Honoring Lieutenant Scott Farmer: A Legacy of Dedication and Service

After an impressive 33-year career with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Lieutenant Scott Farmer is retiring. Many of us in Citrus County Schools know him better as SRO Farmer. Lieutenant Farmer has dedicated 30 of those years to the students of Citrus County, much of that time serving as an on-campus School Resource Officer (SRO). His career is marked by his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of students, and I have had the honor of knowing him both as an SRO and as a parent with children at the same schools.

During the school year before I was elected to the School Board, I worked as a substitute teacher and had the privilege of substituting in classrooms where Farmer, then the SRO for Central Ridge Elementary, taught the “Filtering Out Crime United with Students” (F.O.C.U.S.) program. This ten-week course for fifth graders covers essential topics like the dangers of drugs, peer pressure, and social media. Witnessing firsthand the positive impact of Famer with students, and this program, I saw how SRO Farmer engaged with students, fostering a sense of trust and respect.

As a parent, I had the privilege of accompanying SRO Farmer on two week-long Safety Patrol Trips to Washington D.C. with our children. His dedication to student safety and his ability to connect with them on a personal level were evident during these trips. His approachable and commanding manner provided a comforting presence for both students and parents alike.

When I served as the Citrus Springs Elementary and Central Elementary School Advisory Council Chairman, and later as a new school board member, Farmer was incredibly generous with his time. He helped me better understand school safety, the vital role and work of SROs, and the importance of the F.O.C.U.S. program. His guidance and expertise were invaluable in shaping my perspective on the safety and well-being of our students.

One particular incident stands out in my memory. A serious event occurred at one of our high schools where seconds mattered, and courage and training were paramount. When the call went our Farmer, who was near the campus, rushed to the scene without hesitation and was one of the first law enforcement officers to arrive. His swift and decisive actions were instrumental in ensuring the safety of our students and staff. Many of those students had grown up knowing SRO Farmer was there to protect them, and he and the other law enforcement truly lived up to that expectation that day when it was needed most.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Farmer earned several distinguished awards, reflecting his dedication to Citrus County students, schools, and the broader community. These include multiple Certificates of Commendation, a Unit Citation, the Exemplary Safe Schools Award by the National School Safety Advocacy Council in 2010, and numerous letters of appreciation from community members. In 2023, Farmer received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO), a testament to his enduring impact on school safety.

Lieutenant Farmer is also known for his sense of humor and grilling skills. During appropriate times, he would blend these two talents, sharing humorous grill photos that brought smiles to many faces. His ability to connect with students and colleagues on a personal level added a unique and endearing dimension to his professional persona.

As Lieutenant Farmer retires, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his incredible service and dedication. He has made a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of countless students, families, and staff in Citrus County. God bless you, Scott Farmer!

If you are interested in watching a video of Lt. Farmer’s final CCSO radio call, visit: Lt. Farmer’s Final Call.

Comments Off on Honoring Lieutenant Scott Farmer: A Legacy of Dedication and Service
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

Kicking Off the 2024-2025 School Year: Welcoming Our Citrus County Educators and Staff Back for the 2024-2025 School Year

As summer comes to a close and the 2024-2025 school year approaches, we are excited to welcome back our remarkable dedicated teachers and educators for Professional Learning and Workdays. This time is crucial as we prepare to inspire, educate, and support our students and their families.

Throughout the summer, our district has been a hub of activity, thanks to the tireless efforts of our custodial, facilities, maintenance, curriculum specialists, business, transportation, food service, and administrative teams. Their hard work has ensured that our schools and departments are ready to welcome students back into a safe, clean, and nurturing environment.

Our custodial teams have meticulously cleaned and sanitized classrooms, hallways, and facilities, ensuring a healthy start to the new academic year. The facilities and maintenance crews have worked diligently to address repairs, enhance safety measures, and create conducive learning environments. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every freshly painted wall, every repaired desk, and every functional HVAC system that keeps our schools comfortable.

Behind the scenes, our curriculum specialists have been busy developing innovative teaching strategies and resources that will enrich our students’ learning experiences. These specialists play a critical role in aligning our educational programs with the latest standards and ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

The business and administrative teams have worked throughout the summer, managing budgets, coordinating resources, and planning for the year ahead. Their efforts ensure that our district operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing educators to focus on what they do best—teaching and mentoring our students.

Transportation and food service teams have been preparing for the influx of students, ensuring that every child has access to reliable transportation and nutritious meals. These teams are vital to the daily operations of our schools, providing essential services that support our students’ well-being and academic success.

As we come together for Professional Learning and Workdays, let us be inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s words: “Education is the means of developing our greatest abilities. Each of us has a personal hope and dream, and when fulfilled, these can benefit everyone and strengthen our nation.”

To all our staff and educators, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students, families, and schools. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for education are the foundation of our district’s success. As we embark on this new school year, let us continue to work together, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

Together, we look forward to making the 2024-2025 school year a remarkable journey of growth, learning, and achievement for every student in the Citrus County School District. Welcome back, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Comments Off on Kicking Off the 2024-2025 School Year: Welcoming Our Citrus County Educators and Staff Back for the 2024-2025 School Year
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

Summer Rise 2024: Empowering Futures at the College and Career Readiness Event for Citrus County Seniors

All Students Awarded a Free Laptop, and Twenty-Five Students Awarded $500 Scholarships

The 2024 Summer Senior RISE program welcomed a record number of over 150 students, each eager to seize the opportunity to grow and excel. The RISE (Resources, Information, Support, Entry) program, now in its sixth year, has once again become a beacon of hope and empowerment for these young individuals as they prepare to embrace their futures. This transformative two-day college and career readiness event is designed to empower incoming Citrus County high school seniors, helping them plan their futures with confidence and clarity.

Organized by the Citrus County Coalition for College & Careers and Citrus County Schools, in partnership with the College of Central Florida (CF) and local supporters like the YMCA, Publix, and the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), this event aims to provide comprehensive guidance and resources. Throughout the event, students engage in workshops covering essential topics such as crafting compelling college essays, completing scholarship applications, exploring diverse academic programs, mastering interview skills, and navigating the FAFSA process. These workshops are meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their post-secondary endeavors.

My wife Thomasine, a CCCCC board member and volunteer, and I had the honor of once again participating as interviewers in mock interviews of RISE students. We were joined by leaders from many diverse industries and backgrounds to interview these students, providing them with invaluable experiences. Each student engaged in three mock interviews with community members from various sectors within Citrus County. These practice sessions allowed the students to sharpen their communication skills, boost their confidence, and learn from the valuable feedback provided by experienced mentors and professionals. The preparation and impressiveness of these students were truly remarkable.

A popular segment of the event was when current RISE students listened to the success stories from previous RISE alumni, adding to the excitement of what lies ahead for the current participants. Among the RISE alumni are engineers, nurses, business professionals, meteorologists, welders, linesmen, chefs, doctors, teachers, and more – the impact of the RISE program is evident in the varied and successful paths taken by these accomplished individuals.

The event concluded with two major special announcements that thrilled the attendees. First, Patrick Simon of the Citrus County College and Career Coalition revealed that twenty-five $500 scholarships would be awarded to deserving students, courtesy of the CCCCC. Following this exciting news, Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, announced that, thanks to a generous donation, the CCEF would once again provide each student who attended the RISE program with a laptop to support their college or career plans. These laptops will be distributed at the end of their senior year, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to succeed in their future endeavors.

The achievements of the RISE program wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of various organizations and individuals. Special acknowledgment goes to Patrick Simon, the Citrus County College and Career Coalition, Citrus County Schools and Director of Special Programs Darrick Buettner, Al Balk, Citrus Schools Supervisor of Instructional Materials, Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, the College of Central Florida, and all the educators, volunteers, community members, and stakeholders. Their unwavering commitment to facilitating and providing this transformative experience for the students is deeply appreciated.

A special thanks to all our community partners for making the 2024 Summer RISE program possible! The collaboration and dedication of everyone involved have ensured that the program continues to inspire and prepare students for their futures, making a lasting impact on their lives and the community. The RISE program stands as a testament to the power of community support and the potential of our young people when given the right resources and opportunities.

Comments Off on Summer Rise 2024: Empowering Futures at the College and Career Readiness Event for Citrus County Seniors
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates