The Sarasota County School Board on October 7 discussed a plan to convert underutilized Wilkinson Elementary into a specialized STEAM academy and teacher training center as part of a major boundary overhaul driven by declining enrollment. The proposal is a direct response to a new Florida law that allows charter schools to occupy underused public facilities rent-free, impacting district finances. District documents show Sarasota County Schools has over 5,600 underutilized student seats, and Wilkinson Elementary is currently at 49% capacity, making it vulnerable. The “Wilkinson Reimagined” proposal aims to proactively repurpose the campus to retain district control. The plan would establish a STEAM Honors Micro-Academy for up to 200 students and a Center for Educator…..