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Board proclaims February Public Education Month and designates 2-1-1 Day
Summary
The BOCC unanimously adopted two proclamations: one recognizing February 2026 as Public Education Appreciation Month (read by Superintendent Sonia Bennett, who cited the district's B rating and ~4,500 students) and another designating Feb. 11 as 2-1-1 Day (United Way explained the 24/7 referral service and texting option 898211).
The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted two proclamations at its Feb. 5 meeting.
Superintendent Sonia Bennett of the Hardee County School District read a proclamation asking residents to celebrate public education during February. Bennett told the board the district has "just under 4,500 students" and "more than 500 dedicated professionals," and noted the district achieved a B rating for the first time since 2019. Commissioners praised the district's work and the board approved the proclamation. The superintendent asked her administrative team, school leaders and Education Foundation members present to stand for recognition, and the group posed for photographs.
Later the board heard from Natalie Dyle of United Way of Central Florida, who asked commissioners to designate Feb. 11 as 2-1-1 Day and described the service's operations: 2-1-1 is a free, confidential referral line available 24/7, accessible by calling 211 or texting a ZIP code to 898211; calls are answered by local call-center staff in the Orlando area who route callers to local services. Commissioners asked about funding and staffing; Dyle said United Way currently funds the line and is exploring additional funding partners. The board approved that proclamation unanimously as well.
Both proclamations were presented as community-recognition items; no policy action was attached. Staff will prepare framed copies for the district and United Way.
