A.T. Jones Academy's Contract Officially Terminated

Parents who were hoping for a last-minute save for A.T. Jones Math, Science and Technology Academy are out of luck. The Hillsborough County School Board voted on Monday to end the charter school’s contract.

According to Linda Cobbe, Hillsborough County Public Schools spokeswoman, it was a unanimous 5-0 vote with board members April Griffin and Stacy White absent.

The school’s namesake, the Rev. Arthur T. Jones, who is pastor of Bible-Based Fellowship Church next door to the school, submitted a letter to the board in advance of the special hearing that addressed some of the ongoing concerns. (See the attached PDF of Jones’ letter.)

News of the . The school is embroiled in a and has been accused of having teachers pay for insurance they weren’t receiving. The school also has a financial deficit and has had some of its board members quit.

Parents were notified last week that the school would not serve students this year. By July 25, the school to obtain student records and also took district-owned equipment from the 4903 Ehrlich Road campus.

In regard to insurance premiums teachers paid, Jones told board members in his letter they would be covered.

“Health care premium reimbursement and any costs associated with uncovered medical care cost has begun and will continue until all teachers receive full reimbursement,” Jones wrote.

Students formerly enrolled in A.T. Jones will need to find different schools before the first bell rings Aug. 21.

What do you think about the closing and the board’s decision? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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