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Tackling The Opening Of A New School

Tribune file photo by ROBERT BURKE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Derrick Brooks founded the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School, which opened its doors in August.

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By MICHELE SAGER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

NORTH TAMPA - When Derrick Brooks wasn't suiting up for the Buccaneers this year, he was opening a high school.

The football player founded the Brooks-DeBartolo Charter High School, which opened its doors in August at 15th Street and Fowler Avenue.

Brooks, the president of the charter school's board, oversaw every detail, from the transformation of the physical building to the selection of the curriculum.

Brooks said he wanted his high school to serve college-bound students who wanted an academic challenge. The school faced a slow start, however.

Its leaders had hoped to open the school with 300 students but registered only about half that. The student shortage meant less money from the state.

Brooks said he hopes a community campaign and more recruiting will get more families interested in the school.

The determining factor for many parents may come this spring when Brooks-DeBartolo receives its first state test scores.

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