College Campus At West Port High School Removed
If your child is in the dual enrollment program in a Marion County Public School via CF, the times they are a-changin’! The biggest of these is at West Port High School. According to sources at West Port High School yesterday there were a lot of questions and no answers regarding the program ending abruptly at the end of this school year. As confirmed by the CF dual enrollment office yesterday, no child on campus will be able to attend their CF courses at West Port.
Those currently enrolled in the program will need to be transported back and forth between high school and CF or will be utilizing online classes only.
According to a press release from CF regarding changes to the program, students going forward will be offered a stronger focus on workforce careers.
Dr. Diane Gullett, superintendent of Marion County Public Schools said: “The partnership between College of Central Florida and Marion County Public Schools will prepare students for careers that are in high demand in our community leading to local employment.”
It also looks like the opportunity to graduate high school with an Associate's Degree in hand is no longer an option for any Marion County Public School student.
According to the superintendent: “Students will apply to the CF Collegiate Academy in 2024 as a magnet program in eighth grade, remain at their base high school in grades 9 and 10 while completing required high school courses, and then become a full-time dual enrollment student at the CF Ocala Campus or online in grades 11 and 12. Academy students choose from an A.A. or A.S. pathway and make progress toward a degree.
This all came as a shock to students, faculty, and shockingly the principal of West Port who was one of the last to know about the upcoming changes to the school.
While the idea of a new magnet school at CF is exciting, there are more details not being discussed. A major concern is transportation. There is currently a severe school bus driver shortage in Marion County that is leaving children stranded and overworking our current bus drivers with up to 4 routes each, with no end in sight.
If you have a student this may affect, please contact Eric Cummings your District 3 representative, or Dr. Diane Gullett the superintendent at (352) 671-7700
CEP’s Business After Hours
A community staple for over 3-decades, Business After Hours is the CEP's cornerstone networking event. It's held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Join several hundred fellow CEP partners for casual networking, along with food, beverage, & and door prizes.
Thursday, October 19, 2023 5:00 - 7:00
Gulf Atlantic Bank
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