Collaboration and Commitment: Central Ridge Elementary’s Successful SAC

Always a pleasure to be in Ridgeback country.

On a Wednesday afternoon, I had the privilege of participating in a Central Ridge Elementary School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting. The significance of SACs in the operations and governance of our schools cannot be overstated. Led by the dedicated Chairperson Leslie Bollin, a parent with a vested interest in the school, the CRE SAC conducts monthly meetings that cover a diverse array of crucial topics, all aimed at enhancing the educational experience for our students.

SACs serve as vital platforms that bring together various school stakeholders to collaborate, make informed decisions, and provide valuable input into the specific needs of their school. In Citrus County Schools, CRE SAC stands as a shining exemplar of how impactful these advisory councils can be.

The meeting commenced with warm greetings and a welcoming atmosphere, courtesy of Chairperson Bollin and Principal Ramallo. Their efforts fostered a sense of inclusivity and encouraged active participation among attendees. The SAC Budget Review, under the guidance of Principal Ramallo, played a pivotal role in making sound financial decisions that align with the school’s best interests. Furthermore, Media Specialist Ms. Henson presented the recommended media purchases to the SAC, and their approval of the vetted books list exemplifies their direct contribution to enriching the school’s educational resources.

Effective communication is always vital in our school community. Principal Ramallo inquired about continuous ways to improve school communications. Like all our school leaders, her dedication ensures that all stakeholders are well-informed, promoting transparency and understanding. Assistant Principal Ms. Darby actively sought input on the school’s code of conduct, which encompasses the school district’s policies on student expectations. Seeking input from the SAC fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the school community. Safety, a top priority, was carefully addressed as Ms. Darby ensured that all voices were heard when shaping safety policies.

Looking ahead to the next school year, Ms. Pyzik facilitated the review and approval of the 2023/24 calendar. This process ensures that the school schedule aligns with the needs of students, families, and staff. Current enrollment information provided by Ms. Darby informed resource allocation decisions and helped the school adapt to changing needs.

School Board members attended various SAC meetings, offering our support and actively listening to the concerns and needs of the school while also providing updates and insights from the district and board. Parent Kassie DiMase provided valuable updates from the Parent-Teacher Association, emphasizing the vital partnership between parents and teachers that underpins a well-rounded education. Ms. DiMase also shared exciting news about upcoming PTA-sponsored events, including a student-family Thanksgiving lunch, Cookies with Santa, and the annual PTA book sale, which last year she said raised over $11,000 to help fund CRE’s essential needs.

The Central Ridge Elementary School Advisory Council sets an example of a well-structured, inclusive, and purpose-driven advisory council. Their unwavering commitment to collaboration and effective communication fosters a genuine sense of community and ensures that the best interests of the students remain at the forefront of every decision. CRE SAC’s success is not isolated but is representative of the dedication found in SACs across Citrus County Schools, thanks to the relentless efforts of parents, staff, community members, and school leaders working tirelessly to enhance our schools.

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Florida’s First Lady Announces $6 Million Recovery Boost After Hurricane Impact

On Monday, the Riverhaven Marina in Homosassa served as the gathering place for a distinguished assembly of local elected officials, workforce leaders, dedicated workers, and engaged community members, who all converged to hear some remarkable news from Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis. The event was not only a symbol of unity but also a beacon of hope for the community’s recovery in the aftermath of hurricanes and storms. The State of Florida is making a substantial investment in the region’s recovery, allocating $6 million to address the recent impacts of hurricanes and storms.

Accompanied by her daughter, Madison, First Lady DeSantis outlined the distribution of these funds. A significant portion, $5 million, is being directed through the Local Government Emergency Revolving Bridge Loan Program to the City of Crystal River. This financial lifeline will enable the city to sustain its vital operations while waiting for its revenues to recover from the devastating Hurricane Idalia and other recent storms. An especially commendable feature of this loan is that it comes with a 0 percent interest rate, relieving the City of Crystal River from any additional financial burden.

However, it’s not only cities and communities that are impacted by such natural disasters. One often-overlooked consequence of hurricanes and storms is the severe blow dealt to local and state aquaculture, a critical industry in the region. Thanks to the Florida Disaster Fund, an impressive $700,000 has been allocated to support Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industry growers. This lifeline will assist these hardworking individuals in their journey to recovery after the storm’s devastation, ensuring the stability of this essential sector.

At the event, First Lady Casey DeSantis was joined by other esteemed individuals committed to the state’s recovery efforts, including Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, Senator Blaise Ingoglia, and Representative Dr. Ralph Massullo. Their presence underscored the collaborative and unwavering commitment of Florida’s leadership to stand by the communities in their times of need.

Citrus County extends its heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady and her daughter for their visit to our beloved community. The $6 million investment represents more than just a sum of money; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and a brighter future for Citrus County as it rebuilds and flourishes once again.

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Empowering the Next Generation of Lifesavers: LifeSouth Community Foundation’s Mission

This past Thursday, I had the privilege of traveling to Gainesville for the annual meeting of the LifeSouth Community Foundation Board of Directors. It is an honor to serve on the board of this foundation, whose primary mission is to inspire the next generation of blood donors through education initiatives. The foundation is dedicated to educating K-12 students about the science of blood, the importance of community responsibility in donating, and providing support to schools that host blood drives. Moreover, the LifeSouth Community Foundation recognizes and rewards high school students who demonstrate outstanding advocacy for blood donation.

The LifeSouth Community Foundation operates as part of the broader LifeSouth Community Blood Center family, whose services extend to more than 650 cities in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. At the heart of our mission is the belief that blood donation is a vital and ongoing need, and it is essential to cultivate a new generation of lifelong donors. The youth of today are the future of meeting our blood requirements.

One of the key programs that I am particularly proud to have helped influence is the LifeSouth Volunteer Internship Program, which was introduced as a pilot initiative in Citrus County last year. During the board meeting, Kimberly E. Kinsell, President & CEO of LifeSouth, spent a substantial amount of time discussing this program with the other board members. The internship program was initially launched with three HOSA (future medical professional) students from the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School in the spring of 2023. These students dedicated 80 hours to learning about every aspect of the blood donation process, with the ultimate goal of inspiring them to consider a career in blood banking.

During the meeting, President Kinsell discussed various youth-focused programs and notably emphasized the Citrus County LifeSouth Kids Marathon. She underscored that, when considering all programs across the board, none rival the level of participation anticipated this year, with an impressive 1,000 students expected to take part in the Citrus County LifeSouth Kids Marathon. Remarkably, this event, hosted in a relatively small county, outshines similar events in significantly larger cities such as Atlanta and Gainesville. The board members promptly commended the exceptional efforts in Citrus County, hailing it as an exemplary model for programs within the broader LifeSouth system.

The annual meeting of the LifeSouth Community Foundation Board of Directors highlighted the organization’s continued commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of blood donors. The success of the LifeSouth Volunteer Internship Program and the Citrus County LifeSouth Kids Marathon in particular serves as a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in this important mission. As we move forward, we are determined to expand these initiatives across all LifeSouth regions to ensure a future where blood needs are met, thanks to the contributions of young donors who have been inspired to make a difference.

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