Reflecting on a Week of Leadership, Celebration, and Gratitude

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the whirlwind of activity that has filled this past week. From swearing in new leaders to celebrating our students and educators, it has truly been an inspiring and eventful time for Citrus County Schools.

At the November 19, 2024, School Board meeting, we had the privilege of ushering in a new chapter of leadership for our district. Dr. Scott Hebert was sworn in as our new Superintendent. Dr. Hebert’s experience, vision, and dedication to our students and staff are evident, and I am confident he will lead our district to even greater heights.

Joining in the swearing-in ceremony were new Board member, the Honorable Ken Frink, and returning Board member, the Honorable Sandra Counts. Their commitment to serving our community and supporting education will bring strong and positive perspectives to our Board. Additionally, Rachel Montgomery took the oath as our new School Board Chief of Police, marking another exciting step forward in ensuring the safety and security of our schools.

This meeting also marked the end of my term this year as Chairman. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I was pleased to nominate Sandra Counts as the new Chair, and Mr. Dodd nominated Joe Faherty as Vice-Chair. Both nominations were unanimously approved, as was my motion to continue holding our monthly School Board meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. I look forward to supporting our new leadership team as they guide us into the future.

In addition to these significant milestones, the week was filled with opportunities to celebrate and support our community. I had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Ray Darling Upward Bound Awards, where students were recognized for their hard work and achievements. It’s always inspiring to see our young people striving for excellence and to witness the community rallying behind them.

As a member of the Citrus Blessings and Citrus County Education Foundation Boards of Directors, I participated in important meetings to further initiatives that directly benefit our students. Both organizations play a vital role in addressing student hunger and funding innovative educational programs, and it’s an honor to work alongside so many passionate individuals.

Finally, one of the most rewarding parts of my week was visiting several schools, classrooms, and educators. Seeing the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm of our students reminds me why we do what we do. Our schools are vibrant hubs of learning and growth, and I am continually impressed by the talent and creativity within them.

As we head into Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the incredible people in our district and community who work tirelessly to make a difference. To all our students, families, and staff: thank you for your dedication and support. I hope everyone enjoys a restful and joyous holiday break!

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Honoring Our Veterans: A Day of Pride at the Inverness Veterans Day Parade

This morning, I had the distinct honor of once again joining the annual Veterans Day Parade in Inverness, walking alongside my fellow school board members, Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel, Superintendent-Elect Dr. Scott Hebert, and CCSB Chief of Police and Sheriff-Elect David Vincent to honor our country’s veterans. We were joined by an impressive turnout, including students from Pleasant Grove Elementary, Inverness Elementary, and participants from all our JROTC units and bands representing our middle and high schools. This Veterans Day Parade is among the largest in the Eastern United States, and it fills us with pride to see so many of our students actively participate in this remarkable event.

Typically, Veterans Day is a school holiday. However, due to the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the day was designated as a school make-up day. Superintendent Himmel made the decision to hold school, allowing students from Inverness and nearby schools the opportunity to attend the parade and directly support our incredible veterans. This special arrangement meant that many students, who might not otherwise have had the chance, could experience the parade and witness the powerful display of unity and respect for those who have served our country.

In the weeks leading up to Veterans Day, these students had already experienced something special through the Citrus County Schools’ “Veterans in the Classroom” (VIC) program. This initiative brings former military servicemen and women to schools, allowing them to share personal stories and experiences with students. Now in its 30th year, the program has reached over 100,000 students, with approximately 5,000 students annually hearing from veterans across our elementary, middle, and high schools. More than 50 veterans visited classrooms this year, recounting tales of service and sacrifice, which gave students a chance to connect on a personal level with the legacy of military service.

The VIC program is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, and the impact on our students has been monumental. Listening to these firsthand accounts has instilled in students an appreciation for the values of courage, resilience, and patriotism, shaping their understanding of the vital role veterans have played in our nation’s history and continue to play today.

As a district, Citrus County Schools takes American patriotism to heart. We are the nation’s first “Purple Heart School District,” with all our schools proudly designated as “Florida Purple Star Schools.” These honors reflect our commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by our veterans and supporting our military families. Through events like today’s parade and initiatives like “Veterans in the Classroom,” we ensure that our students not only learn about civic duty but also feel a profound respect for the freedoms they enjoy.

By blending education with heartfelt gratitude for our military personnel, we are instilling a legacy of respect and civic responsibility in the next generation. Today’s parade was more than a tradition—it was an opportunity for our community to unite, honor our veterans, and pass on a legacy of patriotism that our students will carry forward as proud citizens of the United States.

God bless America!

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Honoring Virginia “Ginger” Bryant: A Legacy of Dedication and Impact

On Monday, October 28, a warm gathering took place at the District Service Office to honor and celebrate the exceptional service of the Honorable Virginia “Ginger” Bryant. A devoted public servant, Ms. Bryant will retire at the close of her school board term in November 2024, bringing to an end a remarkable 54-year career in education. Having had the privilege of serving alongside her, I am personally moved by her deep dedication to students, educators, and the entire Citrus County community. Her lasting impact, spanning generations, will be cherished long into the future.

Ms. Bryant’s roots in Citrus County run deep. A proud alumna of Crystal River High School’s Class of 1965, she grew up in Homosassa before beginning her career as an English and reading teacher. For 30 years, she devoted herself to the classroom, primarily at Crystal River Middle School, imparting knowledge, fostering curiosity, and instilling a love for learning. Ms. Bryant’s retirement marks the end of her 24-year service on the school board, a role that has made her the longest-serving elected school board member in Citrus County’s history. Given recent term limits for Florida school board members, this distinction is likely to remain hers.

Her tenure as a school board member was marked by her courageous, unwavering advocacy for students and her insistence on prioritizing their needs. She brought passion and insight to every decision. In board meetings, Ms. Bryant was known to open with thoughtful readings from her favorite books or poetry—a subtle reminder of her identity as an educator at heart. Her warmth and wisdom uplifted all who attended, creating an atmosphere of respect and purpose.

Ms. Bryant’s leadership extended beyond the local level as she represented Citrus County on the Florida School Boards Association Board of Directors. This position allowed her to advocate for nearly all 358 school board members across Florida, offering her unique voice and expertise to improve educational policies statewide. Additionally, she served on the Board of Directors for the Florida School Board Insurance Trust, a role that underscored her commitment to ensuring that the district had the resources and support it needed, particularly in times of crisis, such as recent storm recovery efforts. Her influence and foresight have not only protected our community but have also bolstered its resilience.

My memories with Ms. Bryant are deeply meaningful, and her mentorship has left a profound mark on my journey as a board member. I recall my very first board meeting after being sworn in, where we needed to establish a regular board meeting time. I had long believed that a later meeting time would allow more parents and staff to attend and participate, which could strengthen community involvement. Nervously, I made my very first motion to propose a later meeting time, and an anxious silence followed—until Ms. Bryant’s gentle, affirming voice broke it with a second, allowing the motion to come to a decision, and ultimately pass unanimously. That decision set our meeting time to 4:00 PM, a tradition that continues today. Her simple gesture taught me a lasting lesson in both courage and collaboration.

Beyond her role on the school board, Ms. Bryant has also been a teacher in many ways. My wife, who taught alongside Ms. Bryant at Crystal River Middle School, often spoke of her dedication and the respect she commanded from her students and colleagues alike. Her impact is woven throughout the lives of so many Citrus County families, and even now, she continues to teach us valuable lessons on leadership, patience, and dedication to public service. Among those lessons was her guidance on building consensus: “You have to know how to count to three,” she would remind us, emphasizing the importance of unity in getting things done on the board.

As we bid Ms. Bryant farewell from her official duties, we do so with deep gratitude. She has been a guiding light, a steadfast advocate, and an inspiring role model. Her life’s work will remain evident in the lives she’s touched and the countless students who have benefited from her service. Our community is better, stronger, and wiser because of Virginia “Ginger” Bryant. May her legacy continue to inspire future generations, and may she always know the lasting impact she has left behind.

God bless Ms. Bryant, and thank you for your extraordinary service.

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