The School District of Indian River County (SDIRC) is proud to announce its designation as an Innovative District at the prestigious 2025 Model Schools Conference, taking place in Washington, D.C., June 22–25. Hosted by the Center for Model Schools, this nationally recognized event celebrates districts that are reimagining education through bold, student-centered systems and sustainable innovation.
Selected from a distinguished group of school systems across the nation, the SDIRC is being honored for its districtwide transformation efforts, commitment to instructional innovation, and measurable impact on student learning outcomes. As one of Florida’s most improved school districts, the SDIRC’s approach reflects a deep commitment to empowering leaders, connecting communities, and driving results.
“We are honored to be recognized as an Innovative District at MSC 2025,” said Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of Schools. “This is a testament to the leadership at every level of our organization and the belief that bold systems can lead to breakthrough results for students.”
Featured SDIRC Sessions at MSC 2025
As part of its recognition, the School District of Indian River County will lead two (2) dynamic sessions that offer a comprehensive view of innovation from the district level to the classroom:
Part I: Wired to Learn Fast: Sustaining District-Level Instructional Innovation
Facilitated by Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent
This session offers district-level design thinking blueprints from one of Florida’s fastest-improving districts. Attendees will explore high-yield instructional habits and strategic system designs that have enabled the SDIRC to implement sustainable approaches to continuous improvement, anchored in an unwavering commitment to achieving ambitious student learning outcomes.
Part 2 – Grounded and Growing: Implementing Innovation at the School Level
Facilitated by Letitia Whitfield Hart, Principal, and Ashley Kohlstedt, Assistant Principal – Sebastian Elementary School of the Arts
Building on the District’s systems design, this session showcases how one school is bringing strategy to life. Sebastian Elementary School of the Arts is leveraging proven, consistent, and sustainable instructional practices to drive school-level transformation. Attendees will gain insights into how school leaders implement the SDIRC blueprint with fidelity to optimize instruction and advance student achievement.
“At Sebastian Elementary School of the Arts, we believe systems don’t limit, they launch,” said Letitia Whitfield Hart, Principal. “By aligning our school-level practices with districtwide innovation, we are empowering teachers and students to achieve excellence every single day.”
About the School District of Indian River County
Rooted in its guiding principles—Connected by Community, Fueled by Innovation, and Driven by Leadership, the SDIRC continues to pioneer educational excellence through collaborative systems and bold leadership. The District serves as a national model for transforming challenges into opportunities and designing schools where all students thrive.
For the most up up-to-date information, follow us on X, @MySDIRC and @MySDIRC_SUP, on Facebook at School District of Indian River County and Dr. David K. Moore, and on Instagram @MySDIRC.