A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the promotion of “Celebrate Literacy Week,” scheduled for January 27th to 31st, 2025. The board made a proclamation to increase awareness and community involvement in literacy. The initiative emphasizes the critical role literacy plays in preventing high school dropouts and criminal activities. It underscores the goal of achieving a 90% literacy rate by 2030, with a minimum of 70% by that year. The board urged community members to participate in this effort.

Further literacy efforts were emphasized through Kiana Kelly’s presentation from Children’s Services of Martin County. She highlighted the establishment of a lab school at Port Salerno Elementary and announced a kickoff event for Celebrate Literacy Week. This event, set for January 25th at the 10th Street Community Center, aims to engage the community in literacy promotion, with the event being free and open to all.

In a move to modernize learning environments, the board unveiled the newly renovated Innovation and Knowledge Center at Jensen Beach High School. This transformation represents a shift from traditional media centers to spaces that encourage collaboration and creativity. The center is equipped with advanced maker space technology, including 3D printers and sewing machines, and features flexible furniture designed for group projects. The renovation process involved collaboration with students, faculty, and community members.

The board also celebrated the district’s high graduation rates, which surpassed the state average. Martin County School District achieved a graduation rate of 92%, with individual schools such as Jensen Beach High School reaching a 98% graduation rate. These accomplishments were attributed to the dedication of students, teachers, and staff. However, it was acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, as the district aims to further increase these rates.

This initiative, which introduced the Ecology Conservation and Management certification through Ducks Unlimited, allowed nearly 400 students to earn industry certifications, resulting in a 75% success rate and generating over $150,000 in funding for the district. This effort was praised for its effectiveness in fostering student success and career readiness.

In recognition of outstanding contributions, Mr. Joshua Ovito was named the School Related Employee of the Year for his role as an ELL professional at Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School. His dedication to supporting English learners and his involvement in various school activities were commended. Additionally, the generosity of the “school lunch fairy,” a nonprofit organization, was acknowledged for erasing lunch debt for over 500 students.

The meeting also featured discussions on new policies, including a school choice policy intended to prioritize groups such as foster care and military families, and a new tutoring policy. The board reviewed and approved several policies related to meetings, the superintendent relationship, and the selection and adoption of instructional materials.

During public comments, educators from Warfield Elementary School shared their gratitude for their roles and the support from the school board. Concerns were also raised about the delay in reopening the community pool, which has impacted various programs and activities.