Students at Palm Harbor University High, Dunedin High and every other Pinellas County campus returned Aug. 11 to a district that has now earned an "A" from the Florida Department of Education three years running.
The district announced the grade July 1, based on 2025-26 results: 70% of schools earned an "A," 92% earned an "A" or "B," and no school fell below a "C." Third-grade reading proficiency hit 70% for the first time in district history, ranking ninth statewide.
"Earning an 'A' district grade for the third consecutive year is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of what is possible when an entire community is committed to student success," Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said in the district's July 1 announcement.
That streak is now three years.
Superintendent marks first day with safety message alongside police
The milestone landed just as the 2026-27 school year opened. Hendrick greeted bus drivers and staff at the district depot that morning before joining the Pinellas County Schools Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office in a safety message to families.
New rules restrict smart glasses recording and e-bike parking
New campus rules for 2026-27 include a ban on recording with smart glasses such as Meta glasses, except for medical reasons, and enforcement of municipal e-bike regulations requiring helmets and designated parking. Hendrick told Fox 13 on Aug. 11 that the policies reflect evolving technology: students cannot wear smart glasses that record others, and e-bikes must be parked in designated spots once on campus.
Falling birth rates are driving school closures and consolidation talk
The strong academic marks come as the district navigates declining enrollment. Hospital births in Pinellas County dropped below 7,000 last year after years near 10,000, according to Hendrick. Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy closed ahead of the 2026-27 school year due to low enrollment, and the district held a series of "Planning for Progress" community meetings in July to gather feedback on facility planning and school utilization.
Dunedin Highland Middle students take home national history honors
Students from Dunedin Highland Middle School earned the Women's History Award and Florida's Outstanding Project Award at the National History Day competition, a recognition highlighted in the district's welcome-back message.
School Board Chairperson Caprice Edmond called the "A" rating a reflection of "the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, staff, families, and community."
Board workshop this week will weigh consolidation feedback
The school board holds a workshop Aug. 14 to review community feedback from the "Planning for Progress" meetings, including input on potential school consolidation. As we reported Aug. 11, Dunedin's five schools opened under that ongoing consolidation discussion. Families who want to weigh in on facility decisions should watch for the workshop agenda on the district's website.
