Pinellas County Schools are facing a decline in enrollment, with a drop of over 3,600 students in the 2025-2026 academic year. To address this issue, the district is seeking input from the community on potential changes, including school closures and consolidations.

Enrollment Decline

The decline in enrollment is attributed to a decrease in births in the county, as well as families leaving the area due to high costs of living. Deputy Superintendent Stephanie Woodford noted that many families are choosing to have smaller family units, with some having only one child.

The district has already made some tough decisions, including the closure of Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. Additionally, Bay Point Elementary and Bay Point Middle will be consolidated into a K-8 institution on the middle school campus in the 2027-2028 academic year.

Community Input

The district held a series of community meetings to gather input on potential changes. Attendees were asked to provide feedback on questions such as whether they would support a new fundamental elementary or middle school in their area, and what ideas they had for school closures or consolidations.

Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine noted that community feedback has already had an impact on the district’s decisions, and that the board will continue to engage with the community through a series of workshops in August and September.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.