During a recent Hillsborough County Public Schools board meeting, Superintendent Ayers presented a significant initiative aimed at enhancing literacy among kindergarten and first-grade students in the district's most vulnerable elementary schools. The program, funded through ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, will provide take-home decodable texts to approximately 12,500 students. Each month, students will receive a set of ten books that align with their phonics instruction, accompanied by 30-second instructional videos available in both English and Spanish via QR codes. This initiative is designed to foster literacy growth at home, ensuring that families have access to quality reading materials.

Board members expressed strong support for the program, highlighting its alignment with the intended use of ESSER funds. Member Combs emphasized the importance of providing books to children, noting that access to literature significantly impacts educational outcomes. Member Hahn echoed this sentiment, praising the initiative as a wise investment that will positively influence student reading proficiency.

Concerns regarding family engagement were raised, with Member Vaughn stressing the need for effective communication to ensure parents understand the initiative and can support their children's reading at home. Superintendent Ayers assured the board that various strategies, including social media outreach and family engagement nights, are being implemented to promote awareness and involvement.

In addition to the literacy initiative, the board also discussed the SEEDS program, which provides intensive case management services to academically struggling students and their families. This program, in collaboration with the Children's Board, aims to improve kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading proficiency. Board members praised the program's focus on addressing the holistic needs of families, which is crucial for student success.

The meeting also covered the implementation of positive behavior intervention supports (PBIS) through two separate applications, Live School and another unnamed program. These tools are designed to streamline the process of rewarding positive student behavior and tracking behavioral data, ultimately fostering a more supportive school environment.

Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for students in Hillsborough County through targeted literacy initiatives, family engagement, and positive behavioral supports. The board unanimously approved the initiatives, reflecting a collective belief in their potential to make a meaningful impact on student achievement.