TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- City officials are considering an idea to build a community school in the southside.
A group of stakeholders, including Leon County Schools superintendent Jackie Pons and Tallahassee City Commissioners, discussed initial plans for the campus this morning.
City Commissioner Gil Ziffer says a community school isn't just your typical place to learn.
"It is a place where not only students but parents and also anyone who lives in the community can get pretty much free or heavily discounted healthcare," Ziffer said. "There's food available, so students go there and get a free lunch, free breakfast, free dinner, and there's also food pantries."
Hunger is a key issue in the southside. Every Tuesday, the community gives out food to residents who need it.
Reverend Stanley Sims grew up in this neighborhood. He says he's encouraged by the idea of a community school.
"When you have a institution or agency that is able to provide food, mental health, healthcare services and education tutoring for free, all we have to do is engage the parents and engage the stakeholders of this community and the strategies that the city of Tallahassee has come with to engage this community," Sims said. "I'm very optimistic."
If Tallahassee gets a community school, it would be the second in the state. Evans High School in Orlando is the only one of its kind in Florida.
If plans in Tallahassee gain momentum, Commissioner Ziffer says a group will head down to Orlando to check out how that school operates in the community.
