Families at five Pinellas County schools now know their campuses will not reopen as they are today. On Oct. 13, the Pinellas County School Board voted to close Bear Creek Elementary, Blanton Elementary, Kings Highway Elementary Magnet, Lealman Innovation Academy and Pinellas Park Elementary, FOX 13 reported. The district says its broader plan could save about $25 million a year as enrollment keeps falling.
Which Schools Are Closing and When
The five schools on the final closure list are Bear Creek Elementary, Blanton Elementary, Kings Highway Elementary Magnet, Lealman Innovation Academy and Pinellas Park Elementary. According to Tampa Bay 28, the closures take effect going into the 2027-28 school year, which means students finish the current year at their schools.
The Pinellas Park campus will not sit empty. FOX 13 reported that a new fundamental elementary school will open there.
John M. Sexton Elementary had been on an earlier version of the list, but it was removed after parents raised concerns about enrollment and other issues. Spectrum Bay News 9 reported that the district planned to review Sexton again later in October.
Other Schools Being Combined or Moved
The vote also reshapes several schools that are staying open. Sunset Hills Elementary and Tarpon Springs Middle will combine into a K-8 school, and Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary will grow into a K-8 campus at the Sunset Hills site…