Superintendent highlights enrollment gains, graduation progress and Education Foundation sign campaign

Superintendent gave a district update at the Feb. 12 Hardee County School Board meeting, citing recent professional development, data reviews and early signs of enrollment recovery.

Enrollment and graduation: The superintendent said district enrollment rose from 4,308 (Jan. 16) to 4,328 — a net gain of 20 students — and reported the district's graduation rate is “just over 85%” for the current cohort. She said the district continues to track graduation progress and set goals to improve outcomes.

Instructional supports and observations: District leaders reported they completed a PM2 data cycle and plan school‑level visits to review instructional programs and align next steps. Elementary observations included implementation of UFLY phonics in K–2; the district expects the UF team to return for joint observations in approximately two months. Math coaching and training through the Heartland Educational Consortium was described as ongoing.

Community recognition and fundraising signs: The superintendent described a partnership with the Education Foundation to provide public‑education appreciation yard signs; purchases via a QR code are routed through the foundation but proceeds are designated for the school district. She said limited signs are available and district leaders and PTOs will distribute them; proceeds are intended to benefit district programs.

Student achievements: The superintendent celebrated student successes at a regional science fair, with one student advancing to nationals and another as an observer, and noted the boys' soccer program advanced to regionals for the first time.

The updates were informational; several board members praised staff and urged continued community engagement.