In response to new federal charges filed against a former teacher, Pinellas Preparatory Academy is reinforcing its commitment to student safety by proactively exploring enhanced training, including potential collaboration with federal agencies. The school is launching new initiatives focused on behavioral red flag detection, transparency, and parent engagement — turning a blindsiding event into a model for preventative action across Florida's education community.

CLEARWATER, Fla., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Pinellas Preparatory Academy (PPA) stands united with their community in expressing deep concern following the recent federal charges filed against a third-grade teacher in Pinellas Park. (1) These allegations, initiated by the FBI and brought under Project Safe Childhood, underscore the critical importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect our students.

What PPA is doing to reinforce safety and trust:
1. Exploring enhanced training programs
PPA is actively exploring partnerships to elevate the quality and scope of staff training—including potential collaboration with the FBI and other child-safety organizations—to strengthen the ability to recognize and respond to early behavioral red flags.

2. Updating adult screening and monitoring policies
The school is reviewing expansion of its already rigorous background check protocols, including ongoing fingerprint monitoring and annual safety reviews. A dedicated subcommittee of board members and safety advisors is evaluating national best practices to accelerate implementation.

Upon learning of the arrest, PPA immediately notified all stakeholders and took swift action to ensure transparency and student protection. Personal phone calls were made to each parent, and a private meeting was held with the families of students in the teacher's classroom, attended by school leadership and representatives from the FBI.

The school also proactively collaborated with the Pinellas Park Police Department to conduct a full search of the classroom and nearby restrooms using a K9 unit trained to detect electronic devices. No suspicious materials were found.
To ensure continuity and minimize disruption for students, PPA appointed an experienced staff member to take over the classroom and finish out the school year.

"As I told the Tampa Bay Times, we were blindsided by this news, but we acted immediately," said Jessica Hill, Principal of PPA. "From notifying families and collaborating with law enforcement to enhancing our internal policies, we're committed to making sure nothing like this ever arises again in our community."

About the Pinellas Preparatory Academy 
Pinellas Preparatory Academy (PPA) isn't your average public school—it's a tuition-free, innovation-first learning hub for K–8 students in Largo, Florida, reimagining what modern education should look like. Founded in 2002, Pinellas Preparatory Academy disrupts traditional models with an immersive, whole-child approach that blends rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, and real-world problem-solving. With small class sizes, hands-on learning, and a culture that nurtures curiosity and character, the academy prepares students not just to pass tests, but to think critically, lead boldly, and thrive in a fast-changing world. From cross-curricular exploration to global citizenship training, this isn't status quo education— it's future-proof learning. For more information visit:   https://www.pinellasprep.com/
1.    U.S. Department of Justice. "Third Grade Teacher Charged With Additional Child Exploitation Offenses." U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida, 9 June 2025. Justice.gov, justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/third-grade-teacher-charged-additional-child-exploitation-offenses. Accessed 11 June 2025.

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SOURCE Pinellas Preparatory Academy