Waivers Likely For 6 Schools In Danger Of Closure
MIAMI (CBS4) -- Six schools in danger of being closed because of low performance, including one visited by President Barack Obama earlier this year, will likely be granted waivers.
Interim Education Commissioner John L. Winn said he will recommend that the state Board of Education allow the schools to continue another year, but they must inform parents and students about other school options in their community.
CBS4 reported earlier this week that Miami Central High School and Miami Edison High School could be on the chopping block after they failed to show improvements on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
Both schools will either have to close their doors or be converted into charter schools. The schools have raised their grades from F's to C's, but the state said that this year's grades for high schools have both Central and Edison within the F range.
But, Miami superintendent Alberto Carvalho has vowed to fight any changes to Central or Edison.
"There is a stronger chance of the crown of Spain reclaiming Florida than of us shutting down Edison and Central High Schools," said Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. "It will not happen."
Winn said his decision is based on the short amount of time before the start of the new school year and the destabilizing effect closure could have.
The schools recommended for a waiver include Miami Central Senior High School, which Obama visited in February to highlight efforts to turn around failing schools. The school has made improvements in math and reading, but proficiency levels are still low.
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