Q: What is the latest information from the Citizen Advisory Committee regarding the half cent sales tax?
A: The Citizen Advisory Committee’s recent annual report highlights how much this sales tax was needed because of all the projects that funds are supporting, including $13 million toward the construction of Pine Island Academy, along with a dining room expansion at Liberty Pines Academy and roof replacements at Landrum Middle School and Osceola Elementary.
On the technology side, approximately $2 million went to the installation of 983 classroom interactive TV panels across the district. Also funded were 878 new student computers to multiple schools and 3,100 new teacher laptops just this year.
Q: What would you consider to be a highlight of items purchased with the sales tax funds?
A: I’d like to highlight the installation of a new security system enhancement by Centegix. This is a mobile alert system that is fulfilling part of Alyssa’s Law. The system gives real time coordinates between multiple first responder agencies and provides a badge to all teachers and staff that allows them to activate a mobile alert from anywhere in the school. The cost of this system is nearly $1.7 million and installation is in progress and will continue in all schools over the next couple of months.
I’d also like to recognize the District 4 members serving on the Citizen Advisory Committee, Jack Hardman (chair), Damian Cook and Richa Jeetah. Javelin Arvay serves as an alternate. These individuals attend meetings and give of their time in this important service to our community.
Q: Do you have an update on Beachside High School?
A: Things are moving along rapidly with our newest school. The school construction is coming together and the hiring of key personnel has begun. The school announced its mascot: the Barracudas. Community engagement is really ramping up.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 4?
A: I’d like to congratulate St. Johns County Teacher of the Year finalist Andrew Burk, who is the band teacher at Valley Ridge Academy.
From District 4, we had two students recognized as part of the Elaine Crutchfield math and science scholar part of the Sunshine State Scholars program. This program recognizes our top students in science, technology, engineering and math who plan to pursue their post secondary education in Florida. Tabitha Gottipati from Nease High School is the district alternative and is receiving a $150 scholarship. In addition, Iulia-Maria Beriau was a finalist from PVHS and received a $100 scholarship.
Congratulations to Jocelyn Chambers of Valley Ridge Academy who placed second in the Middle School Art in the Capitol contest. Her art teacher is Lauren Bayliss.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at kelly.barrera@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call me at (904) 547-7510.
