The meeting began with a presentation from Jenny Tardiff Paradiso, a member of the ad hoc committee and treasurer of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Paradiso delivered a historical overview of the beach school, emphasizing its longstanding excellence and community support. She underscored the urgency of reopening the school to maintain its programs and inspire students. The school’s history of excellence was noted, with Paradiso stating, “These key features are a big part of what’s going to attract others so we could keep increasing our enrollment and decrease our cost.”

Attention then turned to the financial and logistical challenges facing the school. John Cas, another ad hoc committee member, discussed the interlocal agreement (ILA) between the town and the Lee County School District. This agreement outlined specific milestones for funding and operations, which had been complicated by the damage from Hurricane Ian. The district proposed temporary solutions, such as portable trailers, while the school undergoes renovations, with a budget of approximately $6 million initially earmarked for these trailers.

Communication issues between the town and the school district were evident, with Cas noting the district’s lack of transparency, stating, “If any substantive changes are made outside the ILA, the ILA will either need to be changed or it would be considered a violation.”

Frustrations grew as council members raised concerns about the delayed cafeteria project, which had been part of previous discussions. There was confusion about the status of the project, with assurances previously given about its readiness for procurement now appearing unfulfilled. This issue underscored broader communication challenges with school board members, who had reportedly blocked direct engagement with the council in the past.

The meeting also touched on the broader educational programs in the town, such as the water school and STEM program, described as promising initiatives in their early stages. The afterschool program was highlighted for its affordability and flexibility, accommodating the needs of working parents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to enrollment numbers and financial management. The school had experienced a reduction in staff, attributed to efforts to align staffing levels with current student numbers. This adjustment led to a budget reduction of approximately $500,000. The ad hoc committee expressed concerns about the school district’s methodology for calculating costs per student, which they argued had changed without adequate communication.

The involvement of a third-party consultant hired by the school district was another contentious issue. Council members argued that the consultant’s projected enrollment figures were inaccurate and failed to account for the community’s demographics. The consultant’s lack of engagement with local stakeholders further fueled frustration, with an informal poll revealing that no attendees had been consulted by the third-party consultant.

Public comments echoed the council’s concerns, with community members emphasizing the school’s importance as a safe haven and integral part of island life. Former students and parents shared personal anecdotes highlighting the school’s positive impact on their lives. Alexis Cooper, a current parent, praised the school’s nurturing environment, stating, “They made her feel so loved, so welcomed.”

The meeting concluded with a unanimous decision by the council to direct the town manager and attorney to explore all options to ensure adherence to the interlocal agreement. With an upcoming school board workshop on June 3rd, there was a shared anticipation for the consultant’s report, which could provide clarity on the next steps in addressing the community’s educational needs.