St. Lucie County’s summer school programs are set to look drastically different this year, with major reductions in who qualifies, where programs are offered, and even how teachers are selected. These changes, outlined in an internal memo shared by a trusted source, highlight the growing challenges schools face as federal COVID-19 relief funds run dry. For many, this marks a turning point with significant implications for students, teachers, and families alike.

What’s Changing?

Under the new plan, summer school in St. Lucie County will be available only to specific groups of students:

  • 3rd Grade: Level 1 students, who struggle with reading proficiency.
  • 8th Grade: Students needing course recovery.
  • 11th & 12th Grade: High schoolers needing credit recovery to graduate.
  • Specialized Programs: ESY (Extended School Year) programs for K-12 ESE students, as well as limited offerings for VPK students transitioning to kindergarten, newly arrived ESOL students, and migrant students.

For all other grades, there will be no summer school options. Students who fail in these grades may face automatic retention. This represents a significant departure from previous years, where students could rely on summer school to catch up and move on to the next grade.

The memo also reveals logistical changes. Summer programs will be consolidated at just a few schools, with reduced hours (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.), fewer teachers, and no additional pay incentives that had previously helped attract staff.

Why the Changes?

The root cause is the expiration of federal relief funds provided during the pandemic. These funds had allowed schools to expand summer offerings, including bonuses and higher hourly pay for teachers. Without them, the district is unable to sustain a large-scale summer program.

Implications for Students

For students, the changes are particularly alarming. In previous years, summer school provided a lifeline for those needing to recover credits or improve performance. Now, unless students fall into one of the approved categories, they won’t have that option.

This is especially troubling for families who relied on summer school as a way to ensure their children stayed on track academically. The lack of summer options could lead to higher retention rates and increased dropout risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Implications for Teachers

Teachers are also feeling the impact. Many educators have historically relied on summer school positions to bridge the gap between the school year’s end and the next paycheck. The reduced number of programs means fewer jobs, and stricter certification requirements further narrow the pool of eligible candidates. Teachers must now be certified in specific content areas or possess a reading endorsement to qualify for certain positions.

Moreover, without the bonuses and additional hourly pay funded by federal relief money, the financial incentive to teach summer school is significantly diminished.

What This Means for the Community

This shift doesn’t just affect students and teachers—it has ripple effects across the community. With fewer summer programs, working parents may struggle to find childcare or structured activities for their children. The reduced support for students at risk of falling behind could also widen existing achievement gaps, further straining local resources.

The broader question is how the district plans to address these gaps moving forward. As one teacher put it, “This is a huge deal. It’s not just about fewer opportunities—it’s about what this says about our priorities as a community.”

What’s Next?

The memo suggests that hiring for summer school positions will begin later this year, but much remains uncertain. Locations for several programs are still to be determined, and it’s unclear how these changes will be communicated to families and staff.

In the meantime, it’s worth asking: Are these reductions a temporary setback, or do they signal a new normal for summer school in St. Lucie County?