Pinellas County School Board Addresses Policy Amendments and Public Concerns at November Meeting

Overview: The Pinellas County School Board convened on November 11, 2025, to discuss key policy amendments and listen to public concerns regarding school administration and educational support. The meeting, which included a unanimous decision to proceed with policy changes aligned with new state legislation, also featured emotional public comments from students and parents advocating for supportive staff and educational improvements.

Pinellas County School Board Grapples with New Charter School Legislation and Honors Outstanding Educators

Overview: During the recent meeting of the Pinellas County School Board, members delved into concerns about new legislation affecting charter schools, alongside recognizing exceptional educators within the district. The board expressed apprehension over changes to the definition of “persistently low performing schools,” which now includes performance indicators like third-grade reading and fourth-grade math rates. Under this revised metric, five schools, including three B schools and two C schools, are now considered persistently low performing, despite the district’s track record of maintaining A ratings and avoiding D or F ratings for several years.

Pinellas County School Board Approves Teacher Salary Increases Amid Budget and Safety Discussions

Overview: The Pinellas County School Board meeting on October 14, 2025, focused on several issues, including approving significant salary increases for teachers, adopting safety policies, and addressing concerns about indoor air quality at a high school. The board unanimously approved an average salary increase of 8.92% for teachers as part of a negotiated agreement with the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association.

Pinellas County School Board Recognizes Disability Awareness, Celebrates Student Achievements, and Addresses Teacher Pay Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Pinellas County School Board underscored its commitment to inclusivity by proclaiming the first two weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Weeks. The board also celebrated the exceptional achievements of students recognized as National Merit Scholars and addressed issues regarding teacher pay and school funding in Florida.

Pinellas County School Board Faces Funding Gaps in Safety and Mental Health Services

Overview: At the recent Pinellas County School Board meeting, attention was given to the substantial discrepancies between state funding and the district’s actual expenditures on school safety and mental health services. A board member highlighted that, while the state allocates $10 million for school safety, the district spends approximately $24 million. Similarly, state support for mental health services stands at $5.2 million, yet the district expends around $28 million.