The Serrano family lives just down the street from Longwood Elementary. But their daughter Sariah goes to school in Winter Springs.
- Longwood Elementary School closed in 2011 to save money
- Seminole County plans to re-open it
“Usually she takes the bus, but with the bus alone sometimes they get here too late, or they get here too early and she misses the bus,” said Crystal Serrano.
But beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, Sariah will be able to walk to school.
Seminole County’s superintendent has announced the school district will be re-opening Longwood Elementary.
After the downturn in the economy several years ago, the district closed the school in 2011 to save money – despite thousands of parents pushing to keep it open. But now, with swelling enrollments at elementary schools in the county, the district has decided to re-open the school to more than 600 students.
The city of Longwood rents much of the school building from the district. The city’s leisure services department, fire and police departments use the building.
On Monday night, Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Walt Griffin informed the Longwood City Commission of the district’s plans. District officials say they wanted to let the city know about their plans because the city’s lease with the district is about to end soon. It’s unclear where the city will be moving its offices.
School district officials say the building, built in 1960, needs $8 million in renovations. Those refurbishments are expected to begin in November 2016.
The school is expected re-open for students in August of 2017, just in time for Elijah Serrano to start first grade there. His big sister Sariah will be in fifth grade.
“It’s right around the corner and would be very beneficial for us,” said Carlos Serrano.
“A little more piece of mind knowing if something happens we’re right here close by. It’s just all around great for the community I believe.”
The school district has applied for a grant in hopes of offering magnet courses at Longwood Elementary when it re-opens.