Just last month, the Pinellas County School Board decided to close two schools at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year – Pinellas Park’s Cross Bayou Elementary and Gulfport’s Disston Academy. This is just one consequence of decreased enrollments.
Pinellas County Schools is prioritizing early education and encouraging families to prepare their children for kindergarten.
“This year, we’ve increased our focus,” said PCS director of early childhood education Jennifer Mekler.
A key aspect of the district’s efforts is helping Pre-K and VPK (the state-funded Voluntary Prekindergarten Education program) students adjust to elementary school. Starting in October, early learning center directors were invited to tour neighborhood campuses so that they could start building relationships with PCS administrators.
“This creates a stronger support network as families transition from one place to another,” Mekler explained. School principals even visited the centers to read to the children to build rapport.
This is part of an effort called the Preschool Kindergarten Partnership. Additionally, enrollment opened in January – which is earlier than past years.
“Family units are not scrambling,” she said. “They can support their child through the transition – which can lead to a more successful start.”
In February, PCS hosted Ready, Set… Kindergarten! events to welcome new students and their families. They were able to tour classrooms, meet staff and learn about summer opportunities.
Mekler added that for parents who were unable to attend, tours are given on a weekly basis.
In May, the 100 Days ’til Kindergarten countdown initiative will begin. Materials are sent home with VPK students so that their guardians can help prepare them for the first day of school. Enrollment information is also provided in case families have not yet completed the process. As part of the effort, young children are encouraged to read 100 books as well.
Enrollment declines are not only a county issue, she said, but a statewide challenge. There has been a decline in birth rates for the past 10 years. Increased housing costs have become another obstacle.
“This creates a struggle for young families to afford living here if they do have young children,” Mekler explained. “The population is shifting to different areas where housing is more affordable.”
She added that people are still moving to the Pinellas region, but many are older adults who do not have small children.
This has also had an impact on early learning centers. Some have been forced to close due to a lack of students. Consequently, parents have less choices.
Based on state readiness research, Mekler said, students who have VPK experience are “far more prepared” for kindergarten.
“That focus on the birth to 5 year old space is certainly critical,” she explained. “Ninety percent of a child’s brain is developed by the time they turn five.”
This content provided in partnership with StPeteCatalyst.com
