Brevard Teachers' Union, Parents Rally Against School Closures
Monday, May 13, 2013
By: Matthew Peddie

May 13th, 2013 | WMFE- Brevard County teachers are joining a parents group in Titusville Monday afternoon to rally against school closures. The school board plans to close South Lake and Gardendale Elementary schools, Clearlake Middle School and North Area Alternative Learning Center as part of a package of budget cuts.

Brevard Federation of Teachers president Richard Smith says school populations are predominantly students of color- and the closures would have a huge impact. 

“The worst part is that Gardendale and South Lake in particular are excellent schools, they’re not just good schools, they’re excellent schools," says Smith.

"And whereas the schools that their kids may go to are good schools, it’s really doubtful they’re going to be enhancing or increasing their educational opportunities,” he says. 

Last year voters rejected a half penny sales tax that was expected to generate about 32 million dollars a year.

The school board said in March the school closures would help bridge that funding gap- but Richard Smith says there is enough money to keep the schools open.

As well as Monday's rally at St. James AME church in Titusville, the teachers federation is urging parents and community members to speak out at a school board meeting tomorrow