Archive for School Board Meetings

Ingoglias’ Annual “Twelve Days of Giving” Campaign: Spreading Holiday Cheer Across Local Communities

Ingoglias’ Annual “Twelve Days of Giving” Campaign: Spreading Holiday Cheer Across Local Communities

The holiday season is a time for giving, and Florida State Senator Blaise Ingoglia and his wife, Julie, have once again shown their commitment to this spirit through their annual “Twelve Days of Giving” campaign. This beloved tradition involves generous donations to local charities across Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, and Citrus Counties, with a special emphasis on organizations that make a profound impact on children and families in the community.

This year’s campaign was especially noteworthy, as the Ingoglias announced a total of $35,000 in contributions to various local charities. On Monday, December 2, 2024, representatives from each of the selected organizations traveled to the Ingoglias’ Hartland Homes, Inc. headquarters in Spring Hill, Florida, to receive their checks. The event was filled with warmth and gratitude as these local organizations celebrated the support they received, which will allow them to continue their vital work in the community.

In Citrus County, the Ingoglias’ contributions benefited several key organizations:

  • Citrus County Education Foundation [https://www.citruseducation.org] received funding to support its efforts in providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and classroom resources to students and teachers throughout the district.
  • Citrus Blessings [https://www.citruscountyblessings.org], which works to combat food insecurity among local students, received a donation to help fund its weekend and holiday food distribution program.
  • Pace Center for Girls Citrus [https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/citrus] was supported in its mission to empower young girls who face academic and personal challenges, giving them the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
  • Jessie’s Place [https://jessiesplacecitrus.org], a child advocacy center, was recognized for its critical work in providing safe spaces and support services for children who have been victims of abuse.
  • Key Training Center [https://www.keytrainingcenter.org] was granted funding to continue its work in providing vocational, residential, and educational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus County [https://www.bgccitrus.org] received assistance to support its programs that provide safe and positive environments for youth to grow, learn, and achieve their full potential.
  • Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery [https://www.friendsofcrystalrivercemetery.org] was given a donation to aid in the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this historic cemetery, which holds a special place in the community’s heart.

The Ingoglias’ generosity is neither surprising nor unique of them to me. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Senator Ingoglia on public, private, and nonprofit initiatives. His deep passion for the communities he serves, especially those that support children and families, is evident in every project he and his family take on. It is clear that serving his community is not just a duty for the Ingoglias, but a genuine calling.

For the Ingoglias, the “Twelve Days of Giving” campaign is more than a holiday tradition—it’s a reflection of their longstanding commitment to making a positive impact. Each of the organizations they support plays a critical role in strengthening the community, and their contributions help ensure these vital programs can continue their work.

As the holiday season approaches, it is inspiring to see leaders like Senator and Mrs. Ingoglia lead by example. Their generosity and dedication remind us all of the true spirit of the season: giving, caring, and lifting others up. On behalf of all those who have been touched by their philanthropy, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Ingoglias for their continued support of causes that matter most.

Let us all join in celebrating this incredible tradition and thank the Ingoglias for their unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Their actions embody the essence of the holiday season and inspire us all to be more compassionate and giving in our own communities.

A Thanksgiving Reflection: Gratitude, Family, and Community

A Thanksgiving Reflection: Gratitude, Family, and Community

I am deeply grateful this Thanksgiving for the immense blessings in my life—my family, friends, and the incredible community we share. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the relationships and opportunities that enrich our lives, and this year, I am especially thankful for the unwavering support of my wife, Thomasine, and our children, Ethan and Genevieve. They have been my rock, bringing joy, hope, and perspective to even the most challenging days. Their love inspires me to continue serving with purpose and gratitude as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future.

This year feels different, marked by the absence of my beloved mother, who passed away earlier this year. For nearly my entire life, her presence was a constant at our Thanksgiving table. This will be our first holiday without her, and her absence is deeply felt. Yet, I am thankful for the beautiful memories she left us and the enduring strength she instilled in our family.

I am also profoundly grateful for our community—the educators, staff, families, leaders, volunteers, and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure our schools and children thrive. Your dedication and commitment are a testament to the power of collective effort, and I am endlessly thankful for each of you.

Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect, to give thanks not only for the abundance on our tables but also for the bonds that sustain us. It is a moment to pray for guidance, cherish the memories of those we’ve lost, and extend kindness and grace to one another.

To my family, my extended family, and this remarkable community, thank you for your unwavering support and the strength you provide. Your kindness reminds me of the hope and resilience we share when we come together.

May God bless you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving and always.

Reflecting on a Week of Leadership, Celebration, and Gratitude

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!

Purple Heart Anniversary

Purple Heart Anniversary

Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776, Military Order of the Purple Heart

IMG_0208Today at our August 2016 Regular School Board Member in honor of August 7th Purple Heart Anniversary, Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776, Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander “Bud” Allen and Chapter Adjutant and Historian Curt Ebitz helped with the opening exercises.

The Citrus County School District was again recognized for being the First Purple Heart School District and for the Veteran’s in the classroom program.  During the meeting a new plaque honoring Citrus County School District as being the First Purple Heart School District was unveiled.

During the opening Curt Ebitz read the ‘The History of the Purple Heart’  and shared that approximately 130 Purple Heart recipients currently live in Citrus County.

The History of the Purple Heart, first known as “Badge of Military Merit”

At his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, on August 7, 1782, General George Washington devised two new badges of distinction for enlisted men and noncommissioned officers. To signify loyal military service, he ordered a chevron to be worn on the left sleeve of the uniform coat for the rank and file who had completed three years of duty “with bravery, fidelity, and good conduct”; two chevrons signified six years of service. The second badge, for “any singularly meritorious Action,” was the “Figure of a Heart in Purple Cloth or Silk edged with narrow Lace or Binding.” This device, the Badge of Military Merit, was affixed to the uniform coat above the left breast and permitted its wearer to pass guards and sentinels without challenge and to have his name and regiment inscribed in a Book of Merit. The Badge specifically honored the lower ranks, where decorations were unknown in contemporary European Armies. As Washington intended, the road to glory in a patriot army is thus open to all.”

Pre-WW2 Awards: The Purple Heart as we know it today was reestablished in 1932 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. The original criteria for award of the Purple Heart as published in the War Department Circular No. 6 of February 22, 1932 states that the medal be awarded to anyone serving in the Army who had received combat-related injuries or had received the AEF’s Meritorious Service Citation Certificate during WWI, the latter criteria harkening back to the intent of George Washington’s “Badge of Military Merit”.

WWII Awards: In April 1942 the War Department amended its policy regarding the issuance of the Purple Heart. The new regulations authorized the posthumous award of the Purple Heart retroactive to December 7, 1941, and eliminated the use of the medal as a merit award.

(source: http://www.citruspurpleheart.org/page3.html)

Millage & TRIM

Millage & TRIM

July 26, 2016 Board Workshop Presentation

At our July 26, 2016, School Board Public Hearing Meeting, the School Board adopted the tentative budget and millage rate for the 2016-2017 year as required by law.  The district’s tentative budget comes in at $208,304,509. The board approved a required local effort rate of 4.677 mills set by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Legislature, which would raise $40,741,612. That is a decrease from the 2015 rate of 4.9410 mills. The board approved a discretionary rate of .7480 mill, unchanged from last year, which would raise $6,515,870. Its capital outlay rate was set at 1.500, unchanged from last year, which would raise $13,066,585.  Total millage rate approved 6.925 mills, which would levy a total local school taxes of $62,837,570, which is estimated to be $413,635 less in local school taxes compared to last year.

Following the public Hearing the school board had a Workshop that included a presentation by Tammy Wilson, Director of Finance on ‘Millage and TRIM’ to share with the public information on what millage rates and TRIM notices are.  I wanted to share this valuable presentation.

Click Here to Download Presentation or view below

[slideshow_deploy id=’7970′]

Historical Millage & Local School Taxes Levied

Total School Millage compared to Total School Taxes

School Board has workshop on Mental Health

School Board has workshop on Mental Health

Chronicle 01-30-2016At last Tuesday, January 26th, 2016 school board workshop, our board received a detailed update on how our schools monitor, evacuate, and address mental health with our students and staff.  This was an important workshop for our board and community to have happen and I am grateful that School Board Chairman Linda Powers arranged it. I shared with the Chronicle, “I thought it was one of the most productive and collaborative workshops”.

Further I shared how excited I am about our school board “I felt excited to be part of that team. The four of us are really learning to work together. … The community needs to know we are asking questions.”

Read the entire report of the workshop by Andrew Caplan by following this link: