Pinellas school board proclaims Disability History and Awareness Weeks and National Principals Month

The Pinellas County School Board voted unanimously to adopt two proclamations: one recognizing the first two weeks of October 2025 as Disability History and Awareness Weeks and another designating October 2025 as National Principals Month.

Lynn Mowat, executive director of Exceptional Student Education, told the board that Pinellas County serves nearly 14,000 students with disabilities and that the district emphasizes universal design for learning and inclusive practices. Mowat said the observance should promote "positive attitudes towards the successful inclusion of students with disabilities" and help "increase respect and acceptance of individual differences."

Board member Mrs. Long read the Disability History and Awareness Weeks proclamation and thanked Mowat for the work of district staff. The board approved that proclamation on a motion from Mrs. Long with a second from Mrs. Meyer; the vote was 7-0.

Paula Texel, one of the area superintendents, introduced the principals month proclamation and praised school-based administrators as "instructional leaders, problem solvers, mentors," and drivers of school culture. Missus Kane read the proclamation declaring October 2025 as National Principals Month. The board approved that proclamation on a motion from Missus Kane with a second from Miss Peters; the vote was 7-0.

Both proclamations are symbolic recognitions asking schools and citizens to celebrate contributions and promote inclusive, supportive school environments. The Disability History and Awareness Weeks proclamation references the role of instruction in preventing bullying and increasing post-secondary and workforce participation among students with disabilities.

Votes at a glance: the proclamations passed 7-0.