Hardee County School Board renews FSBA membership, approves consent agenda and hears foundation, summer-academy updates

The Hardee County School Board adopted several routine items at its March 26 meeting and heard updates on district and community initiatives.

The board approved minutes from the March 12 meeting (motion by Dr. Sharp, second by Ms. Dasher) and later approved renewing the district’s membership in the Florida School Board Association for 2026–2027 and authorized payment of dues for all five board members (motion by Dr. Sharp, second by Mr. Smith). The consent agenda was also approved by voice vote.

Under new business the superintendent recapped attending the Chamber State of the County event and the district’s outreach there. Board member Ms. Cornell and other attendees reported on the Hardee Education Foundation grant expo at the depot, which showcases classroom and school-level projects funded by the foundation and provides an opportunity for teachers to share ideas and collaborate. The foundation was noted to offer a tuition-reimbursement scholarship repayable over five years for graduates who continue to live in Hardee County; Dr. Crawford was identified as the foundation’s executive director.

Ms. Cornell said the expo remains open until 6 p.m. and that the foundation’s grants have helped teachers replicate successful classroom strategies across schools. The superintendent also said the district is finalizing ELA and math summer academies for teachers and is planning student enrichment activities to be announced at a future meeting.

The board confirmed the next regular meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2026, and adjourned at 5:17 p.m.