The Sanibel School sees slow increase in student enrollment
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com
Although enrollment has increased for The Sanibel School, the principal continues to find ways to bring more students to his campus.
Principal Dr. Thomas Millins shared his belief with the Sanibel City Council — the school needs to be the center of everything that happens on the island.
“Our families have been discouraged for a number of reasons throughout the last couple of years,” he said, adding that family trust needs to be rebuilt.
Councilmember Richard Johnson told Millins he was on the right track, as he understands the importance of the school for the community.
“You get it. Do not slow down. If there is anything this council can help you with, please reach out to all of us,” he said.
About five to 10 years ago, the enrollment of The Sanibel School ranged between 400 to 500 students. On July 1, there were 187 students enrolled, which has since grown to 212 students.
Of those students, 114 live on island, and 98 students live off island.
“That is approximately 54% that live on island, and 46% that live off island,” Millins said. “As we move forward, I believe we need continued growth at our school.”
Councilmember John Henshaw asked about the vulnerability if the school does not maintain a certain population.
“The superintendent and I have been close colleagues for 25 plus years. Nothing has been discussed that The Sanibel School would not be The Sanibel School,” he said, adding that resources will be given to make sure the school maintains where they are at, at this point.
Millins said that budgets are delivered to the school and the principal has the opportunity to allocate where the funds actually go.
“My job is to make sure we are maintaining the enrollment at the school, building back trust, offer a good program, (make sure) students feel safe and have the best academic opportunity they can have,” he said.
As the principal, Millins said he needs to bring students to the island. He said he has met with the board of realtors and impressed the importance of The Sanibel School, and having young families reach out to him to learn more about the school.
So far, with 70 days of employment under his belt as the leader of The Sanibel School, he said it has been a wonderful experience.
He was first welcomed with a meet and greet in June, where 20 to 30 community members and organizations attended, providing a chance to learn about the island and needs of the school. There was another meet and greet held in July where 150 individuals attended.
That conversation led to his four core pillar approach — community, academics, family, and safety.
Millins said the school is on a great path moving forward academically and communicating with families. He said academically they have entered their 27th year of being an A school, which is an amazing accomplishment, but there is always room to grow.
Safety has also been at the forefront.
Millins said in his 23 years as a school based administrator at four different schools, and six schools he taught at, he has never seen a stronger police force at a school. He said they are actively engaging in safety training, so everyone is on the same page with the Sanibel Police Department.
Millins has worked with the deputy chief and top commanders on various scenarios in case of an emergency. He said they looked at locations and what would happen if a crisis occurred at the school and they need to be reunified in a different area.
“It’s important as the commanding person at my school to know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. We have a good plan. We talked about different scenarios and reunify our students if ever an emergency,” Millins said.
The school is opening their doors back up to the community and families.
On Nov. 12, the school will open the doors for the community, on and off the island. The event will feature a performances by the Steel Drum Band, as well as a plethora of information about the school.
“We are trying to get the families and community back,” Millins said. “They feel that they weren’t able to attend the school and the gates weren’t open to the school.”
An alumni night will also be held in January.
Another community event will be held during the second part of the year — April or May.
Councilmember Holly Smith thanked him, as there is such an energy at the school, not only with Millins, but with the teachers, faculty, students and parents.
“There is a renewed understanding,” she said.