A U.S. District Court judge has mandated the immediate shutdown of Tampa’s Walton Academy for the Performing Arts. This drastic measure comes after the school was found to be in severe violation of both Florida state and federal safety regulations.
The closure order was issued after the Hillsborough County school district successfully filed for an injunction to cease the school’s operations. Notably, Walton Academy continued to operate for two additional days even after the school board had already voted to revoke its charter earlier in the week.
Walton Academy ordered to close after safety failings cited by court.
Legal Hearing Confirms Imminent Danger to Students
During a virtual hearing, U.S. District Judge Helene Daniel meticulously reviewed testimonies from key officials, including Walton Academy principal Tanika Walton, Hillsborough school district’s security major Zamir Ode, and the district’s chief of school security, John Newman. Citing the compelling evidence presented, Judge Daniel declared that an “ongoing threat” to student safety unequivocally existed.
The court identified numerous critical safety breaches. These included unsecured gates, emergency shelter areas obstructed with clutter, and inoperable emergency alert systems. These alarming deficiencies were initially highlighted in a letter from the Florida Department of Education, which ultimately led to the school board’s decisive vote to close the institution.
“The students are actually not currently safe; there’s an ongoing threat to these children,” Judge Daniel emphatically stated during the proceedings.
District Insists Safety Risks Remained Despite School’s Claims of Resolution
The Hillsborough County School Board’s decision to revoke Walton Academy’s charter was a direct response to the state’s letter, which detailed a history of recurring and unaddressed safety concerns. The district underscored Walton Academy’s persistent pattern of non-compliance with regulations.
A district lawyer characterized the school’s remedial efforts post-board decision as “too little, too late.” Furthermore, the district asserted that no additional legal action should have been necessary to enforce the board’s immediate decision to close the school.
Security major Zamir Ode’s testimony revealed a disturbing trend: every single audit conducted at Walton Academy had uncovered deficiencies. “Everybody has a bad day, a bad audit, but it seems like every single audit has deficiencies,” Ode remarked.
School Contends Violations Were Rectified Before Court Hearing
John Leombruno, representing Walton Academy, argued that all identified safety concerns had been resolved before the hearing, with some corrections even made in the presence of inspectors. However, he conceded that these fixes lacked formal documentation. Despite this, he maintained that the school no longer presented a danger.
Principal Tanika Walton assured the judge that safety had become the school’s paramount priority, with this emphasis communicated to all staff. She indicated that while previous monthly staff topics had centered on bullying, safety would now be the primary focus.
Parents Informed, Student Transfers Initiated Amidst Closure
The Hillsborough County charter school office has contacted all families connected to Walton Academy. At the time of the hearing, over 110 students were still enrolled, with eight having already transferred. The district affirmed its commitment to tracking the placement of every student impacted by the closure.
While the judge acknowledged Walton Academy’s right to appeal, with a hearing set for early November, she ultimately ruled against keeping the school open during this process, citing unacceptable risks.
“Every second does count,” Judge Daniel stressed, highlighting the urgency. “The court is unwilling to take a chance that something may happen for which you are completely unprepared.”
Programs Formerly Offered at Walton Academy
- Music
- Dance
- Drama
- Visual Arts
- Academic support services
- After-school enrichment activities
All these programs are now suspended as a direct consequence of the court’s ruling.