Oct. 13, 2025
Pinellas County Schools recognized 105 support employees at the district’s annual COD Breakfast on Monday, Oct. 13.
The event celebrated employees who committed extra hours to professional learning. The program provides support employees with an opportunity to expand their knowledge and earn bonuses.
There are two levels of distinction: COD I and COD II. The COD I program requires 65 hours of professional development, including program essentials, diversity essentials and electives. The COD II program requires 150 hours of professional development, including program essentials, electives and volunteer/outreach. Employees who complete Level I receive an annual bonus of $275 and those who complete Level II earn an additional $300.
Recipients say the program helps them grow professionally, learn new skills and build their confidence. Monday's honorees included school-based staff, administration staff, and employees who work in maintenance, health and safety, food service, and transportation.
Employees in the transportation department earned the most Certificates of Distinction this year. Four employees earned both certificates, completing at least 215 hours of professional learning.
The Certificate of Distinction program began in 1998 with a pilot group of 36 recipients. Since the program began, nearly 4,500 employees have earned CODs.
