Sarasota County, February 19, 2025—Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that it has received a $1.2 million grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to create, provide, and enhance professional learning opportunities for its teachers, leaders, and staff members.
“We are extremely grateful to have this opportunity to invest in the current and future success of our teachers and staff, and ultimately our students,” said Deputy Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer Rachael O’Dea. “Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation understands and shares the district’s belief that all students should have a high-quality education, and all teachers and staff members should be supported and encouraged to focus on advancing their skills to meet the evolving needs of our students. It takes all our employees' combined efforts and skills to ensure our students receive a high-quality education grounded in excellence and supported by a rich environment. A considerable investment of resources is necessary to implement this robust professional learning system.”
The school district will utilize the grant to design and implement a phased professional learning plan that will offer both short—and long-term development opportunities, all aligned with Sarasota County Schools’ strategic plan. The initiative will provide various staff at different levels with new, continuous, high-quality professional learning opportunities designed in partnership with high-level providers. These providers are equipped with tools, research, and expertise that will afford our staff advanced learning opportunities.
Highlights include professional learning institutes for educators, such as Literacy for All and Math for All, and enhanced Student Support Services Institutes for staff who support students with disabilities and other challenges. Focusing on key areas to improve teaching practices and enhance student outcomes, the phased professional learning plan will foster a skilled, cohesive workforce, enabling the school district to remain adaptable and responsive to evolving educational needs.
We are thankful for the Barancik Foundation, which has provided the school district with advanced resources to implement a longitudinal professional learning system to ensure that educators, school leaders, and staff continuously develop the skills and knowledge necessary to improve teaching practices, student outcomes, and overall school effectiveness.