Q: What is the latest on the proposed construction of K-8 School NN [as of interview date of April 18]?
A: We had to reject the bids that came in for this proposed construction because they were all too high. The cost to construct this school in a timely manner was out of our affordability range, and so we are delaying the construction by one year. We feel that the high bids were very situational, due to the lack of supplies and workforce. We will rebid the project with a finish date of fall 2024 and see if that doesn’t make it more palatable. 

Q: How does this affect proposed rezoning in District 4?
A: We were already looking at rezoning due to the 7.2 percent growth rate we had this year. In particular, the Beachwalk/Beacon Lake/Creekside communities are showing a lot of growth. Our growth planning department is analyzing the area and one proposal is to rezone the Beachwalk community from Ocean Palms Elementary and Landrum Middle School to Liberty Pines Academy, which just underwent an expansion last year. This is all with the understanding that there is likely more growth coming to this area and student population will continue to evolve. 

Q: What in general is happening in area schools during this month?
A: In May, we are celebrating our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week and our seniors, who will be participating in graduation ceremonies at the end of May and the beginning of June. I’d like to highlight that this has been another difficult year for teachers and staff and school leaders. I and so many others in our community appreciate their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to our students and for each other.

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From the administration side, there is a lot of hiring going on, including movement between schools in addition to adding new faces to our district.

Q: Do you have any kudos to share?
A: I’d like to congratulate Pia Lachner from Landrum Middle School. She won best overall for her project entitled “Radium Girls Debate Who is Guilty” at St. Johns County’s National History Day competition. She will advance to the state competition in May.

Also, we had several County Art Award winners from District 4. Congratulations to Jessica Shattles from Ponte Vedra High School who earned first place in the Ceramics/Pottery division and Azsia Thomas who earned Honorable Mention. In the 2D-Mixed Media/Printmaking category, congratulations to Cole Shapiro of Ponte Vedra High School who earned first place. 

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.

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