Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/194514
Sarasota News Leader October 18, 2013 Page 46 However, he said, "Given the world that we latter scenario, he explained, were whether a live in now," more money should be spent to new classroom wing should be designed just protect students and staff. for the autistic students and needs directly Board member Carol Todd pointed out that related to their curriculum, such as space for while Lempe had asked for generalities in work on dexterity skills. ranking priorities, she could not help but offer specifics. To that end, she continued, Gocio Elementary in northern Sarasota County is "a school that has a sea of portables [and even] new boardwalks for the portables." Referring to Gocio and Fruitville, Todd replied, "I see them as equal." While Pine View also has 38 portables, she added, it is a school of choice, and Gocio is a Title I school. She will have been on the board for 15 years come November, she added, and the need As of Oct. 14, Gocio's total enrollment was to build a new classroom wing at Gocio has 700 — six more than the district's projection remained an unfunded priority. "I think 29 for the current school year. portables for a decade and a half is too many." Fruitville has 19 portables. As of Oct. 14, Nonetheless, Lempe told her he probably its enrollment was 773 — eight higher than would recommend the replacement of por- projected. tables at Fruitville Elementary ahead of the project at Gocio, because Fruitville's program Even though enrollment is capped at Pine for autistic students utilizes portables. The View, demand remains high, Superintendent factors that remained to be weighed in the Lori White pointed out. Photos compare a school with restricted visitor access to one with uncontrolled access. Images courtesy Sarasota County Schools