The Hillsborough County School Board convened on August 26, 2025, to discuss significant updates and achievements as the new school year begins. Superintendent Gaffner highlighted the successful start of the academic year, expressing gratitude to staff for their efforts in welcoming students and families back to school. The board celebrated the positive reception of the new FOCUS system, which aims to enhance educational processes within the district.

A key focus of the meeting was the impressive performance of the district's accelerated academic programs. Superintendent Gaffner reported that the district administered 24,500 Cambridge ACE exams this past spring, marking a substantial increase of 5,000 exams from the previous year. The pass rate for these exams was noted at 58.95%, reflecting a 1.3% increase. Schools such as Sickles, Strawberry Crest, and Tampa Bay Tech saw significant growth in the number of exams taken, with Newsom and Steinbrenner quadrupling their participation.

The meeting also acknowledged the achievement of 351 students who earned their ACE diplomas this past May, a notable increase of 219 diplomas compared to the previous year. This success complements the 389 International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas awarded, showcasing the district's commitment to providing diverse and rigorous academic opportunities.

Superintendent Gaffner emphasized the importance of these programs, particularly in relation to the Bright Futures scholarships, which are awarded based on academic performance rather than standardized test scores. The board expressed appreciation for the ongoing support and initiatives that have led to these educational advancements.

As the school year progresses, the district remains focused on maintaining high academic standards and supporting student success through innovative programs and dedicated staff efforts.