Sarah Tucci

United Way of Indian River County

(772) 567-8900, ext. 111

Sarah.Tucci@UnitedWayIRC.org   

 

  

VERO BEACH, February 16, 2026 – United Way of Indian River County convened community leaders, educators, nonprofit partners, and supporters for a Powered by Purpose Speaker Series event titled Fueling Brighter Futures, featuring a fireside chat between United Way CEO Meredith Egan and School District of Indian River County Superintendent Dr. David K. Moore.

 

The conversation highlighted the remarkable progress of the School District of Indian River County, which has earned an A rating for three consecutive years, has risen to 5th in the state of Florida (out of 67 districts), and has achieved statewide and national recognition for Dr. Moore, who was named Florida Superintendent of the Year and selected as a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year.

 

While academic achievement was a central focus, the discussion emphasized a broader truth. Student success is strongest when schools and community partners work together to support the whole child and family.

 

“When I arrived in Indian River County, my goal was to create a system that was best for all kids,” said Dr. Moore. “That means strong instruction in the classroom and strong partnerships beyond it.”

 

Dr. Moore shared how the district strengthened accountability and support for educators by deploying interventionists and instructional coaches to assist students and teachers, while also encouraging leaders to think, reflect, and respond when challenges arise.

 

A key driver of the district’s continued momentum has been the integration of community based, wrapped around support that address barriers to learning outside the classroom. United Way of Indian River County plays a critical role in this effort by strategically investing donor dollars in a network of funded nonprofit partners that work alongside the School District to support students and families.

 

Through the generosity of local donors, United Way strengthens organizations that provide mentoring, after school and enrichment programs, youth development opportunities, health and mental health services, and recreational programs. These supports help remove barriers to learning, promote well-being, and create the conditions students need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally both during and beyond the school day.

 

“Schools cannot do this work alone,” said Egan. “United Way brings the community together by investing in trusted nonprofit partners that help meet students and families where they are. When education and community support are aligned, students have a far greater chance to thrive.”

 

The conversation highlighted Vero Beach Elementary as a lab school and proof of concept site where academic interventions and community supports were tested and refined before being scaled across the district. Another success story, Dodgertown Elementary, earned an A rating last year, with ninety percent of students previously in the lowest academic quartile demonstrating significant growth in reading and math.

 

To sustain progress, the district has also prioritized attracting and retaining educators through a multi-tiered, multi-year onboarding and professional development process that focuses on training, support, and long-term growth from within.

 

The event concluded with the announcement of The Moonshot Story, a documentary produced by The Children’s Literacy Project that will premiere Monday, February 16. The film chronicles how educators, families, civic leaders, and community partners, including United Way funded organizations, united to confront the literacy crisis and accelerate student success in Indian River County.

 

Powered by Purpose Speaker Series events are designed to bring together community leaders and experts to explore pressing challenges, share solutions, and inspire collaboration. Fueling Brighter Futures reinforced a powerful message: when education and community align through shared investment and purpose, every child has the opportunity to thrive.

 

  

About United Way of Indian River County 

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.