Eastside Elementary to phase to K–8 'Academy' with leadership, agriscience and aerospace pathways

Eastside Elementary is set to become Eastside Academy of Leadership and Innovation, a phased K–8 conversion that school leaders say will keep local students in a single campus while offering career pathways and leadership training.

Dr. Mike Lastra, Eastside’s principal, presented a three‑year phase‑in plan at the joint meeting. The district will add sixth grade in the first year, seventh grade the following year and eighth grade in year three, capping cohort sizes to avoid overcrowding. "We've already had over 60 families sign up to stay with us," Lastra said.

The academy will emphasize leadership across grades, financial literacy and a student‑run branch in partnership with Suncoast Credit Union that will let students open accounts and practice deposits under supervision. Lastra also outlined agriscience technology (gardening, aquaponics and farm‑to‑table concepts) and an aerospace/STEM pathway tied to Space Florida and Hernando High School’s CTE offerings.

District staff and board members expressed support and noted recruiting advantages for educators attracted to the K–8 model. Superintendent Pender thanked the principal and said the program aligns with district priorities for student success, talent development and community stewardship.

Implementation will include curricular adjustments, quarterly field experiences (e.g., Kennedy Space Center, local farms), and partnerships to create hands‑on labs. The school will track enrollment to keep the school well under the capacity of the expanded campus after the third year.

The plan next proceeds through standard district implementation and staffing steps; no board vote was required at this joint meeting.