increase teacher efficiency and improve instructional consistency across classrooms, including lesson plan development, assessments, unit resources, and pacing alignment. The district’s philosophy is clear: AI is not a threat to education; it is a tool that must be harnessed responsibly to prepare students for the world they will enter. CAPITAL OUTLAY AND A BUILD SCHEDULE DESIGNED FOR GROWTH St. Lucie Public Schools is also one of Florida’s fastest-growing districts—one of only six counties in the state seeing increased enrollment. In a state where funds follow the student and families have expanding choice options, enrollment growth reflects confidence in the district’s offering. That growth is being met with an aggressive capital plan. Dr. Prince reports that the district has roughly $300 million in capital investment underway across a three-year period, including the construction of three new schools: two high schools and one K–8 campus opening in August 2026. One high school is being built in a high-growth area, while the other is a rebuild of one of the district’s oldest high schools— reflecting a deliberate balance between expansion 332 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01
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