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School Speaks Up About Challenges

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2008

NORTH TAMPA - Communication seems to be the biggest issue for Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High both inside and outside the school community.
School leaders recently met and reviewed the progress made the first semester and the challenges the school faces. They reviewed a parent survey that revealed families were mostly pleased with the school but wanted to see an improvement in communication.
School President Derrick Brooks also wants to communicate to the public about the programs at Brooks-DeBartolo and get enrollment up for next year.

"This needs our serious attention," he said. "I don't want to wait until the last minute."

The school's enrollment is 181 students; the first-year goal was 300. That meant a shortfall in funding from the state. Now, the board is forced to dip into funding allotments for future years to pay for first-year needs.

Brooks wants to launch a capital campaign.

"We need to have a major campaign to raise money for the school," he said.
School leaders plan to hold several events, including a school carnival, to bring community attention to the school. Brooks is also in negotiations with local radio stations for advertising.

Until the school raises needed money, board members will be forced to make tough decisions about what they can afford to provide students. At a recent board meeting, leaders debated costs for student meals, audio/visual equipment and intramural sports.

Brooks halted a request for immediate funding for intramural sports. Board member Jorge Valiente said students should be responsible for raising some of the money they need for intramural supplies.

Some board members also questioned the need to buy and install audio/visual equipment in the middle of school year.

Principal Phildra Swagger said the school has a responsibility to deliver on its promises, such as providing hot meals and technology, in order to retain students.

Keeping current families happy is one of the reasons Swagger conducted a climate survey of parents. Fifty-seven families filled out the survey, about a third of the school.

Survey results reveal that families are satisfied overall with Brooks-DeBartolo. An average of 91 percent of parents gave Swagger positive scores in numerous categories, including expectations and providing a safe environment. An average of 85 percent of parents gave teachers positive scores in several categories.

A concern for Swagger was that many surveyed parents didn't know the mission of the school. Also, many families weren't familiar with instruction practices.

Comments, which were submitted anonymously, also revealed that parents wanted more communication.

"I would appreciate if the instructors would contact me if there are concerns," one parent wrote. Another parent stated, "I would also like to see more e-mails sent to parents regarding school activities, teacher needs etc. Since open communication is key, use all means available to get information to parents."

Other parents commented on needs of the school, such as additional courses, textbooks and technology.

Valiente said he understands the desire to meet all the needs but said he has to watch the budget. "We have to be fiscally responsible," he said. "Our hearts are bigger than our pockets."

Board member Tom Thorn said he also wants a greater understanding of the school's budget before launching the capital campaign.

"Before I start asking for money, I need to know where and what we spent the money on so far," he said. The budget "can't be an open checkbook."

Board members decided requests for items such as intramural sports, which needed about $18,000, would have to come back to the board with a more detailed request before approval.

Visit northeast.tbo.com to see the complete climate survey of Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High. Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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