ST. PETERSBURG -- Mayor Rick Baker has asked Pinellas superintendent Julie Janssen to keep the doors open at three local schools slated for extinction.

"I am concerned that the proposed closing of Clearview Avenue Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary and Southside Fundamental Middle schools involve the closing of three of St. Petersburg's "A" schools, and I request you not take this action," he wrote in a letter to Janssen last week. "I believe the success of these three schools can be attributed to outstanding leadership and teachers, an established culture of success, and an intimate setting where teachers are able to nurture strong relationship with students and their families. The achievements and positive strides that are exhibited daily in these schools exemplify what we are trying to accomplish in our lower performing schools."

He didn't offer any suggestions on how else to cut costs.

Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

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