Archive for News & Updates

Honored to Pray for Our Educators at the 2025 YMCA Prayer Breakfast

Posted on November 8th, 2025 by

Honored to Pray for Our Educators at the 2025 YMCA Prayer Breakfast

I was truly honored to be invited by David Reed, Executive Director of the YMCA of the Suncoast, to offer the Prayer for Educators at the 2025 Citrus County YMCA Prayer Breakfast, held at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA. This annual event is one of those moments that reminds us just how deeply connected and caring our community truly is.

The morning began with the Pledge and Presentation of Colors by the Crystal River High School ROTC, followed by the National Anthem beautifully performed by Citrus County teacher Sophie Noelle. Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek then shared a heartfelt Opening Prayer, setting a wonderful tone for the morning.

This year’s program included five distinct prayers, each led by community members who embody the heart and spirit of Citrus County. Sophie Nolle offered the Prayer for the Nation. Mayor Joe Meek led the Prayer for Education. David Vincent delivered the Prayer for Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responders. AnnMarie Briercheck shared the Prayer for Community, and Lecanto student Rafe Nichols offered the Prayer for Youth and Families. I was humbled to conclude that series with the Prayer for Educators and Schools. (see below)

The keynote address was delivered by Gregg Dalton, Citrus County Property Appraiser, who shared his inspiring journey of faith, leadership, and community service, including how the YMCA has shaped his life. Pastor Justin Strickland gave a warm and thoughtful introduction that set the perfect humor and spiritual tone for Dalton’s message.

Music has a way of uniting hearts, and The Journeymen did just that with their moving renditions of “The Goodness of God” and “Because He Lives.” Their performances brought both reflection and joy to the room. The event concluded with a closing prayer by Wendy Lash of Seven Rivers Christian School, a fitting end to a morning filled with gratitude and faith.

Before offering my prayer, I expressed appreciation to the YMCA for being steadfast partners in the growth and well-being of our students and families. From teaching swim safety lessons and hosting competitive swimming to providing after-school programs, mentors, and volunteers, the YMCA’s impact extends far beyond fitness—it strengthens lives and builds futures.

The 2025 YMCA Prayer Breakfast was once again a beautiful reminder that faith, service, and education are at the heart of what makes Citrus County so special. My sincere thanks go to David Reed and his dedicated YMCA team, along with all the sponsors and supporters who made this record-setting event such an inspiring success.

My Pray

Dear God,
This morning, we humbly come before You to celebrate and lift up our amazing educators and staff—those who give of themselves daily to shape minds, nurture hearts, and build futures. We thank You for their dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment to positively impact the lives of our students and their peers.

We ask that You continue to bless our great School District, our Superintendent and his leadership team, our School Board, and every department that works together in service to our students. Bless our administrators, teachers, aides, secretaries, maintenance workers, bus drivers, custodians, district and school staff members, volunteers, mentors, and most especially, the reason we do what we do—our students and their families.

Lord, we also lift up our legislators in Tallahassee. Grant them wisdom, understanding, and compassion to make decisions that serve the best interests of every child and every family in our state.

We pray for Your protection over our schools, classrooms, and buses. Surround them with Your peace and safety. We pray for the families and friends of Deputy Rod, Mr. Bryant, and Mrs. Kamlot-Wright, as well as our students, families, teachers, and leaders who continue to serve, support, and care for one another.

God, You have entrusted us as stewards of Your students, and it is a calling we do not take lightly. Strengthen us to teach with purpose, inspire with passion, encourage with hope, and love with the same grace You show us each day.

In Your holy name we pray,
Amen.

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Advancing the Future of Learning: Reflections from the Florida K-12 AI in Education Task Force

Posted on November 5th, 2025 by

Advancing the Future of Learning: Reflections from the Florida K-12 AI in Education Task Force

This past week offered another excellent opportunity for educators, educational leaders, and policymakers to come together and advance our state’s ongoing work in artificial intelligence in education. As part of the Florida K-12 AI in Education Task Force [https://fl-aitaskforce.org/], our team joined leaders and innovators from across the state for a productive and energizing meetup, co-located with the Charter Schools USA National Conference in Osceola County. The event united educators, policymakers, researchers, and technology experts around a shared goal: ensuring Florida’s students and teachers are prepared to learn, teach, and thrive in an AI-driven future. As we prepare students and teachers for that future, it is more important than ever that critical thinking remains at the center of classroom instruction. While AI tools can enhance learning, it is our students’ ability to reason, question, and create that will truly define their success.

Representing Citrus County Schools on the Task Force were our Director of Technology, Kathy Androski, Education Technology Specialist, Eileen Sidor, and myself. Our participation alongside colleagues from districts and organizations statewide reflected our district’s commitment to shaping thoughtful, responsible, and safe integration of AI into teaching and learning.

A Shared Vision for AI in Education

The meeting opened with updates from Charter Schools USA (CSUSA), who shared their ongoing work to embed artificial intelligence tools and computational thinking across curriculum areas. Their presentation highlighted not only the potential for AI to personalize learning but also the need to prepare teachers with the professional development and safeguards necessary for effective classroom use.

We were pleased to hear from Erika Donalds, a new member of the Task Force, who serves as Chairman of the Education Freedom Foundation and Chair of Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute. She recently became the first Floridian appointed to the U.S. Department of Education’s AI in Education Task Force. Her remarks underscored the vital role Florida is playing nationally in shaping policies that ensure AI strengthens, rather than replaces, the human connections at the heart of education. She challenged us to view AI as a tool for empowerment, particularly in expanding educational choice and closing opportunity gaps. Her message also served as a reminder that while AI can support and extend what educators do, it cannot replace the essential human capacities of critical thinking, judgment, and creativity that lie at the heart of meaningful learning. These must remain the cornerstone of instructional practice as we integrate new technologies into our schools.

Collaborative Updates and National Partnerships

The Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) shared ongoing efforts through its AI and IT Committee, which meets monthly to exchange best practices, share emerging research, and coordinate AI-related initiatives across districts. Co-chair Roberto Alonso (Miami-Dade School Board member) and I provided an update on our committee’s collaboration with the statewide Task Force to align policy guidance and professional learning resources.

Partnerships with higher education and national organizations are another cornerstone of this work. The University of Florida’s CS Everyone Center, led by Dr. Maya Israel, continues to advance groundbreaking research and outreach in AI for education. Their recent collaborations include a Google-funded National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, which is building capacity for AI-ready teachers and schools nationwide. Additionally, UF’s ongoing study with Miami-Dade County Public Schools is examining how AI tools affect teacher practices, student outcomes, and school leadership.

Dr. Israel and other district leaders also recently testified before the Florida Senate Education Committee and the Florida Department of Education, emphasizing the growing need for AI literacy and readiness across K-12 systems. These policy conversations in Tallahassee are helping shape a statewide framework that will guide how schools adopt AI responsibly and equitably.

From Policy to Practice: Breakout Sessions and Next Steps

The day’s most engaging moments came through our breakout sessions, where we tackled two critical themes: State & National Policy and AI Teaching & Learning. These discussions were designed not just to brainstorm ideas but to generate actionable outcomes that will inform upcoming guidance from the Task Force.

In the policy breakout, participants began conversations outlining a Florida K-12 Education AI Bill of Rights, a framework to protect students and educators while ensuring innovation can flourish. Key questions included how to safeguard student data when working with AI vendors, how to ensure parental transparency, and how to balance student privacy with the need for school safety technologies. The group also debated what a “right to AI literacy” might look like for all Florida students, proposing age-appropriate instruction on how AI works, its ethical risks, and its role in society.

The teaching and learning discussions focused on practical supports for educators and families. We examined resources such as the AI Teaching Tips Working Document and family engagement materials that can help districts roll out AI-related learning opportunities responsibly. Participants emphasized the importance of cohesive district-level strategies, professional development that counts toward teacher recertification, and equitable support for schools with limited technology staff. There were also conversations about creating multilingual family resources and incorporating gamified approaches to make AI learning engaging and accessible.

Building Momentum Statewide

The energy in the room was tangible. What emerged from the day was a shared sense that Florida is not just participating in national conversations about AI in education; we are helping lead them. The Task Force is uniquely positioned to develop model policies, classroom resources, and district-level supports that other states can learn from.

Looking ahead, the Task Force announced several upcoming opportunities for engagement, including the FETC Meetup and Classroom of the Future events in January, National AI Literacy Day on March 27, and the AI in Education Fair in May. These gatherings will continue to build upon the groundwork laid, connecting educators and leaders who are ready to explore the next chapter of AI’s role in K-12 education.

A Florida-Built Future

As we continue this work, one thing is clear: preparing students for an AI-powered world requires more than new tools or curricula. It demands a commitment to ethics, equity, and empowerment. As AI becomes a regular part of our classrooms, our focus must remain on cultivating students’ ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions. These are the timeless skills that no technology can automate and that will anchor education in purpose and humanity. Florida’s educators, from the classroom to the state level, are proving that thoughtful collaboration can ensure AI serves our core mission of helping every student learn, think, and create with confidence in a changing world.

Our Citrus County Schools team is proud to contribute to this effort, representing the voices of our teachers, students, and community. Together, we are helping shape a future where technology enhances, not defines, education in the Sunshine State.

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Last Week, This Week: Give Grace

Posted on November 3rd, 2025 by

Last Week, This Week: Give Grace

Last week was a difficult one for Citrus County and Citrus County Schools. Among the hardships, we lost three beloved members of our community, each remarkable in their own way and deeply woven into the fabric of our county.

We mourn the passing of Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputy and Crystal River High School Resource Officer Marcial “Rod” Rodriguez, a man who truly embodied what it means to serve, protect, and care. Deputy Rod was far more than a uniformed presence on campus. He was a protector, a mentor, and a friend. Students, staff, and parents always knew they could count on him.

As both a father and husband to a former CRHS student and teacher, I knew firsthand the sense of security and calm that came from knowing Deputy Rod was there. Whenever I visited the school, I often stopped by his office to share a quick joke or thought. Just as often, I saw him quietly ensuring every student and teacher was safe. He had a gift for balancing strength with kindness and seriousness with humor. Our School Resource Officers play a vital role in shaping school culture. They do not just enforce rules; they protect, guide, and nurture. Deputy Rod represented all of that and more.

We also remember Mr. Nick Bryant, a true Citrus County legend. Mr. Bryant was a teacher, coach, county commissioner, and lifelong servant to his community. More than anything, he was an educator at heart. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or behind the commission dais, he taught through his words, his actions, and his example.

I always loved hearing his stories about “old Citrus County.” His stories connected our community’s past to its present and were often told with humor, wisdom, and that familiar sparkle in his eye. He loved the outdoors, the waters, the woods, and the wildlife of Citrus County, and he loved sharing those joys with others. Above all, he loved his family. He was profoundly proud of them, and his devotion to his beloved Ginger was something everyone admired.

Ginger, a retired Crystal River Middle School English teacher and a longtime member of the School Board, has dedicated decades to public education. I first knew Miss Ginger when she taught alongside Thomasine at Crystal River Middle School, but I truly got to know Mr. Nick while serving with her on the School Board. He was always there beside her, steadfast, supportive, and kind.

We also remember Deborah Kamlot-Wright, a passionate advocate for education and community service. Many knew Deborah through her work at the Citrus County Chronicle and, more recently, at HCA Citrus. She poured her heart into the causes she supported, especially education. As a member of the Citrus County Education Foundation Board of Directors, she gave countless hours to ensuring students had opportunities to succeed.

I had the privilege of collaborating with her over the years, particularly on the Golden Citrus Scholars event, which she helped make so special. No matter her role, Deborah’s focus was always the same: doing what was best for kids.

Grace and Kindness

While the loss of these extraordinary individuals weighs heavily on us, they were not the only challenges our schools faced last week. Education is a complex and demanding field, and sometimes the work brings difficult situations and decisions. I encourage all of us to extend grace, understanding, and patience to one another.

Please remember that our educators, administrators, and staff have legal and moral duties that require mandatory reporting and appropriate responses when student safety or well-being is at stake. Often, the details of these matters cannot be shared because of state and federal laws. Sometimes what is seen publicly is only part of a larger picture. These responsibilities are heavy, and our people carry them out with care, compassion, and integrity.

This week, let us lift up in prayer the families and friends of Deputy Rod, Mr. Bryant, and Mrs. Kamlot-Wright, as well as our students, families, teachers, and leaders who continue to serve, support, and care for one another. Citrus County is a loving community, and in moments like this, that love is what sustains us. As we reflect on the lives of Deputy Rod, Mr. Bryant, and Mrs. Kamlot-Wright—each of whom led with compassion, service, and heart—may we honor their example by leading with kindness in all we do.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Use your words to build up, not to tear down. Remember that your classmates are fighting battles you know nothing about. A simple kind word or gesture can make all the difference in their day and in yours.”
— Mark Twain

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Shark Week in Citrus County: Local Students Hunt for Baby Bull Shark Nursery in Crystal River

Posted on November 2nd, 2025 by

Shark Week in Citrus County: Local Students Hunt for Baby Bull Shark Nursery in Crystal River

Leaving the classroom behind, Lecanto High School students dove headfirst into marine science. This past week, they joined researchers from the Crystal River Bull Shark Project and the Citrus County Marine Science Station (MSS) for an unforgettable field study aimed at uncovering whether Crystal River serves as a nursery for baby bull sharks.

The exciting expedition was captured in the latest episode of Citrus County Schools’ Beyond the Bell series, Episode 12: “Is Crystal River a Nursery for Baby Bull Sharks?”

Unlocking the River’s Secrets

The Crystal River Bull Shark Project, the first of its kind in the area, was launched after a surprising uptick in baby shark sightings in 2021 and 2022. Project co-founders Dr. Alyssa Andre, a postdoctoral researcher at Florida State University, and Harrison Clark, a state biologist, are working to understand how this remarkable species, one of the few sharks that thrives in both salt and freshwater, is using the river’s unique ecosystem to raise its young.

“We’re trying to figure out who is here, where the babies came from, how long they stay, what they’re eating, and whether they’re happy,”
— Dr. Alyssa Andre, Crystal River Bull Shark Project

Students Dive into Real-World Research

Under the guidance of Marine Science Station Supervisor Capt. Earnie Olsen and MSS teacher Josh O’Leary, Lecanto High students traded textbooks for tools of the trade, including nets, sensors, and data sheets, taking on the role of field scientists for a day.

The students conducted environmental monitoring, testing water quality by measuring dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and pH. These are key factors in determining whether the river provides a healthy shark nursery environment. They also assisted with acoustic tracking technology, helping retrieve and clean a submerged receiver that records signals from tagged sharks, offering researchers critical insights into shark movements.

Even though the group reeled in hardhead catfish instead of bull sharks on this trip, the students gained valuable experience with fieldwork protocols. They practiced proper methods for measuring and weighing marine life and learned how to safely use a resuscitation hose, a vital tool for ensuring sharks can breathe while temporarily brought aboard for scientific study.

Marine Science Station: Launchpad for Futures

The Citrus County School’s Marine Science Station, located along the Crystal River, continues to be a powerhouse for experiential learning and career inspiration. The station’s programs have shaped generations of students, many of whom, like Bull Shark Project co-founder Harrison Clark, have gone on to become professional scientists.

“I got a lot from being out with the Marine Science Station,” Clark said. “Now we’re doing this science through the same programs that first got us out there and in it.”

From environmental monitoring to aquatic ecology, the MSS offers unparalleled opportunities for students to engage directly with Florida’s marine environments. To learn more about the Marine Science Station, visit mss.citrusschools.org.

Beyond the Bell: Showcasing Student Excellence

The Beyond the Bell video series continues to spotlight innovative programs, students, and educators that make Citrus County Schools extraordinary. Each episode pulls back the curtain on hands-on learning, showcasing the curiosity, collaboration, and creativity that thrive across our campuses.

The series is produced by Citrus County School District Public Information Officer Lindsay Blair, a proud Citrus High School graduate whose accomplished broadcasting career includes serving as an executive producer for major television news outlets, including The Today Show in both New York and Tampa. During her time in television, Blair led award-winning teams, developed engaging human-interest segments, and produced live broadcasts seen by millions. She now brings that same professional polish and storytelling excellence home to Citrus County, capturing the heart of education and the people who make it shine.

🎥 Watch the full episode:
“Is Crystal River a Nursery for Baby Bull Sharks?” – https://youtu.be/HDLmHJu68G0?si=fgPGbaTOhOBzUWaP

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Remembering Mr. Nick Bryant

Posted on October 29th, 2025 by

Remembering Mr. Nick Bryant

Thomasine and I offer our prayers and love to Miss Ginger, Alice, Beverly, and their entire families on the passing of a true Citrus County legend, Mr. Nick Bryant.

Mr. Nick was a formative individual for so many of us. Ever the teacher, whether he was in the classroom, on the field, serving as a commissioner, or simply sharing a story, he carried the heart of an educator in all he did. He had a gift for teaching through his words, his actions, and his example.

I always loved hearing his great old Citrus County stories, tales that connected our community’s past to the present, often with humor, wisdom, and a little sparkle in his eye. He loved our nature, the water, fishing, hunting, and the simple joy of being outdoors. But for anyone who knew Mr. Nick, one thing stood above all else: his love for his family. He was deeply proud of them, and especially of his beloved Ginger.

While I first knew Miss Ginger when she taught alongside Thomasine at Crystal River Middle School, I truly got to know Mr. Nick while serving with Ginger on the School Board. He was always there beside her, steadfast, supportive, and kind.

Our hearts and prayers are with Miss Ginger, Beverly, Alice, and their families during this time. I can’t help but smile picturing Mr. Nick walking through the pearly gates, fishing pole in hand, already scouting out the best spot.

God bless you, Mr. Nick. Your legacy of service, faith, and love for others will continue to ripple through this community for generations to come.

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Remembering Deputy Marcial “Rod” Rodriguez

Posted on October 26th, 2025 by

Remembering Deputy Marcial “Rod” Rodriguez

Citrus County feels an ache this week that words can’t fully express. For students, staff, and parents, Deputy Rod’s presence was more than that of an officer; he was a protector, a mentor, and a friend.

As both a father and husband to a former CRHS student, and teacher, I knew firsthand that my family was safe under his watch. Whenever I was on campus, there were few times I didn’t stop by his office to share a quick joke or a thought. But when the moment called for it, Deputy Rod was someone we could count on without hesitation.

Our School Resource Officers are not just law enforcement; they are a vital part of school culture. They protect, guide, and sometimes give the tough love that shapes lives. Deputy Rod embodied all of this and more.

As we grieve, we pray for his wife, Carol, his sons, Isaiah and Josiah, and his law enforcement and school families.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” — Psalm 82:3–4 (NIV)

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