A Busy December Filled with Learning, Celebration, and Community

December has already proven to be a busy and meaningful month, filled with moments that reflect the heart of our district and the strength of our community. While there is much more to share in the weeks ahead, I wanted to highlight some of the experiences and events from the last many days. Together, they capture a season marked by professional growth, community pride, heartfelt remembrance, and the joy that naturally accompanies the holidays.

The month began with the annual Florida School Board Association and Florida Association of District School Superintendents Joint Conference. This is the largest gathering of its kind in the state, bringing together nearly every school board member and superintendent from across Florida. Leaders gathered for meetings, planning, and purposeful professional development. What stood out most were the thoughtful conversations about the future of education. Topics such as artificial intelligence, personalized instruction, operational efficiencies, expanded choice programs, and the upcoming legislative session were central to these discussions. I had the honor of co presenting a session alongside the Google Florida Head of State for K12 Education and one of their lead engineers, focused on the use of an AI tool in education. These conversations strengthened our understanding of what lies ahead and reinforced our shared responsibility to guide our schools with intention and care. I left the conference encouraged by the dedication of leaders across Florida who remain deeply committed to students and educators.

One of the most memorable moments of the week was the celebration at Lecanto High School honoring internationally recognized actor and LHS alumnus Miles Teller. Welcoming him home was a point of pride for the entire community. Lecanto officially named its theater the Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium, a tribute that reflects both his remarkable accomplishments and the appreciation of the school that helped shape his early years. The excitement among students, alumni, and staff was inspiring. This special moment deserves a fuller story, and I plan to share more reflections in a future piece.

The week also carried a solemn and heartfelt tone as we gathered at Crystal River High School for a ceremony at Bramlitt Stadium celebrating the life of School Resource Officer Deputy Rod. His influence on students and staff was profound. Hearing stories from those who worked alongside him reminded everyone of the lasting impact one caring individual can have within a school community. It was a moving tribute to a man who dedicated his life to creating a safe and supportive environment for young people.

Amid these moments of reflection and celebration, the holiday season brought its own energy and sense of togetherness. Our district participated for the first time in the Crystal River Citrus County Chamber Christmas Parade. The transportation team brought creativity and holiday spirit to life by decorating one of our school buses, transforming it into a bright and joyful part of the parade. Staff members, leaders from the Crystal River compound, and their children walked alongside the bus as families lined the streets. Seeing the smiles, waves, and cheers along the route was a powerful reminder of the strong bond between our schools and the communities we serve.

The celebrations continued with our district Christmas holiday luncheon held at the train depot in Inverness. This gathering gave us the opportunity to pause and recognize the dedication of team members whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes. The holiday season offers a natural moment for gratitude, and I was thankful for the chance to celebrate colleagues who make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. It was a warm reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside people who care deeply about our district.

With all of the celebration taking place, important work was also happening across the district. We held our December regular School Board meeting and continued with numerous other activities, including school visits, time spent working directly with families, and additional professional trainings. These efforts are essential to keeping our schools focused, responsive, and centered on the needs of students.

Later in the week, we celebrated another important milestone at the Withlacoochee Technical College Winter Graduation for the Class of 2025 and 2026. The ceremony was held at the newly named Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium and honored graduates from each of the workforce programs, along with our GED graduates. Watching these students cross the stage was a powerful reminder of the role career and technical education plays in opening doors to opportunity. Their accomplishments reflected determination, resilience, and a commitment to building strong futures.

As we move toward the Christmas break, I am filled with gratitude for everyone across our district. Our students, families, educators, support staff, and leaders all contribute to a community that feels connected and purposeful. These weeks have been busy, but they have also offered meaningful reminders of why this work matters. I look forward to sharing more stories and reflections in the days ahead and remain thankful for each person who helps our students grow, learn, and thrive.

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Giving Thanks for the People Who Lift Us Up

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings woven throughout this past year. Life moves fast. We rush from responsibility to responsibility, often without pausing to recognize the people who help lift us, steady us, encourage us, challenge us, and inspire us. This season offers a needed reminder to slow down and say thank you. Gratitude is one of the simplest gifts we can give, yet one of the most powerful. It strengthens relationships, softens burdens, and reminds us that we never walk through life alone.

I am deeply grateful for the many people in my world who consistently work to improve the community around us. Some serve quietly, never asking for recognition. Others step into leadership roles, helping guide vision and direction. Many simply show up each day with a kind word, a solution to a problem, or a willingness to help. Each one makes a difference, whether they realize it or not.

This year, I want to acknowledge some of the individuals who have touched my life in meaningful ways: Shaunda, Darrick, Cliff, Tim, Ralph, Kathy, Andre, Danielle, Arnie and Diane, Ashley and Mechelle, Nick, Amy, Mark, Earnie, Scott, David and Angel, Clarine and Bob, CCEF, Tom and Chris, Debbie, Nancy, Mike, Lori, Patrick, Joelle and Henri, Holli, Andrea, TGH, Adele, Donnie, Shawn, fellow School Board members past and present, Danielle and Dan, Annaliese, Blaise, Kim, Al, Chuck, Harold, Bill and Carole, Linda, Torry and Dianne, Bobby, SCST, Mom and Paul, Mike, JJ, Nikki, Wes, Amy, and Mike. The list could continue for pages because my life is filled with generous and caring people. To each of you, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your presence, your support, and your encouragement have shaped my days in more ways than you know. I pray for each of you and thank God for the blessing you are in my life.

While I am grateful for many, I want to offer a special word of thanks to my family, the foundation that steadies me. My wife, Thomasine, deserves the highest praise for her patience, grace, and endurance. She puts up with my work, my passions, and what I often call my lifelong IEP. Truthfully, that IEP should have her name as lead educator at the top because she deserves the credit for navigating it. She keeps me grounded, focused, and humble. She helps me be a better version of myself. I am thankful for her every single day.

My son Ethan brings joy wherever he goes. He has never met a stranger because everyone he encounters becomes a friend. His heart is wide open, and the world is brighter because of people like him. Savannah, my soon to be daughter in law, is talented, intelligent, steady, and a beautifully perfect match for our Ethan. Watching the two of them grow together has been one of the great joys of this season of life.

My daughter Genevieve continues to amaze me. She is a devoted nurse with a genuine love for caring for others. What she does not realize is that she cares for her parents as well, sometimes without even knowing it. She brings comfort, laughter, and encouragement into our lives. G’s Adam supports her, strengthens her, and makes her world better each day. He adds kindness and warmth to every room he enters.

Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not only something we feel. It is something we express. It is something we practice. It is something we choose. When we pause long enough to recognize the blessings around us, we discover that joy grows, relationships deepen, and our hearts soften toward one another.

This year let us commit to being a people who notice and appreciate the good. Let us be thankful for one another. Let us offer grace generously. Let us choose love in our actions, in our words, and in our daily interactions. Gratitude does not erase life’s challenges, but it does help us carry them with renewed perspective. It allows us to see the strength in those around us and the hope that comes from walking together.

As we gather for Thanksgiving and move into the holiday season, may our homes be filled with warmth, may our conversations be filled with kindness, and may our hearts be filled with peace.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Celebration at Central Ridge Elementary

Attending Thanksgiving celebrations at our elementary schools is always a delight, and I was especially pleased to be at Central Ridge this week for their annual holiday dinner. Events like this are among the most cherished traditions in our district. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, and even into the holiday season, many of our schools open their cafeterias so families can share a holiday meal with their children during the school day. The atmosphere is warm, lively, and filled with the kind of joy that comes from bringing a community together around good food, good company, and the excitement of students eager to show their families a special part of their school life.

Central Ridge Elementary carried this tradition forward beautifully. This year, more than 700 families purchased tickets to join their students for the meal. That number alone speaks volumes. It reflects the value families place on spending time on campus, the reputation of the event itself, and the love and connection the school fosters every single day. From the moment I walked into the cafeteria, it was clear that this was not just a meal but a cherished experience. Long tables were filled with parents, grandparents, guardians, and students sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying plates filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, and all the familiar favorites that remind us of the season.

While the food is central to the event, the heart behind it is what makes the day truly special. These celebrations require an enormous amount of planning, coordination, and hard work. Our district food services team plays a critical role in bringing these meals to life. On this day at Central Ridge, members of the team lined up behind the serving tables, greeting families with smiles and plates ready to fill. Their presence shows the pride they take in serving our students and families.

Food Service Director Roy Pistone and his leadership team were right there in the middle of the action. Their hands-on support is a major reason events like this run smoothly. They help ensure every detail is covered, from preparation to serving to keeping the line moving so families have time to enjoy their meal together. Their commitment is evident not only at Central Ridge but across the entire district during this season of school-hosted holiday meals.

Educational Services staff and district team members were also present to lend support wherever needed. It is always inspiring to see people from different departments come together for a shared purpose. These gatherings remind us that our schools are more than classrooms and hallways. They are communities held together by people who care deeply about students and families.

I left Central Ridge Elementary feeling grateful. Grateful for the families who showed up in such impressive numbers. Grateful for the staff whose efforts make these moments possible. And grateful for a district that continues to value traditions that bring us closer. Events like this capture the spirit of the season and reflect the very best of who we are.

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