Van Ayres

Superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools (@HillsboroughSch)

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Our students are succeeding at higher levels than ever before, and we are committed to building on this momentum for each student we serve.

Together, we are #LeadingTheWay!

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Today, we celebrate a milestone more than a decade in the making. @HillsboroughSch has officially earned an A district grade! This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, support professionals, school leaders, families, and community.

[Hillsborough Schools @HillsboroughSch]

We are proud to announce that Hillsborough County Public Schools has earned an “A” district grade from the @EducationFL for the first time in more than a decade!

This milestone follows a year of remarkable student achievement, reflecting all the hard work and dedication from our students, administrators, teachers, support staff, and families.

We are ready to continue to build on this momentum this upcoming school year.

Thank you to our HCPS Family for helping us lead the way!

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

They did a phenomenal job, and I enjoyed sharing my journey, what it's like to serve as superintendent, and my vision for our district.

Congratulations, Tanner and Olivia! I can't wait to see all you'll accomplish in this next chapter. And always remember, Go Big Red!

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

As many of our graduates prepare for college or have already begun summer classes, I wanted to recognize two outstanding graduates from Hillsborough High School.

Tanner Anderson and Olivia Holmes interviewed me for the school's US Magazine Spring 2026 edition.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Together, we are helping ensure students have access to the academic, social, and emotional resources they need to remain connected to their education.

I am grateful to the 1Voice Foundation for their unwavering dedication to these remarkable students and their families!

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, no matter the challenges they may face. Today, I was proud to join the 1Voice Foundation as we renewed our commitment to supporting students undergoing cancer treatment.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Thank you, John, for your years of service, leadership, friendship, and unwavering dedication. You will be deeply missed, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Today was a bittersweet day as we shared our best wishes with our Chief of @HCPSSecurityEM, John Newman, on his upcoming retirement.

For the past 12 years, John has dedicated himself to keeping our students, staff, and entire HCPS family safe.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

He has always led with his heart and has shaped the future of school security in Hillsborough Co., across FL, and the nation.

His impact will be felt for years to come, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he has touched and the safer schools he helped create.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

We wish you the very best in this next chapter, wherever it may take you. Please know you will always have a support system here in Hillsborough County Public Schools!

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

That’s a wrap, #Classof2026! Thank you to our more than 14K seniors for an incredible graduation season.

From the very first to the very last graduate who walked across the stage, it was an honor to celebrate this incredible milestone alongside you and your loved ones.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Hearing where they are headed and all they hope to accomplish in this next chapter has been truly inspiring. Our future is bright with these graduates out in the world.

With three ceremonies left, we look forward to honoring the final members of this incredible class.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

The energy and excitement of the Class of 2026 have been on full display throughout the past two days of our graduation ceremonies.

As graduates crossed the stage, you could feel their pride, enthusiasm, and determination.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

We started the school year with "Our Staff is Back (Alright)"... Now, we're sending our HCPS Family into summer break with a little "Bye, Bye, Bye!" 😎☀️👋🎶

Hit play, sing along, and help us celebrate the incredible employees who have made this school year unforgettable.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

There is no doubt they will continue to do great things long after leaving our district.

I wish everyone a great final two days of the school year! Thank you for #LeadingTheWay and helping make HCPS one of, if not the best, school districts to learn, work, and grow in.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Another inspiring 2 days of graduations have given us even more reason to celebrate the remarkable #Classof2026.

This class has shown tremendous resilience, a genuine commitment to serving their schools and communities, & excellence in every aspect of their high school journey.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

We wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day tomorrow and look forward to seeing our graduates and families back at the fairgrounds on Tuesday as we continue celebrating this special milestone.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

It’s been a wonderful weekend celebrating the #Classof2026! These graduates have accomplished so much both in and out of the classroom, and their hard work, leadership, and perseverance showcase how HCPS is Leading the Way.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

I look forward to celebrating each of our more than 14,000 graduates as they walk across the stage and begin their next chapter over this next week.

[Van Ayres @VanAyresHCPS]

Day one of the #Classof2026 commencement ceremonies is complete!

Graduation marks the culmination of 13+ years of hard work, perseverance, and achievement for our high school, adult education, and technical college students.