What does judge's ruling mean?

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 11, 2000

Q: What does the judge's order mean for my children?

A: There will be no immediate change to Pinellas student assignment, or the ratios that now dictate how many black students can attend each school. Even though the judge has dismissed the case, the court order is essentially still in effect by agreement of the parties. In 2001, the last batch of white students to change schools as a result of the court order will get their new assignments. Black students will continue to ride buses to desegregate schools outside their neighborhoods.

Judge ends Pinellas busing Next challenge: school choice Hillsborough still under court's watch Highlights of the order Key events

Q: So when will I see a change?

A: In the next month, the school district will start seeking parents' input on the details of the new choice plan. Before the fall of 2003, you will have to choose your child's school from those available in your geographic zone. You can choose the one in your neighborhood, or one nearby that offers a program your child might like. Details are still to come.

Q: My child is now on a track that will take her through a good elementary school, middle school and high school. I don't want that to change. Can she be exempted from the new choice plan because she is a current student?

A: Lots of parents want their kids "grandfathered" to get guaranteed admission if they choose elementary, middle and high schools on their current zoned school track. NAACP Legal Defense Fund lawyers are firmly opposed to granting large groups guaranteed admission. They point out that guarantees aren't even part of the current student assignment plan. It is certain to be an area of controversy as details of the choice plan are developed.

Q: There's not enough space in south Pinellas schools now. How will they accommodate all the black students who may choose neighborhood schools after 2007?

A: As part of the agreement, the School Board promises to build enough elementary schools to handle 2,587 students in the area east of 58th Street S and south of Central Avenue. The district will also build a middle school to handle at least 1,000 more kids in the same area and add capacity to handle 600 additional high school students. The district will also renovate Gibbs High "in a manner equivalent in quality to the renovations at Boca Ciega, Seminole and Clearwater High schools," according to the agreement.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.