Planning for Progress

Dear Pinellas County Schools Families, Staff, and Community Members, 

As we continue our districtwide Planning for Progress work, I want to share an important update about the recommendations I will bring to the School Board at its workshop this morning, January 20, 2026. These recommendations are the result of a multi-year effort rooted in the realities our county is facing: a declining school-age population, legislative changes regarding school building use, and ensuring that every student has access to strong, sustainable schools. 

These recommendations reflect months of data analysis, community conversations, and careful consideration of how to best position our district for long-term success. They also reflect the district’s responsibility to wisely steward resources while maintaining high-quality learning environments for all students. 

This process is not easy. Any proposal that affects a school community—whether through consolidation, program redesign, facility changes, or closure—carries a significant impact on students, families, staff, and our community. I want to acknowledge this reality with honesty and compassion. Every impacted school community will receive separate, detailed information tailored to the unique circumstances of the specific school, and the district will be present to support each community every step of the way. Below is a summary of the recommendations. 

Recommendations: January 20, 2026  

• Create a K-8 school combining Bay Point Elementary and Bay Point Middle to be located on the middle school campus in 2027-28. Lease the elementary campus to a community partner.  

• Expand Oldsmar Elementary into a K-8 school beginning 2026-27.  

• Expand Employee Child Care program to McMullen-Booth Elementary in the 2026-27 school year. 

• Close Cross Bayou Elementary at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Rezone the current students to Bardmoor and Pinellas Central elementary schools. Transition the Deaf/Hard of Hearing program to Walsingham Oaks K-8.  

• Close Disston Academy at the end of the 2025-26 school year and relocate programs and students to established educational alternative sites. 

Community Engagement 

Following the January 20 School Board Workshop, we will hold onsite engagement sessions at all impacted schools between January 21 and February 6. These meetings will provide families and staff the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and understand how the proposals may affect their school community. 

Next Steps in the Decision-making Process 

• The School Board will discuss the January recommendations again at a Workshop on February 17. 

• A final Board vote is scheduled for February 24. 

• A larger round of recommendations will be brought to the Board in Fall 2026, as part of the next phase of Planning for Progress. 

This work is essential to ensuring Pinellas County Schools remain strong, stable, and student-centered for years to come. The district is committed to transparency and keeping our community informed as we navigate these important decisions. All information regarding the recommendations and upcoming site-based community meetings will be posted on the Planning for Progress website (www.pcsb.org/progress) following the Board Workshop this morning. 

Thank you for your continued trust. I remain grateful for your partnership, your engagement, and your commitment to our students and community. Together, we will continue building a future where every learner is supported, challenged, and prepared for 100% student success. 

Sincerely, 

Kevin K. Hendrick 
Superintendent 
Pinellas County Schools 

How You Helped Shape the Future of Pinellas County Schools

Planning For Progress Fall 2025 Community Meeting (PDF)

Pinellas County Schools held Planning for Progress community meetings across the district in November and December 2025. As the number of school-age children in Pinellas County has declined over the past decade, the district has engaged the community to help plan for the future of our schools.  Based on that feedback, the district will provide recommendations at the Jan. 20, 2026, School Board workshop.

What We Discussed

During the meetings, district leaders presented current data and gathered community input on key topics, including:

• Population trends and future enrollment projections
• School building utilization and facility planning
• New school programming and innovative learning opportunities
• Possible new grade configurations, school consolidations, or closures

Community Meeting Feedback

Community Meeting Schedule

Meetings were held:

• Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 – Boca Ciega High School
• Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 – Largo High School
• Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 – Dunedin High School
• Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 – Hollins High School
• Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 – Lakewood High School

Get Involved

Your voice matters as we plan for the future of public education in Pinellas County. Together, we can ensure every student has access to high-quality learning environments and opportunities for success. Send Your Feedback