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!
Comments Off on Reflecting on a Week of Leadership, Celebration, and Gratitude
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates, School Board Meetings
Buddy Wright, a beagle hound rescued by Mike Wright of Just Wright Citrus, touched countless hearts in the Citrus County community. His warm personality and love for life made him a favorite visitor at the Crystal River High School (CRHS) Academy of Health Careers Veterinary Assistant program. There, Buddy inspired aspiring veterinary professionals and brought joy to students and staff alike.
This morning, I had the distinct honor of once again joining the annual Veterans Day Parade in Inverness, walking alongside my fellow school board members, Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel, Superintendent-Elect Dr. Scott Hebert, and CCSB Chief of Police and Sheriff-Elect David Vincent to honor our country’s veterans. We were joined by an impressive turnout, including students from Pleasant Grove Elementary, Inverness Elementary, and participants from all our JROTC units and bands representing our middle and high schools. This Veterans Day Parade is among the largest in the Eastern United States, and it fills us with pride to see so many of our students actively participate in this remarkable event.
Today, as we pause to observe Veterans Day, Americans everywhere are filled with gratitude. This day is dedicated to honoring the men and women who have worn the uniform, giving of themselves to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
Last evening, I had the privilege of speaking to the 
On Monday, October 28, a warm gathering took place at the District Service Office to honor and celebrate the exceptional service of the Honorable Virginia “Ginger” Bryant. A devoted public servant, Ms. Bryant will retire at the close of her school board term in November 2024, bringing to an end a remarkable 54-year career in education. Having had the privilege of serving alongside her, I am personally moved by her deep dedication to students, educators, and the entire Citrus County community. Her lasting impact, spanning generations, will be cherished long into the future.
My memories with Ms. Bryant are deeply meaningful, and her mentorship has left a profound mark on my journey as a board member. I recall my very first board meeting after being sworn in, where we needed to establish a regular board meeting time. I had long believed that a later meeting time would allow more parents and staff to attend and participate, which could strengthen community involvement. Nervously, I made my very first motion to propose a later meeting time, and an anxious silence followed—until Ms. Bryant’s gentle, affirming voice broke it with a second, allowing the motion to come to a decision, and ultimately pass unanimously. That decision set our meeting time to 4:00 PM, a tradition that continues today. Her simple gesture taught me a lasting lesson in both courage and collaboration.