Hillsborough County adds four new Purple Star schools recognizing military students

Hillsborough County Public Schools is making strides in supporting military families and recognizing educational leadership. During the recent School Board meeting on April 8, 2025, board members celebrated the addition of Lithia Springs Elementary and Riverview High School to the growing list of Purple Star Schools. This initiative, which acknowledges schools that support students from military families, originated from the board's legislative priorities and has now expanded to 25 schools across the state.

In addition to this significant achievement, the meeting also highlighted National Assistant Principals Week, honoring the vital role that assistant principals (APs) play in fostering a positive learning environment. Board members expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of APs, emphasizing their support for principals and their impact on student motivation and teacher support.

Furthermore, West Tampa was recognized as a "Rising Star" by the East Coast Technical Assistance Center (ECTAC) for its exceptional progress in enhancing student achievement, despite facing high poverty challenges. The school improved its grade by two letter grades, showcasing the effectiveness of its educational strategies.

These discussions reflect Hillsborough County's commitment to educational excellence and support for diverse student needs, setting a strong example for schools statewide.