The Hendry County School District held a live-streamed meeting on April 30, 2025, aimed at fostering community engagement and discussing key developments within the district. Superintendent Mike Swindle opened the meeting by welcoming both in-person attendees and online participants, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with parents and community members.

During the meeting, Swindle provided an overview of the district, which serves approximately 7,600 students across 11 educational sites, including one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools. He highlighted the district's workforce of around 1,000 employees, which includes teachers, bus drivers, and administrative staff, all dedicated to the education and safety of students.

A significant focus of the discussion was the district's budget, which totals $236 million for the current fiscal year. Swindle noted that about 80% of this budget is allocated to salaries, underscoring the financial challenges faced by the district, particularly as they await final decisions from state leaders regarding the upcoming budget cycle. This uncertainty directly impacts potential teacher raises and operational funding.

Swindle also celebrated the district's academic achievements, stating that this school year is projected to be the highest achieving year in terms of academic gains. He expressed gratitude for the hard work of staff and the engagement of students, setting a positive tone for the future.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to engage further, reinforcing the district's commitment to transparency and collaboration as they move forward in their educational mission.