City envisions uses for library

The mayor says the building near the Largo Cultural Center could house a charter school, but others say there are problems with the idea.

By ERIC STIRGUS

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 17, 2000

LARGO -- Mayor Bob Jackson retired from the school system three years ago, but he still has a seemingly unquenchable thirst for teaching.

A former teacher and principal who worked for the Pinellas School District for 29 years, he loves to talk about his former students. He stays abreast of the latest news concerning education issues. He enjoys visiting schools and talking to kids.

A week ago, as Jackson and his fellow city commissioners considered possible sites for a new library, the discussion drifted to thoughts about what to do with the current site when the books are removed from the building.

Jackson's suggestion: a charter school for the arts and public speaking.

"I think charter schools are a way of offering young kids a unique education," he said.

The thought, which he has had ever since the city started talking about building a new library, excites the mayor. It also has piqued the interest of several city commissioners and the city manager, who have listened to many different ideas about the future use of the 36,000-square-foot building.

"I think it's an interesting concept," Commissioner Marty Shelby said.

The current library is only a short walk from the Largo Cultural Center. With the plans to build the new library in the same area, some see a charter school in that location as an ideal place for young people to learn about the arts.

"It would be a real neat way to build on the foundation of the cultural and performing arts by having a school that focuses on cultural arts next to a library," said City Manager Steven Stanton. "I think it would be fantastic."

But some city leaders are less enthusiastic about the idea.

Nestled off Central Park Drive, the current library doesn't have enough parking space. The library shares its parking with park goers and some visitors to the cultural center. Commissioner Pat Burke said the parking problems are the main reason she could not support the idea.

"We're trying to solve some of the parking problems and (Jackson) wants to bring a school into there," she said. "No, I'm not in favor of that."

Jackson's proposal would be to lease the building to a board that would manage the day-to-day operations of the school. He does not see the city playing a major role in the school, which he said could have as many as 400 middle-school students.

Other ideas for the space include a restaurant, a garage, a book store or a training center for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.

Several commissioners have expressed their desire to have more space for senior activities and believe the building could be used as a senior center.

"We need to put more emphasis on our seniors," said Commissioner Mary Laurance.

Initially, Jackson was not a big fan of charter schools. State-funded but managed by private groups through agreements with the school board, charter schools have drawn opponents who believe they discourage enrollment in schools managed by School Board employees.

Charter school proponents say they offer smaller classes and can try innovative approaches instead of having to abide by the school district's countywide policies.

Jackson, who was principal at Southside Fundamental Middle School in St. Petersburg when charter schools were approved, was concerned at first that the county School Board would not have adequate oversight of charter schools.

But Jackson took a look at his own school and had second thoughts. Southside Fundamental had a strict dress code and a low tolerance for bad behavior. The school raised its academic expectations.

"Fundamental taught me a lot," he said. "They're very successful."

The state Legislature approved the concept of charter schools in 1996. There are currently three charter schools in Pinellas County: Academie Da Vinci in Dunedin and the Athenian Academy in Dunedin, which serve elementary school students; and Whole Child at UPARC in Clearwater, which serves preschoolers.

But there are no charter schools for middle-school students in Pinellas.

Jackson sees a void.

A charter school for the arts and public speaking is sorely needed, he said. The mayor said he runs into business people who complain that many young people are inarticulate. Jackson envisions a school where the students can hone their verbal skills through performances or training by experts in public speaking.

"I think it's a confidence builder and I think it's something that is sorely needed," he said.

Just don't expect Jackson to grab a piece of chalk and hit the blackboard again.

"I'm too old," the 66-year-old mayor confessed.

Information from Times files was used in this report.

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