Pinellas County Schools, FL

School Board Workshop - Immediately Following the School Board Meeting

The Pinellas County Schools Board will hold a workshop immediately following its regular meeting to discuss several informational items, including a summary of the Planning for Progress community survey, the Bridging the Gap end-of-year report, digital resources, a charter school articulation agreement with Plato Academy, and the draft 2026-27 budget. No votes are scheduled; the workshop is for presentation and discussion only, with no public comment.

• Planning for Progress community survey summary presented by Mr. Hendrick and Ms. Jennifer Dull
• Bridging the Gap Quarter 4 end-of-year report for 2025-26 reviewed by Mrs. Kathleen Young-Parker
• Digital resource review presented by Mrs. Donnika Jones, Mrs. Lynne Mowatt, and Mrs. Kim Hill
• Plato Academy Schools Corporation Articulation Agreement presented by Ms. Somerlyn Oxendine
• Draft 2026-27 school year budget presented by Mr. Gary Jeppesen and staff

The Pinellas County Schools Board held a workshop on August 13, 2026, to discuss several informational topics, including a community survey summary, a quarterly report, a digital resource review, a charter school articulation agreement, the 2026-27 tentative budget, and leadership matters. No votes or official decisions were made during the workshop. The meeting was adjourned without any formal action.

• No official actions taken at workshop

Regular School Board Meeting - 10 a.m.

The Pinellas County Schools Board is holding a regular meeting with a public hearing and second reading on amendments to employment policies for administrators, instructional staff, and support staff, which align with state background screening requirements. The board will also vote on consent items including personnel recommendations, a new assistant principal appointment, the 2026-27 assessment calendar, purchasing approvals, and renewal of School Resource Officer agreements. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order, invocation, and public comment procedures.

• Public hearing and second reading on amendments to Policies 1120, 3120, and 4120 regarding employment background checks (no financial impact)
• Approval of personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and supporting services (costs within approved budget)
• Administrative appointment of Peter J. Retsos as Assistant Principal at Lakewood High School, effective August 14, 2026
• Approval of 2026-27 Uniform Student Assessment Calendar (no financial impact)
• Renewal of School Resource Officer agreements with Pinellas County Sheriff and cities of Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Largo, and Gulfport (annual compensation $73,306.63 per officer, $34,116.55 for elementary school safety officers)

The Pinellas County School Board approved a $225 million tax anticipation note, amended employment policies, and adopted the consent agenda. The board also approved changes to meeting times for September and October 2026. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

• Adopted agenda as amended (6-0)
• Approved amendments to policies 1120, 3120, and 4120 on employment (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $225M tax anticipation note (6-0)
• Approved amended meeting times for Sept 22 and Oct 13, 2026 (6-0)

Public Hearing on Budget - 6:30 p.m. Time Certain

The Pinellas County School Board holds the first public hearing on the tentative 2026-27 budget. Actions include approving the discretionary local effort millage, adopting total millage rates, adopting the tentative budget, and setting the date for the second public hearing. Residents may provide public comments.

• First public hearing on the 2026-27 budget
• Approval of discretionary local effort millage
• Adoption of total millage rates
• Adoption of tentative 2026-27 budget
• Setting date for second public hearing

The Pinellas County School Board held the first public hearing on the 2026-2027 budget, approving a tentative total millage rate of 6.2730 mills and a tentative budget. The board also set the second public hearing for September 8, 2026. All votes were 6-0.

• Approved a tentative Discretionary Local Effort Millage of 0.748 mills (6-0).
• Adopted a tentative total millage rate of 6.2730 mills, comprising Required Local Effort (3.025 mills), Discretionary Local Effort (0.748 mills), Local Referendum (1.000 mills), and Capital Outlay (1.500 mills) (6-0).
• Approved the tentative 2026-2027 budget as presented (6-0).
• Set the second public hearing on the budget for September 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (6-0).
• Authorized the superintendent to certify the approved millage rates to the Property Appraiser (6-0).

Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will hold a regular meeting with opening ceremonies, public comment, and a consent agenda. Consent items include approval of minutes from July 14, 2026; personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and support services; creation or revision of six job descriptions; and the annual field trip list. A standalone action is the appointment of Anna L. Brown as Chief Technology Officer effective September 14, 2026, due to a retirement.

• Appointment of Anna L. Brown as Chief Technology Officer effective September 14, 2026
• Approval of personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and supporting services (fiscal impact within approved budget)
• Creation or revision of six job descriptions: K-12 Social Studies Specialist, Legal Assistant, Student Success Officer, Director of Facilities Design and Construction, Secretary to Chief/Area Superintendent, Secretary to Deputy Superintendent
• Approval of the Approved Field Trip List for 2026-27 school year (no fiscal impact)
• Approval of minutes from the July 14, 2026 school board meeting

The Pinellas County School Board approved the 2026-27 Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan and a partnership agreement with the Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT) to explore health care cost savings. Both items passed unanimously, 6-0. The board also approved the consent agenda, including personnel recommendations, budget amendments, and surplus asset sales.

• Approved 2026-27 Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan (6-0)
• Approved partnership agreement with Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT) for health care cost analysis (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including personnel recommendations, budget amendments, and surplus asset sales (6-0)
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2026 meeting (consent)
• Approved creation/revision of job descriptions (consent)
• Approved field trip list for 2026-27 school year (consent)
• Approved Budget Amendment No. 8 for 2025-26 (consent)
• Approved renewal of parking agreement with St. Mary and St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church (consent)

School Board Workshop - 9:30 a.m.

The Pinellas County Schools Board held a workshop on July 21, 2026 to present information on the 2026‑27 school and district grades, assessment calendars, job descriptions, and upcoming plans. Presentations were given by district officials on topics such as the Mental Health Plan update, the Planning for Progress community meetings, and the proposed proclamation calendar. No public comment was allowed, and no formal decisions were taken during the workshop.

• School/District Grades – 2026‑27 (information presentation)
• Assessment Calendars – 2026‑27 (information presentation)
• Job Descriptions review (information presentation)
• Mental Health Plan Update – 2026‑27 (information presentation)
• Proclamation Calendar – 2026‑27 (information presentation)

The Pinellas County School Board held a workshop on July 21, 2026, discussing several informational items including school district grades, assessment calendars, job descriptions, the upcoming school year, mental health plan, and planning for progress. No official actions or votes were taken; the meeting was purely informational and procedural.

• No official actions or votes taken at this workshop

Regular School Board Meeting - 10 a.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will vote to approve amendments to three student conduct policies and repeal two others to consolidate discipline rules and add rules for wireless communication devices.

• Public hearing to amend Policies 5500.07, 5500.08, and 5500.09
• Public hearing to repeal Policies 5500.10 and 5500.12
• Adoption of new Policy 5500.10 for wireless communication devices
• No financial impact to the district
• Second reading of all policy changes

The School Board approved amendments to several student conduct policies regarding discipline, misconduct, and bus conduct. The board also passed a consent agenda containing multiple administrative appointments, grant applications, and partnership renewals.

• Approved amendments to Code of Student Conduct policies 5500.07, 5500.08, and 5500.09
• Approved repeal of policies 5500.10 and 5500.12 and adoption of policy 5500.10 regarding wireless communication devices
• Approved various personnel recommendations and administrative appointments via consent
• Approved application for Trauma-Informed Services in Schools grant ($2,944,450.14)
• Approved application for FDLRS Gulfcoast Project Grant ($1,109,296)
• Approved 2027-28 Calendar and Special Observance Days
• Approved Office of Safe Schools Quarterly Inspection Report

Regular School Board Meeting - 10 a.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will hold public hearings and vote on second readings of amendments to whistleblower policies (1211, 3211, 4211) and the repeal/amendment of volunteer/mentoring policies (3120.09, 9180). The board will also consider a consent agenda including approval of minutes and the dismissal of an employee. A recognition of former consortium president Caprice Edmond is scheduled.

• Public hearing on second reading of amendments to Policies 1211, 3211, and 4211 (Whistleblower) to align with state law
• Public hearing on second reading to repeal Policy 3120.09 (Mentoring Program Volunteers) and amend Policy 9180 (Volunteers), requiring Level 2 background screening for all volunteers starting 2026–27
• Recognition of Caprice Edmond for service as president of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards
• Consent agenda includes dismissal of Amie Clark, Data Management Technician at Bardmoor Elementary School (annual pay $27,075.34)
• Adoption of agenda and approval of June 9, 2026 meeting minutes

The School Board approved amendments to whistleblower policies and volunteer policies. The board also passed a consent agenda including personnel actions, grant applications, and instructional material purchases.

• Approved amendments to Whistleblower policies 1211, 3211, and 4211 (7-0)
• Approved repeal of Policy 3120.09 and amendment to Policy 9180 regarding volunteers (7-0)
• Approved the adoption of the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved the purchase of 2026-27 instructional materials (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including personnel, administrative appointments, and grant applications (7-0)

School Board Workshop - Immediately Following the School Board Meeting

The Pinellas County Schools Board will hold a workshop to discuss several informational items. Presentations include the draft 2026-27 budget, an update on the 2026-29 District Strategic Plan, student performance on state assessments, policy changes, and proposed instructional calendars for 2027-28. No votes will be taken; this is a discussion-only workshop.

• Presentation and discussion of draft 2026-27 budget
• Update on 2026-29 District Strategic Plan
• Update on student performance on state assessments
• Discussion of policy updates including employment and Code of Student Conduct
• Review of proposed 2027-28 instructional calendars

The workshop included discussions on the 2026-27 budget estimates, student assessment results, and upcoming policy reviews. No official actions or votes were taken during this session.

• Agreed to a 3-hour board retreat for training related to evaluation feedback
• Agreed that Chairperson Edmond will work on the format for potential leadership training

Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

The School Board will review a request to apply for an Adult General Education Grant. The meeting also includes the recognition of award recipients and various personnel recommendations.

• Recognition of state and national award recipients
• Approval of the May 19, 2026, School Board meeting minutes
• Approval of the May 12, 2026, School Board workshop minutes
• Request to apply for a $1,101,680 Adult General Education Grant
• Personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and supporting services

Regular School Board Meeting - 10 a.m.

This regular school board meeting will open with recognitions for safety personnel award winners, including Campus Activities Monitor, School Safety Officer, and School Resource Officer of the Year. The board will then hear public comments and consider a consent agenda that includes approval of previous meeting minutes, personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and support staff, and the appointment of a new Director of Strategic Communications. No major policy or budget decisions are on the agenda.

• Recognition of Patrick Walton as Jesse Dorsey Campus Activities Monitor of the Year
• Recognition of Andrew Stimus as School Safety Officer of the Year
• Recognition of Maurice Blossom as Michael A. Hawkins School Resource Officer of the Year
• Approval of personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and supporting services
• Appointment of Matthew K. Blum as Director, Strategic Communications

The Pinellas County School Board approved several administrative appointments, personnel recommendations, and consent agenda items. The board also authorized public hearings scheduled for June 23, 2026, to consider various updates to district policies regarding whistleblowers, employment, volunteers, and student conduct.

• Approved the agenda (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including personnel appointments and administrative items (6-0)
• Approved public hearing for Whistleblower policy amendments (6-0)
• Approved public hearing for Employment of Administrators and Instructional Staff policies (6-0)
• Approved public hearing for Volunteer policy changes (6-0)
• Approved public hearing for Student Conduct and Discipline policies (6-0)
• Approved public hearing for Wireless Communication Devices policy (6-0)

School Board Workshop - 9:30 a.m.

The Pinellas County School Board holds a workshop to discuss and receive updates on several topics, including proposed changes to the 2026-27 academic calendar, the PCS Connects program, weapons detection systems, and food and nutrition services. No public comment is permitted at workshops, and no votes are scheduled.

• Discussion of proposed changes to the 2026-27 academic calendar by Mr. Michael Vigue
• Update on the PCS Connects program by Mr. Keith Mastorides, Mrs. Kim Hill, and Dr. Robert Ceneski
• Update on the Weapons Detection System by Ms. Jennifer Dull and Mr. Sean Jowell
• Update on Food and Nutrition services by Ms. Jennifer Dull and Mr. Alec Liem
• Review of job descriptions for Finance Office and Food and Nutrition positions

The workshop included discussions on proposed 2026-27 calendar adjustments, student device technology, and weapons detection pilots. The board also reviewed job description updates for the food and nutrition and financial services departments.

• Approved a version of the legislative letter including points regarding district grading and budget impacts
• Proposed moving a professional planning day to November 11, 2026, making Veterans Day a non-student day
• Noted that all high schools will receive MacBooks this year
• Received recommendation to acquire two portable weapons detection units instead of district-wide implementation
• Approved request for a future workshop discussion regarding the district's marketing plan

Regular School Board Meeting - 10 a.m.

The board will hold a public hearing and vote on amending Policy 5120 to reassign grids from the closed Cross Bayou Elementary to Bardmoor and Pinellas Central Elementary Schools starting 2026-27. It will also adopt a proclamation for Teacher Appreciation Week and consider consent items including personnel actions and an administrative appointment.

• Public hearing on Policy 5120 amendment redrawing school zones for Cross Bayou closure: 8 grids to Bardmoor, 7 to Pinellas Central
• Adoption of proclamation designating May 4-8, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week
• Approval of personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and support staff
• Appointment of Michael J. Hernandez as Executive Director, High School Education effective July 1, 2026
• Approval of minutes from April 14, 2026 board meeting

School Board Workshop - 9:30 a.m.

The School Board will hold a workshop to receive updates on the 2026-27 budget and the 2026 Legislative Session. Members will discuss recommended changes to the Code of Student Conduct and various school policies. The meeting also includes updates on food and nutrition, school business services, and student discipline.

• 2026-27 Budget Update
• Recommended changes to the Code of Student Conduct
• Discipline update regarding minor infractions
• Policy amendments for School Safety, HR, and Volunteers
• Update on the 2026 Legislative Session by Capital City Consulting

The School Board workshop included discussions on the 2026-27 budget update, proposed changes to the Code of Student Conduct, and various policy amendments. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this workshop session.

• Discussed 2026-27 budget status and fund balance
• Reviewed proposed Code of Student Conduct amendments
• Reviewed minor infraction discipline updates
• Reviewed school safety, human resources, and volunteer policy updates

Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

The School Board will recognize various students and community members during this meeting. Items include a proclamation for National Volunteer Month, recognition of outstanding school volunteers, and the presentation of Florida Prepaid College Scholarships.

• Proclamation recognizing April as National Volunteer Month
• Recognition of 17 Outstanding School Volunteer honorees
• Presentation of $8,000 Florida Prepaid College Scholarships to three recipients
• Recognition of students receiving state and national awards
• Approval of March 24 and March 31 meeting minutes

The School Board approved the meeting agenda and several consent items including financial statements and personnel recommendations. The board also approved school opening and closing times for the 2026-27 school year.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved National Volunteer Month proclamation (5-0)
• Approved March 2026 meeting and workshop minutes (5-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (5-0)
• Approved November 2025 financial statements (5-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment No. 3 (5-0)
• Approved Dunedin High School expansion joint change order (5-0)
• Approved 2026-27 school opening and closing times (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will hold a regular meeting with procedural items, presentations, and consent agenda. Highlights include the 2024-25 ICROC annual report on spending from the voter-approved one-mill referendum, a proclamation for National School Library Month, and recognition of student award winners. The board will also vote on personnel recommendations and prior meeting minutes.

• Presentation of the 2024-25 Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) annual report on one-mill referendum expenditures
• Approval of a proclamation designating April 2026 as National School Library Month
• Recognition of students receiving state and national awards in academics and extracurriculars
• Approval of personnel recommendations for administrative, instructional, and supporting services
• Approval of the minutes from the March 11, 2026 school board meeting

The School Board approved the meeting agenda, a proclamation for National School Library Month, and a consent calendar of administrative items, personnel recommendations, and lease renewals. No non-consent items were discussed.

• Adopted agenda (6-0)
• Approved National School Library Month proclamation (6-0)
• Approved March 11, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (6-0)
• Approved creation/revision of job descriptions (6-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 property insurance program (6-0)
• Approved purchasing items per bid policies (6-0)
• Approved Early Learning Coalition lease renewal (6-0)

School Board Workshop - 9:30 a.m.

This is a workshop, not a voting meeting; no public comment is permitted. The board will receive informational presentations on the 2026 legislative session, a mid-year update on the District Strategic Plan, a follow-up on stakeholder surveys, and a mid-year update on the Bridging the Gap plan. Also discussed are proposed school bell times for 2026-27, a job description, the draft School Board Operating Procedures Manual, and open leadership discussion.

• Legislative update by Capital City Consulting on 2026 session
• Mid-year update on District Strategic Plan presented by Mrs. Leanna Ison
• Proposed school bell times for 2026-27 presented by Ms. Jennifer Dull
• Review of DRAFT School Board Operating Procedures Manual
• Bridging the Gap plan mid-year update by Mrs. Kathleen Young-Parker

Regular School Board Meeting - 10 a.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will vote on two proclamations designating March 2026 as Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month. The board will also consider approving minutes from prior meetings and adopt the agenda. Public comment procedures are outlined for attendees.

• Proclamation designating March 2026 as Music in Our Schools Month
• Proclamation designating March as Youth Art Month
• Approval of minutes from the February 17, 2026 workshop and February 24, 2026 meeting
• Presentation by Student Rights and Responsibilities from Tarpon Springs High School
• Introduction of professional and community organization representatives

The board approved proclamations for Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month. Members also authorized a public hearing to amend Policy 5120 regarding school assignments following the closure of Cross Bayou Elementary. Several items were passed via consent agenda, including charter school renewals and budget amendments.

• Approved adoption of agenda (5-0)
• Approved March 2026 Music in Our Schools Month proclamation (5-0)
• Approved March 2026 Youth Art Month proclamation (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including charter school renewals and budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved public hearing for Policy 5120 assignment amendment (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will consider a consent agenda including a third amendment to the charter school agreement with Discovery Academy of Science to expand to a second K-8 location. The board will also vote on proclamations for Newspaper in Education Week and National School Breakfast Week, and recognize students who have won state and national awards. Public comment will be heard on agenda items.

• Approval of third amendment to charter agreement with Galaxy Education, Inc. d/b/a Discovery Academy of Science Charter School to expand to a second K-8 location (no fiscal impact)
• Proclamation designating March 2-6, 2026, as 'Newspaper in Education' Week
• Proclamation designating March 2-6, 2026, as National School Breakfast Week
• Recognition of recipients of state and national awards, various
• Approval of minutes from February 10, 2026 school board meeting

The Pinellas County School Board approved plans to combine Bay Point Elementary and Middle Schools into a K-8 school starting in 2027. The board also approved expanding Oldsmar Elementary into a K-8 school beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

• Approved adoption of agenda (7-0)
• Approved Newspaper in Education Week proclamation (7-0)
• Approved National School Breakfast Week proclamation (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including personnel and charter agreements (7-0)
• Approved Discovery Academy of Science expansion to a second location (7-0)
• Approved creating a K-8 school by combining Bay Point Elementary and Middle Schools (7-0)
• Approved expanding Oldsmar Elementary School to become a K-8 school (7-0)

School Board Workshop - 9:30 a.m.

This is a School Board workshop with no votes or public comment. The board will hear presentations and discuss the 2026 legislative session, employee housing, stakeholder climate survey results, planning for progress, transportation, charter school renewals, athletics, job descriptions, and board leadership topics.

• Legislative update from Capital City Consulting on the 2026 session
• Employee housing update by Mr. Koperski and Ms. Dull
• Stakeholder Climate Survey 2025-26 results presented by Dr. Brown
• Planning for Progress community update with recommendations
• Charter school renewal updates for Discovery Academy of Science, Plato Academy campuses, and Pinellas Mycroschool

The School Board held a workshop covering legislative budget proposals, an update on employee housing development, stakeholder survey results, and the Planning for Progress community update. No substantive votes or formal decisions were recorded during this session.

• Discussed legislative budget proposals including Base Student Allocation and school safety
• Reviewed progress on the Tomlinson Adult Center conversion to employee housing
• Received results from the 2025-26 Stakeholder Climate Survey
• Reviewed community feedback regarding Planning for Progress recommendations

Regular School Board Meeting - 10 a.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will vote on proclamations designating February 2026 as National Black History Month and Career and Technical Education Month. The board will also recognize four career academies earning Academy of Distinction designation. The remainder of the visible agenda is procedural, including adoption of the agenda, public comment procedures, and approval of minutes.

• Approve proclamation for National Black History Month (no financial impact)
• Approve proclamation for Career and Technical Education Month
• Recognize four career academies as Academies of Distinction (Boca Ciega, Dunedin, East Lake, Hollins High Schools)
• Presentation by Student Rights and Responsibilities from Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School
• Possible amendments to the agenda

The board adopted the agenda and approved proclamations for Black History Month and Career and Technical Education. They also approved consent items including grant applications, personnel recommendations, and instructional materials, along with an architectural services contract for the Stavros Institute.

• Adopted agenda (7-0)
• Approved Black History Month proclamation (7-0)
• Approved Career and Technical Education Month proclamation (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (7-0)
• Approved School Hardening Grant application (7-0)
• Approved K-5 ELA instructional materials adoption (7-0)
• Approved architectural services contract for Stavros Institute ($282,918) (7-0)
• Approved lease renewal with Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance (7-0)

Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

The Pinellas County School Board will meet for a regular meeting with mostly procedural and ceremonial items. The board is set to approve minutes, a proclamation for Student Services Week (Feb 2-6, 2026), and a proclamation for National Mentoring Month. The consent agenda includes approval of $7,815 in travel expenses for board members outside the county.

• Approval of $7,815 in travel expenses for board members
• Proclamation designating Feb 2-6 as Student Services Week
• Proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month
• Recognition of six Student Services staff for core values
• Possible amendments to the agenda

The School Board approved a proclamation for Student Services Week and recognized National Mentoring Month. The board also adopted the Florida School Boards Association 2026 Legislative Platform.

• Approved adoption of agenda (7-0)
• Approved Student Services Week proclamation (7-0)
• Approved National Mentoring Month proclamation (7-0)
• Approved the full consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved Florida School Boards Association 2026 Legislative Platform (7-0)

School Board Workshop - 9:30 a.m.

This is a School Board Workshop with informational presentations and discussions, no public comment or votes. Topics include a legislative update, the FSBA 2026 legislative platform, Planning for Progress recommendations, student performance on state assessments, artificial intelligence implementation, summer programs, and a wellness program. The board will also hold a leadership discussion.

• Legislative update from Capital City Consulting on the 2026 session
• FSBA 2026 Legislative Platform presented by Mrs. Caprice Edmond
• Planning for Progress overview and recommendations by Mr. Kevin Hendrick and Ms. Jennifer Dull
• Student performance update on PM2 assessments by Dr. Anna Brown
• Artificial intelligence implementation discussion by Mr. Keith Mastorides and Mrs. Kim Hill