Q: Do you have an update on the construction of K-8 School OO?
A: On Sept. 20, we will have the topping off ceremony for this new school under construction in the Beacon Lakes community. It’s an exciting time. This facility will be approximately 190,000 square feet and contain 73 classrooms with 1,500 student stations on a 43-acre parcel. STG Contracting Group is the construction company and they have built facilities for us before. When this school opens next school year, it will provide relief to Landrum, Ocean Palms, and Liberty Pines Academy.
Q: Can you comment on the overcrowding of current schools and subsequent rezoning?
A: We are always looking to balance out our growth. Even as we are constructing new schools, we are currently working on obtaining bonding for our next school. In anticipation of this next new school, we’re looking at balancing out attendance of our current schools. In District 4, we are looking at a proposal to relieve Pine Island Academy with the projected growth in its attendance zone. It’s like a big puzzle and we’re trying to provide this balance as best we can. Our attendance zone design team welcomes and considers all feedback and suggestions that they receive.
Q: Do you have any kudos to share?
A: I’d like to recognize Gus Calado, Nease swim and dive coach and Zane Guile, Ponte Vedra track and field coach, who were awarded the Jeff Holt Coach of the Year Award for Pursuing Victory with Honor.
Q: What else do you have to share with DIstrict 4?
A: I’d like to congratulate our National Merit Semifinalist in our District. From Nease High School: Jack Hilbert, Shreya Kalarikkal, Alan Li, Roberto Russo, Vincent Schifiano, Lucian Slayden and Zarrar Talukdar. From Ponte Vedra High School: Mira Bhutani, Lila Kirkley, Spencer Lewis, Alexandra Lin, Emaad Rahmathulla, and Samuel Ray.
I’d also like to recognize the passing of Mike Parrish, former principal of Ocean Palms Elementary School. He opened that school and served as principal for 15 years. Prior to that he was principal at PVPB Rawlings. Mike was a strong educational pillar in the community. He knew every student’s name and created the culture that exists to this day at Ocean Palms.
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.
