Today is the 2.03.2026, and the Pinellas County School Board has made significant decisions that will reshape the educational landscape in the area. The board has voted to close Cross Bayou Elementary in Pinellas Park and Disston Academy in Gulfport at the end of the 2025-26 school year. This move comes as part of the district’s “Planning for Progress” initiative, aimed at addressing the ongoing decline in student enrollment.
Cross Bayou Elementary, which currently serves around 250 students, is operating at only 40% capacity, with 610 available spots. The building itself needs a hefty $5.1 million in repairs and upgrades. Disston Academy, serving grades 6 through 12, has an even lower enrollment, with only 70 students and a capacity utilization of 20%. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick stated that these closures will free up financial resources, with Cross Bayou expected to save about $3 million annually and Disston Academy contributing an additional $4 million in deferred maintenance and operational costs.
Reasons Behind the Changes
The decline in enrollment, which has dropped to 68% this year from 87% a decade ago, is attributed to falling birth rates and rising housing costs that have pushed families out of the district. Only one family voiced opposition to the closure of Cross Bayou, highlighting the community’s generally supportive stance on the board’s decisions.
In addition to the closures, the board has also approved consolidations: Bay Point Elementary and Bay Point Middle will merge into a K-8 facility on the middle school campus starting in the 2027-28 school year. With Bay Point Elementary at 47% capacity and Bay Point Middle at just 35%, this consolidation will streamline resources and enhance educational delivery. Though the merger requires $1.5 million for construction, it is projected to save $2.8 million annually in operational costs.
Plans for Oldsmar Elementary
Oldsmar Elementary is set to expand into a K-8 institution starting in the 2026-27 school year, with current capacity at 57%. This expansion will dramatically increase utilization to over 95% in just three years, with improvements costing under $500,000. Board member Dawn Peters emphasized the importance of keeping younger students separate from older ones, noting that K-8 models are highly sought after within the district.
Despite these significant changes, the district leadership has assured that no school-related staff will lose their jobs as a result of the closures; instead, they will receive offers at other locations. Both Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy will either be sold or leased following their closure.
As the Pinellas County School Board moves forward with these changes, more comprehensive recommendations are expected in the fall, set to take effect in the 2027-28 school year. These decisions reflect a broader strategy to adapt to the evolving needs of the community and ensure that educational resources are used efficiently.
For further details and updates, you can read the full article on Wild 94.1 and find additional insights on Bay News 9.