NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 11, 2026Hillsborough
Pinellas County Schools implements new e-bike and smart glasses policies for 2026 school year
Pinellas County Schools has introduced new campus technology rules requiring students to park e-bikes in designated areas and prohibiting the use of smart glasses for recording. These changes coincide with the district maintaining an 'A' rating while managing school closures due to declining enrollment.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
Students and families must now comply with specific parking and privacy regulations regarding personal technology, while the district continues to navigate the of schools due to a significant drop in local birth rates.
Key Facts
- Pinellas County Schools received an 'A' rating from the Florida Department of Education for the third consecutive year.
- 92 percent of district schools earned an 'A' or 'B' grade, with the remainder receiving a 'C'.
- New campus policy requires students to park e-bikes in designated areas rather than on sidewalks.
- New campus policy prohibits the use of smart glasses for recording, except for medical reasons.
- Annual hospital births in the county dropped from 10,000 to below 7,000 last year.
- Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy were closed due to declining enrollment.
- Melrose Elementary School earned its first-ever 'A' grade.
- Approximately 300 students attend Melrose Elementary.
Who's Mentioned
personDr. Carmen Harris“Principal of Melrose Elementary School.”locationDisston Academy“School closed due to low enrollment.”other10,000“Historical annual hospital births in Pinellas County.”personKevin Hendrick“Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools.”other7,000“Recent annual hospital births in Pinellas County.”organizationPinellas County Schools“The school district implementing new policies and reporting academic ratings.”other300“Approximate student population at Melrose Elementary.”organizationFlorida Department of Education“The state body that issued the 'A' rating to the district.”locationMelrose Elementary School“School that received its first 'A' grade.”locationCross Bayou Elementary“School closed due to low enrollment.”