Press Releases

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: July 8, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 7/3/2025 1:08:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (July 3, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
     
    • 7/8/2025 - 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, Auditorium, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools to Provide Free Meals for Students at Schools Participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 7/1/2025 11:44:00 AM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact:Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 30, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025-2026 school year. Section 104(a) of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 amended section 11(a)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.1759a(a)(1))(the law) to provide an alternative to household applications for free and reduced-price meals in local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with increased levels of low-income students. This alternative is referred to as the Community Eligibility Provision.
    CEP is a provision that allows eligible schools to offer meals to all students at no cost to families. All students will be served lunch at no charge at the following sites:
    Alafia Elementary
    Cork Elementary
    Jackson Elementary
    Nelson Elementary
    Spoto High
    Alexander Elementary
    Corr Elementary
    James Elementary
    North Tampa Alternative
    Springhead Elementary
    Alonso High
    Crestwood Elementary
    Jefferson High
    Northwest Elementary
    Stewart Middle Magnet
    Anderson Elementary
    Cypress Creek Elementary
    Jennings Middle
    Oak Grove Elementary
    Strawberry Crest High
    Apollo Beach Elementary
    D.W. Waters Career Acceleration Academy
    Kenly Elementary
    Oak Park Elementary
    Sulphur Springs  K-8
    Armwood High
    Davidson Middle
    King High
    Orange Grove Middle Magnet
    Summerfield Crossing Elementary
    B.T. Washington Elementary
    Davis Elementary
    Kingswood Elementary
    Palm River Elementary
    Summerfield Elementary
    Bailey Elementary
    Desoto Elementary
    Knights Elementary
    Patricia Sullivan Partnership
    Sumner High
    Bay Crest Elementary
    Dickenson Elementary
    Lake Magdalene Elementary
    Pierce Middle
    Symmes Elementary
    Bellamy Elementary
    Doby Elementary
    Lamb Elementary
    Pinecrest Elementary
    Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary
    Belmont Elementary
    Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center
    Lanier Elementary
    Pizzo K-8
    Tampa Bay Technical High
    Benito Middle
    Dover Elementary
    LaVoy Exceptional Center
    Plant City High
    Tampa Heights Elementary Magnet
    Bing Elementary
    Dowdell Middle
    Lennard High
    Potter Elementary
    Tampa Palms Elementary
    Bloomingdale High
    Dr. Carter G. Woodson K-8
    Leto High
    Progress Village Middle Magnet
    Temple Terrace Elementary
    Boyette Springs Elementary
    Dunbar Elementary Magnet
    Lewis Elementary
    Rampello Downtown Partnership K-8 Magnet
    Thompson Elementary
    Brandon Alternative
    Durant High
    Liberty Middle
    Reddick Elementary
    Thonotosassa Elementary
    Brandon High
    East Bay High
    Limona Elementary Magnet
    Riverhills Elementary Magnet
    Tomlin Middle
    Brooker Elementary
    Edison Elementary
    Lincoln Elementary
    Riverview Elementary
    Town & Country Elementary
    Broward Elementary
    Egypt Lake Elementary
    Lockhart Elementary Magnet
    Riverview High
    Trapnell Elementary
    Bryan
    Plant City Elementary
    Eisenhower Exceptional Center
    Lomax Elementary Magnet
    Robinson Elementary
    Turkey Creek Middle
    Buchanan Middle
    Eisenhower Middle
    Lopez Elementary
    Robinson High
    Turner-Bartels K-8
    Buckhorn Elementary
    Essrig Elementary
    Lopez Exceptional Center
    Robles Elementary
    Twin Lakes Elementary
    Burnett Middle
    Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy Middle
    Lowry Elementary
    Rodgers Middle
    Valrico Elementary
    Burney Elementary
    Folsom Elementary
    Lutz K-8
    Roland Park K-8 Magnet
    Walden Lake Elementary
    Burns Middle
    Forest Hills Elementary
    MacFarlane Park Elementary
    Ruskin Elementary
    Walker Middle Magnet
    Caminiti Exceptional Center
    Foster Elementary
    Madison Middle
    Schmidt Elementary
    Warren Hope Dawson Elementary
    Cannella Elementary
    Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy Middle
    Mango Elementary
    Schwarzkopf Elementary
    Webb Middle
    Carrollwood Elementary
    Freedom High
    Maniscalco K-8
    Seffner Elementary
    West Shore Elementary
    Carver Exceptional Center
    Frost Elementary
    Mann Middle
    Seminole Elementary
    West Tampa Elementary
    Chamberlain High
    Gaither High
    Marshall Middle Magnet
    Sessums Elementary
    Wharton High
    Chiaramonte Elementary
    Gibsonton Elementary
    McDonald Elementary
    Sgt. Smith Middle Academy
    Williams Middle Magnet
    Chiles Elementary
    Giunta Middle
    Memorial Middle
    Shaw Elementary
    Willis Peters Exceptional
    Cimino Elementary
    Graham Elementary
    Mendenhall Elementary
    Sheehy Elementary
    Wilson Elementary
    Citrus Park Elementary
    Greco Middle Magnet
    Middleton High
    Shields Middle
    Wimauma Elementary
    Clair Mel Elementary
    Heritage Elementary
    Miles Elementary
    Shore Elementary Magnet
    Witter Elementary
    Clark Elementary
    Hill Middle
    Mintz Elementary
    Sickles High
    Woodbridge Elementary
    Claywell Elementary
    Hillsborough High
    Morgan High School
    Simmons Career Acceleration Academy
    Yates Elementary
    Collins K-8
    Howard W. Blake High
    Morgan Woods Elementary
    Simmons Exceptional Center
    Young Middle Magnet
    Colson Elementary
    Hunter’s Green Elementary
    Mort Elementary
    Sligh Middle Magnet
    Ippolito Elementary
    Muller Elementary Magnet
    South County Career Acceleration Academy
    Mulrennan
    Middle
    For additional information please contact: Hillsborough County Public Schools, Attention: Shani Hall, General Manager, Student Nutrition Services, 9014 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619, 813-840-7092, shani.hall@hcps.net.
    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.  
     
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
     
    To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 
    1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture 
      Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
      1400 Independence Avenue, SW 
      Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 
    2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or 
    3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.
     This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
    Comments (-1)
  • HSEF Negotiations

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/26/2025 5:03:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 26, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough School Employees Federation (HSEF) will begin negotiations on Tuesday, July 1, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
    This session is scheduled at the HSEF Office located at 5126 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa. HSEF represents instructional support employees in the areas of transportation, student nutrition services, security, and custodial services.
    Comments (-1)
  • Bargaining Session Scheduled 

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti  on 6/24/2025 2:12:00 PM
    For Immediate Release 
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti 
    Hillsborough County Public Schools  
    Office of Communications 
    813-272-4060 
    Tampa, Fl. (June 24, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools will hold a bargaining session with the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association (HCTA) on Wednesday, June 25, beginning at 1p.m.   

    This bargaining session will focus on language pertaining to ESPs (Educational Support Professionals) and will be held at the HCTA Pro Learning Center located at 3102 N. Habana Ave., Tampa. 
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 17-20, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/19/2025 4:37:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT:  Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 12, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/17/25 – 11:00 AM
      Funeral Service for Councilwoman Gwen Henderson, 2101 Lowe St., Tampa

    • 6/17/2025 – 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, Auditorium, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

    • 6/20/2025 – 9:30 AM
      1Voice Foundation Club, 1935 Campa Florida Rd., Brandon
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 21-

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/19/2025 4:00:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 19, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/21/2025 - 2:00 PM
      All County Theatre Seussical Jr., Blake High School Auditorium, 1701 N Boulevard, Tampa

    • 6/23/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Summer Referendum Work Media Availability, Hillsborough High School, 5000 N Central Ave, Tampa

    • 6/23/2025 - 11:00 AM
      Hispanic Forum Meeting, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 6/24/2025 - 10:00 AM
      School Board Workshop, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 6/25/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Hillsborough African American History Task Force, Virtual
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 7-11, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/5/2025 3:00:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 5, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/7/25 – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
      Tampa Bay Juneteenth Coalition Community Concert, 1125 Spruce St, Tampa

    • 6/9/2025 - 7:00 AM
      Summer Youth Intern Program Kickoff, 411 N Franklin St, Tampa

    • 6/9/2025 - 5:00 PM
      Women in Leadership, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa

    • 6/11/2025 - 6/13/25
      FSBA/FADSS Annual Summer Conference, 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Thirty Hillsborough County Public School Students Named National Merit® Scholarship Winners

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/5/2025 9:00:00 AM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 5, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public  Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce thirty students have been named College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners, by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®).
    This scholarship is financed by U.S. colleges and universities and will provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the awarding institution. Students were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

    These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, based on their academic record, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

    "We are incredibly proud of the thirty Hillsborough County students who have earned this prestigious award. Their dedication and perseverance have led them to this achievement, and the entire school district celebrates their success," said Superintendent Van Ayres.
     
    Congratulations to HCPS National Merit Scholarship winners:
    Samuel B. BleezeNewsome | University of Florida
    Alan W. Burke, Jr., Hillsborough | University of Florida
    Nicolas J. BartleyGaither | Embry-Riddle
    Roham FarhadiFreedom | University of Florida
    Adeline L. HabgoodHillsborough | University of Central Florida
    Beckett G. JonesTampa Bay Technical | University of Florida
    Caleb K. JosephAlonso | University of Florida
    Rishi N. KamdarRobinson | University of Florida
    Siah E. KennedyNewsome | University of Florida
    Hannah R. KhanStrawberry Crest | University of South Florida
    Cooper J. LynnPlant | University of Florida
    Grace M. MihiralStrawberry Crest | University of Florida
    Riley E. NicholsPlant | Tulane
    Min Joo Mary NohHillsborough | University of Florida
    Rohit S. ParanjapeHillsborough | University of Florida
    Devan D. PatelRobinson | University of Florida
    Sophia V. PergolaNewsome, | University of Florida
    Grace R. QiangHillsborough | University of Florida
    Kaydence RaoSteinbrenner | University of Florida
    Bradley J. RobertsNewsome | University of Central Florida
    Madison M. SergentSteinbrenner | University of Florida
    Swathi S. ShenoySteinbrenner | University of Florida
    Derek SungKing | University of Florida
    Vanshika Vardhan TakkalapalliStrawberry Crest | University of South Florida
    Anirudh Sudharshan VijayaramanNewsome | University of Florida
    Justin Zixuan WuArmwood | University of Florida
    Zoey A. YarterStrawberry Crest | Purdue University
    Tyler K. YeeKing | University of Florida
    Jessica L. YangSteinbrenner | University of Florida
    Joseph ZhangStrawberry Crest | University of Florida
    Comments (-1)
  • Four Hillsborough County Public School Students Achieve Remarkable Milestone:  Perfect Attendance from Kindergarten through 12th Grade

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/2/2025 5:21:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060

    Four Hillsborough County Public School Students Achieve Remarkable Milestone:  Perfect Attendance from Kindergarten through 12th Grade

    Tampa, Fl. (June 2, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to celebrate four extraordinary graduates who have accomplished a rare and inspiring feat — perfect attendance for their entire K-12 educational journey.  
    Each student below completed 13 years of school in HCPS without missing a single day of class: 
    • Chloe Wilson – Bloomingdale High School 
    • Colby Wilson – Bloomingdale High School 
    • Dalton Bramlett – Durant High School 
    • Hailey Irvan – Robinson High School 
    “These students have demonstrated exceptional perseverance, discipline, and a deep respect for the value of education,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “It’s not just about being present in a seat—it’s about showing up for your future, day in and day out. In Hillsborough County Public Schools, every day matters. We are incredibly proud of Chloe, Colby, Dalton, and Hailey, and we know their futures are bright.” 
     
    Today, the district formally recognized them during the school board meeting. Suncoast Credit Union, a valued Partner in Education, also provided each of the students with a new laptop and $500 scholarship gift card. 
     
    Chloe Wilson Bloomingdale     Colby Wilson Bloomingdale     Hailey Bramlett Robinson     Dalton Bramlett Durant     Students with Sponsor Principals
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 2-6, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 5/30/2025 4:00:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT:Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (May 30, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/2/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Secondary Principals Institute, Instructional Service Center, 2920 N 40th St, Tampa

    • 6/2/2025 - 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, Auditorium, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
       
    • 6/4/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Elementary Principals Institute, Instructional Service Center, 2920 N 40th St, Tampa
       
    • 6/6/2025 - 4:00 PM
      Seminole Heights/West University Graduation, 211 North Tampa St, Tampa
    Comments (-1)