Saint Lucie County voters approve half penny surtax for educational funding

The St. Lucie County School Board convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss key educational goals and performance metrics, highlighting significant achievements in student learning and school ratings.

The meeting began with a review of the district's educational goals. The board celebrated the successful renewal of the half-penny surtax, which received a 67% approval from voters, underscoring community support for educational initiatives. This funding is crucial for the district's ongoing efforts to enhance student success.

The board confirmed the opening of Legacy High School, set for August 2025, marking a significant milestone in the district's boundary initiative. This goal was previously approved on October 22, 2024.

A detailed analysis of student performance followed, focusing on reading and math improvements across all grade levels. The district reported a 22% increase in student enrollment in acceleration programs over the past decade, with a remarkable 235% rise in acceleration opportunities. In reading, St. Lucie Public Schools outperformed the state in most grades, with a notable increase in proficiency, particularly in 2025, where the district improved by 43 percentage points compared to the state's 30.

In mathematics, the district also showed significant gains, achieving a 35-point increase in 2025, while the state only improved by 17 points. Proficiency in algebra and geometry rose by 5% and 7%, respectively, with the district outperforming state averages in both subjects.

The meeting also addressed science and social studies performance, where the district maintained an upward trend, although fifth-grade science saw a slight decrease in proficiency. Overall, St. Lucie Public Schools outpaced the state in all tested subjects, achieving a total growth score of 120 points compared to the state's 76.

The board reported that for the 2025 academic year, there were 11 A-rated schools, 18 B-rated schools, and 8 C-rated schools, with no schools receiving D or F ratings. The district itself earned an A rating, scoring 777 points, surpassing the 760 points required.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to continuous improvement in education, with a focus on enhancing student performance and expanding opportunities. The board expressed gratitude to the principals and staff for their contributions to these achievements, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.