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EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE 5Sustained Achievements of the Class of 2026The true measure of our operational success lies in our students%u2019 accomplishments, and the Class of 2026 has set historic precedents. This year, we celebrated the highest graduation rate ever for District schools, at 96.7%. Ten of our high schools achieved graduation rates of 99% or higher, and A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Olympic Heights Community HS, Palm Beach Virtual, Royal Palm School, Spanish River Community HS, Suncoast HS, and Village Academy all achieved a flawless 100% graduation rate. Access to rigorous accelerated coursework reached historic heights, with 11,420 of our FY26 seniors (86%) participating in at least one AP, IB, AICE, or Dual Enrollment course. More than 36,700 high school students enrolled in an AICE course, completing more than 61,000 courses. From FY23 to FY26, accelerated course participation rates rose across all student demographics, increasing by 15.3% among Black students, 12.6% among Hispanic students, and 6.5% among White students. Most notably, 144 graduates achieved a historic dual milestone by earning their associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas. This marked an impressive 9% increase over the previous school year, led by our top three dual-degree producing schools. Leading the way was Seminole Ridge Community HS with 21 graduates, followed by Wellington Community HS with 17 graduates, and John I. Leonard HS with 12 graduates.Through our dual-enrollment program, these students earned college credits from Palm Beach State College, Florida Atlantic University, or other public institutions of higher learning, and are stepping into their future with a financial and academic head start.The core values of character, competence, and confidence define the Class of 2026. Whether these young men and women are stepping onto elite university campuses, bravely serving our country in the military, or heading directly into the workforce, our Class of 2026 graduates are proving that there are no limits to what they can accomplish. Operational Milestones and Community PartnershipsOur institutional progress is supported by capital improvements, strong community partnerships, and professional learning opportunities. Facilities and Capital Improvements: At the start of this year, we celebrated the opening of Saddle View ES and the reopening of the modernized Wynnebrook ES. We also marked the completion of the modernized RISE Academy, followed one month later by the groundbreaking for our new western-area elementary school. Connection and Engagement: In FY26, our interactive Community Experience initiative expanded to include students in kindergarten and grades 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, connecting them directly with real-world learning environments across Palm Beach County. Additional agreements with local community organizations have set the stage for annual field trips to local venues for all students in grades K-8. Through partnerships established in FY26 with corporate and community organizations, the Pathways to Possibilities: My Choice, My Future initiative will expand to include Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and additional construction and engineering options for our students.Arts and Athletic Success: Our athletic programs secured state championships in both individual and team sports, including consecutive state titles for the Seminole Ridge Community HS girls%u2019 flag football team and the West Boca Raton Community HS varsity football team. For the 10th consecutive year, the District was recognized as a Best Community for Music Education. Globally, the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble placed third at the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. Staff Excellence: The staff at Independence MS demonstrated the power of preparation when their Heart Safe team applied their training to save a peer%u2019s life. For the fourth consecutive year, all 7 winners of the William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education were educators from our District schools. Among thousands of eligible schools, Crestwood MS and Coral Sunset ES received the %u201cExceeding Expectations Award%u201d for demonstrating exceptional progress in improving student achievement. Plumosa School of the Arts was designated a Florida %u201cSchool to Watch,%u201d and ten school administrators received specialized awards, further confirming the caliber of Team Palm Beach.Grounded in our mission to educate, affirm, and inspire each student, we remain focused on ongoing academic growth, operational excellence, and collaboration. Thank you to our School Board, families, and local business and community partners for your steadfast support. I stand with Team Palm Beach in thanking you for making the School District of Palm Beach County %u201cYour Best Choice!%u201dSincerely,Michael J. BurkeSuperintendent