Pinellas County Schools

Vacancies remain, but most local districts are beginning this school year ahead, with solid progress in both teaching and transportation staff.

After nearly a month, the federal government is releasing billions of dollars it had under review. The money pays for services like teacher training, English language instruction, adult education and academic enrichment.

School districts across the nation are struggling to budget for the upcoming school year as the federal government continues to hold onto around $5 billion. Tampa Bay area school leaders say they're looking at other potential funding sources.

The Department of Education said in a brief message last month it is reviewing fiscal year 2025 funding "given the change in administrations."

Pinellas and Sarasota counties earned A’s, while Polk was the only district to improve its grade. Factors used to determine grades include state testing in English, math, science and social studies and grad rates.

The state teachers' union president says "constantly" changing tests may be leading to failing scores at the national level. "We've got to look a little broader than just the state assessments," he says.

Despite smoking rates dropping, Florida's local health officials think it could be lower through school policies and strategy updates.

Dozens of community members spoke at Tuesday's board meeting, urging school officials to do everything they can to prevent immigration enforcement on campuses.

The district police chief explained how he had mistakenly applied for a program that aids federal immigration agents. The application is no longer being considered.

Even though enrollment is dwindling in Pinellas County schools, its English Language Learner population continues to grow.

This will be the band's third Rose Bowl parade appearance. It will perform "Rock Around the Clock" and "Gangnam Style."

A Pasadena Fundamental Elementary teacher died last month. Shortly after, seven of the school’s classrooms were vacated while the building underwent air-conditioning repairs and air-quality testing.