Kicking Off the 2024-2025 School Year: Welcoming Our Citrus County Educators and Staff Back for the 2024-2025 School Year

As summer comes to a close and the 2024-2025 school year approaches, we are excited to welcome back our remarkable dedicated teachers and educators for Professional Learning and Workdays. This time is crucial as we prepare to inspire, educate, and support our students and their families.

Throughout the summer, our district has been a hub of activity, thanks to the tireless efforts of our custodial, facilities, maintenance, curriculum specialists, business, transportation, food service, and administrative teams. Their hard work has ensured that our schools and departments are ready to welcome students back into a safe, clean, and nurturing environment.

Our custodial teams have meticulously cleaned and sanitized classrooms, hallways, and facilities, ensuring a healthy start to the new academic year. The facilities and maintenance crews have worked diligently to address repairs, enhance safety measures, and create conducive learning environments. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every freshly painted wall, every repaired desk, and every functional HVAC system that keeps our schools comfortable.

Behind the scenes, our curriculum specialists have been busy developing innovative teaching strategies and resources that will enrich our students’ learning experiences. These specialists play a critical role in aligning our educational programs with the latest standards and ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

The business and administrative teams have worked throughout the summer, managing budgets, coordinating resources, and planning for the year ahead. Their efforts ensure that our district operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing educators to focus on what they do best—teaching and mentoring our students.

Transportation and food service teams have been preparing for the influx of students, ensuring that every child has access to reliable transportation and nutritious meals. These teams are vital to the daily operations of our schools, providing essential services that support our students’ well-being and academic success.

As we come together for Professional Learning and Workdays, let us be inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s words: “Education is the means of developing our greatest abilities. Each of us has a personal hope and dream, and when fulfilled, these can benefit everyone and strengthen our nation.”

To all our staff and educators, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students, families, and schools. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for education are the foundation of our district’s success. As we embark on this new school year, let us continue to work together, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

Together, we look forward to making the 2024-2025 school year a remarkable journey of growth, learning, and achievement for every student in the Citrus County School District. Welcome back, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

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Summer Rise 2024: Empowering Futures at the College and Career Readiness Event for Citrus County Seniors

All Students Awarded a Free Laptop, and Twenty-Five Students Awarded $500 Scholarships

The 2024 Summer Senior RISE program welcomed a record number of over 150 students, each eager to seize the opportunity to grow and excel. The RISE (Resources, Information, Support, Entry) program, now in its sixth year, has once again become a beacon of hope and empowerment for these young individuals as they prepare to embrace their futures. This transformative two-day college and career readiness event is designed to empower incoming Citrus County high school seniors, helping them plan their futures with confidence and clarity.

Organized by the Citrus County Coalition for College & Careers and Citrus County Schools, in partnership with the College of Central Florida (CF) and local supporters like the YMCA, Publix, and the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), this event aims to provide comprehensive guidance and resources. Throughout the event, students engage in workshops covering essential topics such as crafting compelling college essays, completing scholarship applications, exploring diverse academic programs, mastering interview skills, and navigating the FAFSA process. These workshops are meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their post-secondary endeavors.

My wife Thomasine, a CCCCC board member and volunteer, and I had the honor of once again participating as interviewers in mock interviews of RISE students. We were joined by leaders from many diverse industries and backgrounds to interview these students, providing them with invaluable experiences. Each student engaged in three mock interviews with community members from various sectors within Citrus County. These practice sessions allowed the students to sharpen their communication skills, boost their confidence, and learn from the valuable feedback provided by experienced mentors and professionals. The preparation and impressiveness of these students were truly remarkable.

A popular segment of the event was when current RISE students listened to the success stories from previous RISE alumni, adding to the excitement of what lies ahead for the current participants. Among the RISE alumni are engineers, nurses, business professionals, meteorologists, welders, linesmen, chefs, doctors, teachers, and more – the impact of the RISE program is evident in the varied and successful paths taken by these accomplished individuals.

The event concluded with two major special announcements that thrilled the attendees. First, Patrick Simon of the Citrus County College and Career Coalition revealed that twenty-five $500 scholarships would be awarded to deserving students, courtesy of the CCCCC. Following this exciting news, Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, announced that, thanks to a generous donation, the CCEF would once again provide each student who attended the RISE program with a laptop to support their college or career plans. These laptops will be distributed at the end of their senior year, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to succeed in their future endeavors.

The achievements of the RISE program wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of various organizations and individuals. Special acknowledgment goes to Patrick Simon, the Citrus County College and Career Coalition, Citrus County Schools and Director of Special Programs Darrick Buettner, Al Balk, Citrus Schools Supervisor of Instructional Materials, Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, the College of Central Florida, and all the educators, volunteers, community members, and stakeholders. Their unwavering commitment to facilitating and providing this transformative experience for the students is deeply appreciated.

A special thanks to all our community partners for making the 2024 Summer RISE program possible! The collaboration and dedication of everyone involved have ensured that the program continues to inspire and prepare students for their futures, making a lasting impact on their lives and the community. The RISE program stands as a testament to the power of community support and the potential of our young people when given the right resources and opportunities.

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Summertime Hustle: A Glimpse into Citrus County Schools’ Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance Departments

Summer is a season of transformation, not just for students enjoying their break, but also for the Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance departments of Citrus County Schools. Led by seasoned expert Director Eric Stokes, these departments work tirelessly to ensure our schools are ready for the upcoming academic year. With over 30 years of experience in the construction and facilities industry, Mr. Stokes brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his role. His career is split evenly between the private sector and Citrus County Schools, giving him a unique perspective on both worlds.

Major Projects of Summer 2024

This summer has been exceptionally busy for Mr. Stokes, his team, and the external contractors they oversee. Let’s dive into some of the major projects that have been keeping them on their toes:

Lecanto Middle School HVAC Upgrades

One of the most significant undertakings has been the HVAC upgrades at Lecanto Middle School (LMS). The project involves upgrading the air conditioning system across approximately half the school. This $2.5 million endeavor is slated to be completed in just 60 days, with the remaining upgrades scheduled for next summer. Remarkably, the current units, which were designed to last 15 years, have been operational for 24 years, underscoring the talent of the team that has been maintaining these units, but also highlighting the urgent need for this upgrade.

Citrus High School Fire Alarm System Replacement

At Citrus High School (CHS), the entire fire alarm system is being replaced campus-wide. This $600,000 project will significantly enhance safety and reliability, providing peace of mind for students, staff, and parents alike.

Floral City Elementary Kitchen Renovation and Expansion

One of the most challenging projects has been the kitchen renovation and expansion at Floral City Elementary (FCE). This project, which is nearing completion, has involved remodeling and expanding both the kitchen and cafeteria, adding outdoor dining areas, upgrading the electrical service, and implementing multiple security enhancements. Despite the challenges, the improvements promise to enhance the dining experience and overall safety for students and staff.

Floral City Elementary New Classroom Wing

In addition to the kitchen renovation, FCE is also set to receive a new classroom wing. Demolition is expected to begin this week, pending final permitting approvals. This exciting project is anticipated to be ready for the 2025-2026 school year, providing much-needed space and modern facilities for future students.

Notable Maintenance Projects

The summer schedule also includes several significant maintenance projects:

• Reroofing: Homosassa Elementary and Crystal River High School (CRHS) are undergoing extensive reroofing to address wear and tear and ensure the buildings are protected from the elements.
• Annual Upgrades: The yearly carpet replacement, painting, and floor refinishing program is in full swing, ensuring that our schools are refreshed and ready for the new academic year.

Smaller Projects and Continuous Improvement

Beyond the headline projects, many of our schools are undergoing smaller but equally important upgrades. These include reflooring, painting, general maintenance, and various repairs. These efforts are crucial in maintaining the overall quality and functionality of our school facilities.

The Unsung Heroes: Custodians

Amidst all the construction and maintenance activities, our custodians play a vital role. These quiet heroes work long hours on tight timelines to maintain construction areas and refresh the floors, buildings, and facilities both inside and out. Their dedication ensures that our schools remain safe, comfortable, and clean environments conducive to learning.

Custodians’ work does not go unnoticed, as their contributions are invaluable. They tackle the monumental task of cleaning and maintaining the facilities, ensuring that every classroom is ready for students and teachers to return. From scrubbing floors to managing waste, their work is essential to the smooth operation of our schools.

Summertime is Going Fast

Summertime is a period of intense activity for Citrus County Schools’ Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance departments. Under the expert leadership of Director Eric Stokes, these teams are making significant strides in improving our school infrastructure. From major HVAC and fire alarm upgrades to kitchen renovations and new classroom wings, their efforts are paving the way for a better, safer, and more efficient learning environment.

The dedication of our maintenance staff and custodians further enhances these efforts, ensuring that every corner of our schools is ready for the new academic year. As we look forward to the start of school, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in these projects. Their contributions are laying the foundation for a successful and productive school year ahead.

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