Superintendent Van Ayres shared that the district saw a remarkable shift in school grades, with only eight schools now graded D and none graded F. This improvement came from the collective efforts of students, teachers, and staff. Ayres emphasized the district’s focus on reading proficiency, reporting that 96.5% of schools are now graded A, B, or C, up from 84% the previous year. A key initiative contributing to this success is the You Fly literacy initiative from the University of Florida, which helped 14 schools achieve double-digit gains in English language arts proficiency.

Potter Elementary School’s Principal Jennifer Dames discussed her school’s achievement in moving from an F to a C grade, attributing this progress to teamwork, dedication, high expectations, and innovative instructional strategies. Dames emphasized the importance of a positive school environment and community support in driving educational excellence.

Sarah Garcia, now the Executive Director of Elementary Education, highlighted a 5% increase in third-grade proficiency rates, linking this success to the dedication of teachers and students. She announced the introduction of new books into classroom libraries and launched a new initiative called Hillsborough Reads to promote reading in various community settings.

Superintendent Ayres introduced a new literacy and outreach bus named Page Turner, designed to provide books and resources to the community. This initiative, credited to Dr. Stacy Hahn, aims to make literacy more accessible and had already made its public debut at a kindergarten fair.

The district reported an 8% increase in AP exam pass rates, marking the largest growth in its history, with over 28,000 exams taken. Despite the introduction of Cambridge programs in all high schools, which some feared might reduce AP exam participation, the district saw robust engagement and success in both AP and Cambridge ACE programs.

All five IB schools in the district reported increased diploma rates, with King High School achieving a 14% rise and Strawberry Crest High School attaining a 100% IB diploma rate.

Superintendent Ayres then shifted focus to technology in classrooms, highlighting the use of ESSER funds to invest in classroom technology, including interactive whiteboards and audio enhancement systems. The district is transitioning to a new platform, Synergy, which will provide parents and students with real-time access to attendance, schedules, and assessment data.

A major initiative discussed was an attendance campaign dubbed “Every Day Matters,” aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% of school or approximately two days each month. Ayres stressed the importance of consistent attendance for academic performance. Dr. Clayton Nylund, a finalist for State Teacher of the Year, reinforced this message by sharing his experiences as a STEM teacher, asserting that attendance is paramount for student success.

The meeting also introduced a new policy regarding cell phone usage in classrooms. Elementary and middle school students are prohibited from using phones during school hours unless directed by a teacher, while high school students can use their devices before and after school and during lunch. This policy aims to minimize distractions during instructional time.

In terms of student safety, Ayres noted collaboration with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to enhance safety on school buses. Every bus in the district will be equipped with photo enforcement cameras to catch vehicles illegally passing buses with deployed stop arms. This initiative aims to change driver behavior and enhance the safety of students boarding and alighting from buses.

Lastly, staffing updates revealed that the district had hired 150 more bus drivers than the previous year, although 118 bus driver vacancies and 400 classroom teacher vacancies remained. Ayres expressed optimism about the upcoming school year, emphasizing the excitement and energy surrounding the start of school on August 12. He reiterated that consistent attendance is essential for student success and that the district is committed to creating a positive educational environment.