Pinellas Schools Kick Off Year with Stellar Grades and New STEM Bus!

Pinellas Schools Kick Off Year with Stellar Grades and New STEM Bus!

As students and educators in Pinellas County Schools welcomed the start of the 2025-2026 academic year this week, there was much to celebrate and consider. Maintaining an „A“ grade from the Florida Department of Education for two consecutive years, the district is a shining example of academic success. With nearly 90% of its schools earning „A“ or „B“ grades, the focus on student achievement appears to be paying off. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick expressed enthusiasm about the improvements in curriculum and the return of students to their classrooms after a challenging few years.

One of the standout features of this year’s opening is a brand-new STEM bus, designed to engage middle school students with hands-on science and technology experiences. This initiative, along with the continuation of the mobile Innovation Lab, promises to further enhance learning opportunities across the county. Additionally, Gulf Beaches Elementary School has reopened after recovering from the damage caused by last year’s storm season, marking a fresh start for both students and staff.

Transportation Triumphs and Ongoing Challenges

Despite encouraging news, transportation remains a complex issue for many districts in the Tampa Bay area. Pinellas County Schools, while reporting a positive start to the school year, is still navigating the bus driver shortage that has plagued the region. Trainer Kevin Cobb has been busy hiring and training new drivers throughout the summer, yet the district still finds itself in need of about 30 more drivers. This comes after a pay raise brought driver salaries to $19.79 per hour, a move aimed at attracting and retaining talent amidst growing demand.

Further afield, Hillsborough County Schools and Pasco County Schools are facing similar struggles, with Hillsborough short approximately 203 drivers and Pasco dealing with 41 unfilled routes out of 274 total. This shortage has led current drivers in some districts to take on double runs, which puts additional strain on their schedules. However, Pasco officials noted some progress compared to previous years, although they have not yet returned to pre-2018 levels.

In the midst of these challenges, the issue of student absenteeism is also coming to the fore. According to a report by HopSkipDrive, 91% of respondents from school districts across the U.S. reported experiencing a driver shortage. Alarmingly, over 44% of school leaders identified transportation challenges as a contributing factor to chronic absenteeism. This situation has left many parents either driving their children to school themselves or relying on family for transportation. The stress of this responsibility is palpable; 64% of parents report worrying about their child’s transportation weekly, with 29% feeling that concern daily.

Looking Ahead

The current landscape of school transportation is indeed challenging, but it is also ripe with opportunities for change. The ongoing efforts to hire more drivers and improve service, as seen in the proactive measures taken by the Pinellas County Schools, provide a glimpse of hope. As districts navigate the complexities of transportation, there’s something to be said for thoughtful collaboration among schools, families, and local authorities to find effective solutions.

In essence, while the improvements in grades and STEM initiatives are heartening, the hurdles in transportation call for continued attention. The commitment to addressing these challenges could ultimately define the success of this academic year for students across Pinellas County and beyond.

As we move through this school year, let’s keep cheering for our students and educators, and continue to work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

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