Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 4-21-17

The Segregation Of House Bill (HB) 5105
LAKELAND – I never thought I would see in this day and age our Leg- islators openly pursuing segregation in our K-12 Public School System. After speaking to the con- stituents throughout the state of Florida, I am amazed to see many con- stituents are not able to see what is being done.
Much to my dismay, 77 of the Florida House Rep- resentatives, with a ma- jority being Conservatives/Republi- cans, voted in favor of House Bill (HB) 5105 - Schools of Hope Bill, which they stated "Will Save Failing Florida Schools."
This is simply not true. The truth is (HB) 5105
will cater to Charter Schools, funneling more funding out of the Public School System. How much funding?
Approximately $200 million more in funding. This funding covers the startup costs to attract new Charter Schools for students attending failing schools statewide.
There is an opportu- nity being overlooked by the State Lawmakers ne- glecting the K-12 Public School System, which could use the $200 mil- lion for improvements across the board in Florida.
I believe the 77 Conser- vatives/Republicans that voted for (HB) 5105 in the startup of K-12 Charter
Schools are in it for the profit/money. The State Lawmakers need to un- derstand that K-12 Public Schools have to offer an opportunity for a good ed- ucation for all students, including those students with learning disabilities: students with 504 plans, exceptional students with learning, physical, mental or crises disabilities; and students living in poverty.
Citizens, the Superin- tendents, District Admin- istrators, Principals and Educators have to edu- cate all students in K-12 Public Schools. The 77 Florida House of Repre- sentatives that voted for the $200 million for startup Charter Schools will eventually learn that Charter Schools are failing the majority of our students.
Hopefully, the discus- sion will turn to reform measures for Public Schools and more fund- ing will be set aside for K- 12 Public Schools so that all students can be edu- cated.
DR. SHANDALE TERRELL
School News
Support Middleton’s Dr. Berry Library May 2
DR. FRANKYE A. BERRY ...Effort to name Middleton Media Center in her honor
Alumni and friends of East Tampa’s George S. Middleton High School have signed a peti- tion and are asking all persons who can to attend the regular meeting of the Hillsborough County School Board, Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 901 E. Kennedy Blvd. to support naming the
media center (library) at the school for Dr. Frankye A. (“Miss”) Berry.
Miss Berry, as she was known from the 1930s to the early 1970s, set the bar for excel- lence in Hillsborough County schools at the formerly segre- gated Middleton High School in East Tampa. She was head of the English Department, also taught drama and speech and directed the school’s plays for over 30 years. Her motto was, “Burn the midnight oil.” She later earned a Ph.D. from the Univer- sity of Florida.
All Tigers and supporters are urged to arrive before 3 p. m., sign up to briefly address the School Board in support of this recognition or stand with those who do speak.
High School To Host Legacy Gala
KATHY CASTOR U. S. Representative
On Saturday, April 29th, alumni, parents, and members of the community are invited to attend a Legacy Gala. The event will be held at Chamberlain High School, 9401 N. Boulevard, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ms. Celeste Liccio is the Principal.
The keynote speakers for the gala are U. S. Representative Kathy Castor and Hillsbor- ough County Commissioner Ken Hagan. The theme for the event is “Bridging the
KEN HAGAN County Commissioner
Legacy --- Fostering the Fu- ture.”
The gala is the product of alumni members, parents, and members of the community working together to improve stu- dent academics, enhance activ- ity, and exceed educational expectations.
For additional information about the gala visit the Cham- berlain High School Legacy Gala web site at http://chamber- lain.mysdhc.org.
PAGE 4-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017