The meeting’s central topic was the unveiling of a mental health support program aimed at addressing the increasing mental health needs of middle and high school students. Utilizing a digital platform, the program allows students to engage with trained coaches via text or computer. These coaches operate under the supervision of licensed mental health counselors. Participation in the program is voluntary, and parents can opt-out if they prefer their children not to participate. The initiative, which is grant-funded, seeks to mitigate stress originating from family life and academic pressures, offering students a valuable resource for emotional support. The board emphasized the importance of this program, acknowledging the escalating mental health challenges faced by students in the district.

The board meeting also included discussions on an attendance incentive program, designed to motivate students to maintain perfect attendance from January through April. Students who achieve this will be entered into a drawing for a $100 reward. The superintendent expressed confidence in the program’s potential, citing successes seen in other districts that have implemented similar initiatives.

Attention was given to the Digital Academy of Florida (DAOF), which is undergoing a turnaround process due to poor performance ratings. The enrollment numbers have decreased, attributed to strategic measures taken to place students in environments where they can be most effective. The board aims to improve the school’s performance metrics significantly. Data presented during the meeting showed improvements in instructional quality and student engagement, with a focus on aligning teaching with grade-level benchmarks. The board highlighted the importance of maintaining high attendance rates and is implementing a system to monitor student participation and identify those needing additional support.

Additionally, the board addressed the strategic plan and mission of Hendry County Schools, focusing on a student-centered approach and collaboration with community partners. A significant achievement was the district’s receipt of a D rating from the state for the first time, with seven out of ten schools rated A or B. This progress was attributed to various efforts, including reducing class sizes by hiring more teachers, which has led to improved academic performance. The leadership in the district expressed pride in the strides made but acknowledged the need for continuous improvement.

Safety within the schools was another key area of focus. The board emphasized the importance of parents feeling assured about their children’s safety, implementing multiple measures such as hiring school guardians and maintaining communication with law enforcement. The district’s safety practices were noted as exemplary, attracting interest from other districts.

Financial management was also discussed, with the board detailing their approach to maintaining a balanced budget and prudent use of state funds. The district’s financial stewardship has been recognized as top-tier in the state, with an emphasis on transparency and wise investment in educational initiatives.

The cultural climate of the district was addressed, highlighting efforts to create an inviting environment for both students and staff. The starting teacher salary, noted to be competitive among rural districts in Florida, was identified as a factor in attracting and retaining qualified educators.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the construction of a new high school, with anticipation of receiving a construction permit shortly. A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for mid-February, with expectations for the school to open by August 2027.