By Jeffrey S. Solochek, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 3, 2009

LAND O'LAKES — About three dozen people filed into the Pasco School Board chambers on Tuesday morning, each wearing a simple sticker stating "Suncoast Lakes resident."

"Never have I seen this many parents come to a boundary meeting," three-term board member Cathi Martin remarked, observing how well organized and prepared the group was in making its case against sending their children from River Ridge High to Hudson High.

More people would have attended, opponent Laura Cole said, if the session hadn't taken place at 9:30 a.m. on a school and work day. She handed the board a petition signed by about 330 people, saying the document represented their views.

"Parents paid a premium for their homes believing they would be sending their children to River Ridge High School," Cole said. "That was very important to them."

The proposed shift would come as part of the district's plan to move students to open new Fivay High School in Hudson while also decreasing crowding at River Ridge and Ridgewood high schools. The Suncoast Lakes subdivision, south of State Road 52 just off the Suncoast Parkway, falls between several high schools.

A committee of parents and educators recommended moving those students to Hudson High to keep them in the same feeder pattern with other children also attending Giella Elementary and Crews Lake Middle. The district also could save money on busing costs, officials said.

The Suncoast Lakes residents disputed the district's findings, and suggested that their children's academic interests should come first. They have argued that Hudson High simply doesn't have the academic successes that River Ridge has experienced, based on graduation rates, FCAT scores and other outcome-based measures.