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Graduation guests can expect gentler treatment in Hillsborough

 
Published Oct. 1, 2014

TAMPA — High school graduations will be calmer this spring, with a slightly more manageable schedule and gentler treatment of guests, district officials told the Hillsborough County School Board Tuesday.

Instead of four graduations each day, on most days there will be three. On days when there are four, they will begin at 9 a.m. to allow more time for guests to come and go, said Tanly Cabrera, the district's director of administration.

The Tampa Bay Times, in a June column, described brusque treatment of guests before and after the 2014 graduations, when the district still scheduled four per day at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.

The column triggered other complaints from guests who said they were rushed rudely in and out of the hall, and a promise from both the Florida State Fair Authority and the district's security chief to improve the routine.

While most graduations will still begin 31/2 hours apart, as before, Cabrera said officials are looking at steps to make the experience more comfortable for guests, particularly those who are elderly or disabled.

Improvements under consideration include jumbo screens and live-stream video for those who do not want to brave a trip to the fairgrounds, where all but the smallest ceremonies take place.

Efforts will be made to avoid overlap with large concerts at the nearby ampitheatre to cut down on traffic tie-ups. Sign language interpreters might be provided. Guests who have trouble tolerating the heat might be allowed into the venue early.

And the district is considering pre-recorded announcements to guide guests to the exits so they can avoid being jostled by the guards.

Board member Cindy Stuart had asked the district not to schedule graduations on the last day of class so administrators could be at their schools.

But that wasn't possible. And, overall, Stuart said she was pleased with the changes. "I don't think there's a concern that we brought forward that hasn't been addressed," she said. "The more we can do to accommodate families, I think, the better."

The fair authority's relationship with the district is a far-reaching one that includes discounts on rent and free student fair admission.

Board member April Griffin said the authority deserves credit for working with the district on these changes.

"I think it's really important as we move forward to also communicate to them what a special day this is for our families and not try to treat the families like it's a cattle call," Griffin said. "This is a day of celebration."

Reach Marlene Sokol at (813) 226-3356 or msokol@tampabay.com. Follow @marlenesokol.