COLLIER COUNTY — It seems some on Marco Island still want to see a high school on Tract K.
The Collier County School District sees otherwise.
Superintendent Dennis Thompson turned down a request by the Marco Island Charter Academy, the charter high school recently given the green light to develop a school on the island, to lease Tract K for the school’s permanent home.
Tract K is an 11.6 acre parcel, which is located on the west side of Tigertail Court between Somerset and Century drives. The property, along with the piece of land that holds Tommie Barfield Elementary School and the Marco Island Charter Middle School, was given to the district by the Deltona Corp.
Jane Watt, chairwoman of the board for the Marco Island Academy, sent an e-mail Nov. 10 to Collier County School District officials asking Thompson if the school could lease Tract K at a nominal cost for the school’s permanent location.
“Pursuant to F.S. 1002.33 (18) (e), if a district school board facility or property is available because it is surplus, marked for disposal, or otherwise unused, it shall be provided for a charter school’s use on the same basis as it is made available to other public schools in the district,” she wrote in the e-mail.
In his reply, dated Nov. 17, Thompson wrote that the Collier County School Board voted unanimously in its April 2006 board meeting to remove Tract K from surplus. He wrote that the district has also not marked the land for disposal.
“Finally, while not used at this time, it would not be made available to other public schools for use given, among other issues, the environmental impact of such use and potential statutory violations to try to do so,” he wrote.
Tract K’s environmental issues have made it an unattractive piece of property for development. There is an American bald eagle’s nest in a tree in the middle of the site. Because the eagles are protected, a school could not be built on the site until it had been vacated by the eagles for at least six years.
The property has been a point of contention between the Collier County School District and Marco Island for years. In March 2006, the Collier County School Board discussed selling the land. That suggestion was met with anger from Marco city officials and residents, several of whom wanted the district to build a school on the site.
The School Board decided against selling, but then there was talk that Marco and the district could find a piece of land owned by the city to swap with Tract K. But an acceptable swap could not be found.
In 2009, the district put on hold a project on Tract K, which would have provided solar energy to Tommie Barfield Elementary and Marco Island Charter Middle schools. The plans fell through after two grant proposals did not make the short list of energy projects to be funded by the Florida Energy and Climate Commissioner.
In September, Watt told the Naples Daily News said the school planned to stay away from Tract K because it was too contentious. She added that it would take a long time to get all the approvals to build on the site because of the nesting eagles.
When asked Tuesday in an e-mail what made her change her mind, Watt wrote the school is “pursuing all options for our (temporary/permanent) location and seeking a director.”
The Collier County School Board voted 4 to 1 last month to approve the charter high school application brought by the Marco Island Discovery Center. Board member Pat Carroll, who represents the district that includes Marco Island, was the lone dissenter.
The school, which plans to open August 2011, is projected to have 250 students, with a 500-student enrollment by its fifth year. Operating coasts are estimated to be $1.7 million in the first year and to increase incrementally based on new students, per the charter application. Those costs are paid through donations, as well as state and local tax allocations that would have gone to the schools the students are zoned to attend. In the case of Marco Island residents, that is Lely High School, though the school would be open to any student in Collier County.
Connect with K-12 education policy reporter Katherine Albers at www.naplesnews.com/staff/katherine-albers/.
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Comments » 44
lauralbi1 writes:
I would suggest that the MIA has continually stated that if they opened, it would not cost the Taxpayers at all. Tract K, which is NOT specifically designated for any school use, belongs to all the Taxpayers of Collier County, including those of us on Marco Island.
At one time, Tract K had a value in excess of $3 million. Now, I assume it is around $1 million, although maybe the County should have it appraised to find out the approximate figure.
The sale of this land would yield enough revenue to pay 1% of the budget for Collier County School District, which is about $100 million.
That is a benefit to all Taxpayers.
This is not surplus land by any means or definition. It was certainly worth a try, but was certainly not consistent with the promise continuously made by "Jane" during this process.
Ed Issler
Tinkers_Damn writes:
Back Fill the Marco or Mackle lake(s)...
The city will have plenty of room for a school and Public Works. Build the school at Glon Park.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
In earlier blogs proponents stated that they never said they did not want a referendum on this issue. It appears that they keep going ahead with this without concerning themselves with what the community really wants.
The Charter School Application does not call for a public referendum which, in my opinion, is a major flaw by the legislators who wrote it up.
Isn't it about time our City Council listens to what is happening in this city and call for a referendum on their own or are they just too scared to stand up and find out, honestly, what our city actually wants?
The only way anything will happen now, as things appear, will be thru legal maneuvering, which will by no doubt take time and lots of money.
lauralbi1 writes:
Dear Ocram: You are absolutely correct. The process does not require much of anything. In fact, anyone can go through this process and get approved for a Charter School. All one has to do is take a couple of classes, hire consultants, get money, and we could potentially have two Charter High Schools on Marco Island. To the frustration of the School Board, it is the process that is flawed. This Charter High School has no business even being at this stage of infancy, according to many of the members of the Board. They had "no choice" according to State Regulations, when it came to granting the Application. The Charter itself has a lot more requirements that must be fulfilled.
There is a requirement for "Local Support" which will come into play more when they try to have the Charter actually granted, which, as you say, is a real joke as far as the importance and relevance are concerned.
Ed Issler
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
This whole idea of charter schools for areas such as this is a total misuse of what charter schools were originally set up for. As leader proponent, Ms. Barrett, stated in a previous article she saw the good that charter schools did for New York City Schools. How could we possibly compare those, extraordinary, needs to what we have available at Lely? Many of New York City Schools would bend over backwards for that improvement.
This is what happens when a good idea gets overplayed, expanded and misused for absolutely selfish, unreasonable purposes.
If we really need a high school on Marco we should do it with the whole of Marco involved, not some small group digging for loopholes, to keep their kids from leaving the perceived, protection of this island.
Nothing less than a referendum should be put on the agenda by City Council to determine whether the majority of Marco wants a high school rather than forcing one down our throats by means of the flawed requirements in the Florida State Education Law.
cmonmanreally writes:
All seriousness and blabbering aside...
Maybe Mrs. High Society Watt can approach the great people in Goodland for land to build her False School of Broken Dreams, but wait, that's right, Goodlanders have common sense and decency so they will likely ignore any request. My suggestion for Jane "too much time on my hands" Watt to move. Move far, far away. Far away to your fantasy land that you have drawn up in your chemically unbalanced brain.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Nothing any of us say on this blog will mean anything once the lawyers on all sides of this issue get involved. All kidding aside, it will take years of litigation, delays and many dollars in funds going to legal fees.
It is naive for anyone to think it will not come to this. Once we can put aside egos and whatever else is driving these blogs maybe a way to settle this without all of the unnecessary expenses and time wasted can come about.
I hope those on both sides are prepared for this because without a referendum that is where, in my opinion, we are headed.
cmonmanreally writes:
I see that you and Jane Watt are an hour and a half into Happy Hour. That's why your blogs make no sense at all. Have another and MIPD has an excuse to take you to your next residence, a padded room. Put on your chastity belt as you will likely become someone's beeyotch...
cmonmanreally writes:
Klabautermann
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Klabautermann on a ship, from Buch Zur See, 1885.
A Klabautermann is a water sprite (or nix) who assists sailors and fishermen on the Baltic Sea in their duties. He is a merry and diligent creature, with an expert understanding of most watercraft, and an unsupressable musical talent. He also rescues sailors washed overboard. The name comes from the Low German verb klabastern meaning "rumble" or "make a noise". An etymology deriving the name from the verb kalfatern ("to caulk") has also been suggested.[1]
His image is of a small sailor in yellow with a tobacco pipe and woollen sailor's cap, often wearing a caulking hammer. This likeness is carved and attached to the mast as a symbol of good luck.
Despite the positive attributes, there is one omen associated with his presence: no member of a ship blessed by his presence shall ever set eyes on him. He only ever becomes visible to the crew of a doomed ship.
More recently, the Klabautermann is sometimes described as having more sinister attributes, and blamed for things that go wrong on the ship. This incarnation of the Klabautermann is more demon- or goblin-like, prone to play pranks and, eventually, doom the ship and her crew. This deterioration of image probably stems from sailors, upon returning home, telling stories of their adventures at sea. Since life at sea can be rather dull, all creatures - real, mythical, and in between - eventually became the centre of rather ghastly stories.
Meaning= YOU'RE GAY!!!
ajm3s writes:
I am laughing so loud this morning reading these posts of K... vs K....isgay, that I am crying. So what's in a name? Imagination is certainly brewing. Some may say this is childish, but I say this is funny beyond my wildest imagination.
It is childish because this name calling brings back memories as a child listening to the bantering. Never in my wildest dreams as a child would I have envisioned now living in a community that is so manicured and regulated and community image is so important and wealth so evident. Then I read K vs K...isgay and I it brings me back home where we engaged as children in the empty neighborhood sand lot. Except in the childhood scene, there were dismantled cars in various stages of decay or repair (depending on your view of urban development). Strangely, the name calling remains which gives me hope that we truly are one people regardless of our station in life.
Wow, quite a journey, and the dialog remains timeless and classless, regardless of where you lived or how old or how sensitive you are. This is truly a kick in the morning more so than a fresh brew.
Thanks for rekindling those fond memories. Some will claim they are hateful, I counter they are life. I guess I have a warped sense of humor, or a callous view of life. But maybe we could have a government agency or law to regulate. OH NO, the "Fairness Doctrine" is about to descend upon us. Sorry, I am going off message, again.
To stay on topic of this article, I cast my vote for a referendum.
But remember, no name calling.
You know we are better then those other folks? Really?
Good Morning America!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
AJM3s,
Nicely presented. Thanks
RayPray writes:
The substance of the dispute separating homeowners from hierophants for the Marco Apartheid Academy is this:
You -- Zero!
Me -- Jane!!!
SIDELINE writes:
GET A GRIP YOU PEOPLE..WITH A POPULATION OF PEOPLE UNDER 20 YEARS OLD..[ONLY 4% OF THE WHOLE ISLAND]..WHY DO WE NEED A SCHOOL HERE..JUST THINK OF ALL THE EXTRA BUSSED KIDS,THEIR EXTRA CARS.INCREASED TRAFFIC, PARKING NEEDS...MIS' JANE DID NOT GO TO HER GRADE SCHOOL AGE CHILDRENS' SCHOOL FUNCTIONS BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO BUSY WITH THIS PROJECT, AN UNNECESSARY PROJECT FOR THIS ISLAND ..THERE IS NOT A SPACE ON THIS ISLAND TO BUILD WHAT SHE WANTS..TAKE IT UP THE ROAD..OFF THE ISLAND. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE IF THE AMOUNT OF KIDS NEEDED TO MAKE ANOTHER SCHOOL HAVE TO TRAVEL THIS WAY OR THAT WAY ..SOMEONE IS GOING TO HAVE GET ON THOSE BUSES..AND ANYWAY, THE WORKER BEES THAT LIVE HERE CAN'T SUPPORT SOMEONE ELSES PIPE DREAMS AGAIN
captnjimbo writes:
Amazing how fast these blogs get off target. The one good idea didn't even matter. A trade of some lake space at Mackle for a park on the north side may have merit...where on north side?
Track K
What is wrong with this as a concept?
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Maybe you could go to an Enlish Dictionary and look up the spelling of Asnine. Try a picture dictionary because your picture will be there to guide you.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
In addition, if you are looking to insult someone, it would be a good idea to first learn how to spell correctly and if in a tongue different than yours, please learn correct grammar. We don't want to have the little children from your neighborhood thinking you are an illiterate old man, do we? They may not want to play with you.
1Paradiselost writes:
15 of the 29 posts are from the island Arschlock Kelbermouth! Get a life Deek head!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Micro-Deek head at that!
areunuts writes:
fill in that lake at Mackle?? People of all ages go to the park to walk that lake every day for exercise and to relieve stress. It is a thing of beauty that enriches the lives of people that go there. Ducks, turtles and countless other living creatures live there. Nobody has responsed to the idea of filling it in because it would not only be a selfish act for a small group of people to steal from the community, but because Mackle Park is a PARK not a SCHOOL! This high school is not wanted or needed. There is no place to put it and no money to pay for it. They are going to raise money from who?? The tiny group of people that aren't against it? The whole thing is riddled with problems including the cirriculum. This lady needs to find a new hobby
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
As we are blogging, Jane Watt and company is, most likely, in the process of trying to convince those who give grants that what she is offering is actually needed and wanted by the people on this Island.
The Academy's Web site has businesses listed that are being claimed as supportive of these ends.
Like many other claims in the past such as the list of so called volunteers and the list of Community Support Organizations which have been proven erroneous. I question whether the business supporters that are claimed on the website actually know what is going on and possibly where their business names are listed. If you use their services I would ask if they are aware of the total picture and not was sold to them by a proponent or two.
A project such as we are facing can and should not proceed if the Community itself is not in favor of it. No matter what "faulty" application they have in hand.
We have a right as citizens of this Island who wish to keep it the way we want it and not have to give into the wishes of a minor group with a loud voice.
RayPray writes:
..."fill in that lake at Mackle??"
ME -- Jane!!!
You -- ZERO!!!!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Once again an is it or isn't situation.
It appears that the businesses listed are shown as event sponsers. What does that actually mean?
Does it mean that they support the Academy or just were hired as a meeting place. Maybe a couple of them are places where proponents work, but what does it really mean? There are 18 listed out of 100s of businesses on Marco. That surely does not show real community support.
More smoke and mirrors......to be continued.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Of those event sponsers listed, almost half are not listed as being on Marco Island. They are in Naples, Ohio and other areas of the country.
Don't you think that is a bit misleading, too.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Good Morning Marco Island!
Once again the rumors are floating around as to where the Academy is planning to have their trailer city set up for the students.
1. One possible location that is being discussed is the area near Veteran's Park.
You probably are aware of the area because it was in the news a couple of years ago as the area where the ASBESTOS was being pulverized after being removed from underground pipes on Collier Blvd. Yes, it was suppossedly cleaned up or covered up, whichever way you wish to look at it. But NOW, thinking of putting temporary trailers on that site for high school students???
What are they thinking???? Maybe a medical curriculum in the study for possible future Mesothelioma victims is being thought of. Maybe a curriculum in law or t.v. commercials for helping such, unfortunate, victims is planned?
2. How about the open area across from the ball fields along Winterberry, surrounding the newly, city installed bicycle paths. This too, appears to be a "possible" choice to set up the trailers. Won't that be a pretty sight as you are driving, or possibly trying to drive, down that street?
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Hey Klabs,
Get under under any recent 4skin lately?
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
For the other folks out there. This back and forth between Klabs and myself is purely for entertainment purposes.
His constant blabbering is purely for taking any reasonable discussion away from these blogs. Notice when something is posted all he does is counter with repetitive put downs of items that may or may not have been posted. He has been removed over 100 times because of unacceptable blogs. That should tell us something. He is a constant disrupter and thinks by his actions people will miss pertinent information that is being presented.
Please excuse my degressions when I bring out the best of Klabs for all to see.
Smile Klabs, I have an itch!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Translations of foreign tongues from Klabs,
"Ave Ocram! Morituri te salutant."
Hail Ocram, those who are about to die salute you.
"fas est et ab hoste doceri": It is right to be taught even by an enemy; you may get a hint from the other side.
"Schwachkopf" big word for dim-wit.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Klabs,
Give yourself credit.(again)...You just bring out the "best" in everyone.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
JUST HOPING THAT THE ABOVE WAS NOT LOST BY KLAB'S PERSISTANT DRIVE TO DISCREDIT OTHERS WHO DISAGREE WITH HIM!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Darn, I must have missed a few there was only 100?
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
More static to take away from the discussion at hand. Thanks for the repost anyway.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Not to be thought of lightly with mis-directed comebacks. Are you agreeing that the site was asbestos contaminated or not?
If you do agree aren't you supporting a possiblitity that the high school children and teachers will possibly be exposed to asbestos at that site?
Even if they were able to cover up the asbestos, any planting by the students may uncover some.
I can not imagine anyone.... parent or public servent would allow portable structures for classrooms to be placed on that site. They would be gambling with the children's health in 30 or so years.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Media in vita in morte sumus
.....Looks like "newspaper in herring changes to addition"
quick translation "Even in life there is death".
Latin lesson 101 for the day. Thanks Klabs
cmonmanreally writes:
To all parents who have made the decision to legally send their children to a high school other than Lely, Congratulations! A parent's responsibility is to look out for the well-being for their children, and if they deem necessary, they will send them to a non-Lely school.
To all Lely-Lovers, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!! This is a matter of Have's & Have Not's. You Lely-Lovers are merely jealous of the fact that you cannot afford to send you precious children to a non-Lely school.
And for those Marco residents (aka, Lely-Lovers), stop your jealous ways and reporting to Collier County School District of alleged violations to the Homestead issue. Again, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN KIDS!!! Lely is a great school, but so is Naples High, Barron Collier, Gulf Coast, and the Cream-of-the-Crop... (drum roll, please) COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES!!!
To all the rats, watch out for the proverbial d-CON Rodent Control. Karma will surely get you in the end...
lauralbi1 writes:
To All Citizens: You are finally encouraged to attend tomorrow night's Council (12-6-10) meeting and express your opinion about a Charter High school being located on Marco Island. This is in response to, and opposed to, the ridiculous position expressed in the e-mail below:
From: ChairMarcoAcademy
To: Undisclosed-recipients:
Sent: Friday, December 03, 2010 11:40 PM
Subject: URGENT-CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!IF YOU WANT HIGH SCHOOL ON MARCO PLEASE ATTEND-Wear Green!
After searching appx 18 properties on island for a temporary location for the high school, we have run out of options. I have asked the district for the property they own on island and they have denied it to us. Every property I have investigated on island has:
1. MICA deed restrictions
2. Zoning restrictions
3. Neighbors who don't want it
4. Not affordable for a school.
I am going to ask the council if they are willing to give us a solution. I have spent the last 18 months trying to find a location but have been blocked every single time. Either the City, MICA, etc. makes an exception and sees the value that the school will bring and finds a location for us or they will force us off the island.
PLEASE SHOW UP MONDAY NIGHT. I WILL BE THE 1ST SPEAKER.
5:30 p.m. at the Community Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island
I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW IMPORTANT THIS MEETING IS-IF YOU WANT THE SCHOOL PHYSICALLY LOCATED ON MARCO YOU NEED TO SHOW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jane Watt, Chair
Marco Island Academy
239-249-0004
Talk about a "spoiled brat" syndrome !! This e-mail is written with the assumption that Marco wants this school, and that Marco island has any responsibility to this School.
Please show up and express yourself. You have been doing it in the blogs, now it is time to let the City know how you feel.
Ed Issler
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Words from J. Watt
"I am going to ask the council if they are willing to give us a solution. I have spent the last 18 months trying to find a location but have been blocked every single time. Either the City, MICA, etc. makes an exception and sees the value that the school will bring and finds a location for us or they will force us off the island."
These are the words of that rich kid who brought the bat and ball to the playground. If he did not get his way he would threaten to take his bat and ball home so nobody could play.
SO DO AS YOU THREATEN, AND TAKE YOUR SCHOOL THAT A REFERENDUM WOULD THAT PROVE WE DO NOT WANT AND MOVE IT TO NAPLES, ALREADY.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
ANOTHER POINT FOR MS. WATT
WHERE DOES IT SAY ANYWHERE IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION THAT THE CITY OR ANYONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER "MUST GIVE" YOU ANYTHING?
YOU WITH ALL OF YOUR TROOPS SHOULD HAVE HAD THE SITE ALL SET UP PRIOR TO BEGINNING THIS WHOLE PROCESS. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ALREADY, TAKE YOUR CHARTER AND MOVE WITH IT OUT OF TOWN.
1Paradiselost writes:
Jane, so now your going to threaten the city council of Marco Island like you did to the school board!
Jane you said that tax dollars would not be used for you project/school. (Interview in the Marco Eagle May 2010)
But now you want the government and the taxpayers to come to your rescue.
Jane you act like Marco is a third world country without good schools to choose from. I'd like to ask you on which planet did you come from?
Your behavior is that of a child and is NOT what we should be teaching our or anyone's children.
Stop the "Drama Queen" routine "I want my way or else". Personally I'd like to see you stay on the other side of the bridge... permanently!!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
All talk without a referendum is just that, TALK, without proof to back it up.
There should be no involvement of City tax dollars without a referendum. That is domocracy and not a dictatorship.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Democracy....not domocracy
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
"But she is intelligent, smart on top and attractive. And she has an agenda."
The world hs been full of people, who were intelligent, smart on top and attractive, with agendas.....that have led their followers into the bowels of hell.
This has nothing to do with the project. She did not do her due dilegence in locating an adequate place for a charter school prior to taking on this project. Maybe that was her "plan" to begin with, making something look like it already exists without it being real to begin with and then blaming someone else for getting in her way making them think, by means of guilt, that they should do something for this "mother of three" which she tosses out freely for sympathy we she feels it is needed.
Give me a break already!
1Paradiselost writes:
I smell a rat tonight!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Klabs,
I understand you are still looking for someone's skin to get under. Have you run out of your usual 4skins?
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Klabs,
Happy Days are here again. I understand their is a couple with a couple of young children moving into your neighborhood. Someone new to play with.
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