BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Bradford School Board members could sell the former Brooker Elementary School to a group interested in starting a charter school.
A group representing Brooker Community School Inc. has submitted a charter school application to the state and has previously expressed interest in the property.
The publicly funded charter school would be free to attend for K-5 students. Run by a governing board of directors with liberty to set their own curriculum, charter schools report to the state Board of Education through the county school district. Florida Department of Education still sets the standards.
Supporters spoke to the school board June 13 requesting it consider a lease agreement that would allow them to begin evaluating and repairing the property.
Speakers included Sylvia Tatum, who told the school board they want to work as partners with the school district. While she lives in Lawtey, she said she is a supporter of community schools.
“My husband, Charles, and I, we really, really believe in community schools. We fought for our community school on two occasions. And, by the way, Lawtey Elementary School is still there, and we’re proud of that.”
Brooker needs a community school, too, she said, and the charter school group needs the building that is there.
“We’re ready to go to work. I’ve got work crews. I mean, they’re ready to move,” she said. “We’re going to get that building up and going. It’s something the community will be proud of, and you’ll be proud of it. You’re part of it.”
The country is built on choice, she added, and that is what they are offering, and not just to Bradford students; Tatum said the school would draw and welcome students from Alachua and Union counties as well.
Suzanne McRee asked for access to the campus so they could assess what needs to be done and get started. McRee is Brooker’s town clerk and board chairperson for the proposed school.
“We need to know what we have to do to make that ready for students,” she said.
The property is in a state of disrepair, McRee said.
“I would encourage you to look at it, see what’s there, and then after you do that, understand that our community is willing, ready and able to take on that responsibility.”
When the item came up for discussion, Superintendent Will Hartley told the board that allowing access to the property would require a lease agreement. But School Board Member Erica Reddish asked if they could sell the property to the charter school group. Given the issues that could come up with leasing such as a construction injury and school board liability, Hartley agreed it would be better to sell the property.
To take on the risk and allow the changes before application approval is putting the cart before horse, Chairperson Sheila Cummings said. She also asked about putting the property on the market.
Reddish said the group could put as much time and effort into the property as they want if they owned it, resubmitting their application to the state until it is approved if necessary.
Board attorney Will Sexton confirmed that the charter group would prefer to purchase the property if given the chance, so the board directed Hartley to begin the process by having the property appraised.
Many familiar names complete the charter school board, including Randy Starling, director of a Gainesville charter school and former Bradford school employee, as vicechair and treasurer; retired county engineer Jerome Kelley as secretary; retired teachers Gail Cook and William Harrell as board members; and educational consultant Raquel Espinosa.
Their application discusses the “rigorous and engaging” academic program the school would provide, along with strong social and emotional skills.
From the application:
“Adults and students will treat each other with respect. Students will learn to become more resilient as they have opportunities to learn from their mistakes and personal reflection in a supportive environment. Through character education and a positive discipline approach, students will develop the skills and attributes needed to function as a productive, contributing members of society.”
“There will be an emphasis on continuous improvement and high expectations among students and staff. … The belief that ‘every student can succeed’ will be a key aspect of the school’s culture. As stated in the school’s mission statement, Brooker Community School will work in partnership with families and the community to provide a collaborative and supportive learning environment for all students.”
They already have a website (www.brookercommunityschool.com) announcing that registration will begin in January 2023. Supporters can also learn more about the school’s mission and donate.
