Q: Do you have any updates on the Teacher of the Year?
A: We will announce the district’s Teacher of the Year on Feb. 1. It’s exciting that three of the five finalists are from District 4 this year. We have an elementary school teacher (Kristen Anderson, first grade teacher from Valley Ridge Academy), a middle school teacher (Samantha Gayso, an English/Language Arts teacher from Landrum), and a high school teacher (Duane Spears, Master Chief of NJROTC at Nease). We have so many deserving teachers and it’s so fun to celebrate these finalists as well as all of our amazing teachers in St. Johns County.
Q: Are there any principal reassignments to announce?
A: I’m excited to announce that Dr. Jesse Gates has been selected to lead the new Beacon Lakes K-8 school, “OO” and Jill Hillier, previously assistant principal at PVPV Rawlings Elementary will step up and become principal of that school. We’re excited to welcome her and while none of the staff at the school wanted to lose Dr. Gates, they are happy that Ms. Hillier was selected as the new principal. One of the hallmarks of growth is it provides opportunities for wonderful people to shine.
Q: Can you address absenteeism in our schools?
A: There have been lots of conversations lately about absenteeism in our schools. School leaders would like to encourage parents to cut down on recreational absenteeism. Of course, if your child is sick, they should stay at home. But we’ve worked so hard since COVID to overcome learning gaps and absenteeism is hard on students as well as the teachers who must re-teach material. We ask parents to try to avoid scheduling conflicts with school if possible.
Q: Do you have a legislative update?
A: The legislative session is underway and we are thankful that initiatives toward deregulation of education will continue and not be overshadowed by more regulations. I was in Tallahassee for a committee meeting before winter break, advocating for our schools and students. One bill addressing property taxes has implications for our schools and is concerning because our school district funds are already tight and school districts are limited in our variety of revenue sources. Our district office has already reduced expenses by 15 percent and our school sites are evaluating how to reduce expenses outside the classroom in order to balance this year’s budget.
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.
