Facts & Figures

Florida Atlantic University

n The School District of Palm Beach County is the fifth-largest school district in Florida and the 10th-largest in the United States n District schools regularly rank among Newsweek’s Best High Schools in America n 95.9 percent graduation rate in District-operated schools n The District’s elementary literacy program assists students in mastering writing and reading skills, strategies and behaviors necessary for students to become proficient readers and to be college- and career-ready n More than 330 award-winning Choice Programs and Career Academy Choice Programs, in fields such as: Aerospace Science, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Construction, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Drafting and Design, Engineering, Environmental Services and Field Research, Finance, Information Technology, Marketing, Medical Sciences, Pre-Veterinary Care, Teacher Education, TV and Film Production Technology and Web Design n District schools offer instruction in several languages, including Chinese, French, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Japanese and American Sign Language n More than 40,000 community volunteers serve students and schools n Schools, teachers, staff and students win dozens of state, national and international athletic and academic competitions and awards annually n 1,200 Business Partners in all industries, including banking, bio-tech, utilities, engineering, retail, medical, communication, hospitality and construction n 40,006 students in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs; approximately 9,252 are in gifted education programs n 28 Adult and Community Education sites, one full-time Adult Education Center and one Palm Beach Virtual School program n 146 languages spoken; 197 different countries and territories of birth n After-School Extended Learning programs for approximately 20,000 students n 179 schools; 167,378 students; 13,080 teachers; 22,426 total employees n Beginning teacher salary: $47,500 n 224 school police officers n Total Budget: $4.1 billion (fiscal year 2021-2022) n 915 buses transport 60,000 students daily covering approximately 13 million miles per year n 33.5 million meals served (fiscal year 2021-2022)

THE Write Stuff

A local teacher’s writing curriculum expands from Florida to across the nation

Lisa Collum believes that writing is foundational to countless life skills. “Writing is all about communication,” she says. “This ability will serve [students] throughout their lives. With the capability of expressing what they know on paper or electronically, and explaining it, shows understanding. These basic skills, ideally mastered in grade 5, will serve them in middle school, and are imperative for success in high school and college. Not only are writing skills essential in college with the plethora of research papers required, but writing skills are decisive measures on college applications and entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT.

“After graduation, students will continue to need these skills in the workforce. Experts predict that careers requiring cognitive thinking skills will continue to rise, and individuals who are able to communicate with the written word will be in high demand.”

Collum practices what she preaches. Then a teacher at a Title I school in South Florida, Collum started Top Score Writing 15 years ago to combat a lack of basic writing skills in her fifth-grade students. Founded on principles of structure, repetition and practice, the Top Score Writing