Downtown School

This year the Hillsborough County School District added a second "Choice" school to its growing list of schools. It was created so workers in downtown Tampa could be closer to their children, during the school day.

In "Assignment: Education.. Bill Ratliff takes a look at the new Downtown Partnership School.

--[Teacher Joanna Bevers says:] "We start at the top line. We come all the way to the bottom."--

It's only the second day of school and First Grade teacher Joanna Bevers is not wasting any time. She's teaching her students some basic writing rules. It's taking place at a unique school. Situated in the heart of downtown Tampa.. this former educational facility of the First Presbyterian Church is now home to the Downtown Partnership School.

--[Teachers and children signing]--

Its opening comes one-year after this school.. Manhattan Elementary.. opened its doors. It's for children whose parents work in the Westshore Business District. Many downtown workers looked on with envy. Enter Beth Latham of the Downtown Partnership. She went searching for a site and found the First Presbyterian location.

--[Beth Latham says:] "We just like, wow, how often do you find an education facility.. three floors.. with a full gymnasium.. already setup classroom stalls.. all they way to the little fountains."--

After some lengthy negotiations.. and using 300-thousand dollars in state money.. the school district began renovation work on the site just weeks before the school opened. Parents.. like Dee Bonilla and Keen Goldberg... were quick to sign up their children for the new school. Working downtown.. they were miles from the childrens' schools. Bonilla says the partnership school is very important to her.

--[Parent Dee Bonilla says:] "Because I don't spend enough time with my child as it is being a working parent. This way I do get to spend time with her."--

And Goldberg says the school is important to her son.. even if it doesn't have tradtional things like a large playground.

--[Parent Keen Goldberg says:] "And he said.. Mommy I don't care. I'm so exited to meet new friends and go to a new school, and you'll be able to see me during the day."--

And so it seems the Downtown Partnership School has answered some prayers.. not suprisingly in a building next to a church. This year the Downtown Partnership school is a Pre-k through Second Grade school, but it will add a grade level each year to eventually become a Pre-k through Fifth Grade school.

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