MARTIN COUNTY, Fla, (CBS12) — Today’s the day thousands of students head back to the classroom as the new school year gets underway.
As the first bell rings, the Martin County School District says its focus goes beyond academics. Superintendent Michael Maine tells CBS12 News his top priority is making Martin County schools the first choice for local families.
Superintendent Maine says a positive school experience starts the moment a child walks through the door. This year, the district is focused on making sure every parent and student feels welcomed, heard, and supported — no matter which school they attend.
The district calls that commitment the “Martin standard.”
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Maine says district leaders spent the summer reviewing family surveys and listening to parent-teacher associations. Staff also received additional training to help deliver a more consistent experience across the district.
At the same time, Martin County is expanding learning options. Maine says families have submitted more than 400 new school choice applications ahead of the new school year.
“They are experiencing the Martin Standard. It looks different, it feels different, the vibe is different. They’re proud to be a part of it, and they know that we are true partners in their child’s education. If I have to say what my biggest priority is, that’s my biggest priority,” said Superintendent Maine.
The district typically serves a little more than 16,000 students, but they won’t know the official number until after the first ten days of school.