BY CAPRICE EDMOND | Contributor
PINELLAS COUNTY — As we continue planning for the future of our school district, families must have clear and accessible pathways to programs that best support their child’s learning. It is also essential to continue strengthening community engagement and support.
I seek to ensure the community remains informed, engaged, and empowered as we plan for the future of our schools. Pinellas County Schools has launched the Planning for Progress initiative—a necessary process focused on addressing operational needs as the number of school-aged children in our county continues to decline. The Planning for Progress community meetings are designed to help stakeholders understand the impact of enrollment changes and share suggestions. This feedback may help shape decisions made in the next few weeks and years.
Why these conversations matter
Declining enrollment trends affect every part of how a school district operates—from staffing and transportation to programming and long-term facility planning. To responsibly manage taxpayer dollars and maintain high-quality learning environments, we must carefully evaluate our current structures and prepare for the future.
On Sept. 16, Superintendent Kevin Hendrick and staff provided an enrollment update. The difference between the ten-day count last year and this year was a decrease of 3,651 enrolled students. A few of the causes mentioned were low birth rates and affordability. The district’s approach to addressing this issue is to host community meetings to gather feedback before providing recommendations to the School Board.
I attended our first community meeting at Boca Ciega High School and was encouraged by the opportunity for community members to receive information and provide their thoughts. The structured format allowed participants to ask questions, reflect on the data presented, and share ideas directly on topic-specific posters. Your input is vital, and I appreciate the thoughtful perspectives offered.
During community meetings, district leaders share key data and invite feedback on topics including:
- Population trends and enrollment projections
- School building utilization and long-range facility planning
- New school programming and innovative learning opportunities
- Potential grade configuration changes, consolidations, or closures
The next three meetings scheduled will take place from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Dunedin High School
- Thursday, Dec. 4 at Hollins High
- Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Lakewood High School
For additional information, visit pcsb.org/progress
This work requires honest conversations, thoughtful planning, and meaningful feedback from you. I am grateful that many of you are participating, and I hope even more families, staff, students, and community members will lend their voices in the weeks ahead.
PCS stakeholder survey
Your voice guides our work. Please take a few moments to complete the district’s Stakeholder Survey at https://www.pcsb.org/survey. You may contact the full School Board at board@pcsb.org or reach me directly at edmondc@pcsb.org.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting the students, staff, and families of Pinellas County Schools.
About Caprice Edmond
Caprice Edmond was elected School Board Chairperson on Nov. 11. A lifelong resident of St. Petersburg and member of the School Board since 2020, her education and experiences continue to shape her commitment to equitable, student-centered advocacy.
