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Charter schools try to solve graduation dilemma

2 min read

Cape Coral Charter School System is working to resolve parental concerns over the upcoming graduation ceremony on campus.

Superintendent Nelson Stephenson responded to some inquiries that there was not enough room at the Oasis Shark Tank for all family members to attend and he and the board were not responding to parents.

One parent suggested the middle school gym be used where family members without tickets to the Shark Tank could at least watch a simulcast of the ceremony.

“We are looking to do them one better,” Stephenson said Friday afternoon. “We are working with a couple of services to get quotes to find out what it will cost to do live streaming online. Our gym is only a certain size. My last conversation with parents on this was in January.”

With live streaming online to the middle school gym, family and friends could even stay at home and watch on their computers.

“It’s not an abnormal situation for schools,” Stephenson said. “I’m pretty sure we can get that (streaming) done. I get it. We’re doing the best we can, looking at all options available, but right now a larger venue is not an option. Perhaps in the future. These plans were put together before I took this job. This might even be the last year to hold graduation on campus.”

Councilman Lenny Nesta said he had not heard or seen anything come across his desk through council of the school board.

“I just know that we try to work very diligently to accommodate everyone and do the best you can,” Nesta said. “My two kids graduate this year, too.”

Nest made a call and found out the superintendent was working on a solution.

Stephenson said tickets to the ceremony, limited to five per student, were issued to all those graduating leaving some tough decisions for families and friends.

“I’ve learned in the past that, unfortunately, sadly, some students only have one or two family members attend their graduation,” he said. “Unused tickets are being given to others instead of just throwing them away.”

Stephenson said he expects a decision very soon on the live streaming solution.