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School Explores International Partnership

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By LENORA LAKE

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 24, 2008

NORTH TAMPA - Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School could get an infusion of international students as early as January.

Students from the charter school may get an opportunity to study abroad, as well.

Although plans are preliminary, board members of the charter school discussed a planned meeting between the school's principal and a representative of an international program that exchanges students.

A representative from the undisclosed international program, which specializes in educational opportunities in Spain, South Korea and the United States, will meet with Principal Phildra Swagger in Tampa on Tuesday to discuss a possible partnership.

The addition of international students could help boost the enrollment of 252 in the school that is designed for 500 students, board members said in a finance committee meeting Sept. 16 at the school, 11602 N. 15th St. The current enrollment does not generate the operating funds the founders had anticipated, since the school receives a per pupil allotment from the state.

Board member Jorge Valiente said he could see as many as 200 more students coming to the school, perhaps as early as the second semester, beginning in January.
Swagger said she would like to see an enrollment increase, but 200 more students "means in January, I have to hire six teachers. An immediate influx in January has tremendous impact on curriculum."

In addition to teachers, the school would need more books and other supplies, she said.

The board will hear a report about Swagger's meeting with the international program representative at its Oct. 21 board meeting.

In other business, Swagger reported:

•Gen. Tommy Franks will be the speaker Dec. 3 in the first lecture of a series, open to the public. The events are designed to increase awareness of the school and raise funds. Details will be available later.

•Improved signage on Fowler Avenue is needed, according to a group working on a marketing plan for the school. The board will explore several possibilities.

•The principal has registered for a nonprofit management certification program at the University of South Florida.

"While we are a school, we are a nonprofit, too. I think this will help me in managing the budget and assisting with the issues," she told the finance committee.

Tribune correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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