HomeMy WebLinkAboutVII (D) Ratification of Education Commission's Request in Letter to Orange County Public School Staff re: Rezoning for New School Agenda 12-7-99
Item VII D
CITY OF OCOEE
EDUCATION COMMISSION
150 N. LAKESHORE DRIVE LESTER DABBS, JR.
OCOEE, FLORIDA 34761 CHAIRMAN
(407) 656-2322
FAX (407) 656-5725 JOHAN BERGH
VICE CHAIRMAN
ROSEMARY DAVIS
VICE CHAIRMAN
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Education Commission
DATE: November 30, 1999
RE: ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS REZONING
FOR THE "NEW SCHOOL"
Please give your earnest consideration to the support of the Education Commission's
philosophy and views regarding the rezoning as stated in the proposed attached letter to OCPS
Staff and Board Members.
Thanks!
CITY OF OCOEE
EDUCATION COMMISSION
150 N. LAKESHORE DRIVE LESTER DABBS, JR.
OCOEE, FLORIDA 34761 CHAIRMAN
(407) 656-2322
FAX (407) 656-5725 JOHAN BERGH
VICE CHAIRMAN
ROSEMARY DAVIS
VICE CHAIRMAN
December 1, 1999
DRAFT
Dr. Dan Buckman
OCPS
445 West Amelia Street
Orlando, FL 34801
Dear Dr. Buckman:
The Ocoee Education Commission appreciated the opportunity to have representation on the
rezoning committee for the new elementary school in Ocoee. However, in a report made to
the full Education Commission at a special rezoning topic meeting, it seemed our membership
was not clear how the three major rezoning criteria adopted in October, 1998, were applied in
this rezoning case.
At a mutually convenient time we would like you to share with us how the three criteria were
applied. From participant or observer reports the Commission concluded it wished to observe
the following:
A. none of the three options presented to the public meet the major criteria;
B. it appears that in every option, the new school will open at capacity (shades of DPHS);
C. demographic balance was not maintained at Spring Lake Elementary because all the
minority black children were zoned out of the school;
D. how will the proposed Choice Plan impact this and other rezonings in Ocoee and
elsewhere;
E. has the potential number of students returning to public school from private school been
factored into the rezoning numbers;
F. please clarify whether or not this and other future rezonings adhere to a "feeder pattern"
which ultimately minimizes student rezonings as they progress through the "feeder
pattern."
Dr. Dan Buckman
Page Two
December 1, 1999 DRAFT
We look forward to a continued pleasant working relationship with OCPS and your office.
Respectfully yours,
Lester Dabbs, Chairman
Ocoee Education Commission
cc: S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Ocoee City Commission
Ellis Shapiro, City Manager
OCPS School Board Members
Dr. Dennis Smith, Superintendent
Ocoee Education Commission Members