Superintendent Hendrick told the Pinellas County School Board on Nov. 11 that the number of school‑age children in Pinellas County has declined over the last two decades and that the district will host community meetings to plan for the future.

Hendrick asked residents to attend "planning for progress" sessions to discuss population trends, building capacity, new programs and the potential for closures, consolidations or grade reconfigurations. He named the first meeting as taking place at Boca Ciega High School tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with subsequent meetings scheduled at Largo High and other locations in December.

Hendrick also described supports available to families during a government shutdown, including free breakfasts at every school, lunch programs and weekend "pack a snack" programs at some schools funded in part by community partners including the Dillinger Foundation. He directed families to pcsb.org/food for more information and reminded the public that the district’s stakeholder survey is open through Dec. 19.

“It's important that we hear voices from all of those in our community on the future of public education in Pinellas County,” Hendrick said.

The board did not take formal action on these announcements; staff said the meetings are intended to gather public input that will inform district planning.