As we find ourselves halfway through the summer, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible strides our district has made . This season is not only a time for rest and rejuvenation, but also an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and prepare for the promising year ahead.
One of our most significant achievements this summer has been the success of our summer feeding sites. These sites have been a lifeline for students and families, ensuring that our young learners have access to nutritious meals even when school is out. The positive feedback from the community underscores the importance of this initiative, and we are committed to continuing this essential service.
As of June 1, our students have accumulated $34,441,919 in scholarships. This number will continue to grow during the month of July. This outstanding achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and support staff. These scholarships will open doors to higher education and successful futures for many of our graduates.
Based on preliminary data, we have also seen a 47% increase in industry certifications from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024. This number will continue to grow and change as industry certifications are still being computed and entered. Overall, we have seen a phenomenal 177% increase in industry certifications since the 2021-2022 school year. This surge demonstrates our commitment to equipping students with the skills and credentials they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
At the June 13 Workshop prior to the School Board Meeting, we provided an update on our five-year strategic plan for the school board. This update reveals the success of our schools and students in Year 2 and the critical initiatives we have planned for the upcoming Year 3. We were also able to proudly share that in 27 out of 28 tested areas for students K-12, our district averages are well above the state average, a testament to the quality of education we provide within Santa Rosa County District Schools. Additionally, our teacher retention rate increased from 92.3% in 2022-2023 to 93.4% in 2023-2024, showing a 1.1% overall increase in retaining highly qualified instructional staff.
In addition to academic and nutritional achievements, we are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Santa Rosa Center for Innovation. This groundbreaking project has been made possible through a $9,000,000 grant from Triumph Gulf Coast and a $500,000 appropriation from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature. This center will be located on Highway 90 in Milton and will serve as a hub for cutting-edge educational opportunities and foster a culture of innovation within our district for all students. We are scheduled to open this center in late 2025.
Our athletic teams have also enjoyed a year of tremendous success, showcasing the talent and dedication of our student-athletes. Their hard work and perseverance have brought home numerous victories and honors, making our district proud! Additionally, a middle school sports program was successful and served over 1,200 student athletes. What a great opportunity for so many students in our school district.
As we look forward to the 2024-2025 school year, we are ready to embark on our initiative to keep the dream alive − our roadmap to hope. This comprehensive plan aims to build on our successes and continue providing exceptional educational experiences for all our students. Together, we have achieved so much, and together, we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and success!
Karen Barber is superintendent of Santa Rosa County District Schools.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: From student achievement to teacher retention, Santa Rosa Schools are celebrating success
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