School closures threaten Sarasota’s economy

The Sarasota County School District is considering a plan that could affect the local economy and property values. Superintendent Connor proposed closing Wilkinson Elementary and redistributing its students, citing “underutilization” as the justification.

Closing Wilkinson could set a dangerous precedent. Twelve other county schools have been labeled underutilized, and board members acknowledged that future “utilization” conversions will be needed. If Wilkinson is first to close, others will likely follow.

The closure of a neighborhood school destabilizes the community. Home values fall, families are less likely to move in, and local businesses lose customers. One closure weakens a neighborhood; repeated closures would reshape Sarasota’s economy.

There are other fiscally responsible options. Instead of closing schools, the district could decentralize its offices across underutilized campuses. Leaders have already discussed moving offices into Wilkinson temporarily while selling their Landings property. If that’s workable in the short term, it could be adapted into a long-term strategy to preserve schools, avoid land purchases, and strengthen ties between district offices and school communities.

Our tax dollars should go toward innovative solutions that protect property values and preserve our investments. 

–Francesca Scotese, Sarasota