boardroom in Building 3 at the district complex in Land O’ Lakes.