CLEARWATER, Fla. - Pinellas County schools kicked off the 2025-2026 academic year with a strong showing — maintaining their "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education for the second year running.

Nearly 90% of schools in the district earned an "A" or "B," reflecting high student achievement and a commitment to academic excellence.

Families are also breathing a sigh of relief this year as transportation challenges improve.

Local perspective:

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick shared that the district started the first day of school with more bus drivers available than needed, a marked change from previous years when shortages caused concerns for many parents.

"I started my day at the bus compound, said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. "We had only two drivers sick today out of 3

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