Putnam County School District Superintendent Rick Surrency presented the 2026 State of the District during the October 20th School Board meeting, highlighting academic achievements, progress on school revitalization projects, and the district’s vision for the future.
Centered around the theme “Then. Now. Next.”, the annual presentation provided an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments from the final year of the district’s 2021–2026 Strategic Plan while introducing priorities for the new 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.
Among the highlights was PCSD’s 2025 graduation rate of 96.6%, ranking fifth among Florida’s 67 county school districts and representing the largest increase in the nation over the past decade.
The district also celebrated improvements in college and career readiness, with 66% of the 2025 graduating class earning an industry certification, successfully completing a dual enrollment course, or passing an AICE or AP exam. This represents a 20-percentage-point increase from the previous year.
Student achievement improved across all four core academic content areas, with the district earning its highest achievement levels since 2014. PCSD continues working toward its goal of becoming a “B” district.
The presentation also highlighted continued progress through the district’s Revitalization Plan, including the opening of new facilities at Palatka Intermediate School and Middleton-Burney Elementary School.
Additional updates showcased ongoing construction and improvements at Palatka Primary, Crescent City Junior-Senior High School, and Melrose Elementary School.
These projects represent more than new buildings. They reflect PCSD’s commitment to creating modern, welcoming learning environments that support students, employees, and the communities they serve.
As PCSD closes its previous five-year strategic plan, the district is moving forward with a new three-year plan developed through stakeholder surveys, focus groups, and community feedback.
The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan establishes six priorities focused on student readiness, effective instruction, safe and supportive schools, family engagement, a collaborative workplace, and responsible operations.
Together, these priorities will guide the district’s continued improvement and commitment to student success.
Families, employees, and community members are encouraged to watch the full presentation to learn more about the district’s accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and plans for the future.
As PCSD reflects on where we have been, celebrates how far we have come, and looks toward what is next, our commitment remains the same: Shaping the Future for every student, every day.
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