Port St. Lucie — St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent John Prince updated the City Council on Sept. 22, telling members the district earned an A rating for the first time in its history and outlining programs the district says helped drive gains in reading, math and other core subjects.

Prince credited teachers, support staff and the school board and said the district moved proficiency rates faster than the state across multiple grade bands. He said the district’s overall proficiency gain in assessed grades (3–10) was “plus 120” compared with a “plus 76” statewide trend. He also noted a successful voter renewal of a half‑cent sales tax (a 10‑year measure) that passed by almost 70 percent and said the extra revenue supports maintenance and improvements for existing schools.

Prince described an expansion of acceleration opportunities for elementary students — providing curriculum one to two years ahead for qualifying third and fourth graders — and said the district now has about 1,250 elementary students in accelerated coursework, a figure he said rose by roughly 400 students this year. He said middle school and high school enrollment in advanced and college‑credit classes has also increased following recovery from pandemic‑era declines.

Prince introduced a new workforce initiative, Classrooms to Careers, developed with the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. The K‑12 program begins with “Play with Purpose” in kindergarten, includes career exploration and local industry exposure in middle school, and culminates in pre‑apprenticeships and career fairs at the high school level. The district piloted 51 paid internships last summer; Prince said his goal is to expand the internships toward 500 in coming years.

He highlighted new and improved schools, including Legacy High, and emphasized the district’s focus on early literacy and mental‑health support for students and teachers. Prince closed by saying public education is “the genius of our democracy” and thanked the council for its partnership.

Council members responded with congratulations and tied the A rating to economic development, saying strong schools improve the city’s appeal to employers and prospective residents. Prince invited questions on transportation and said Terrence O’Leary, the district chief operating officer, is the point person for bus and transportation concerns.