Q: How is the search process going for the new superintendent?
A: We are moving forward with the next steps and by the time you read this, all applications will be in. We will be making finalist selections and starting video and written interviews. You can check our school district website for ongoing updates. I’d also like to thank all community members whose input has already been received.
Q: Do you have an update on the new RiverTown school scheduled to open in the fall?
A: The RiverTown school now has a name: Hallowes Cove Academy, reflecting the natural beauty of the local waterways as well as the history of the area, was selected. Principal Jessley Hathaway couldn’t be more excited. Community meetings have started and ideas for mascots will now be fine tuned, now that we have a school name.
It’s important to note that approximately 80 percent of teachers going to the new school will be from existing schools. This keeps everyone growing and learning and focusing on students.
Q: What is expected for District 4 next school year?
A: We’re not expecting too many changes for our district for next year. Ocean Palms and PVPV Rawlings will have extra space, as I’ve mentioned before, for families interested in joining our St. Johns County School District family or for those wanting a different experience.
Q: What district updates can you share?
A: We are working on the school calendars for the 2026 – 27 and 2027 – 28 school years. Once the drafts are complete, we will put them online and ask for input from our school community.
Q: Do you have any kudos to share?
A: We have lots of fun things to celebrate:
Two Ponte Vedra High School students were invited to represent the St. Johns County School District at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, to be held in Columbus, Ohio in May: Nicolette Finn and Anya Dorairaj.
Tuba player Campbell Jones of PVHS was named to the High School All State Band.
Nease freshman Aarna Warekar won the chess championship.
Sree Vidya Siliveri, an eighth-grade student at Landrum Middle School, moves on to the National Spelling Bee in May.
Students recently participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. countywide poster and essay contest. For the poster contest, Sophia Hinkle (11th grade) from PVHS placed first and Tess Impey (11th grade) from PVHS placed second. For the essay contest, Crawford Teideberg (seventh grade) from Landrum Middle School placed first and Sophia Koppenhafer (ninth grade) from PVHS placed first.
Finally, the Nease NJROTC Brain Brawl teams competed in the Area 10 Regional Championships. The Nease A Team emerged as champions and will compete in the national competition at the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
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.
