Q: What can you tell us about the district’s recruitment efforts for bus drivers?
A: In October, we held a “Come Drive the Bus with Us” event that was very successful. With our growing county, we are always looking for professional bus operators. We offer a $1,000 signing bonus and assistance with getting a CDL (commercial driver’s license) to those who don’t yet have a CDL. School bus operator candidates who are currently licensed operators with Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements are eligible for a $3,000 sign on bonus. Anyone interested in joining our district should visit www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/transportation/jobs/ for more information.
Q: Do you have a report from the Nov. 14 School Board meeting?
A: At this meeting the attendance rezoning was finalized for the three new schools that we will be opening in the next two years. There were no changes in District 4 to the proposals that were advertised 30 days in advance of this meeting.
Also at this meeting, we were pleased to recognize Camila Romero, a sixth grade student from Landrum. Her essay for the State of Florida Hispanic Heritage Month student essay contest tied for first place in the middle school category. She received a Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Q: Do you have any legislative updates?
A: During the current special legislative session, there are proposals to deregulate the massive amount of statutes related to traditional public schools. This deregulation is so needed and I hope substantial progress can be made.
Q: Do you have any kudos to share?
A: I’d like to congratulate Tiffany Cantwell, principal of Ocean Palms Elementary, who was recently named Principal of the Year for the St. Johns County School District. She began in our district at PVPV Rawlings and has served in a variety of roles and schools over the years. She is a fierce student advocate and does an amazing job supporting her students, families, teachers and staff. She is very deserving of this honor.
Also, I’d like to congratulate this year’s St. Johns County School Related Employee of the Year, Sylvia Bass. She serves as an ESE school bus operator, providing specialized transportation services to students from Landrum, PVPV Rawlings, and Ponte Vedra High School.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 4?
A: The ESE Parent Advisory Committee will meet on Dec. 5 via Microsoft Teams from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. I’ve sat in on these meetings and even without a student in the district, I found this information so valuable. They share information, resources, and have speakers who are subject matter experts. Visit www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/ese/advisory/ for more information including how to call in to this meeting.
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.
