By Kelly Barrera, School Board Member, District 4
I would like to share my thankfulness and gratitude to our community regarding the passage of our two school referendums. They are critical for the future of our schools and community. The referendums will allow us to maintain programs that support our students, provide monetary supplements for our excellent teachers, bus operators, and educational support staff, and continue to build and maintain schools, increase safety and technology.
On Nov. 20, we celebrated our School Related Employees of the Year. I would like to recognize the flowing individuals and thank them for all that they give each day to support our students: Ian Carpenter, Landrum Middle School; Peggy Tierney, Nease High School; Jennifer Dean, Ocean Palms Elementary; Nicole Hastings, Palm Valley Academy; Carlos Fernandez, Pine Island Academy; Janine Rosati, Ponte Vedra High School; Christine Mineer, PVPV/ Rawlings; and Mat Fairchild, Valley Ridge Academy.
In anticipation of the opening of our newest school in the RiverTown community, we have begun the process of zoning students and neighborhoods for our new school. This school will open as a K-7 in August 2025, and become a K-8 in August 2026; however, the school will eventually revert to a middle school once the elementary schools in RiverTown are built.
While opening a new school is always full of excitement and positive energy, changing schools can be stressful as well. Our school district has experienced ongoing growth over the past 20 years and is committed to providing the best transition possible. Excellent experienced school leaders work to develop an inclusive school culture, add familiar teachers and support staff that students know and recognize, and build a new school community that families can be excited about and feel welcome to join. To those who are newer to our community, the rezoning process may not make sense and cause apprehension. We certainly understand and welcome suggestions to the attendance plans options that are presented, as we always want to evaluate every aspect.
The school board continues to take a slow and measured approach to attendance zoning, evaluating the options and suggestions provided, taking steps to avoid rezoning the same group of students’ multiple times, examining future growth areas and trends, evaluating safety and operational needs, and prioritizing providing the best educational environment for our students.
In December, our school board will also begin the process of selecting a new superintendent. Superintendent Tim Forson will be retiring on June 30, 2025 after servicing our students and school community for 44 years in various capacities. The process will be led by the Florida School Board Association and will be somewhat more streamlined than in the past, with more online opportunities for our families and the public to learn about the candidates and submit feedback. The timeline will span over several months.
