Board members praise Northport and Saint Lucie Elementary community events; nearly 600 backpacks distributed

Board Member Richardson reported Aug. 12 on recent school open houses and community events that provided services and resources to families ahead of the new school year. Richardson said her visit to Northport Elementary showed district maintenance teams helping the school meet open-house deadlines and praised principals and maintenance staff for their work. She said, "Principal Ross Stay graciously showed me through the campus, making sure to emphasize his gratitude for the maintenance team who came from across the district to support Northport." On a separate event at Saint Lucie Elementary, Richardson said volunteers and partners distributed "nearly 600 backpacks" and offered haircuts, school physicals and immunizations, free school uniforms, fresh produce, hygiene products, and other resources. She described coordinated contributions from IRSC cosmetology students, a local barber, Florida Community Health Center, a nonprofit partner, the local food bank, district transportation and nutrition teams, and two local businesses that made surprise deliveries. Richardson thanked Principal Potenza, Assistant Principals Mendoza and Gomez, and district employee Linda Tapia for coordinating the effort and said the event "prepared students comprehensively for their first day physically, emotionally, and academically." She characterized Saint Lucie Elementary as a "hidden gem" and praised extensive parent engagement. The board did not take action on these reports; they were presented for information and recognition of community partnerships.