GLE School VPK Parent Resources

(This site was initially established as a means of providing some brief general information to a handful of people about the VPK program being removed from Grassy Lake Elementary school.  Since it was created just a few short days ago it has taken on a life of its own.  While the information isn't always presented in the easiest format I'll do the best I can to keep it managable.  There is SO much information coming out so quickly at this point the main focus is to get it in your hands so you won't continue to be left in the dark.)  A new site is currently being developed to be located at http://www.lakevpk.org/ and will hopefully launch soon!

Welcome - This site is designed to try and provide a resource for parents that were anticipating a VPK program at Grassy Lake Elementary School during the 08-09 school year.

If you tried calling the number listed for enrollment on 3/10/08 you were probably surprised (as we were) to find out that Grassy Lake was not an option.  There is the potential however that the old Minneola Elementary School facility could be utilized instead.  This process would require some modifications to that building but could house in excess of 70 students.  The School Board is set to discuss this issue further, but as of 11:00 on 3/10 I am not able to determine when.  I have spoken with people at the county office that have done additional research about the validity of a VPK program and passed that information on to Cindy Barrow our district representative. 

As of noon today (3/10) my understanding after numerous calls is that part of our issue revolves around a "need" in our area.  It seems that the Board has the opinion that there isn't much demand in our area for such a program.

While in all honesty my initial concern is for those at Grassy Lake, the reality is that it impacts multiple schools in the area.  Lost Lake, Clermont Elementary and Pine Ridge are all full and have a sizable waitlist.  Utilizing the Minneola facility could help those parents as well.  Please register on the Stay Informed! page for any updates you would like.

Renovations to the old Minneola Elementary 

There is obviously a cost involved in making the renovations, but as I am sure you would agree, there is a benefit as well.  I'm not clear on how it works, but my understanding is that the school board does not get paid by the state for this program.  My understanding prior to this was that they did get funding, but maybe I was wrong.

In a special workshop approximately two months ago, proposals were presented by various organizations on what to do with the facility.  The county VPK presented information on the benefits of making it a VPK center as did apparently outside "private" organizations.  The fact of the matter is that if the facility is not in use, it will become run down and potentially out of code and no longer usable.  With a "use it or lose it" perspective it would make sense to make an investment in the facility to keep it current and keep the value in the building.  The worst thing that could happen is that nothing is done with the building, it falls out of code, and then it would cost too much to renovate it in the future or needs to be demolished...what a waste!

I have attempted to get a copy of the minutes from the workshop to see what we are up against but the Board has not approved them yet.  I called the Clerk today and the information will not be released until approved by the Board. 

School Board Members 

Cindy Barrow is the representative for our area.  Larry Metz represents the district to our west (Groveland) and is the Chairperson of the Board.  The Board works on issues together, and it would not be something decided by just one member.

A member that may be very important is Jimmy Conner.  Mr. Conner is currently running for County Commission.  The election for commission is county wide - which means he needs your vote.  This could be a very important and meaningful opportunity for him to show the voters that he values education in this area.  It seems reasonable that if Mr. Conner is able to show us his leadership and decision making abilities in an issue that directly impacts us it would give us something to consider in the polling place!

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