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Superintendent announces UFLI phonics grant, new principal at Wauchula Elementary and program updates
Summary
Superintendent Bennett highlighted a University of Florida (UFLI) phonics grant worth roughly $100,000 in training and materials, announced Christie Bellflower as principal at Wauchula Elementary, and previewed plans for expanded literacy supports, sixth-grade teaming and additional CTE offerings.
Superintendent Bennett gave a multi-part update at the June 9 Hardee County School Board meeting, announcing new instructional partnerships, staffing updates and upcoming programming changes for the 2025–26 school year.
Bennett said the district was awarded a grant through the University of Florida for the UFLI phonics program. The superintendent said the grant is valued at approximately $2,000 per participant (amounting to a sum she characterized as more than $100,000 to the district), and will include free manuals and summer training with continued monthly and quarterly support from UF during the school year. Staff said the program is research-based and will target tier-1 classroom instruction in K–2 to close literacy gaps before third grade.
Bennett also recognized Christie Bellflower as the new principal at Wauchula Elementary; Bellflower told the board she has been on the job a week and said she looks forward to serving the school community. Bennett and Bellflower also noted ongoing school moves and cleaning work connected to capacity changes, with Hilltop Elementary and Hardy Junior High staff credited for rapid preparation and cleaning during a recent move.
Other instructional updates included the district’s plan to implement sixth-grade teaming (math, ELA, science and social studies teachers assigned to student teams) and to expand CTE certification opportunities at the junior high, including a digital art class and more certification pathways. Bennett said the district will continue partnerships with University of Florida programs and a “Learning Ally” literacy tool for second-grade teachers; both were presented to outside reviewers and cleared by the Florida Center for Reading Research vetting.
Why it matters: The announcements signal district investments in early literacy, continuity in building leadership, and expansion of academic and career-technical opportunities. The UFLI grant supplies training and materials without a direct district purchase; other program expansions will require implementation planning and staffing.
