Celebrating the Remarkable Career and Retirement of Deborah Dumas, Pioneering Principal of Citrus eSchool

On Monday, June 24, 2024, we celebrated the remarkable 24-year career and retirement of Deborah Dumas, the pioneering Principal of Citrus eSchool. Ms. Dumas has been an integral part of virtual teaching in Citrus County for well over a decade, but her exceptional talents and knowledge truly shone during the pandemic. Under her leadership, Citrus eSchool expanded its virtual teaching model, offering flexible learning options to our students and families during an unprecedented time.

Ms. Dumas played a crucial role in transforming Citrus eSchool during the pandemic into the largest single elementary, middle, and high school in the district, serving as many as 4,990 students at its peak. Her ability to develop a scalable model of operations allowed the school to efficiently adapt to fluctuating enrollment demands, ensuring that every student received a quality education regardless of the circumstances.

As the first principal of Citrus eSchool, Ms. Dumas was instrumental in establishing protocols and curricula to meet the rapidly changing demands of both the pandemic and the post-pandemic educational landscape. One of her notable achievements was the implementation of virtual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students and their families. This innovation ensured that students with special needs continued to receive the support and accommodations they required.

Moreover, Ms. Dumas worked tirelessly to provide in-person-like experiences virtually for students whose health conditions prevented them from attending traditional classes. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive virtual learning environment significantly impacted the lives of countless students and their families.

Following the height of the pandemic, Ms. Dumas continued to scale and refine eSchool opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our students and families. Her efforts led to an expansion of virtual courses offered by Citrus County teachers to Citrus County students, providing greater flexibility and access to a diverse range of subjects.

Citrus County Schools owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Ms. Dumas for her unwavering commitment to our students’ education and well-being. Her vision, leadership, and innovation have left an indelible mark on our district, setting a high standard for virtual education.

As we bid farewell to Ms. Dumas, we celebrate her countless contributions and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide Citrus eSchool and its students for years to come. Thank you, Ms. Dumas, for your extraordinary service and dedication.

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Celebrating Flag Day

Today is Flag Day in the United States of America, a significant occasion that honors the adoption of our national flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The flag, designed with thirteen alternating red and white stripes and a blue field adorned with thirteen white stars, symbolizes the birth of a new constellation of states. Though not an official federal holiday, Flag Day is widely observed across the country with pride and reverence.

In Citrus County Schools, our commitment to patriotism is deeply ingrained in our students, schools, and community. As the first Purple Heart school district in the United States, with all of our schools being Purple Star schools, we hold a unique and honored place in the hearts of our veterans and active-duty military members. This distinction reflects our profound respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation.

Flag Day serves as a poignant reminder of the values and principles upon which our nation was founded. It is a day to reflect on the significance of our flag and what it represents—freedom, unity, and the enduring spirit of the American people. In Citrus County Schools community, we celebrate this day with a deep sense of pride and dedication to fostering a patriotic spirit among our students.

Throughout our community we come together to honor this important day by displaying the flag and participating in various educational activities that highlight the history and symbolism of the Stars and Stripes. These activities not only educate but also inspire a sense of national pride and civic responsibility.

As we observe Flag Day, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of our nation. It is a time to celebrate our shared heritage and to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of liberty and justice for all. In our Citrus County Schools community, we proudly wave our flags high, honoring the past while looking forward to a future united under the banner of freedom.

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Kennedy Chairs New GenAI Task Force to Revolutionize Education in Florida

On Thursday, June 6, at the Florida School Board Association (FSBA) General Assembly Membership Meeting, I had the great honor of fulfilling my final duty as FSBA’s Immediate-Past President by swearing in the new FSBA Executive Officers. Among those sworn in was FSBA’s new President, Tim Bryant, an esteemed member of the Okaloosa County School Board. I am genuinely excited about President Bryant’s leadership and vision for FSBA and education in Florida.

President Bryant’s vision includes a forward-thinking initiative: the establishment of a new Generative Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Model (Gen AI/LLM) in Education Committee Task Force. I am proud and honored to have been appointed by President Bryant to Co-Chairman of this critical task force. Joining me as Co-Chair is Jack Baker Jr., a dedicated member of the Baker County School Board.

The potential of Gen AI/LLM in education is vast and revolutionary. These technologies are already transforming various aspects of education, including operations, facilities, transportation, student information services, research, accountability, curriculum design, instruction, and policy. Recognizing the need to explore and understand these advancements further, the Gen AI/LLM Task Force will be dedicated to investigating the tools, challenges, enhancements, and impacts of Gen AI/LLM in education.

Our primary focus will be on comprehending the role of Gen AI/LLM in education and informing school board members about its implications over the next one, three, and five years. This proactive approach will ensure that our education system remains at the forefront of technological advancements, ultimately benefiting students, educators, and administrators.

I am grateful for this opportunity to co-chair the Gen AI/LLM Task Force and collaborate with fellow FSBA members. Together, we will work towards integrating these cutting-edge technologies into our educational framework, ensuring that Florida’s students receive the best possible education. Our efforts will not only enhance the learning experience but also prepare students for a future where AI and advanced technologies play an integral role.

As we embark on this journey, I look forward to the innovative ideas and strategies that will emerge from our collective efforts. The insights gained from the Gen AI/LLM Task Force will be invaluable in shaping the future of education in Florida and beyond. By embracing these technologies, we are paving the way for a more efficient, effective, and inclusive educational system.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Bryant for his visionary leadership and to all the FSBA members for their continued support and dedication to advancing education in our state. Together, we will make significant strides in leveraging Gen AI/LLM to enhance the educational experience for all students. I am excited about the future and eager to contribute to this transformative journey.

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