ADMISSIONS

2008 - SCHOOL CLOSURE

The history of Burns Sci Tech Charter School in Oak Hill, Florida, begins with a community facing numerous challenges.  Oak Hill experienced a decline in both the local citrus and commercial fishing industries, while federal cuts to the space program and county budget reductions resulted in job losses, the elimination of parks and recreation services, and the closure of Oak Hill's local school.

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THE COMMUNITY RALLIES

In response to the impending school closure, the Oak Hill City Commission and a task force comprised of local citizens rallied together to establish a charter school, acquire the school property, and move forward. However, their initial efforts encountered obstacles as the terms for purchase were deemed unattainable. It seemed as though hope was fading, and the school building was destined for demolition.

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2009 - LAND PURCHASE 

Local architect Sid Corhern believed that the school building should be preserved and sought a solution. He reached out for help and a friend from New Jersey named Tom Gibbs offered his assistance.  With Gibbs' help, the Oak Hill Community Trust, Inc., a local non-profit organization borrowed the funds necessary to purchase the school buildings and surrounding acreage. The purchase was finalized on October 30, 2009, and sparked a renewed sense of hope among the community.  Volunteers and community members breathed new life into the school building, which had been stripped and prepared for demolition. They worked tirelessly on the utilities, kitchen, flooring, painting, landscaping, and grounds.

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FUNDRAISING BEGINS

Fundraisers organized to assist with mortgage payments and procure materials necessary for facility repairs while volunteers contributed their time and skills to support the school's revival.

The first significant donation came from the Kaplan Foundation, directed by Nick and Jeanne Dowis, who generously contributed $10,000. This funding facilitated the acquisition of temporary power, the purchase of dehumidifiers, the hiring of an architect for needs assessment, and consultancy during the initial stages of progress. The community continued its fundraising efforts through various events such as chicken dinners, Italian-to-go dinners, thrift shops, auctions, memory brick sales, pancake breakfasts, golf tournaments, and 5k river runs. The search for partnerships and grant opportunities persisted, with volunteers actively involved in fundraising.

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2010 - A CHARTER SCHOOL IS BORN

In the spring of 2010, the Oak Hill Community Trust Education Committee prepared and submitted a charter school application to the Volusia County School Board. Following thorough evaluation, the Charter Evaluation Committee recommended approval of the application for Burns Science and Technology Charter School, K-8, on September 23, 2010. On September 27, 2010, Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Chris Colwell recommended approval to Superintendent Margaret Smith and the School Board, resulting in a unanimous vote in favor of the charter school.

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A NEW GOVERNING BOARD

To establish the school foundation, the Oak Hill Community Trust formed a non-profit school foundation, with Dr. Consuegra, Dr. Jan McGee, and Gary Bittle serving as the Founding Board.  Additional board members were invited based on community recommendations. 

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2011 - THE EARLY YEARS

Countless volunteers dedicated thousands of hours to move the school campus process forward, ensuring that the school could open its doors on time. On August 22, 2011, Burns Sci Tech Charter School welcomed its first cohort of 260 enrolled students.  The school secured a state grant of $375,000 for furniture, books, technology, and staff development. It established a partnership with Canaveral Seashore Park at Seminole Rest, hosting programs and field trips for students. Burns Sci Tech also established an adjunct classroom in the caretaker's cottage on the National Park site, fostering a valuable relationship with the park and earning recognition as the school's "Partner of the Year."

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BURNS SCI TECH TODAY

Since its inception, Burns Sci Tech Charter School has continued to serve the community of Oak Hill, providing education and opportunities for its students while embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that brought the school into existence. We are a tuition-free, nonprofit K-12 public charter school with a concentration in EiSTEAM and project-based learning. Students are accepted regardless of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religious preference, homelessness, disability, handicap, or a language other than English.  We are now proud to serve nearly 1,000 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.