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Tag: APP Education

  • Tuition for in-state undergraduates is going up across UNC system. What to know

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    The University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted to increase the cost of tuition for in-state undergraduate students. This is the first tuition hike for the UNC system in nine years.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted Thursday morning to increase the cost of tuition for in-state undergraduate students

    •  Tuition costs will be raised 3%, with an average increase of $125 per student starting with the 2026-27 school year

    •  The increase will not apply to current students, only new students


    The board voted in favor of the 3% increase Thursday morning. Officials say the hike amounts to about $125 per student, but is more or less depending on the university.

    The average cost of tuition systemwide will increase from $4,684 to $4,809 in 2026-27, according to a release, and will only apply to new students. Current students will not see a change in their tuition cost.

    “Low tuition is at the heart of our compact with the people of North Carolina,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “We’re focused on reducing administrative costs, keeping student debt down, and making sure every UNC degree delivers value for our graduates.”

    Officials say the increase is in response to rising operating costs and inflationary pressures.

    “For so much of the UNC System’s history, the debate was not about if tuition would go up, but about how much it would go up,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy. “This Board, working with our president and our chancellors, changed that expectation. We created a new affordability baseline for North Carolinians, one that prioritizes families and their needs.”

    In addition to the tuition hike, the board also approved an increase in mandatory student fees. “Fees during the 2026-27 academic year will increase by an average of 1%,” a release said.

    The hikes only apply to the 12 universities across the UNC system that are not designated NC Promise schools. Officials say in-state undergraduate tuition at NC Promise schools will stay at $500 per semester.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • Veteran students hope for changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Logan Cappelli is a Coast Guard veteran and also a student at St. Pete College in Pinellas County and thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Chapter 33, Cappelli has had the financial support he needed to attend SPC since 2024.  

    What You Need To Know

    • HR 1965, better known as, The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, was introduced to legislation in early March 2025 

    • The bill would raise stipend amounts to $1,400 for books and supplies. The program is estimated to assist almost 1 million participants with $13.4 billion in benefits 

    • The amount of money provided through this stipend has not changed since 2009; the new stipend raise will respond to changing inflation and costs for tuition

    • Current Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations require veterans to take at least one in-person class to receive full benefits, a rule veteran students like Logan Cappelli find outdated as programs shift online


    Focused on providing needed benefits to eligible service members and veterans who served on or after the events of September 11, 2001, it supports veterans by paying tuition, offering a book stipend, and a living expense stipend.

    “It definitely pays for a lot of things that I wouldn’t be able to pay for,” Cappelli said.

    However, the GI Bill isn’t perfect, and Capelli said many parts feel outdated or tied to regulations that aren’t realistic anymore. That includes the requirement to take at least one in-person class to keep GI benefits.

    Many of Cappelli’s classes for his major are offered virtually online.

    “I ran into a problem in the summer where I couldn’t take any classes because none of them were going to be in person,” said Cappelli. 

    Additionally, Cappelli thinks stipends for education support need to provide more money to keep up with rising costs.

    The Post-9/11 GI Bill book stipend has stayed at $1,000 since 2009. But with an inflation increase of over 50 percent the last 17 years, that money is now worth a total of $1,500.

    “One textbook could be $300 or more just for one textbook,” Cappelli said. “So, I definitely don’t think that it’s kept up with modern times. Nor do I think I’d be able to afford my Wacom tablet with it.”

    That’s what New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez wanted to target when he introduced the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act in 2025. The new legislation would raise the book and supplies stipend to $1,400 and tie future adjustments to inflation.

    He sent Spectrum News the following statement:

    “Currently, the GI Bill’s annual book stipend no longer reflects today’s costs and falls woefully short of meeting the financial needs of our veterans today. At a time when millions of veterans are already working to make ends meet, Congress should not allow outdated policy to become yet another barrier to their success.”

    SPC Veteran Student Advisor, Trevor McGilvery, said a vast majority of veterans at the college in Pinellas County use the GI Bill for education assistance.  

    He said this potential increase could make a big difference for many veterans or service members looking to go back to school.

    “The last thing I want any of my students to have to do is take out a loan to pay for books or a computer or any of their mandatory educational supplies when the GI Bill, its original purpose was to ensure that they didn’t have to do that,” McGilvery said. 

    Spectrum News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs as well. They directed us to their testimony to the House committee last summer, which stated:

    “While this stipend has remained constant since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was initially enacted in 2009, the cost of books has increased every year. Thus, VA fully supports an annual adjustment to the stipend, similar to the adjustments that are made for tuition and fees payments.”

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • FFA grows in popularity while the farming industry faces challenges nationwide

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    TRIAD, N.C. — The student organization Future Farmers of America is growing in popularity. The program has more than one million participants nationwide and is celebrating National FFA Week this week, but it comes at a time when farming is facing its share of challenges. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The N.C. Chamber estimates agriculture alone has an $111 billion dollar impact on the state’s economy

    • N.C. has fifth largest FFA membership in the country

    • USDA: number of farms nationwide was at its lowest total in a century in 2024

    • U.S. Senate report: farming has the oldest workforce in the nation, with the average age being nearly 60 years old


    “People kind of don’t realize how big agriculture is,” said Makayla VanMeter, vice president for the senior team of the Davie County High School FFA.

    Agriculture is one of the leading industries in North Carolina. The N.C. Chamber estimates agriculture has an $111 billion impact on the state’s economy. Student leadership organizations like FFA are educating the next generation about the importance of this field.

    “I feel like a lot of people aren’t educated on things that happen in agriculture and how our food is produced and how our animals are handled,” said Lillian Ragan, northwest regional and chapter officer for the Davie County High School FFA. “I think that it’s just something important for everyone to know, whether you’re going into the industry or not.”

    Nearly 90 students participate in the FFA program at Davie County High School in Mocksville. The school has a greenhouse and a barn with a variety of livestock including cows, chickens and pigs. It all helps students learn about topics like animal science, horticulture and agricultural mechanics.

    “It just shows awareness of how deep agriculture is in Davie County, and that it’s not going to go away any time soon,” VanMeter said.

    In Randolph County, the Asheboro High School Zoo School has the only FFA chapter headquartered at a zoo. It’s home to 1,700 animals and 2,800 acres of land. Students are able to work alongside zoo employees on one-of-a-kind projects and take unique courses like animal behavior, zoology and natural resources.

    “When it comes to animals, [we have a] higher diversity, instead of cows, chickens, birds,” said Alex Soto, vice president of the Asheboro Zoo School FFA Chapter. “I get to look at alligators, polar bears and discuss things about those.”

    Both programs are part of more than 370 FFA chapters in 99 counties statewide.

    North Carolina has the fifth largest FFA membership nationwide at just under 49,000 members, but the program’s popularity comes at a time when the agriculture industry is facing challenges.

    A U.S. Department of Agriculture report shows the number of farms nationwide was at its lowest total in a century in 2024 at just under two million. It also shows the amount of acres of farmland has shrunk from 900 million in 2017 to 876 million acres in 2024.

    According to a U.S. Senate Committee on Aging report, farming has the oldest workforce in the nation, with the average age being nearly 60 years old. It shows 40% of U.S. farmland is owned by farmers who are 65 years or older. Experts believe the global population will increase to more than two billion by 2050. If that happens, the report says farmers will need to increase production by 70% to meet the demand. 

    “It’s hard for students to get into the agricultural industry because of the cost associated with it,” said Jesse Ledbetter, agricultural education teacher at Davie County High School. “It’s important for us, as teachers, to show them how they can be profitable and the opportunities through different types of niche markets.”

    Organizations like FFA are helping address these issues. The program prepares high school and middle school students for more than 350 careers in agriculture.

    “It teaches you work ethic,” Ledbetter said. “It teaches you time management. It teaches you how to be efficient and resourceful. I think that the goal of our program is to help those students in any career choice.”

    FFA has more than 794,000 alumni members across the country that help support and mentor current members.

    The Davie County High School FFA chapter will host a plant sale fundraiser at the school on April 18. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • A+ Teacher shares classroom experiences with parents

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Avery Ortiz teaches first grade at Moon Lake Elementary. She has been teaching there for four years.

    Before graduating from St. Petersburg College, she started at the school as an instructional assistant and then became an intern. She says she was hired as a teacher after graduating.

    What You Need To Know

    • Avery Ortiz teaches first grade at Moon Lake Elementary. She has been teaching there for four years

    • Ortiz started at the school as an instructional assistant and then became an intern – all before being hired as a teacher
    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? 🍎 Click here

    “I love watching the kids grow throughout the entire year. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing how much they can learn in one school year and getting to watch kids learn how to read is the most rewarding journey,” said Ortiz.

    “I love being here. It’s my favorite part of my day.”

    Ortiz faced a challenge earlier this school year when she broke her leg and had to miss some days in the classroom. She said she couldn’t wait to get back.

    “I couldn’t imagine not being with them. For two weeks, especially first-graders, that’s a really long time to be without them. And the entire time I kept thinking, they need me and I need to be back,” said Ortiz.

    A parent nominated her to be featured as an A+ Teacher, saying her child is now happy to be at school thanks to Ortiz.

    “I do it all for the kids and honestly just making sure that they feel loved and safe in the classroom is my biggest job. And I’m glad to know that I am doing that for the kids,” said Ortiz.

    Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher for a future story? Click here and fill out the submission form.

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    Jorja Roman

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  • School board OKs closings, consolidations to adjust to declining enrollment

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    LARGO, Fla. — Tuesday, the Pinellas County Schools board unanimously approved a series of proposals to close and consolidate a handful of schools.

    The move, the district officials say, will help it save money and adjust to declining enrollment.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County school board members voted to approve a number of changes the district says will help it adjust to declining enrollment

    • Disston Academy and Cross Bayou Elementary will close, Bay Point Elementary and Middle will combine to form a K-8, and Oldsmar Elementary will expand to a K-8

    • According to the district, the changes will save $7.7 million in recurring annual expenses

    • Read previous coverage: Final word on Pinellas schools closings and consolidations likely Tuesday


    The board approved combining Bay Point Elementary and Middle Schools into a K-8 and expanding Oldsmar Elementary to eighth grade. Cross Bayou Elementary School and Disston Academy will both close at the end of this school year.

    For some, it was an emotional decision.

    “I’ll only ask you one more time: Please save my school,” said Michael Gerke, a parent of a Cross Bayou student and volunteer at the school.

    Gerke says Cross Bayou Elementary should not be on the chopping block. He previously told Spectrum Bay News 9 the school’s 250-student population makes it easier for educators to know the kids than at a bigger school.

    He also said he doesn’t think the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program should be disturbed.

    In the end, that proposal, like the others, passed with a 7-0 vote from the board. Gerke and his son were visibly upset afterwards, walking out of the meeting and declining an on-camera interview.

    “Any closure is impactful for the communities we serve. We certainly heard from Cross Bayou Elementary School community members who are not happy with this recommendation, and we should expect that,” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. “Our schools should be places that are loved and remembered fondly. It is my responsibility, though, and obligation to provide our families with excellent academic choices and programs while maintaining a balanced budget.”

    Hendrick told board members Cross Bayou is only at 40% utilization and needs $5 million in maintenance. According to the district, closing it, along with the other changes, can save $7.7 million on recurring annual expenses. Another is expanding Oldsmar Elementary to a K-8.

    One parent told the board he supports it.

    “Three more years, my kids get to be together as siblings. That increases the togetherness, the bond, the psychological safety. Not only, though, is it stability for them, it is stability for my wife and I as parents,” said Oldsmar Elementary parent Curtis Campogni. 

    The superintendent said expanding Oldsmar will take it from 57% utilization up to 95%.

    Board member Eileen Long said she’s heard from parents who asked for closer options for middle school.

    “When your child goes to Carwise and you work until 5 p.m. and then want to go to open house at 6 p.m., a lot of parents didn’t make it. We have a lot of support for this,” Long said.

    The Oldsmar expansion will happen in phases beginning next school year. Bay Point K-8 will begin in 2027-28, and Disston Academy will close at the end of this school year. 

    According to district information, more comprehensive recommendations are expected this fall. They wouldn’t go into effect until the 2027-28 school year.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Del Couch gives aspiring musicians the tools they need

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    PALMETTO, Fla. — Through his Del Couch Music Education Foundation, a Manatee County man is helping young people pursue their goal of being musicians, singers or even recording studio engineers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dell Couch started the Del Couch Music Education Foundation to give back to the community after a career in music and real estate

    • The foundation provides musical instruments, lessons and opportunities to perform

    • Couch operates a production studio for student training inside the Manatee School for the Arts


    Longtime musician Del Couch said an act of kindness in high school motivated him to start his nonprofit — his band instructor gave him a trumpet so he could play in the high school band. Couch went on to play in the United States Air Force Band for several years, and then performed in bands for decades.

    Couch eventually transitioned into a real estate career, but in the 1990s he went to the Berklee College of Music and got a master’s degree in music production. He opened his own music production studio and started his foundation.

    In 2012, the Manatee School for the Arts allowed Couch to move the studio into the school.

    Couch now teaches students how to use the studio to produce music. His foundation also provides students with musical instruments and lessons, among other things.

    “It’s an opportunity rare to get,” Couch said. “Especially at no cost. That’s the biggest thing. No parent or student pays for anything.”

    On a recent morning Couch was in the studio with high school senior Jayden Bell to work on the mix for some Latin-style music.

    “And we are doctoring the mix,” Couch said. “So, he is going to add a little sparkle to the drums. And a little bottom to the bass.”

    Bell has been training in the recording studio for four years and sees it as invaluable.

    “Well, I get the opportunity to do stuff that you can’t really do anywhere else in the country with people that have been doing this a long time that want to do this for the love of it,” he said.

    Dell also works with lots of the students at the school who are forming bands. He gives them advice on their performances and sets up music events where the bands can play in front of large crowds.

    “They get an opportunity to play in these events on major stages that they would never get before,” he said.

    Many of Couch’s students have gone on to success in the music business.

    “For example, Bella Garland, who is our latest girl in Nashville, won the Bluebird Café songwriting competition,” Couch said. “It is huge and is recognized by the national songwriter’s competition.”

    Couch said he gets a great deal of satisfaction from working with the students.

    “The biggest thing is their enthusiasm,” he said. “They are willing to learn. They want this knowledge and to see them become successful.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Pinellas County schools add ‘pay to play’ fee for athletics

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    LARGO, Fla. — Students in Pinellas County Schools will have to pay a fee to play school sports. The school board made the decision at Tuesday’s board workshop, and school officials say it’s to help expand offerings to student athletes.

    What You Need To Know

    • The fee will be $50 per sport, with a max of $200 per family. 

    • The schools athletic director says other school districts have implemented similar fees to keep up with rising athletic costs.

    • Parents say they hope some of the money from the fee is used to support current sports as well, and not just going towards new programs.


    It is $50 per sport, with a max of $200 per family. Parents who talked to Spectrum Bay News 9 say they support school sports, but the price to play keeps rising and they worry some families won’t be able to afford it.

    “I mean, if my daughter wants to play sports, I’m going to find a way, but I think for some families it might be a little bit harder,” said Katrina Piparo.

    Piparo’s daughter, Alyvia, cheers and plays flag football for Hollins High School. She says she loves participating in both sports, but admits, even without the new $50 fee, per sport, it can be pricey.

    “For example, flag football, you have to buy your cleats, you have to buy your gloves. There’s a lot of purchases that need to be made for sports once the kids get started,” she said.

    While she feels it’s money well spent, she worries the added fee to play may be more than some families can afford. But Marc Allison, who is the athletic director for Pinellas County Schools, says there will be help for families who need it. 

    “We know that our athletes, students that get involved and are engaged in school in any way, shape or form, have a greater academic success story.  They have better connections, less behavior challenges, and those kinds of things, and by continuing to offer more and more opportunities, we are able to reach out to kids that might not have had these opportunities other ways,” he said.

    Allison says the district will use the money from the fees to add sport programs to both middle and high schools. He says other school districts have implemented similar fees to keep up with rising athletic costs.

    “As we continue to expand and offer opportunities we know that there’s rising costs already with the cost of officials, the cost of transportation, uniform costs, all those things rise, and we don’t want to sacrifice the excellence that’s already occurring in our schools,” said Allison.

    Donna Munera’s son is 15 and is on the track and swim team at his high school. She says she understands the budget restraints school districts are facing, and, personally knowing what a difference sports can have on your life, she is willing to contribute.  

    “It’s so much more than just playing a game, and I know it needs funding, and I personally am willing to help with that funding, I hope the community is,” she said.

    Parents say they hope some of the money from the fee is used to support current sports as well, and not just going towards new programs. Munera mentioned that her son’s track team can’t afford to pay for a school bus to take them to meets, and it often falls on parents and coaches to make up for things the teams are lacking.

    Pasco and Polk County schools both have participation fees, similar to what Pinellas is implementing. Hillsborough County Schools only has a participation fee for lacrosse, and Citrus County Schools is considering adding a fee — they say they will decided over the summer. 

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • 365 days of clean air: How Mecklenburg County kept the air healthy in 2025

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the first time in recent decades, Mecklenburg County recorded 365 days of clean air last year.

    According to the county’s air quality team, air pollution stayed within a healthy range every day of 2025.

    “For the last decade, Mecklenburg County has met all health-based air quality standards, but we still would experience, on average, five days of unhealthy air quality each year,” Megan Green, the county’s air quality program manager, said. “This year [2025] is unique because we did not have any days with unhealthy air quality.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Mecklenburg County had 365 days of clean air in 2025

    •  On average, the county previously recorded five unhealthy air quality days each year

    • The county said sustained pollution reduction efforts, favorable weather conditions and limited impacts from wildfires and prescribed burns led to the 2025 milestone


    A team of scientists has been monitoring air quality across Mecklenburg County since the 1950s. Their work found that air quality has improved over the last several decades.

    “The factors that contributed to this year’s milestone are sustained pollution reduction efforts, favorable weather conditions and limited impacts from things like wildfires and prescribed burns,” Green said.

    Healthy air quality can have a positive impact on wellness.

    “Air quality can definitely affect everyone’s everyday health in a number of ways,” said Dr. Jaspal Singh, a pulmonologist for Atrium Health. “One is people who have respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD. Many people may not realize that air pollution can actually affect your risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Areas that have higher incidents of heart attacks and strokes oftentimes have higher incidents of air pollution.”

    The county is now turning its focus to 2026 and hopes to have another year of clean air.

    “We want everyone to have healthy air quality,” Green said.

    If you want to do your part to reduce air pollution, Green recommends driving a fuel-efficient car, carpooling and parking your car instead of letting it idle while waiting in a drive-thru.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Chloe Salsameda

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  • Florida Polytechnic celebrates opening of new Esports arena

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Polytechnic University is taking competitive video gaming a step further.

    On Friday, the university celebrated the opening of its new Esports Arena.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Polytechnic University opened the new $300,000 Esports Arena, which features 20 fully loaded gaming stations

    • Participation in eSports is growing on campus, and university leaders say scholarships are planned in the future

    • Team captain Jannice Rivera says she hopes the expanded program encourages more women to join eSports as they gain recognition alongside traditional athletics

    In the world of eSports, student Jannice Rivera stands out.

    “I wish more women and more girls felt at home and in a community with eSports, but as eSports has been evolving, we’ve been welcomed a little more and more as time goes on,” Rivera said.

    The 21-year-old became the captain of Florida Polytechnic’s eSports varsity teams a little over a year ago. She is one of just three women who are part of the sports program. It’s a space she has been familiar with since learning how to play video games at a young age.

    “I was able to, thankfully, get my longtime best friends, that are still friends with me, I was able to get them into it, and we all just started playing together,” she said. “And even though the community wasn’t as welcoming to women back then, that was like 2008/2009. With having friends in it doing it with me, I already felt more comfortable.”

    Rivera said that pushed her to apply to Florida Poly to play on a larger scale.

    Over time, university leaders said they’ve seen more students become drawn to the digital sport. So far, Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson said the school has about 130 players across 14 teams.

    “And now that we have the arena in place, I can tell you, as many young people say today, ‘it’s going to blow up.’ And it will become extremely popular,” Stephenson said.

    The new eSports arena is equipped with 20 fully loaded gaming stations. The roughly $300,000 facility was partially paid for with presidential discretionary funds, which Stephenson said was worth every penny.

    “This is a very rigorous curriculum that we have here, so we need more and more student development opportunities for them outside of the labs, outside of the classrooms, and eSports gives them that sort of vetting to stretch themselves beyond the pressure of the classroom,” he said.

    Florida Poly leaders said the goal is to help players compete on the same level as traditional athletics. The school eventually plans to offer several scholarships to students, and Rivera said she’s looking forward to that.

    “The little girl in me feels really excited,” she said. “Now, as time goes on, we’re getting recognized as an actual athletic department. We’re an actual sport, and it can be very lucrative. We have the same sponsors that normal athletics do. We compete in the same way; it’s just in a different setting, and I feel like we can reach a lot of people.”

    She said she hopes that includes a lot more women, too.

    The Esports Arena is open for competition and recreational use. Students can visit and play for fun during select hours throughout the day.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Ohio elementary student brings cursive back to class

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s a skill many adults learned in school, but for some younger students today, it can feel almost foreign — because it isn’t as commonly taught in classrooms anymore.

    What You Need To Know

    • A fourth grader at West Mound Elementary started a cursive club to teach classmates a skill that’s become less common in schools

    • Educators say increased technology and computer-based testing have reduced time spent on handwritten skills like cursive

    • Teachers say cursive still plays an important role in everyday life, especially for tasks like signing documents

    That’s not the case for fourth grader E’lon Hamilton at West Mound Elementary School in Columbus. Cursive comes so naturally to him that he’s now teaching it to others.

    “I got it (cursive) from my parents. I used it on occasions when I needed to, like when I was writing something very important,” Hamilton said.

    Once a week during lunch at West Mound Elementary School in Columbus, Hamilton runs a cursive club he started himself. He gives tips, demonstrates letters, and watches closely as his classmates practice.

    “Because I wanted not just myself to know cursive. I want other people to know cursive as well. A lot of other people,” Hamilton said.

    For many of the kids in the club, cursive is a handwriting skill they might not have learned otherwise.

    “At the club, I think I’m a little bit good. Like, like connecting them is kind of, like, hard to not let go,” said club member Diana Oitiz.

    Educators say cursive has become less common as priorities in schools have shifted.

    “We have a lot of tests now that are on the computers that need to learn how to use the keyboards. So I can see that technology is probably taking over a lot of the handwritten things,” said Margaret Brown, principal of West Mound Elementary School.

    Still, educators say cursive can matter — not just for school, but for everyday life.

    “You have to sign a check. Right? You gotta pay your bills. You have to do this in your signature, in cursive. So at least being able to sign your name in cursive is important for us,” Brown said.

    When asked his favorite word to write in cursive, Hamilton didn’t just choose a word; he shared a message.

    “Happiness. I want everybody to be happy in this class. What I want, like, is the more we learn teamwork, the more we get along with each other, the more we make friends. Happiness is key. Teamwork is key,” Hamilton said.

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    Aliah Keller

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  • Pasco County Schools planning to create first K-8 campus in East Pasco

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — Pasco County School officials are looking at creating a new K-8 school campus.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County School officials are looking to combine Pasco Elementary and Pasco Middle to create a new K-8 school campus

    • The district hinted at the possibility in December when the school board named Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd as the half-time principal of both campuses
    • Unlike other K-8 mergers in the district, those with the district say this move is not related to efficient use of space but rather for academic reasons
    • The school board could vote on the proposal as early as next week during a meeting on Feb. 17


    This would combine Pasco Elementary School and neighboring Pasco Middle School into one school, creating the first K-8 school in East Pasco County.

    Employees at both schools first learned of the proposal in January. The district hinted at the possibility in December when the school board named Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd as the half-time principal of both campuses. If approved, she would become the principal of the K-8 school.

    Unlike other K-8 mergers in the district, those with the district say this move is not related to efficient use of space, but rather for academic reasons.

    Superintendent John Legg says ongoing behavior and course performance concerns at Pasco Middle are a motivating factor. District data shows the school as having one of the highest levels of student absents of all 20 schools with middle school students.

    “It gives them better opportunities in the upper grade divisions,” said Legg. “So what we see is we see it as a win-win for parents, a win for students, and really a win for faculty as well in order to help those students achieve their goals.”

    Meanwhile, parents Spectrum Bay News 9 spoke to seem pretty split on the proposal. Some say they would welcome the change, while others see it negatively impacting their child’s education and would rather explore other methods of teaching.

    “As long as my kids are getting the education that they need and deserve, that’s really all I’m concerned about,” said Eric Rondo, a parent of two students at Pasco Middle School.

    “The thoughts scream louder that there’s definitely reasons why enrollment is dropping and that, in and of itself, makes me want to explore options that might be better for my kids,” said parent Amanda Bookman.

    Legg says there will be no changes in enrollment or service boundaries. He says the proposal will allow for more flexibility and innovative programs at that campus.

    The school board could vote on the proposal as early as next week during a meeting on Feb. 17.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Bay area schools weigh adding 2% and whole milk as options

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    TAMPA, Fla. — When President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in January, it paved the way for 2% and whole milk to return to schools after a nearly 15-year absence.

    What You Need To Know

    • School districts have the option to bring back 2% and whole milk as options

    • No Bay area school district has committed to having these milks as options but are considering them

    • M&B Products said it will work with schools on what they need 


    The Obama administration originally removed those milks in an effort to fight childhood obesity.

    Now, school districts will once again have the option to provide a wider range of milk options. 

    Dale McClellan, the President of M&B Products, a Bay area dairy company, has been working with schools since 2004. 

    The majority of the milk they supply is low fat, but now school districts have more options.

    So far, the response has been limited. 

    “There’s been a little bit of a handful of phone calls from systems wanting to know, do we plan on doing a bigger variety of butterfat percentages? And we’ve told them we would entertain anything that makes sense,” he said.

    Christie Roberts, the Director of Patient Nutrition Services at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, said more options may encourage children to drink more milk.

    “If you’re a child that doesn’t like skim milk and then you have the option of a 2% or whole, then it’s going to increase your consumption of milk,” she said. 

    No matter the type of milk, Roberts said children should have between two and three servings of milk a day.

    “Younger children, we do recommend the more full or fat options for their growth and development,” she said. “But as they get older and they’re trying to work towards a healthy, lean physique and health, then the lower-fat options might be good.” 

    Spectrum News reached out to local school districts to find out if they are considering adding 2% and whole milk as options. 

    No districts have committed to adding the products, but are considering it.  

    Most provided statements that were similar to this from Hillsborough County Schools:

    “We are exploring how we might add whole milk and 2% milk to our offerings, as these products are not part of our current contracts with our dairy vendor.”

    Sarasota County Schools provided this statement:

    “If it is ultimately determined that Sarasota County Schools will move forward with offering 2% and whole milk as part of the National School Lunch Program, the earliest anticipated implementation would be the 2026–2027 school year.”

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • LILLY Learning Center offers students new direction on path of education

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A Pasco County entrepreneur is changing the perception of homeschooling.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lexa Duno opened the LILLY Learning Center in 2024 as an alternative teaching method for students with learning disabilities

    • With a smaller atmosphere focused on helping students with learning disabilities, the center differs from your average school
    • Now, already two years in existence, Duno is noticing a positive trend among students and parents


    Lexa Duno opened the LILLY Learning Center as an alternative teaching method for students with learning disabilities. The learning center is helping shape the young minds of tomorrow.

    Hard at work inside a classroom are students, including mother and daughter duo Dacia and Julia Mitchell.

    “She’s an incredibly gifted child,” said Dacia of her daughter, Julia. “Both of our kids really are.”

    The center differs from your average school. It’s a smaller atmosphere focused on helping those students with learning disabilities.

    “As a mom of six, I find that there’s a learning environment for every child and every child is different,” said Dacia.

    Dacia said it was a struggle to find the right fit for her children — a struggle many parents go through.

    “We’ve done public school, private school, homeschool, we have two in boarding school — I mean, literally, you name it. If there’s a school out there, we’ve given it a go. I think that a lot of parents are finding the same frustrations that there is not necessarily one right way,” she said.

    Something that founder Duno realized while working as a literary specialist.

    “I work with a lot of kids who need reading interventions and, at that point in time, I was getting a lot of kids who were homeschooled in the area,” said Duno.

    That’s when she decided to open up LILLY, with the help of SMARTstart Pasco Incubators. It’s helping students who might need a little help on their path to education.

    “A diagnosed learning disability or maybe because they, for some reason, aren’t fitting socially or emotionally in the traditional school system and their families are looking for a really small, safe environment beyond the school system for them to grow and thrive and to be able to learn amongst their peers in a social learning environment,” said Duno.

    Now, already two years in existence, Duno is noticing a positive trend.

    “We have parents who think (their) child is probably not going to interact or participate,” she said. “And then, in a short amount of time, they come and they’re able to just thrive, which is amazing.”

    It’s changing the lives of Dacia and her daughter, and helping these students reach their full potential

    “It’s just a great place for you to learn who your child is and for them to learn who they are, about themselves and really grow into that,” Dacia said.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • How a two-year program in Pinellas turns staffers into teachers

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County Schools is gearing up to graduate its first class of teacher apprentices, an innovative program designed to promote support staff to full-time teachers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County Schools is about to graduate its first cohort of teacher apprentices

    • The two-year program combines college coursework with real-world teaching experience

    • This graduation comes as the district faces staffing challenges, lessened by success of the apprenticeship

    • By fall 2026, 25 more staffers will be part of the teacher apprentice program


    Tamara McKinney says it’s like she was called to teach.

    “When I was a little girl, I did — I always wanted to be a teacher. I would set my dolls up and they would be my students,” said McKinney.

    As a mother of an adult son with disabilities, McKinney knows what children with special needs need. That’s how she ended up at Pinellas County Schools’ Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center as a paraprofessional.

    But, she says, she had more to give. That’s when she heard about the teacher apprenticeship program.

    “The purpose of the program is truly to match them with a mentor, and they’re with the same mentor for two years, they’re in that classroom, co-teaching side by side and learning from our experts,” said Dr. Nicole Gallucci-Landis, HR partner with the school district.

    The program for Pinellas County Schools’ support staff combines virtual college coursework with real-world teaching experience. After two years, and at no cost to the participant, they graduate and get promoted to full-time teachers.

    All throughout, they’re making more money than they would in their parapro jobs and then have an even better job waiting for them when it’s all finished.

    “I was telling my coworkers that I felt, at one point, that the county didn’t really care about us support staff. This was many years ago. And then, once this program came about, and all of the support I’ve received, I’ve changed my mindset,” said McKinney.

    Pinellas County’s program is the first to be endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. 

    A group of 24 is set to sign their contracts by the end of February, graduate in May and be in their own classroom by August. Ten more staffers started the apprenticeship in January, with 15 more slated to begin in the fall.

    “What we’re finding is they want to become teachers, but for whatever reason — life, financial reasons, they’ve cared about everybody else but themselves — but they have a desire and a passion to become a teacher and they’re so good with their kids. So this program supports that and then, we’re growing our own,” said Gallucci-Landis.

    Growing themselves, so they can pour into others.

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    Andy Cole

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  • Ohio nonprofit receives $250,000 in NASA STEM Innovator Award

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    CLEVELAND — Helping students piece together parts and explore technology is Bill Scott’s passion. He’s the executive director of Youngstown nonprofit Advanced Methods in Innovation (AMI).

    What You Need To Know

    • AMI is one of more than a dozen institutions receiving more than $5 million in NASA cooperative agreements to create STEM education for free

    • A growing number of after-school programs are now providing science, technology, engineering and math learning opportunities, according to the Afterschool Alliance

    • While STEM learning is rising, enrollment is declining, with many low-income families citing cost as the number one barrier to afterschool participation 

    “We have our 3D printing farm, where we have about 50 3D printers, and they have various sizes and capabilities,” Bill Scott said. “We’re able to print some various filament types. We use these to build our project kits, and we also print student projects.”

    Working with K-12 schools in the Mahoning Valley area, AMI helps teams of students research and create designs using 2D or 3D software and also develop their own solutions to different NASA-related challenges. The group is part of 29 institutions nationwide that submitted proposed projects to NASA and were selected to help provide learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math beyond the classroom.

    Students create their own tail and wing design and test which airplane can fly the furthest. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)

    AMI President John Scott said their two-year proposal includes delivering kits to more than 3,500 students and educators to support different NASA challenges, including “Gaining Traction on Mars” and “Let it Glide.”

    “With the resurgence of interest in space with the Artemis program, they felt it was a good time to bring more attention to the opportunities for students to learn about NASA, to learn about aerospace, to learn about space in schools, so they came out with a solicitation for proposals,” Scott said.

    He said they’re also planning on launching other initiatives using the STEM Innovator fund, including a Mars Community 2050 project and hosting adventure weeks in Ohio libraries.

    AMI President John Scott and 3D-printed model.

    AMI President John Scott and 3D-printed model. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)

    The projects aim to foster learning and build skills in an industry where women represent around a quarter of computing and engineering jobs, and Black and Hispanic STEM workers are significantly underrepresented.

    “A lot of students learn to lose their interest in STEM because they don’t think they’re strong in mathematics when, [in] reality, math isn’t the key gatekeeper to STEM, technology is a gatekeeper to STEM,” Scott said. “What we want to do is get students comfortable with technology, with the emerging technologies, so they’ll explore some of these careers.”

    Maria Arredondo is the Next Gen STEM project manager at NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. She said NASA hopes to use these regional partnerships to inspire the country’s next generation of innovators and aerospace workers.

    Mission Integration Center at the NASA Glenn Research Center.

    Mission Integration Center at the NASA Glenn Research Center. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)

    “The STEM Innovator Awards are valued at a $250,000 award amount, and nationwide we made about $4.5 million in awards to 18 organizations for STEM innovators,” Arredondo said.

    While AMI has strong roots in northern Ohio, Scott said, he hopes the organization’s partnership with NASA will help them reach classrooms across the state.

    “For us, NASA provides an opportunity with our statewide initiative to have a vehicle to reach out across the state and have other people learn about our program,” Bill Scott said. “… [These] activities allow kids to design and make things and express their creativity. I think that’s really key.”

    You can check out some more photos below:

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    Tanya Velazquez

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  • Schools return in person after weather disruptions

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    GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Many school districts in North Carolina are back in person after disruptions due to back-to-back winter storms.

    What You Need To Know

    • Schools took different approaches, however all of them used remote learning days at one point or another

    • At Gaston County Schools, packets were used for remote learning, and at Mountain Island Charter School, students used an online platform

    • Gaston County Schools closed and had remote learning days, and Mountain Island Charter only had remote learning days


    Schools took different approaches, however all of them used remote learning days at one point or another. 

    Gaston County Schools, for example, had two snow days and four remote learning days in the past two weeks due to the ice storm and snowstorm. 

    Forestview High School English and AP psychology teacher Richard Morris, who is Gaston County Schools’ new teacher of the year, welcomed students back in person Thursday after a two-hour delay. 

    He asked students briefly about whether they enjoyed the snow before discussing the remote learning packet students were expected to complete.

    “Before they left, I wanted to be sure they understood exactly what the text was going to be about and the expectations I had for them while they were out,” Morris said. 

    He said the secondary English curriculum coordinator sent packets for students in order for them not to fall behind and continue being engaged while out of school. 

    Morris has been trying to make the most of the school closures. 

    “I love being in the classroom with students, but we live on this earth where weather happens, and it can be a disruption. It’s a little frustrating, but it’s the reality of the situation. I was very responsive to both parents and students on email, making sure that everyone is on the same page,” Morris said. 

    Forestview science and biology teacher John Ramos, who is the district’s teacher of the year, said his concern is the continuation of learning.  

    “I don’t want to experience another learning loss like what we had in COVID back then. And, I’m just glad that, you know, we are very proactive as a school district and our administrators are really sending information in advance,” Ramos said. 

    Mountain Island Charter School, which is also located in Gaston County, is a public charter school and also relied on remote learning. The school didn’t use any snow days but instead opted for using its five allotted remote learning days.

    Mountain Island Charter School sixth to 12th grade principal Jacob Wilson said the school serves students from eight counties and any closure decisions come after analyzing a variety of factors. This includes looking into the decisions made by traditional public schools, monitoring weather and road conditions and assessing areas around the campus. 

    “Student safety is always going to be No. 1 but beyond that, we want to make sure that our students are continuing learning and so we’re always going to want to push that ball forward. Anytime we have a chance to make it to where students can learn, we’re going to do that.” Wilson said. 

    Assistant Principal of Curriculum Instruction Renee Goodwin said she was in contact with teachers during remote learning to receive feedback.

    “I talked to them over the phone and asked them how things are going, where we should go when we get back, because we are in the middle of like testing season as well. So we had to make some adjustments for students to make sure that we get the best results for the testing,” Goodwin said. 

    Students at Mountain Island Charter used an online platform with instructional activities to review concepts and independent learning. 

    “Nothing replaces a teacher in the classroom, however the extension activities that our teachers provide here actually go beyond what the teacher is teaching through multiple platforms that we have,” Goodwin said.

    Back at Forestview, Morris and Ramos are getting students back in the swing of things.

    “Our main goal is to ensure that the routine will be in place again,” Ramos said. 

    The intent behind it is to move forward. 

    “We’re going to briefly go over the packet, make sure that everything’s complete so they get that attendance for the day, get that classwork grade for the day, but then we’re just going to keep on rolling like we never missed a beat,” Morris said. 

    Both Gaston County Schools and Mountain Island Charter school officials said the weather-related closures will not prompt any makeup days or any schedule changes.

    Meanwhile, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is modifying its calendar turning Feb. 11 and April 29 from early release days into full instructional days. 

    “By supporting the superintendent’s recommendation to convert the remaining early release days to full instructional days, we’re choosing to exceed state requirements because it’s what best serves students,” CMS Board of Education Chair Stephanie Sneed said. 

    Under state law, schools are only allowed to declare five remote learning days in a calendar year for emergency situations and severe weather.

    However, according to the Department of Public Instruction, some schools have a waiver because they have been closed at least eight days during any four of the last 10 years due to weather.

    This year, schools with a waiver include Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Watauga and Yancey counties. These schools are allowed to open a week early to have more makeup days and can use 15 remote instruction days or 90 hours. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Unique way of learning taking place in Thonotosassa

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    THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — When you think of education, you often think of textbooks and notebooks, but one academy is taking a different approach.

    What You Need To Know

    • Montessori is more of a hands-on approach, but this academy takes learning outdoors
    • The academy is also looking to expand services into Dade City next year


    Freedom Montessori Academy is giving students an opportunity to learn outdoors. And they are expanding their reach.

    Learning is all about being hands on at Freedom Montessori Academy.

    The school’s process is a method of education based on self-directed activity and hands-on learning. The academy is a tutoring service that serves 15 students in the Thonotosassa area.

    Eleven-year-old Adelyn Iott says this supplemental approach has been a big help for her.

    “It’s just really hands on, and you understand it better,” she said.

    Madison Whitmer says the teaching methods help her concentrate.

    “My school I had computers after I did it, so I had a headache when I got home, here I don’t have a headache because we don’t use electronics,” she said.

    The majority of the work isn’t done indoors but outside on the farm.

    Melanie Smith, the founder of the academy, was an educator for more than 20 years prior to this. She decided to take that experience and give students a personalized way of learning.

    Students go at their own pace, in a unique learning environment.

    “I think it’s nice in this setting that they understand how long it takes for a plant to grow that they eat in in 10 seconds,“ said Smith.

    From building a labyrinth, to planting seeds, Smith believes it’s part of raising curious kids that will use these skills in life.

    “Every child is unique and every child’s brain is developing at a different level, and they need that time to think for themselves, this is what this is about,” said Smith.

    It shows students like Iott that learning can happen anywhere.

    “Outdoor experience, life survival, how to take care of plants, how to build stuff,“ said Adelyn.

    Making education fun and something that doesn’t always happen indoors.

    The academy will be expanding to a location in Dade City next year.

    And the farm will soon be home to a nonprofit aimed at providing farm education to veterans and breast cancer survivors.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Pasco County schools turn to truancy petitions over attendance issues

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — The Pasco County School District is taking a tougher stance on student absences, and some families may find themselves answering to a judge.

    The district is filing truancy petitions against families when kids miss too many days.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Pasco County school superintendent says truancy has been a big problem in schools since the pandemic

    • Families who receive truancy petitions will have to go before a judge and explain why their child missed so much school

    • Superintendent Dr. John Legg called it a last resort but said students need to be in the classroom 


    Superintendent Dr. John Legg says truancy petitions are a last resort. So far, the district has only filed about a dozen petitions. But still, some families say the policy is concerning.

    “Attendance is crucial. When our students miss school, they miss the knowledge, they miss the activities, they miss the learning from the other students, and they fall behind,” Legg said.

    He says truancy has been a big problem in Pasco County schools since the pandemic. Right now, 1,200 students are considered truant, meaning they’ve missed more than 15 days of school in 90 days, all unexcused. So the district had to buckle down, sending out truancy petitions.

    “What we’re looking at are those most severe cases where we have students that are absent 40, 50 days out of 90 days, bringing these before the court to get their assistance in order to help these students get to school so they can get the education they deserve,” he said.

    Families who receive truancy petitions will have to go before a judge and explain why their child missed so much school. The judge will decide the action to take. 

    Jessica Silber, owner of Elevate Advocate & Learning Co., says the policy has some of her clients concerned.

    “I think there can be some great intentions sometimes behind guidelines but not always considering the needs of all students,” said Silber.

    Silber works with families who have children with special needs, like autism. She says while therapy appointments are excused absences, these families sometimes deal with other challenges, like anxiety or behavioral problems, that may not always come with a doctor’s note.

    “If there is something impacting their attendance outside of your control, then let’s go for an evaluation, let’s get it documented, in case something does come up and you have to go to court,” she said.

    Legg says ultimately the goal is support, not punishment, and keeping kids in class.

    “Those are all the things our social workers and schools work with our families on to make those excused absences and to work with families. What we’re talking about are those chronic absenteeism where parents simply do not bring their children to school,” he says.

    Legg says there are about 350 students whose absenteeism is excessive and warrants a truancy petition. The district will chip away at filing those petitions to help the courts keep from getting backed up.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Astronauts poised for moon trip aboard Artemis II

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    There has not been a human presence on or near the Moon since the astronauts from 1972’s Apollo 17 mission walked on the surface of Earth’s satellite.

    Now, 50+ years later, the Artemis Project is working toward a long-term goal to first establish a permanent base on the Moon, and then use the Moon as a feasible way to facilitate human missions to Mars.

    The Artemis II flight will send four astronauts on a planned ten-day mission to fly to, circle, and return from the Moon.  We speak to experts to talk about the significance of the mission, Florida’s role in it, and how all of mankind stands to benefit.  

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    Allison Walker

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  • Two Hernando schools closed Monday due to rolling power outages

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    HERNANDO COUNTY — Hernando High School and Brooksville Elementary School will be closed Monday, Feb. 2 due to rolling power outages scheduled by Duke Energy, according to the Hernando School District.

    The district says YMCA programs are also cancelled.

    All other campuses will remain open.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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