A Great Morning on the First Day of School in Citrus County School District

The first day of school in the Citrus County School District for the 2024-2025 academic year was filled with excitement, energy, and a strong sense of community. I had the privilege of visiting several schools to welcome our educators, staff, and students back for what promises to be an exceptional year. The opportunity to visit schools and classrooms is one of the best parts of my role as a school board member, allowing me to witness firsthand the incredible work happening across our district.

My morning began at Citrus Springs Middle School (CSMS), where I had the pleasure of meeting with the school’s new principal, Kyle Jaecks. Principal Jaecks is full of enthusiasm and has some wonderful plans in store for the school. His vision for CSMS is inspiring, and I am eager to see the positive changes he will bring. During my visit, I also stopped by the Guidance Department and caught up with Denise Wells, the Guidance Secretary. Denise is someone I’ve known for years, as our children attended school together. She is a strong advocate for students and a trusted resource for families and educators alike. Her dedication to supporting our students is truly commendable.

Next, I headed to Central Ridge Elementary (CRE), where Principal Sarahy Ramallo and Assistant Principal Gillian Darby were buzzing with excitement about the new school year. It was clear that their enthusiasm was contagious, as parents were still enrolling students when I arrived. The energy in the school was palpable, and I could tell that CRE is ready for another year of growth and learning.

At Citrus Springs Elementary School (CSES), I had the joy of reconnecting with Amy Thompson, a first-grade teacher who has been a cornerstone of the school for many years. Amy shared with me that this year marks her 33rd first day of school as a teacher. It’s amazing to think about the countless lives she has impacted over the years. I also had the opportunity to meet with CSES’s new Principal, Bart Adams, and wish him a successful school year ahead. Additionally, I had the chance to stop by Kristel Nikole’s first-grade classroom and let her know that I look forward to reading to her students, as I have had the pleasure of doing many times before. Walking through the classrooms, I was reminded of the dedication and passion of our educators, who work tirelessly to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for our students.

At Crystal River Primary School (CRP), I had the pleasure of seeing the new outdoor dining area that the talented CRP team created over the summer. This wonderful addition provides students with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and socialize with each other in a fresh, inviting space. Principal Christina Touchton and Assistant Principal Constance Kane couldn’t be more excited about the start of the new school year, and their enthusiasm is clearly reflected in the positive changes around the campus.

My visit to Crystal River High School (CRHS) was particularly exciting as I explored some of the new technology being integrated into the curriculum. Drafting teacher Bill Linthwaite proudly showed me the new 3D printers and laser cutters that will be used in the AutoCAD drafting courses. These tools will provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology, preparing them for future careers. While at CRHS, I was lucky enough to walk in with Guardian Bateman and K9 Sammy while they were on patrol in Pirate Country. I couldn’t resist snapping a picture with our four-legged Guardian! Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting Tami Corbin, the new Dental Assisting teacher. With over 20 years of experience as a dental hygienist, Tami is eager to share her knowledge with students and is already planning exciting job shadowing opportunities in local dental offices.

At Crystal River Middle School (CRMS), I joined Principal Brian Lancaster in the cafeteria, where students were receiving their digital learning devices (iPads) after finishing lunch. It was a busy and productive scene, showcasing the school’s commitment to integrating technology into the learning experience. I also checked in with several educators, including Title 1 Interventionist Ron Frink, who was a former School Resource Officer (SRO) and a high school classmate of my wife. It was great to catch up with Ron and hear about the work he’s doing to support students. Before leaving CRMS, I also had the chance to say hello to art teacher Jennifer Faust and Instructional TOSA Becky Harris, both of whom are talented educators and former colleagues of my wife.

While I wasn’t able to visit all 23 of our schools today, I will be making my way to them throughout the school year. I have always believed in seeing firsthand the amazing learning and opportunities happening in our classrooms. Every visit is a chance to connect with our dedicated educators, staff, and students, and to celebrate the incredible work being done across the district.

The first day of school is always a learning opportunity, not just for students, but for everyone involved. This year, thanks to the School Board’s decision to increase starting wages for bus drivers to over $20 an hour, the Citrus County School District is now among the top five districts in the state for bus driver starting wages. For the first time in a few years, we had a credentialed driver on every bus and route, eliminating the need for our credentialed office staff to drive. We were able to start the year with all routes covered, though we recognize that there may be some delays or missed routes as our new drivers and routes settle in. Additionally, we are preparing to start a new training class for incoming drivers next week, with 10 applicants already cleared to join. I am incredibly grateful to our transportation department for their diligent work in meeting the critical needs of our students and families.

As the afternoon approaches, after-school activities will be in full swing at many of our schools. These are exciting times, and I am deeply thankful for our committed educators, staff, leaders, and families. God bless each of you as we embark on this new school year together.

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