Saint Lucie School Board approves four key educational goals for 2025-2026

The St. Lucie County School Board meeting on July 8, 2025, spotlighted four ambitious goals aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and mental health support for students and staff. Superintendent Prince presented these goals, emphasizing a strong commitment to improving core instruction in reading, math, science, and social studies, with a particular focus on early literacy.

"These goals are based on conversations I've had with board members," Prince stated, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the initiatives. The first goal aims to ramp up foundational reading skills, which board members have identified as a priority.

The second goal, dubbed "Classrooms to Career," seeks to expand educational experiences for eighth graders and introduce components for elementary students, fostering a smoother transition into higher education and career readiness.

A significant discussion point was the third goal, which focuses on reinvesting in older school facilities while aggressively pursuing new construction. Prince noted the importance of ensuring that all children, regardless of their community, receive a first-class education. A workshop scheduled for July 29 will further explore these reinvestment strategies.

Lastly, the fourth goal addresses mental health, aiming to enhance support systems for both students and staff. "Caring for our children is not just a full-time job; it's a stressful job," Prince remarked, underscoring the need for better mental health resources.

The board unanimously approved these goals, signaling a strong commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. The meeting also included the selection of representatives for the Florida School Board Association Advocacy Committee, with Debbie Harley continuing as the representative and Troy Ingersoll as the alternate, both of whom were praised for their dedication.

As the board moves forward with these initiatives, the community is encouraged to participate in upcoming discussions, particularly regarding the future of school facilities and mental health support.