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AT&T donates $30,000 to Polk Education Foundation; district recognizes staff and selects principal and assistant principal of the year finalists
Summary
AT&T presented a $30,000 donation to the Polk Education Foundation on Oct. 28 to support digital access for graduating seniors, and the district publicly recognized its Focus on Excellence winners and annual principal and assistant principal of the year.
Polk Education Foundation leaders presented a $30,000 gift from AT&T during the Polk County School Board meeting on Oct. 28, saying the funds will be used to help bridge the digital divide by providing computers and digital‑literacy courses to graduating seniors in need. Matt Mucci, representing AT&T and serving on the Polk Education Foundation board, joined foundation leaders for a ceremonial check presentation.
"It really warms my heart that the district and the foundation continue to work together," Mucci said when presenting the check. Polk Education Foundation leaders noted that AT&T's contributions to the district total more than $140,000 over the years and that the $30,000 gift will expand digital access initiatives.
The board also recognized the Focus on Excellence employee recognition winners for the quarter. Jeanette Crowley presented the program's purpose and the names of 12 winners from categories across principals, assistant principals, student services and non‑classroom staff. Winners will receive prizes from sponsors and be featured on district channels.
Regional assistant superintendents then announced finalists for principal and assistant principal of the year. Superintendent Hyde named Leandra Sessoms of Lake Gibson Middle School as assistant principal of the year and Rhonda Cotter of Westwood Middle School as principal of the year. Board members and district staff congratulated the winners and noted they will represent the district at the Florida Department of Education recognitions and speak at the Inspire Awards on Nov. 7.
Why this matters: The donation aims to address the local digital divide for graduating seniors; the recognitions highlight district leadership and staff performance. The Inspire Awards and scholarship milestones are part of the district's broader effort to celebrate classroom and operational staff.
