A Busy December Filled with Learning, Celebration, and Community

December has already proven to be a busy and meaningful month, filled with moments that reflect the heart of our district and the strength of our community. While there is much more to share in the weeks ahead, I wanted to highlight some of the experiences and events from the last many days. Together, they capture a season marked by professional growth, community pride, heartfelt remembrance, and the joy that naturally accompanies the holidays.

The month began with the annual Florida School Board Association and Florida Association of District School Superintendents Joint Conference. This is the largest gathering of its kind in the state, bringing together nearly every school board member and superintendent from across Florida. Leaders gathered for meetings, planning, and purposeful professional development. What stood out most were the thoughtful conversations about the future of education. Topics such as artificial intelligence, personalized instruction, operational efficiencies, expanded choice programs, and the upcoming legislative session were central to these discussions. I had the honor of co presenting a session alongside the Google Florida Head of State for K12 Education and one of their lead engineers, focused on the use of an AI tool in education. These conversations strengthened our understanding of what lies ahead and reinforced our shared responsibility to guide our schools with intention and care. I left the conference encouraged by the dedication of leaders across Florida who remain deeply committed to students and educators.

One of the most memorable moments of the week was the celebration at Lecanto High School honoring internationally recognized actor and LHS alumnus Miles Teller. Welcoming him home was a point of pride for the entire community. Lecanto officially named its theater the Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium, a tribute that reflects both his remarkable accomplishments and the appreciation of the school that helped shape his early years. The excitement among students, alumni, and staff was inspiring. This special moment deserves a fuller story, and I plan to share more reflections in a future piece.

The week also carried a solemn and heartfelt tone as we gathered at Crystal River High School for a ceremony at Bramlitt Stadium celebrating the life of School Resource Officer Deputy Rod. His influence on students and staff was profound. Hearing stories from those who worked alongside him reminded everyone of the lasting impact one caring individual can have within a school community. It was a moving tribute to a man who dedicated his life to creating a safe and supportive environment for young people.

Amid these moments of reflection and celebration, the holiday season brought its own energy and sense of togetherness. Our district participated for the first time in the Crystal River Citrus County Chamber Christmas Parade. The transportation team brought creativity and holiday spirit to life by decorating one of our school buses, transforming it into a bright and joyful part of the parade. Staff members, leaders from the Crystal River compound, and their children walked alongside the bus as families lined the streets. Seeing the smiles, waves, and cheers along the route was a powerful reminder of the strong bond between our schools and the communities we serve.

The celebrations continued with our district Christmas holiday luncheon held at the train depot in Inverness. This gathering gave us the opportunity to pause and recognize the dedication of team members whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes. The holiday season offers a natural moment for gratitude, and I was thankful for the chance to celebrate colleagues who make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. It was a warm reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside people who care deeply about our district.

With all of the celebration taking place, important work was also happening across the district. We held our December regular School Board meeting and continued with numerous other activities, including school visits, time spent working directly with families, and additional professional trainings. These efforts are essential to keeping our schools focused, responsive, and centered on the needs of students.

Later in the week, we celebrated another important milestone at the Withlacoochee Technical College Winter Graduation for the Class of 2025 and 2026. The ceremony was held at the newly named Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium and honored graduates from each of the workforce programs, along with our GED graduates. Watching these students cross the stage was a powerful reminder of the role career and technical education plays in opening doors to opportunity. Their accomplishments reflected determination, resilience, and a commitment to building strong futures.

As we move toward the Christmas break, I am filled with gratitude for everyone across our district. Our students, families, educators, support staff, and leaders all contribute to a community that feels connected and purposeful. These weeks have been busy, but they have also offered meaningful reminders of why this work matters. I look forward to sharing more stories and reflections in the days ahead and remain thankful for each person who helps our students grow, learn, and thrive.

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