Dodig previously worked as an assistant school board attorney for human resources. Board member Debbie Jordan expressed dissatisfaction with bypassing the interview process. She pointed out that one-on-one interviews changed minds when they hired last time. Still, she ultimately voted along with the rest to offer Dodig the job.

The board attorney is a contracted position. When the board hired Dupuy-Bruno in April 2020, her base salary was $175,000.

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Embracing Our Differences has received a $33,000 Strategic Partnership Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to expand educational programs aimed at fostering kindness, respect and inclusion among local students.

The grant will support three areas: $20,000 for Unity Day, funded by the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund; $8,000 for the Bucket Fillers Reading Day program, funded by the Libby Yungblut FOI Charitable Fund; and $5,000 for books for Bucket Fillers Reading Day, funded by the Robert and Willa Bernhard Fund for Books and Literacy.

“Art has the power to change minds, and education has the power to change lives,” said Sarah Wertheimer, president and CEO of Embracing Our Differences. “When combined, they create waves of empathy and insight that reach far beyond the classroom. Grants like these from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County make that possible. By supporting Unity Day and Bucket Fillers Reading Day, the Community Foundation is helping us empower young leaders, foster kindness, and build respect, understanding, and connection across our community.”

Unity Day, designed for high school students, promotes teamwork and leadership through cooperative workshops. Bucket Fillers Reading Day introduces young children in pre-kindergarten through third grade to lessons of kindness and empathy through Carol McCloud’s award-winning books. Together, the programs reach thousands of students each year across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

For 22 years, Embracing Our Differences has hosted annual outdoor exhibitions featuring 50 billboard-sized works of art and quotations celebrating inclusion and respect. With more than 4.8 million visitors to date, the exhibitions remain a cornerstone of its year-round programming, which also includes field trips, student clubs and teacher workshops. The 2026 exhibitions are scheduled for January 17 through April 19 in Bayfront Park in Sarasota and March 7 through April 12 in Poynter Park in St. Petersburg.

For more information, visit embracingourdifferences.org or call 941-404-5710.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, a public charity founded in 1979, manages assets of $544 million across nearly 1,600 funds and awarded $56 million in grants and scholarships last year. Since its founding, it has granted more than $500 million to local nonprofits. More information is available at cfsarasota.org or by calling 941-955-3000.

Photo: Braden River Elementary students celebrate kindness and empathy during last year’s Bucket Fillers Reading Day, proudly holding up their copies of “Fill a Bucket: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Young Children.”

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The district recently recorded an 80% increase in “A” schools and a reduction in “C” schools under a new teaching plan, marking the strongest academic performance in a decade. Building on that momentum, leaders are introducing programs in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and aviation to ensure graduates are prepared for opportunities that align with the region’s economic growth.

At Lemon Bay High School, the new Cybersecurity Program has already drawn strong demand, equipping students with skills in digital defense, systems monitoring, and industry-recognized certifications. The program addresses a growing need for IT security professionals, particularly for local businesses that lack in-house expertise.

Port Charlotte High School is debuting an Advanced Manufacturing Program focused on modern production methods such as robotics, CNC machining, and quality control. Partnerships with local employers will help students gain hands-on experience while creating a pipeline of skilled talent for a sector that continues to expand in the county.

Charlotte High School’s Aviation Magnet Program, already a successful initiative, is expanding with a new on-campus hangar classroom. The facility will give students immersive training in aircraft maintenance and operations, directly supporting workforce needs at Punta Gorda Airport and beyond.

These programs reflect a broader district strategy, known as the “Three E’s,” which ensures every graduate leaves with a pathway to enrollment in higher education, enlistment in the military, or immediate employment. The approach links education with workforce development while helping retain local talent and support business recruitment.

The district is also planning an adult-focused advanced manufacturing program to launch next year, offering opportunities for residents to upskill without leaving the community. With nearly all teaching positions filled at the start of the year, the district is positioned to deliver high-quality instruction and sustain program growth.

By combining academic excellence with career readiness, Charlotte County schools are positioning students for success while meeting the workforce needs of the region’s most vital industries.

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