Pinellas schools top state average in every subject
LARGO — Pinellas County Schools outperformed the state average in every subject on Florida’s 2026 assessments, the district said in a news release.
The results cover the third progress-monitoring administration (PM3) of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, or FAST, in English language arts and math for grades 3-10; the statewide science assessments; and end-of-course exams in Algebra 1, Geometry, Civics and U.S. History.
“These results reflect the hard work, dedication and belief of our students, teachers, staff and families,” Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said. “Outperforming the state in every tested area is an accomplishment worth celebrating and a testament to what is possible when we work together toward a shared vision of student success. As we look toward a new school year, we will continue to dream big, set high expectations and create opportunities for every student to reach their fullest potential.”
District results:
• English language arts: Proficiency reached 64% in grades 3-10, compared with 61% statewide. Pinellas topped the state in grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-10.
• Math: The district posted 64% proficiency in grades 3-12 on the FAST and end-of-course exams, compared with 61% statewide. It led the state in grades 3-5, Algebra 1 and Geometry.
• Science: Students hit 70% proficiency in grade 5 and 59% in grade 8 on the statewide science assessments, plus 75% on the Biology end-of-course exam, compared with state marks of 60%, 57% and 74%.
• Social studies: Proficiency came in at 79% on the Civics end-of-course exam and 75% on U.S. History, compared with 76% and 73% statewide.
District highlights:
• Third- through fifth-graders beat the state by six points in English language arts, a five-point gain from last year.
• Geometry students finished four points above the state, up six points from a year earlier.
• Fifth-graders scored 10 points above the state average on the statewide science assessment.
• Civics and U.S. History students topped the state by three and two points, respectively.
The 2026 statewide assessment data and reports are available at fldoe.org.
Elections office sets ballot mailing schedule for August primary
CLEARWATER — The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections has released a tentative schedule to mail ballots to registered voters for the Aug. 18 primary election.
• July 2 (statutory deadline July 4) — Mail ballots to military and overseas voters who have requested mail ballots to date. State law requires ballots for absent military and overseas voters to be mailed at least 45 days prior to an election.
• July 14 (statutory deadline July 16) — Begin mailing ballots to domestic voters who have requested ballots to date. State law requires domestic ballots to be mailed between 40 and 33 days prior to an election.
Absent military and overseas voters include all active-duty military, their spouses and dependents currently absent from their places of residence, and civilians who are U.S. citizens residing outside the United States. Domestic voters are civilian voters residing within the United States and active-duty military voters residing in Pinellas County.
Additional mail ballot requests will be fulfilled as received. To request a mail ballot, visit VotePinellas.gov or call 727-464-VOTE (8683). The deadline to request that a ballot be mailed is August 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Mail ballots must be received at one of the Supervisor of Elections Offices by 7 p.m. local time on Election Day. Domestic voters are advised to allow at least one week for their ballot to be returned by mail to the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Mail ballots may also be dropped off to any Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office or secure ballot return location.
Florida has closed primary elections. Only voters registered with a political party may vote in that party’s closed Primary Election. All registered voters may vote in nonpartisan races, including judicial and school board contests, as well as the universal primary contests. The deadline to register or change party affiliation is July 20.
Pinellas schools gets ‘A’ grade for third year
LARGO — Pinellas County Schools has earned an “A” for the third consecutive year as reported by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) release of the 2025-26 district-level and school grades.
“Earning an ‘A’ district grade for the third consecutive year is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of what is possible when an entire community is committed to student success. This achievement belongs to our students, teachers, staff, families, School Board, and community partners, whose dedication to excellence continues to make Pinellas County Schools a place where every student can thrive,” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick.
Every district-operated school across the district continues to accelerate outcomes for students, with 70% of schools earning an A, and 92% of schools earning an A or B, the district noted. All schools earned an A, B, or C.
Pinellas County Schools continues to be one of Florida’s top-performing school districts, with third grade reading proficiency reaching 70% for the first time in district history, outpacing the state and ranking ninth statewide.
Among the school highlights, Campbell Park Elementary, Gulfport Elementary, Melrose Elementary, and Woodlawn Elementary each earned their first-ever “A” school grade. Together, these achievements demonstrate that excellence is being realized in schools across the district.
Tax collector, nonprofit to collect for foster kids
The Pinellas County Tax Collector’s Office is partnering with Suncoast Voices for Children throughout July to collect new socks, underwear, and monetary donations for local children in foster care.
The drive addresses basic yet often overlooked needs of children entering foster care. Many children arrive in care with few personal belongings, making new socks and underwear among the most requested essentials. Customers are invited to drop off new socks and underwear for children ages toddler through teen at all tax collector locations in July.
Monetary donations directly support children and families in foster care by providing essentials such as birthday and holiday gifts, safe housing, tutoring, enrichment programs, clothing, hygiene items, and car seats. Residents may also make a monetary donation via QR code at a Pinellas tax collector’s office.
Suncoast Voices for Children is a nonprofit organization addressing the unmet needs of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Pinellas and Pasco counties. Through programs offering clothing, educational support, enrichment opportunities, safety equipment, and other essentials, the organization helps children and teens in foster care build brighter futures.