LLT Academy High School Announcement
Dear Parents,
The world changes faster than we can keep up with. It was once said “If you are not willing to change where you are today, you may disappear tomorrow”. There has never been a time in the past sixty years that such a statement has had such meaning as right now.
We are experiencing an epic change in our nation in so many ways. Currently, public education is going through a massive change for the next decade.
- As a nation we are performing far below other countries academically.
- We are seeing historic dropout rates in our high schools; states are raising graduation standards that are needed, but unrealistic in the current economic climate.
- We are struggling with substantial budget cuts that are minimizing resources, while schools are expected to do more.
LLT has, as have all charter and traditional schools, been impacted by all these issues. LLT is a business, which receives federal funding to operate from a government which itself is continually struggling to survive. As in any business long term survival requires leadership to evaluate and make changes that are in the best interest of the organization. LLT leadership has been faced with making changes that will best position the school to continue to fulfill its founding vision that are in the best interest of all its students.
In the last eighteen months, the major changes in the US economy have had a direct impact on educational funding within states. We have also seen the effects of this economy in ways beyond the classroom. Our school is required by the county to have a turn lane into the school property with a cost in excess of $350,000.00. In the past two-years developers who planned to build along Madison Avenue and would have assisted us with the turn lane have been eliminated because of the ailing economy. In addition, the banks with no loans for road improvements left LLT to carry this burden alone, which is not possible. Here are the facts that are challenging LLT Charter High School:
- Without the turn lane, the school is limited by Hillsborough Planning and Growth Management to the number of students we are allowed to have on the campus.
- We were recently informed by the commissioners, whom we have been working with, that it would not be feasible to add Madison Avenue to the road improvements paid for by the additional one-cent sales tax, if passed on the November 2010 ballot.
- Our inability to add a turn lane limits the total number of students (both high school and middle school) on campus, which in turn, limits the financial viability to operate the high school necessitating an additional 50 students and hiring additional teachers to comply with state’s new graduation requirements.
- Making the high school financially viable by increasing enrollment in the high school would require us to decrease the enrollment in the middle school.
- Considerations to move to another location, would incur enormous build-out costs which we cannot fulfill.
- Per Hillsborough County School District Superintendent, Mary Ellen Elia, large traditional high schools will be challenged to meet the new criteria even with their greater resources and support. LLT Charter High School cannot provide the environment needed for high school students to meet these new academic requirements.
We do not think it would be prudent to sacrifice our very vital and successful middle school program. LLT Academy has, since its inception, produced exceptional students who have often outperformed students from other schools and we plan to continue building on the qualities that have allowed the school to succeed. Thus, with the current environment of diminishing school budgets, increased graduation expectations, we have come to the conclusion and believe it is in the best interest of our students, the charter school movement, and the district to cease operating the high school.
Therefore, it is with deep regret that the LLT Board of Directors and Administration felt compelled to make this decision. It was not without understanding the challenges and emotions that this causes for our students and parents. At the same time we are fully aware that if this decision is not made now it will, without question, impact the short term viability of both schools.
Superintendent Elia supports this decision and has committed to assist all students and parents during this transition. The district will provide a dedicated support person that will give guidance to students in school choice options. Our staff and counselors, Mrs. Logan and Mrs. Tapia, will work to insure that all students transition into their new school successfully with all credits earned and are willing to do whatever is necessary for students to make the change.
There will be an official announcement parent meeting on April 28th at 6:30PM at the Element Church located at 2702 Causeway Center Drive, Tampa FL (this is the same facility where the talent show was held) with school district staff to communicate the Hillsborough County District recommendations as to what you need to do to enroll your high school students in the 2010-2011 academic year. Also, please note that your student can enroll at their neighborhood schools now. You can do this by taking immediate action and contact the schools personally.
We are grateful for the support that you have given LLT Charter High School over the past two years and trust that your student’s experience with us has in some small way impacted their life and prepared them for their future. We want you to be assured the Board and the Administration have looked at all possible options and in the current economy and academic culture this is in the best interest of all students. We fully understand the concerns and feelings of all parents and students and we are available personally to give you the assistance and the information you need to further the education of your students.
Sincerely,
Curt Miller, CEO Jim Eggert, LLT School Board Chairman
LLT Academy Board Members:
Tammy Bracewell
Jack Mertz
Sandra Murman
Shirly Thompson