Citrus County School District’s Activity/Athletic Directors Meeting: A Collaborative Effort for Future Success

Athletic Directors Receive Presentation from FHSAA Leaders

This past Thursday, August 29, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the Citrus School District’s Activity/Athletic Directors (ADs) Meeting. The gathering brought together all middle and high school ADs, along with key district leaders and special guests, to discuss significant topics that directly impact our student-athletes and extracurricular programs.

Among the attendees were Director of Special Academic Programs, Darrick Buettner, and District AD, Coach Robert “Bobby” Verlato, both of whom are instrumental in fostering a positive environment for our students to thrive in both academics and athletics. Their dedication to student success is evident in the way they manage and support the various programs within our schools.

We were also fortunate to have special guests from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), the organization responsible for governing high school athletics in Florida. Executive Director Craig Damon and Coordinator of Athletics Robbie Lindeman joined us to provide invaluable insights and updates. Their participation was a testament to the strong partnership between our district and the FHSAA, highlighting our shared commitment to the well-being and development of student-athletes.

Superintendent-Elect Dr. Scott Hebert was also in attendance, showcasing his dedication to ensuring that our district remains at the forefront of educational and athletic excellence, with a commitment to sportsmanship and fair play. Dr. Hebert’s presence further emphasized the importance of aligning our district’s policies with state-level guidelines to provide the best possible environment for our students.

During the meeting, Mr. Lindeman delivered a comprehensive presentation on game ejections and sportsmanship. He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct both on and off the field. Sportsmanship is a fundamental aspect of high school athletics, and it’s crucial that both students and coaches understand the consequences of unsportsmanlike behavior. This presentation provided our ADs with the tools needed to reinforce these values within their respective schools, ensuring a culture of respect and integrity.

Executive Director Damon followed with updates on new FHSAA policies, with a significant focus on the emerging topic of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). As NIL continues to evolve within the realm of high school athletics, our district in beginning developing policies to govern its implementation. The FHSAA’s proactive approach ensures that schools, coaches, and families are well-informed about the opportunities and challenges presented by NIL.

For those interested in learning more about NIL, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) offers a free course titled “Name, Image, and Likeness,” which I highly recommend. This course is available to coaches, students, parents, administrators, and those involved in performing arts, providing a thorough understanding of NIL’s implications. The course can be accessed at NFHS Learn (https://nfhslearn.com/courses/name-image-and-likeness), and I encourage everyone involved in high school athletics and extracurricular activities to take advantage of this resource.

Reflecting on the meeting, I am deeply appreciative of the time and expertise shared by Mr. Lindeman and Executive Director Damon. Their contributions were invaluable in equipping our ADs with the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of high school athletics. I’ve had the honor of serving alongside Executive Director Damon during my time with the FHSAA Sectional Appeals Committee, where I gained a deep understanding of the rules and bylaws that govern our student-athletes and teams. This experience also gave me a profound appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of ADs across the state, especially our own here in the Citrus County School District.

In the coming weeks and months, I plan to share more information on NIL to ensure our community is well-prepared to navigate this new terrain. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated professionals and look forward to the positive changes and initiatives that will arise from our discussions.

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A Great Morning on the First Day of School in Citrus County School District

The first day of school in the Citrus County School District for the 2024-2025 academic year was filled with excitement, energy, and a strong sense of community. I had the privilege of visiting several schools to welcome our educators, staff, and students back for what promises to be an exceptional year. The opportunity to visit schools and classrooms is one of the best parts of my role as a school board member, allowing me to witness firsthand the incredible work happening across our district.

My morning began at Citrus Springs Middle School (CSMS), where I had the pleasure of meeting with the school’s new principal, Kyle Jaecks. Principal Jaecks is full of enthusiasm and has some wonderful plans in store for the school. His vision for CSMS is inspiring, and I am eager to see the positive changes he will bring. During my visit, I also stopped by the Guidance Department and caught up with Denise Wells, the Guidance Secretary. Denise is someone I’ve known for years, as our children attended school together. She is a strong advocate for students and a trusted resource for families and educators alike. Her dedication to supporting our students is truly commendable.

Next, I headed to Central Ridge Elementary (CRE), where Principal Sarahy Ramallo and Assistant Principal Gillian Darby were buzzing with excitement about the new school year. It was clear that their enthusiasm was contagious, as parents were still enrolling students when I arrived. The energy in the school was palpable, and I could tell that CRE is ready for another year of growth and learning.

At Citrus Springs Elementary School (CSES), I had the joy of reconnecting with Amy Thompson, a first-grade teacher who has been a cornerstone of the school for many years. Amy shared with me that this year marks her 33rd first day of school as a teacher. It’s amazing to think about the countless lives she has impacted over the years. I also had the opportunity to meet with CSES’s new Principal, Bart Adams, and wish him a successful school year ahead. Additionally, I had the chance to stop by Kristel Nikole’s first-grade classroom and let her know that I look forward to reading to her students, as I have had the pleasure of doing many times before. Walking through the classrooms, I was reminded of the dedication and passion of our educators, who work tirelessly to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for our students.

At Crystal River Primary School (CRP), I had the pleasure of seeing the new outdoor dining area that the talented CRP team created over the summer. This wonderful addition provides students with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and socialize with each other in a fresh, inviting space. Principal Christina Touchton and Assistant Principal Constance Kane couldn’t be more excited about the start of the new school year, and their enthusiasm is clearly reflected in the positive changes around the campus.

My visit to Crystal River High School (CRHS) was particularly exciting as I explored some of the new technology being integrated into the curriculum. Drafting teacher Bill Linthwaite proudly showed me the new 3D printers and laser cutters that will be used in the AutoCAD drafting courses. These tools will provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology, preparing them for future careers. While at CRHS, I was lucky enough to walk in with Guardian Bateman and K9 Sammy while they were on patrol in Pirate Country. I couldn’t resist snapping a picture with our four-legged Guardian! Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting Tami Corbin, the new Dental Assisting teacher. With over 20 years of experience as a dental hygienist, Tami is eager to share her knowledge with students and is already planning exciting job shadowing opportunities in local dental offices.

At Crystal River Middle School (CRMS), I joined Principal Brian Lancaster in the cafeteria, where students were receiving their digital learning devices (iPads) after finishing lunch. It was a busy and productive scene, showcasing the school’s commitment to integrating technology into the learning experience. I also checked in with several educators, including Title 1 Interventionist Ron Frink, who was a former School Resource Officer (SRO) and a high school classmate of my wife. It was great to catch up with Ron and hear about the work he’s doing to support students. Before leaving CRMS, I also had the chance to say hello to art teacher Jennifer Faust and Instructional TOSA Becky Harris, both of whom are talented educators and former colleagues of my wife.

While I wasn’t able to visit all 23 of our schools today, I will be making my way to them throughout the school year. I have always believed in seeing firsthand the amazing learning and opportunities happening in our classrooms. Every visit is a chance to connect with our dedicated educators, staff, and students, and to celebrate the incredible work being done across the district.

The first day of school is always a learning opportunity, not just for students, but for everyone involved. This year, thanks to the School Board’s decision to increase starting wages for bus drivers to over $20 an hour, the Citrus County School District is now among the top five districts in the state for bus driver starting wages. For the first time in a few years, we had a credentialed driver on every bus and route, eliminating the need for our credentialed office staff to drive. We were able to start the year with all routes covered, though we recognize that there may be some delays or missed routes as our new drivers and routes settle in. Additionally, we are preparing to start a new training class for incoming drivers next week, with 10 applicants already cleared to join. I am incredibly grateful to our transportation department for their diligent work in meeting the critical needs of our students and families.

As the afternoon approaches, after-school activities will be in full swing at many of our schools. These are exciting times, and I am deeply thankful for our committed educators, staff, leaders, and families. God bless each of you as we embark on this new school year together.

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Securing the Future: Legislative Success Brings Critical Funding to the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS

Governor Approves $150,000 for Capital Improvements, Enhancing Pathways and Addressing Healthcare Workforce Needs

We are thrilled to announce that a significant portion of Citrus County Schools’ 2024 legislative appropriation budget request for the Academy of Health Careers (AHC) at Crystal River High School (CRHS) has been approved by Governor DeSantis in the final budget. This approval includes $150,000 for capital expansions and improvements for the AHC at CRHS. This investment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community leaders, particularly Florida House of Representative Dr. Ralph Massullo and Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia, whose advocacy was instrumental in securing this funding for our program and addressing the broader health needs of our community and state.

In June, we learned that a large portion of the original request was vetoed, but not all of this important appropriation was lost. Thanks to the unwavering support of Senator Ingoglia and Representative Dr. Massullo, the full requested amount was passed by both chambers during the legislative session, though not all was included in the final approval. This week, Citrus County Schools received the remaining approved funding, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the Academy of Health Careers.

The approved funding will allow for strategic long-term capital expansions and improvements to the Academy, enhancing its pathways and ensuring that our students receive the best possible education in health careers. One of the most exciting developments is the future planned inclusion of Firefighter 1 certification within the EMS/EMT pathway, which will broaden the scope of career opportunities available to our students. Additionally, we are eager to introduce new programs in Radiology, pharmaceutical, EKG, phlebotomy, and health management. These additions will complement our existing pathways in Certified Nursing Assistant, BioMedical Technician, Dental Assistant, EMS/EMT, and Veterinary Assistant, further enriching the curriculum and providing our students with valuable, industry-standard skills.

The healthcare industry in Citrus County and across Florida is facing a critical shortage of professionals. Recent state reports highlight an impending need for 1,000 medical professionals in our region and 50,044 statewide in the coming year. By investing in the AHC and its programs, we are not only preparing our students for successful careers but also addressing this urgent workforce demand.

As we enter the 31st year of the Academy of Health Careers, we are excited to welcome our incoming freshmen and returning students. These students will continue their studies toward state licensing or industry certifications in one of our five incredible medical pathways. We are deeply grateful to the district, school educators, city and county leaders, and community members who have supported this effort. Special thanks go to Citrus County Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, Director of Career & Technical & Adult Education Debra H. Stanley and her CTE team, along with Gene McGee, who has been a tireless advocate for this initiative on behalf of our community.

The Academy of Health Careers at CRHS is the oldest magnet program within Citrus County Schools and is arguably the most successful high school Career Technical Education program in our district and region. Over the past three decades, the Academy has produced thousands of nurses, doctors, first responders, engineers, military leaders, and other health professionals. We are committed to continuing this legacy and expanding opportunities at the Academy of Health Careers, as well as high school CTE/Workforce programs across all our high schools and Withlacoochee Technical College.

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