Important Message from Superintendent Michael Grego and the Pinellas County School Board

Pinellas County Schools’ Families,

Like many of you, we began this week in a place of personal reflection and heartbreak as we process the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others.

As a society, this is not the first time that systemic tragedies of equity and race have faced our nation. It reinforces the significant need to address these issues at a national and local level.  

This is why as a school board, and as superintendent, we are steadfast in our commitment to the work of equity, restorative practices and the focus on increasing black student achievement through the implementation of our Bridging the Gap plan. The importance of this work has been heightened during the health crisis. Throughout this time our educational community has come together to provide meals, deliver instruction remotely, ensure digital access and address the needs of families and students. It is indisputable that the work we have started around equity must be deliberate and continued.

We know there are no words that will ease the pain of people of color who experience injustice in their daily lives. As educators, we have the opportunity and responsibility to teach our young people to value themselves, and one another, and to stand up vigorously, yet peacefully, for what they believe in.

As a school district, as a community and as individuals we must all pledge to commit ourselves to this work, to the examination of our own practices and to disrupting the barriers which negatively impact our students, families and staff. It is our collective duty to build the next generation. They deserve a nation that supports their dreams, as their futures are so bright.

Thank you.

School Board of Pinellas County

Michael A. Grego, Ed.