Safety and security took center stage at the Hendry County School District meeting, with officials outlining ambitious goals to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff. The district aims for 100% of students and staff to feel safe, alongside a target to reduce reported safety incidents by 10% each year.

Dr. Staley emphasized the importance of safety in education, stating, "People need to feel safe to be able to learn." The district is implementing a comprehensive safety strategy that includes qualitative data collection and a focus on reducing serious incidents such as fighting, drug use, and weapon-related issues.

In addition to safety, the meeting highlighted academic goals, with aspirations to increase student performance on state tests. The district aims to boost reading scores from 44% to 54% and math scores from 47% to 57% by 2024. Dr. Staley noted that these targets are flexible and will be adjusted based on the district's progress.

Engagement with the community is also a priority, with plans for ongoing town hall meetings and improved communication systems to gather feedback from parents, students, and staff. The district seeks a 75% satisfaction rating regarding school culture and climate, aiming for greater participation in surveys to inform decision-making.

Fiscal responsibility was another key topic, with a budget of $236 million primarily allocated to salaries. Dr. Staley stressed the need for effective financial management to support educational goals, stating, "We are a business... we have to live within the parameters of that funding."

As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on fostering a culture of high academic expectations, regardless of the challenges faced by the community. The district is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.